10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2004

SLB LIMITED/NV Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2004

Filed August 3, 2004For Securities:SLB

Summary

Schlumberger Limited (SLB) reported strong financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2004, driven by robust performance in its Oilfield Services segment. The company saw significant revenue and income growth year-over-year, fueled by increasing demand for its technologies and services, particularly in North America and international markets like Russia, the Caspian, and the Middle East. The company also made substantial progress in divesting non-core assets during the period, including the sale of SchlumbergerSema, Axalto, and other businesses, which generated significant cash proceeds. These divestitures, coupled with strong operational cash flow, led to a notable reduction in the company's net debt. Despite certain charges related to debt extinguishment and other items, Schlumberger's core business demonstrated strong underlying profitability and growth, positioning it well for future performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the second quarter of 2004 increased by 12% to $2.86 billion compared to the prior year's second quarter ($2.54 billion).
  • 2Income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2004 was $254.7 million, a significant increase from $145.7 million in the same period of 2003.
  • 3The Oilfield Services segment demonstrated strong growth, with revenue up 15% year-over-year to $2.54 billion and pretax operating income up 15% to $454 million.
  • 4The company completed several significant divestitures during the period, including SchlumbergerSema, Axalto, and other businesses, generating substantial cash proceeds.
  • 5Net income for the second quarter of 2004 was $355.6 million, a substantial increase from $112.1 million in the prior year's second quarter.
  • 6Basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2004 was $0.43, up from $0.25 in the second quarter of 2003.
  • 7The company's net debt significantly decreased, reflecting strong cash flow generation from operations and divestitures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schlumberger's revenue growth in the second quarter of 2004 was primarily driven by the strong performance of its Oilfield Services segment. This growth was fueled by increasing demand across all technology segments, particularly for rotary steerable systems, production-based technologies, and integrated project management services. Key geographic markets showing robust growth included North America, Russia, the Caspian region, and the Middle East.

Schlumberger completed several significant divestitures during the period, including SchlumbergerSema, Axalto, and other businesses. These sales generated substantial cash proceeds, which contributed to a significant reduction in the company's net debt and provided liquidity. The results of these divested businesses are reported as discontinued operations.

Yes, Schlumberger recorded several charges and credits impacting net income. These included debt extinguishment costs ($37 million pretax), a loss on the sale of Atos Origin shares ($7 million pretax), a charge for a vacated leased facility ($11 million pretax), a release of a litigation reserve ($5 million pretax credit), a reorganization reserve ($4 million pretax), and a gain from the settlement of US Interest Rate Swaps ($10 million pretax). Excluding these items, income from continuing operations before charges and credits was $288.4 million.

The Oilfield Services segment showed strong year-over-year growth in both revenue and pretax operating income. The outlook appears positive, with continued demand for advanced technologies like rotary steerable systems, strong deepwater activity, and growth in integrated project management, especially in key geographic markets. The company anticipates further pricing improvements in the coming quarters, particularly in North America.