SLB Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Results

  • Fourth-quarter revenue of $7.9 billion increased 5% sequentially and 27% year on year
  • Fourth-quarter GAAP EPS of $0.74 increased 17% sequentially and 76% year on year
  • Fourth-quarter EPS, excluding charges and credits, of $0.71 increased 13% sequentially and 73% year on year
  • Fourth-quarter cash flow from operations was $1.6 billion and free cash flow was $0.9 billion
  • Board approved a 43% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $0.25 per share
  • Full-year revenue of $28.1 billion increased 23% year on year
  • Full-year GAAP EPS of $2.39 increased 81% year on year
  • Full-year EPS, excluding charges and credits, of $2.18 increased 70% year on year
  • Full-year net income attributable to SLB of $3.4 billion increased 83% year on year
  • Full-year adjusted EBITDA of $6.5 billion increased 31% year on year
  • Full-year cash flow from operations was $3.7 billion

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SLB (NYSE: SLB) today announced results for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2022.

Fourth-Quarter Results

(Stated in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue

$7,879

$7,477

$6,225

5%

27%

Income before taxes – GAAP basis

$1,347

$1,134

$755

19%

78%

Income before taxes margin – GAAP basis

17.1%

15.2%

12.1%

192 bps

495 bps

Net income attributable to SLB – GAAP basis

$1,065

$907

$601

17%

77%

Diluted EPS – GAAP basis

$0.74

$0.63

$0.42

17%

76%

Adjusted EBITDA*

$1,921

$1,756

$1,381

9%

39%

Adjusted EBITDA margin*

24.4%

23.5%

22.2%

89 bps

219 bps

Pretax segment operating income*

$1,557

$1,400

$986

11%

58%

Pretax segment operating margin*

19.8%

18.7%

15.8%

104 bps

393 bps

Net income attributable to SLB, excluding charges & credits*

$1,026

$907

$587

13%

75%

Diluted EPS, excluding charges & credits*

$0.71

$0.63

$0.41

13%

73%

Revenue by Geography

International

$6,194

$5,881

$4,898

5%

26%

North America

1,633

1,543

1,281

6%

27%

Other

52

53

46

n/m

n/m

$7,879

$7,477

$6,225

5%

27%

*These are non-GAAP financial measures. See sections titled “Charges & Credits”, “Divisions”, and “Supplemental Information” for details.
n/m = not meaningful
(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue by Division
Digital & Integration

$1,012

$900

$889

12%

14%

Reservoir Performance

1,554

1,456

1,287

7%

21%

Well Construction

3,229

3,084

2,388

5%

35%

Production Systems

2,215

2,150

1,765

3%

26%

Other

(132)

(113)

(104)

n/m

n/m

$7,879

$7,477

$6,225

5%

27%

Pretax Operating Income by Division

Digital & Integration

$382

$305

$335

25%

14%

Reservoir Performance

282

244

200

16%

41%

Well Construction

679

664

368

2%

85%

Production Systems

238

224

159

6%

49%

Other

(24)

(37)

(76)

n/m

n/m

$1,557

$1,400

$986

11%

58%

Pretax Operating Margin by Division

Digital & Integration

37.7%

33.9%

37.7%

386 bps

-2 bps

Reservoir Performance

18.2%

16.7%

15.5%

146 bps

265 bps

Well Construction

21.0%

21.5%

15.4%

-50 bps

564 bps

Production Systems

10.8%

10.4%

9.0%

32 bps

173 bps

Other

n/m

n/m

n/m

n/m

n/m

19.8%

18.7%

15.8%

104 bps

393 bps

n/m = not meaningful

SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch commented, “We delivered strong fourth-quarter results and concluded a remarkable year for SLB with great success. Revenue grew across all Divisions and geographical areas, with robust year-end sales in digital and particularly strong service activity offshore and in the Middle East where we witnessed a significant inflection as capacity expansion projects mobilized.

