01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed March 11, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
SLB filed a Form 8-K on March 11, 2026, furnishing a press release (Exhibit 99) under Regulation FD (Item 7.01) to update investors on its Middle East operations and first-quarter outlook.
The company reports that it has activated regional crisis response teams, suspended travel to and through the region, and begun demobilizing operations in a few countries at customers' request to protect personnel and facilities. SLB says these measures will continue until the environment stabilizes and that it will begin a phased resumption of full activity as conditions allow. From a financial standpoint, the key disclosure is that first-quarter revenue will be lower than expected and that additional costs will reduce diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.06 to $0.09a in the first quarter.
SLB notes these figures could change given the fluid situation. The filing does not provide a full-year revision, updated guidance beyond Q1, or quantified revenue figures, so investors will need to watch for the Q1 earnings release and subsequent commentary for the scale of any longer-term impact.
Management emphasized the resilience of its global business and its experience navigating prior geopolitical crises over a 100-year history. Because the disclosure is preliminary and the situation is described as dynamic, the near-term earnings impact and the timing of a return to normal Middle East activity remain uncertain.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- SLB suspended travel to and transit through the Middle East and began demobilizing operations in a few countries at customers' request.
- First-quarter 2026 revenue is expected to come in below prior expectations.
- Additional costs are expected to reduce first-quarter diluted EPS by approximately $0.06 to $0.09.
- Crisis response teams are meeting daily, and SLB is coordinating with local authorities and customers.
- A phased resumption of full activity in the region will begin as conditions allow, with no timeline provided.
- The disclosure was made under Regulation FD via Item 7.01 and is not deemed filed for Section 18 purposes.
- Management reiterated confidence in the underlying resilience of its global business, including the Middle East.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will this affect SLB's first-quarter earnings?
SLB estimates the combined impact of lower-than-expected revenue and additional costs at approximately 6 to 9 cents per diluted share for the first quarter. The company cautions that these factors could change as the situation develops.
What operational actions has SLB taken in the Middle East?
SLB has activated local and regional crisis response teams, suspended travel to and through the region, and started demobilizing operations in a few countries in response to customer requests to protect personnel and facilities. These measures will remain in place until the environment stabilizes.
Does the filing change SLB's full-year outlook?
The filing does not provide a revised full-year outlook. It addresses only first-quarter revenue and costs, and it notes that the situation is dynamic, so investors should look to later earnings communications for any broader guidance changes.
When will SLB's Middle East operations return to normal?
SLB has not given a timeline. It says it will begin a phased resumption of full activity as conditions allow and will continue to monitor the situation with local authorities and customers.
Is the press release part of a formal SEC filing?
The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99 to the 8-K. Under General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, it is not deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and is not incorporated by reference into Securities Act filings unless specifically referenced.
04—Continue