10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

SLB LIMITED/NV Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed October 24, 2007For Securities:SLB

Summary

SLB LIMITED/NV (SLB) reported strong financial performance for the nine months ending September 30, 2007, with significant increases in both revenue and net income compared to the same period in 2006. Revenue grew to $17.03 billion from $13.88 billion, and net income rose substantially to $3.79 billion from $2.58 billion. The company demonstrated robust operational execution across its two main segments: Oilfield Services and WesternGeco. Both segments experienced double-digit revenue growth year-over-year, driven by increased activity, higher pricing in key areas, and a favorable mix of services and technologies. The company also saw a substantial increase in cash flow from operations, which was primarily used to fund capital expenditures, dividends, and share repurchases.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, increased by 22.6% to $17.03 billion from $13.88 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, surged by 47.1% to $3.79 billion from $2.58 billion in the prior year period.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, were $3.08, up from $2.09 in the same period of 2006.
  • 4Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was $4.11 billion, a significant increase from $3.12 billion in the prior year.
  • 5The Oilfield Services segment revenue grew by 22% year-over-year for the first nine months, driven by strong performance across most GeoMarkets and Technologies.
  • 6The WesternGeco segment revenue increased by 23% year-over-year for the first nine months, primarily due to higher pricing and vessel utilization.
  • 7The company returned capital to shareholders through $562 million in dividends paid and $798 million in stock repurchases during the first nine months of 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the third quarter of 2007, revenue was $5.93 billion, an increase from $4.95 billion in Q3 2006. Net income for the third quarter was $1.35 billion, up from $1.00 billion in Q3 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, revenue rose to $17.03 billion from $13.88 billion in the same period of 2006, and net income increased to $3.79 billion from $2.58 billion.

Growth was primarily driven by strong performance in both the Oilfield Services and WesternGeco segments. Higher activity levels, increased pricing for services (especially in WesternGeco's marine operations), favorable technology mix, and operational efficiencies across various geographic regions contributed to the improved financial results.

SLB generated robust cash flow from operations, totaling $4.11 billion for the first nine months of 2007. This cash was utilized for capital expenditures ($2.01 billion), dividends paid ($562 million), and share repurchases ($798 million). The company also reported a significant reduction in net debt.

For the first nine months of 2007, SLB did not record any significant 'Charges and Credits' like those seen in the prior year. In 2006, the company had recorded charges related to the acquisition of the minority interest in WesternGeco, investment liquidation, and a visa settlement, which are not present in the 2007 period, making the 2007 results cleaner for comparison.