“Sequentially, fourth-quarter revenue grew 5%; EPS, excluding charges and credits, expanded to $0.71; and adjusted EBITDA margins grew to 24.4%—219 basis points (bps) higher than the same quarter last year—exceeding our target exit rate. More importantly, fourth-quarter pretax segment operating margins and EPS were the highest since 2015, reflecting our enhanced earnings power and potential as activity growth momentum is sustained through the next few years.

An Outstanding Year of Success with Significant Tailwinds

“We concluded the year with 23% growth in revenue; 70% growth in EPS, excluding charges and credits; adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 152 bps; cash flow from operations of $3.7 billion; and 13% ROCE, its highest level since 2014.

“Overall, 2022 was transformative for SLB as we set new safety, operational, and performance benchmarks for our customers and strengthened our market position both internationally and in North America. We launched our bold new brand identity, reinforcing our leadership position in energy technology, digital, and sustainability, and demonstrated our ability to deliver superior earnings in this early phase of a structural upcycle in energy.

“In North America, we seized the growth cycle throughout the year, increased our pretax operating margins close to 600 bps, and almost doubled our pretax operating income. We effectively harnessed our refocused portfolio, fit-for-basin technology, and performance differentiation to gain greater market access and improved pricing, particularly in the drilling markets where we significantly outperformed rig count growth. Today, we have built one of the highest-quality oilfield services and equipment businesses in North America through the implementation of our returns-focused strategy.

“In the international markets, after a first half of the year that was impacted by geopolitical conflict and supply chain bottlenecks, activity began to visibly inflect in the second half of the year, resulting in full year revenue growth of 20% and margin expansion of more than 150 bps. We laid the foundation for further growth and margin expansion through pricing improvements and a solid pipeline of incremental contract awards. In the Middle East, SLB is well positioned to be a key beneficiary of this visible market expansion, and we expect record levels of upstream investment by NOCs to continue in the next few years. During the year, we secured a sizeable share of tender awards in the region, driven by our differentiated performance, fit-for-purpose technology, and best-in-class local content. Similarly, across offshore basins, we continue to consolidate our advantaged position with new contract awards, particularly in Latin America and Africa.

“In this context, our investments in capex and inventory increased as we exited the year in support of new international and offshore project mobilizations. These factors, combined with lower-than-expected year-end collections, resulted in free cash flow reducing to $0.9 billion for the fourth quarter. Despite these effects, we continued to strengthen our balance sheet during the quarter by reducing both net and gross debt.

“Beyond our financial results, we made significant progress in our sustainability initiatives during the year. We reduced our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity and launched several new Transition Technologies* to support the decarbonization of oil and gas. Our Transition Technologies portfolio revenue grew more than 30% year on year, and we project it will cross the $1 billion revenue mark in 2023.

“Finally, we initiated increased returns to shareholders, demonstrating confidence in our strategy, our financial outperformance, and our commitment to superior returns. We increased our dividend by 40% in April 2022, followed by a further 43% increase today, and we resumed our share buyback program this month.

“I am extremely proud of our full-year results, and I would like to extend my thanks to the entire team for their outstanding performance.”

Primed for Strong Growth and Returns—A Distinctive New Phase in the Upcycle

Le Peuch said, “The fourth quarter affirmed a distinctive new phase in the upcycle. In the Middle East, revenue increased by double digits sequentially, with growth in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates in the solid teens, affirming the much-anticipated acceleration of activity in the region. Offshore activity continued to strengthen, partially offset by seasonality in the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, US land rig count remains at robust levels, although the pace of growth is moderating. Additionally, pricing continues to trend favorably, extending beyond North America and into the international regions, supported by new technology and very tight equipment and service capacity in certain markets.

“These activity dynamics, improved pricing, and our commercial success—particularly in the Middle East, offshore, and North American markets—combine to set a very strong foundation for outperformance in 2023.

“Looking ahead, we believe the macro backdrop and market fundamentals that underpin a strong multi-year upcycle for energy remain very compelling in oil and gas and in low-carbon energy resources. First, oil and gas demand is forecast by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to grow by 1.9 million barrels per day in 2023 despite concerns for a potential economic slowdown in certain regions. In parallel, markets remain very tightly supplied. Second, energy security is prompting a sense of urgency to make further investments to ensure capacity expansion and diversity of supply. And third, the secular trends of digital and decarbonization are set to accelerate with significant digital technology advancements, favorable government policy support, and increased spending on low-carbon initiatives and resources.

