Published: 04/23/2021
Published: 04/23/2021
Q1 2021 Earnings Release, with Financial Tables (278 KB PDF)
Q1 2021 Earnings Conference Call Prepared Remarks (170 KB PDF)
Q1 2021 Earnings Conference Call Transcript (190 KB PDF)
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HOUSTON, April 23, 2021—Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB) today reported results for the first-quarter 2021.
(Stated in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue* | $5,223 | $5,532 | $7,455 | -6% | -30% | |
Income (loss) before taxes - GAAP basis | $386 | $471 | $(8,089) | -18% | n/m | |
Net income (loss) - GAAP basis | $299 | $374 | $(7,376) | -20% | n/m | |
Diluted EPS (loss per share) - GAAP basis | $0.21 | $0.27 | $(5.32) | -22% | n/m | |
Adjusted EBITDA** | $1,049 | $1,112 | $1,347 | -6% | -22% | |
20.1% | 20.1% | 18.1% | 0 bps | 203 bps | ||
Pretax segment operating income** | $664 | $654 | $776 | 1% | -14% | |
Pretax segment operating margin** | 12.7% | 11.8% | 10.4% | 88 bps | 230 bps | |
Net income, excluding charges & credits** | $299 | $309 | $351 | -3% | -15% | |
Diluted EPS, excluding charges & credits** | $0.21 | $0.22 | $0.25 | -5% | -16% | |
Revenue by Geography | ||||||
International | $4,211 | $4,343 | $5,225 | -3% | -19% | |
North America* | 972 | 1,167 | 2,180 | -17% | -55% | |
40 | 22 | 50 | n/m | n/m | ||
$5,223 | $5,532 | $7,455 | -6% | -30% | ||
*During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested of certain businesses in North America. These businesses generated revenue of $285 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $659 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of these divestitures, worldwide first-quarter 2021 revenue was essentially flat sequentially and declined 23% year-on-year. North America first-quarter 2021 revenue, excluding the impact of these divestitures, increased 10% sequentially and declined 36% year-on-year. **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 | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue by Division | ||||||
Digital & Integration | $773 | $833 | $885 | -7% | -13% | |
Reservoir Performance* | 1,002 | 1,247 | 1,969 | -20% | -49% | |
Well Construction | 1,935 | 1,866 | 2,815 | 4% | -31% | |
Production Systems** | 1,590 | 1,649 | 1,912 | -4% | -17% | |
(77) | (63) | (126) | n/m | n/m | ||
$5,223 | $5,532 | $7,455 | -6% | -30% | ||
Pretax Operating Income by Division |
||||||
Digital & Integration | $247 | $270 | $151 | -8% | 63% | |
Reservoir Performance | 102 | 95 | 134 | 8% | -24% | |
Well Construction | 209 | 183 | 331 | 15% | -37% | |
Production Systems | 138 | 155 | 191 | -11% | -27% | |
(32) | (49) | (31) | n/m | n/m | ||
$664 | $654 | $776 | 1% | -14% | ||
Pretax Operating Margin by Division |
||||||
Digital & Integration | 32.0% | 32.4% | 17.1% | -37 bps | 1,490 bps | |
Reservoir Performance | 10.2% | 7.6% | 6.8% | 261 bps | 341 bps | |
Well Construction | 10.8% | 9.8% | 11.8% | 103 bps | -95 bps | |
Production Systems | 8.7% | 9.4% | 10.0% | -71 bps | -127 bps | |
n/m | n/m | n/m | n/m | n/m | ||
12.7% | 11.8% | 10.4% | 88 bps | 230 bps | ||
*During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested its OneStim pressure pumping business in North America. This business generated revenue of $274 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $601 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, first-quarter 2021 revenue increased 3% sequentially and declined 27% year-on-year. **During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested its low-flow artificial lift business in North America. This business generated revenue of $11 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $58 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, first-quarter 2021 revenue declined 3% sequentially and 14% year-on-year. n/m=not meaningful |
Schlumberger CEO Olivier Le Peuch commented, “We started the year with conviction in our strategic direction and our resulting outlook for 2021. The combination of the promising first-quarter results and an increasingly constructive macroeconomic view are strengthening this conviction. With recovery sentiment improving and the execution of our returns-focused strategy progressing well, I am extremely proud of the women and men of Schlumberger for delivering yet another solid quarter.
“First-quarter revenue declined 6% sequentially, reflecting the expected reduction in North America following divestitures during the fourth quarter of last year that were focused on the high-grading and rationalizing of our business portfolio to expand our margins, minimize earnings volatility, and focus on less capital-intensive businesses. Excluding the impact of these divestitures, our global revenue was essentially flat sequentially as the impact of seasonally lower activity in the Northern Hemisphere was fully offset by growth in multiple countries. Notwithstanding the effects of seasonality, the first quarter affirmed the activity recovery that commenced last quarter.
