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10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2004

SLB LIMITED/NV Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2004

Filed May 7, 2004For Securities:SLB

Summary

SLB LIMITED/NV (SLB) reported a strong first quarter for 2004, with net income of $220.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, a significant increase from $149.2 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. This growth was driven by a combination of robust operating performance in its core Oilfield Services segment and substantial gains from the divestiture of several businesses, including SchlumbergerSema, Infodata, and Telecom Billing Software. The company also benefited from proceeds related to the sale of its stake in Atos Origin. Despite significant one-time charges related to debt extinguishment and interest rate swaps totaling $152 million ($0.25 per share) after-tax, the underlying business demonstrated resilience. Operating revenue increased by 14% year-over-year to $3.02 billion. The Oilfield Services segment, in particular, saw revenue grow by 15% to $2.36 billion, with strong performance across various geo-markets and technologies like Integrated Project Management and the PowerDrive family of rotary steerable systems. WesternGeco also showed modest revenue growth and a significant improvement in profitability. The company's active management of its portfolio, coupled with operational improvements, positions it to navigate the evolving energy market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income surged to $220.3 million ($0.37/share) in Q1 2004 from $149.2 million ($0.26/share) in Q1 2003, driven by strong operational performance and significant gains from business divestitures.
  • 2Operating revenue increased by 14% year-over-year to $3.02 billion, with the core Oilfield Services segment up 15% to $2.36 billion.
  • 3The company recognized substantial gains from the sale of SchlumbergerSema ($26 million), Infodata ($50 million), and Telecom Billing Software ($17 million), contributing to a total of $93 million ($0.15/share) from discontinued operations.
  • 4Significant one-time charges totaling $152 million after-tax ($0.25/share) were recorded, including debt extinguishment costs ($77 million) and charges related to US interest rate swaps ($46 million).
  • 5Oilfield Services revenue growth was led by strong performance in North America (up 17%), Latin America (up 32% year-over-year), and Middle East & Asia (up 11%).
  • 6WesternGeco showed a revenue increase of 2% and a substantial improvement in pretax operating income to $34 million from a break-even in the prior year's quarter.
  • 7The company managed its debt effectively, with Net Debt decreasing from $(4,176) million at the end of 2003 to $(2,960) million at the end of Q1 2004, partly due to proceeds from business divestitures and asset sales.

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