“Based on these factors, global upstream spending projections continue to trend positively. Activity growth is expected to be broad-based, marked by an acceleration in international basins. These positive activity dynamics will be amplified by higher service pricing and tighter service sector capacity. The impact of loosening COVID-19 restrictions and an earlier than expected reopening of China could support further upside potential over 2023.

“Overall, the combination of these effects will result in a very favorable mix for SLB with significant growth opportunities in our Core, Digital, and New Energy. We expect another year of very strong growth and margin expansion. We have a clear strategy, an advantaged portfolio, and the right team in place to drive our business forward. I look forward to another successful year for our customers and our shareholders.”

Other Events

On October 26, 2022, SLB announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Gyrodata Incorporated, a global company specializing in gyroscopic wellbore positioning and survey technology. The acquisition will integrate Gyrodata’s wellbore placement and surveying technologies within SLB’s Well Construction business, to bring customers innovative drilling solutions. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023.

In December 2022, SLB repurchased $804 million of its outstanding notes, consisting of $395 million of 3.75% Senior Notes due 2024 and $409 million of 4.00% Senior Notes due 2025.

On January 19, 2023, SLB’s Board of Directors approved a 43% increase in SLB’s quarterly cash dividend from $0.175 per share of outstanding common stock to $0.25 per share, beginning with the dividend payable on April 6, 2023, to stockholders of record on February 8, 2023.

Fourth-Quarter Revenue by Geographical Area

(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
North America

$1,633

$1,543

$1,281

6%

27%

Latin America

1,619

1,508

1,204

7%

34%

Europe/CIS/Africa

2,067

2,039

1,587

1%

30%

Middle East & Asia

2,508

2,334

2,107

7%

19%

Eliminations & other

52

53

46

n/m

n/m

$7,879

$7,477

$6,225

5%

27%

International

$6,194

$5,881

$4,898

5%

26%

North America

$1,633

$1,543

$1,281

6%

27%

n/m = not meaningful

International

Revenue in Latin America of $1.6 billion increased 7% sequentially due to higher Well Construction revenue from increased drilling activity and improved pricing, mainly in Mexico and Brazil. Increased Production Systems sales in Brazil and higher APS project activity in Ecuador also contributed to the sequential revenue growth. Year on year, revenue grew 34% due to higher drilling activity and increased pricing across the area. Higher APS project activity in Ecuador, increased stimulation and drilling activity in Argentina, and higher Production Systems sales and drilling in Brazil also contributed to the year-on-year revenue growth.

Europe/CIS/Africa revenue of $2.1 billion increased 1% sequentially due to strong activity across all Divisions in Africa, mainly in Angola, Central & East Africa, and higher reservoir evaluation and intervention activity in the Caspian, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. These increases, however, were almost fully offset by activity declines in Russia, Scandinavia, and Europe due to the onset of seasonal effects. Compared to the same quarter last year, revenue grew 30% due to strong Well Construction activity and improved pricing across the area, higher Production Systems sales in Europe and Scandinavia, and activity increases in Africa across Divisions.

Revenue in the Middle East & Asia of $2.5 billion increased 7% sequentially mainly due to double-digit growth across the Middle East, primarily in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Qatar, from strong activity led by Well Construction and Production Systems. Asia was sequentially flat as revenue growth in East Asia, India, and Australia was offset by declines in Indonesia and China, with the latter due to the onset of seasonal effects. Year on year, revenue increased 19% due to increased activity across Divisions in Asia and higher activity from new projects in the Middle East—notably, increased drilling and stimulation activity in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Qatar.

North America

North America revenue of $1.6 billion increased 6% sequentially driven by strong year-end exploration data licensing sales in the US Gulf of Mexico boosting North America offshore revenue. US land revenue increased sequentially due to drilling revenue growth, which outperformed the rig count growth. Compared to the same quarter last year, North America revenue grew 27%. All Divisions experienced significant year-on-year revenue growth, led by Well Construction and Production Systems.