“In North America, excluding the effects of divestitures, revenue grew 10% sequentially driven by land revenue which increased 24% due to higher drilling activity, despite the Texas freeze. Offshore revenue declined 10% sequentially following the seasonal fourth-quarter year-end product sales.
“International revenue in the quarter reflects the usual seasonal dip, though China and Russia experienced a particularly severe winter. However, the sequential revenue decline was less pronounced than in prior years due to strong growth in Latin America and in several key countries in the Middle East and Africa. The first-quarter revenue sequential decline was the shallowest since 2008, while international rig count experienced the strongest first-quarter sequential growth since 2011, affirming the international recovery.
“First-quarter revenue was also characterized by growth in Well Construction and Reservoir Performance, excluding the effects of divestitures and despite seasonality in the Northern Hemisphere. Well Construction revenue increased 4% sequentially due to higher drilling activity in North America and Latin America. Reservoir Performance decreased 20% due to the OneStim® divesture in North America—but excluding this, the Division grew by 3% driven by robust international land and offshore activity. Digital & Integration revenue decreased 7% sequentially due to seasonally lower sales of software and multiclient seismic data licenses. Production Systems revenue declined 4%, mostly due to lower product sales following the strong year-end sales of the previous quarter.
“Sequentially, despite the revenue decline, first-quarter pretax segment operating income increased 1%. Pretax segment operating income margin expanded by 88 bps to 13% while EBITDA margin was maintained at 20%. These margins represent a more than 200 basis-point improvement compared to the first quarter of 2020 despite a 30% revenue decline year-on-year. This performance represents a promising start to our margin expansion ambition this year and highlights the impact of our capital stewardship and cost-out measures, which provide us with significant operating leverage.
“First-quarter cash flow from operations was $429 million and free cash flow was $159 million despite severance payments of $112 million and typical first-quarter consumption of working capital. We are pleased with the cash flow performance this quarter and expect cash flow to grow further throughout the year, allowing for net debt reduction.
“Looking ahead, we continue to be encouraged by constructive macroeconomic drivers. While the world is still grappling with COVID-19 infection rates, vaccination programs and fiscal stimulus packages are expected to support a rebound of economic activity and oil demand recovery through the year. Industry analysis estimates 5–6 million bbl/d of oil demand will be added by the end of the year as demand recovery is projected to improve in the second quarter, exiting the year just 2 million bbl/d short of 2019 levels.
“With the gradual return of oil demand, we anticipate North America activity to level off at production maintenance levels, while international activity is poised to ramp up through year-end 2021 and beyond. We expect to significantly benefit from this anticipated shift to increased international activity due to the strength and breadth of our international franchise. Consequently, we are increasingly confident that our international revenue will see double-digit growth in the second half of 2021 as compared to the same period last year, which implies potential upside to the already robust growth that is anticipated in 2022 and beyond.
“There is an increasingly positive sentiment in the industry outlook as the recovery strengthens despite the lingering concerns regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The strategic pivot we initiated two years ago has proven effective and positions us to outperform in this vastly different landscape that presents new imperatives and opportunities that play to our strengths.
“Building on the strength of our Well Construction and Reservoir Performance Divisions, we are accelerating our digital offerings, positioning the company to lead in the production and recovery market, and building our New Energy portfolio to embrace the energy transition—all fully aligned with our customers. A new growth cycle has finally commenced, and we are prepared to deliver growth and returns that outperform the market.”
On April 22, 2021, Schlumberger’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share of outstanding common stock, payable on July 8, 2021 to stockholders of record on June 2, 2021.
(Stated in millions) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | ||||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | |||
North America* | $972 | $1,167 | $2,180 | -17% | -55% | ||
Latin America | 1,038 | 969 | 1,046 | 7% | -1% | ||
Europe/CIS/Africa | 1,256 | 1,366 | 1,752 | -8% | -28% | ||
Middle East & Asia | 1,917 | 2,008 | 2,427 | -5% | -21% | ||
Other | 40 | 22 | 50 | n/m | n/m | ||
$5,223 | $5,532 | $7,455 | -6% | -30% | |||
International | $4,211 | $4,343 | $5,225 | -3% | -19% | ||
North America* | $972 | $1,167 | $2,180 | -17% | -55% | ||
*During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested of certain businesses in North America. These businesses generated revenue of $285 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $659 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of these divestitures, worldwide first-quarter 2021 revenue was essentially flat sequentially and declined 23% year-on-year. North America first-quarter 2021 revenue, excluding the impact of these divestitures, increased 10% sequentially and declined 36% year-on-year. n/m = not meaningful Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. |
North America revenue of $972 million decreased 17% sequentially following divestitures that were focused on the high-grading and rationalizing of our business portfolio to expand our margins, minimize earnings volatility, and focus on less capital-intensive businesses. Excluding the impact of the fourth-quarter divestitures, first-quarter revenue grew 10% sequentially with land revenue growing 24% due to higher Well Construction drilling activity and increased Asset Performance Solutions (APS) project revenue. Offshore revenue declined 10% sequentially due to reduced sales of subsea production systems and multiclient seismic data licenses.
International revenue had the usual seasonal dip, particularly in China and Russia, which experienced a severe winter. The sequential revenue decline was less pronounced than in prior years because of offsets from strong revenue growth in Latin America and in several key countries in the Middle East and Africa. The international revenue decrease was the shallowest first-quarter revenue decline since 2008 and international rig count experienced the strongest first-quarter sequential growth since 2011.
Revenue in Latin America of $1.0 billion increased 7% sequentially due to higher sales of production systems in Brazil, increased intervention and stimulation activity in Argentina, and higher well construction drilling activity in Ecuador. Mexico revenue was modestly higher sequentially, as stronger drilling activity was offset by reduced sales of multiclient seismic data licenses.
Europe/CIS/Africa revenue of $1.3 billion decreased 8% sequentially mainly due to the seasonal winter drilling slowdown in Russia & Central Asia. Excluding the effects of seasonality, activity increased across most Divisions, particularly in Scandinavia and Africa.
Revenue in the Middle East & Asia of $1.9 billion decreased 5% sequentially due to seasonally lower winter activity in China and a decline in offshore drilling in Australia due to the cyclone season. Additionally, there were lower sales of production systems in India. These revenue declines were partially offset by robust activity growth in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
(Stated in millions) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue | ||||||
International | $610 | $689 | $731 | -11% | -17% | |
North America | $161 | 142 | 152 | 14% | 6% | |
Other | 2 | 2 | 2 | n/m | n/m | |
$773 | $833 | $885 | -7% | -13% | ||
Pretax operating income | $247 | $270 | $151 | -8% | 63% | |
Pretax operating margin | 32.0% | 32.4% | 17.1% | -37 bps | 1,490 bps | |
n/m = not meaningful |
Digital & Integration revenue of $773 million decreased 7% sequentially due to seasonally lower sales of digital solutions, software, and multiclient seismic data licenses.
Digital & Integration pretax operating margin of 32% was essentially flat sequentially. Despite the revenue decline, operating margin was maintained as the effects of digital solutions and multiclient revenue declines were largely offset by improved profitability from APS projects.
(Stated in millions) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue | ||||||
International | $922 | $906 | $1,249 | 2% | -26% | |
North America* | 78 | 339 | 718 | -77% | -89% | |
Other | 2 | 2 | 2 | n/m | n/m | |
$1,002 | $1,247 | $1,969 | -20% | -49% | ||
Pretax operating income | $102 | $95 | $134 | 8% | -24% | |
Pretax operating margin | 10.2% | 7.6% | 6.8% | 261 bps | 341 bps | |
*During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested its OneStim pressure pumping business in North America. This business generated revenue of $274 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $601 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, first-quarter 2021 revenue increased 3% sequentially and declined 27% year-on-year. n/m = not meaningful |
Reservoir Performance revenue of $1.0 billion declined 20% sequentially. The revenue decline reflected the divestiture that was focused on the high-grading and rationalizing of our business portfolio in North America to expand our margins, minimize earnings volatility, and focus on less capital-intensive businesses. Excluding the impact of the OneStim divestiture, revenue grew 3% sequentially despite the impact of seasonally lower activity in Russia and China. Revenue increased from higher activity in Latin America, North America, Sub-Sahara Africa, and the Middle East.
Reservoir Performance pretax operating margin of 10% expanded 261 bps sequentially. Profitability was boosted by the divestiture of the OneStim business, which was previously dilutive to margins.
(Stated in millions) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue | ||||||
International | $1,577 | $1,568 | $2,124 | 1% | -26% | |
North America | 310 | 252 | 635 | 23% | -51% | |
Other | 48 | 46 | 56 | n/m | n/m | |
$1,935 | $1,866 | $2,815 | 4% | -31% | ||
Pretax operating income | $209 | $183 | $331 | 15% | -37% | |
Pretax operating margin | 10.8% | 9.8% | 11.8% | 103 bps | -95 bps | |
n/m = not meaningful |
Well Construction revenue of $1.9 billion increased 4% sequentially. The revenue increase was due to robust activity in North America land. Revenue growth in Latin America and the Middle East, mainly in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman, has more than offset the seasonal slowdown in drilling activity in Russia & Central Asia, China, and Australia.