Fourth-Quarter Results by Division

Digital & Integration

(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue
International

$723

$671

$624

8%

16%

North America

288

229

263

26%

9%

Other

1

2

n/m

n/m

$1,012

$900

$889

12%

14%

Pretax operating income

$382

$305

$335

25%

14%

Pretax operating margin

37.7%

33.9%

37.7%

386 bps

-2 bps

n/m = not meaningful

Digital & Integration revenue of $1.0 billion increased 12% sequentially, propelled by year-end exploration data licensing sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Africa; increased APS project activity in Ecuador; and higher digital sales in Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Year on year, revenue growth of 14% was driven primarily by higher APS project revenue in Ecuador and increased exploration data and digital sales both in North America and internationally.

Digital & Integration pretax operating margin of 38% expanded 386 bps sequentially, due to improved profitability in exploration data licensing and digital solutions. Year on year, pretax operating margin was essentially flat.

Reservoir Performance

(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue
International

$1,430

$1,335

$1,194

7%

20%

North America

123

119

92

3%

33%

Other

1

2

1

n/m

n/m

$1,554

$1,456

$1,287

7%

21%

Pretax operating income

$282

$244

$200

16%

41%

Pretax operating margin

18.2%

16.7%

15.5%

146 bps

265 bps

n/m = not meaningful

Reservoir Performance revenue of $1.6 billion increased 7% sequentially from new stimulation and intervention projects and activity gains in the Middle East, mainly in Saudi Arabia; intervention activity in the Caspian; and higher exploration evaluation activity as a result of new technology adoption in Europe and Africa, primarily in offshore Scandinavia, Angola, and Ivory Coast.

Year on year, revenue growth of 21% was broad, with double-digit growth across all areas due to increased activity. The revenue growth was led by the Middle East & Asia, which grew 22%. Intervention and stimulation services experienced double-digit growth, both on land and offshore.

Reservoir Performance pretax operating margin of 18% expanded 146 bps sequentially. Profitability was boosted by higher offshore and exploration activity, mainly in Africa, and strong development activity, particularly in US land, and in the Middle East & Asia. Year on year, pretax operating margin expanded 265 bps, with profitability improving both in evaluation and intervention, and geographically improving in US land, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Well Construction

(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue
International

$2,522

$2,406

$1,901

5%

33%

North America

652

621

441

5%

48%

Other

55

57

46

n/m

n/m

$3,229

$3,084

$2,388

5%

35%

Pretax operating income

$679

$664

$368

2%

85%

Pretax operating margin

21.0%

21.5%

15.4%

-50 bps

564 bps

n/m = not meaningful

Well Construction revenue of $3.2 billion increased 5% sequentially, outperforming global rig count growth due to strong activity from new projects and solid pricing improvements internationally, particularly in the Middle East & Asia and Latin America. Revenue growth in the Middle East was particularly strong in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while in Latin America, drilling activity increased mainly in Brazil and Mexico. Europe/CIS/Africa was flat as strong growth in Africa—mainly in Angola, Gabon, Namibia, and South Africa—was offset by seasonal effects in the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, sequential revenue growth outpaced the rig count increase in US land. All business lines, which include measurement, drilling, fluids, and equipment, posted sequential increases, with equipment reporting double-digit growth during the quarter.

Year on year, revenue growth of 35% was driven by strong activity and solid pricing improvements, led by Latin America, which grew 54%, and North America which increased 48%. Europe/CIS/Africa revenue increased 29% while Middle East & Asia revenue grew 24% year on year. High double-digit growth was recorded across the Division’s business lines led by drilling fluids and measurements—both on land and offshore.

Well Construction pretax operating margin of 21% contracted 50 bps sequentially, as improved profitability from increasing activity in the Middle East & Asia, North America, and Latin America was more than offset by the onset of seasonal effects in the Northern Hemisphere. Year on year, pretax operating margin expanded 564 bps, with profitability improving across all areas, driven by higher activity and improved pricing.

Production Systems

(Stated in millions)
Three Months Ended Change
Dec. 31,
2022
Sept. 30,
2022
Dec. 31,
2021
Sequential Year-on-year
Revenue
International

$1,638

$1,569

$1,278

4%

28%

North America

575

578

484

-1%

19%

Other

2

3

3

n/m

n/m

$2,215

$2,150

$1,765

3%

26%

Pretax operating income

$238

$224

$159

6%

49%

Pretax operating margin

10.8%

10.4%

9.0%

32 bps

173 bps

n/m = not meaningful

Production Systems revenue of $2.2 billion increased 3% sequentially on higher international sales of artificial lift, completions, and midstream production systems, partially offset by reduced sales of valves and subsea production systems. International revenue was boosted by double-digit growth in the Middle East & Asia, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, East Asia, and Australia; and in Latin America, mainly in Brazil, Mexico, and Guyana.

Year on year, double-digit revenue growth of 26% was driven by new projects and increased product deliveries mainly in Europe/CIS/Africa, North America, and Latin America.

Production Systems pretax operating margin of 11% in the quarter expanded 32 bps sequentially due to a more favorable revenue mix. Year on year, pretax operating margin expanded 173 bps driven by higher sales and execution efficiency as supply chain and logistics constraints eased.

Quarterly Highlights

CORE

Contract Awards

As the strong growth cycle in oil and gas advances, SLB continues to secure new contracts in North America and internationally, particularly in offshore basins and the Middle East. During the quarter, SLB secured the following notable projects:

  • Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) awarded SLB a $1.4 billion framework agreement for integrated drilling fluids services to support onshore and offshore production over the next five years. The services include drilling fluids, liquid mud plants, personnel, and waste management. The agreement builds on existing SLB contributions to ADNOC’s vision to expand lower-cost, lower-carbon production and supports the acceleration of its production capacity target of five million barrels of oil per day by 2027.
  • In Malaysia, Sarawak Shell Berhad awarded SLB a long-term integrated drilling services (LTIDS) contract for exploration and development of offshore wells. The LTIDS will deliver solutions via technology, synergy, and simplification of processes across multiple business lines with a contract scope that encompasses drilling services and products inclusive of drilling and measurement, electrical wireline, drilling fluids, solids control, cementing, casing drilling, bits, mud logging, and management of third-party subcontractors. SLB will leverage its sustainability portfolio to help Shell deliver cleaner well operations in complex environments.
  • Offshore Angola, Azule Energy awarded SLB a contract for integrated completions in Block 15/06, including Agogo Field wells. This full-field development plan uses a completion design for these producing and injection wells that includes fit-for-purpose technologies suited for the deepwater environment, such as Alternate Path®† sand screens, FORTRESS* premium isolation valves, BluePack* production packers, Metris Extreme* high-pressure and high-temperature permanent pressure testing gauges, and a deep-set TRC-II* tubing-retrievable charged safety valve.
  • In the UK, Equinor awarded SLB a four-year contract extension to continue support for Mariner Field development in the North Sea. The integrated drilling and well services contract includes drilling, measurement, electric wireline logging, drilling and completions fluids, solids control, cementing, completions, and electrical submersible pump systems, together with engineering and project management. Including delivery of more than 20 wells over the four years, the contract extension builds on the collaboration between Equinor and SLB and the implementation of well construction technologies and digital solutions that have enabled highest achievements in safety, performance, and sustainability in Mariner Field.
  • Offshore Trinidad and Tobago, bp awarded to Subsea Integration Alliance a large contract for its Cypre project, a two-phase liquid natural gas tieback. The contract scope covers the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the subsea production systems and subsea pipelines. The award represents Subsea Integration Alliance’s first fully integrated EPCI single contract with bp and the alliance’s first development in the Caribbean nation.
  • In India, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Limited awarded SLB a $400 million contract to provide integrated services on its Rajasthan block over a five-year period.

Contacts

Investor Relations Contacts:
Ndubuisi Maduemezia – Vice President of Investor Relations

Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations

Office +1 (713) 375-3535

investor-relations@slb.com

Media Contacts:
Josh Byerly – Vice President of Communications

Moira Duff – Director of External Communications

Office +1 (713) 375-3407

media@slb.com

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