Sequentially, Well Construction pretax operating margin of 11% improved by 103 bps, mainly in North America, due to higher drilling activity on land while international margin was essentially flat.
(Stated in millions) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Change | |||||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Sequential | Year-on-year | ||
Revenue | ||||||
International | $1,161 | $1,215 | $1,203 | -4% | -3% | |
North America* | 420 | 433 | 690 | -3% | 39% | |
Other | 9 | 1 | 19 | n/m | n/m | |
$1,590 | $1,649 | $1,912 | -4% | -17% | ||
Pretax operating income | $138 | $155 | $191 | -11% | -27% | |
Pretax operating margin | 8.7% | 9.4% | 10.0% | -71 bps | -127 bps | |
*During the fourth quarter of 2020, Schlumberger divested its low-flow artificial lift business in North America. This business generated revenue of $11 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $58 million during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, first-quarter 2021 revenue declined 3% sequentially and 14% year-on-year. n/m = not meaningful |
Production Systems revenue of $1.6 billion decreased 4% sequentially. The revenue decrease was across North America offshore, Europe/CIS/Africa, and Asia, partially offset by strong activity in Latin America—mainly in Brazil and Argentina—and the Middle East, mostly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Lower production system sales were posted in subsea, well production, and surface while midstream production systems grew sequentially in Latin America, North America land, and the Middle East.
Despite the revenue decline, pretax operating margin only decreased 71 basis points to 9%, as a result of cost measures as well as improved profitability in midstream production systems due to higher activity.
Schlumberger continues to harness the power of the cloud to enable a step change in customer productivity and performance—through our digital platforms and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) solutions to create new insights from data and optimize operations. During the quarter:
Around the world, our differentiated operational execution continues to resonate with customers and is being acknowledged through new contract awards. Awards in the quarter include:
For more than a century, Schlumberger has developed and deployed innovative technology. Our technology solutions continue to enhance customer performance, support basin competitiveness, maximize asset value, and reduce carbon footprint.
In North America land, Schlumberger fit-for-basin Well Construction technology and execution is enabling customer outperformance across multiple basins as the recovery unfolds:
Internationally, Schlumberger production and recovery technologies are setting new benchmarks and helping customers bring new reserves online:
Our solutions encompass sustainability through evolving existing technologies, new technology development, and project design and execution to reduce carbon footprint across industry applications:
1) What is the capital investment guidance for the full-year 2021?
Capital investment (comprised of capex, multiclient, and APS investments) for the full-year 2021 is still expected to be between $1.5 to $1.7 billion. Capital investment in 2020 was $1.5 billion.
2) What were cash flow from operations and free cash flow for the first quarter of 2021?
Cash flow from operations for the first quarter of 2021 was $429 million and free cash flow was $159 million, despite making $112 million of severance payments during the quarter.
3) What was included in “Interest and other income” for the first quarter of 2021?
“Interest and other income” for the first quarter of 2021 was $19 million. This amount consisted of earnings of equity method investments of $14 million, and interest income of $5 million.
4) How did interest income and interest expense change during the first quarter of 2021?
Interest income of $5 million for the first quarter of 2021 was flat sequentially. Interest expense of $136 million decreased $8 million sequentially.
5) What is the difference between Schlumberger’s consolidated income (loss) before taxes and pretax segment operating income?
The difference consists of corporate items, charges and credits, and interest income and interest expense not allocated to the segments as well as stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense associated with certain intangible assets, certain centrally managed initiatives, and other nonoperating items.
6) What was the effective tax rate (ETR) for the first quarter of 2021?
The ETR for the first quarter of 2021, calculated in accordance with GAAP, was 19.2% as compared to 18.9% for the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding charges and credits, the ETR for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 18.8%. There were no charges and credits in the first quarter of 2021.
7) How many shares of common stock were outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and how did this change from the end of the previous quarter?
There were 1.398 billion shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 1.392 billion as of December 31, 2020.
(Stated in millions) | ||
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 | 1,392 | |
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan | 4 | |
Vesting of restricted stock | 2 | |
Shares outstanding at March 31, 2021 | 1,398 |
8) What was the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the first quarter of 2021 and fourth quarter of 2020? How does this reconcile to the average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution, used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, excluding charges and credits?
The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 1.398 billion during the first quarter of 2021 and 1.392 billion during the fourth quarter of 2020. The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding to the average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution, used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, excluding charges and credits.
(Stated in millions) | |||
First Quarter 2021 |
Fourth Quarter 2020 |
||
Weighted average shares outstanding | 1,398 | 1,392 | |
Unvested restricted stock | 21 | 19 | |
Average shares outstanding, assuming dilution | 1,419 | 1,411 |
9) What was Schlumberger’s adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2021, the fourth quarter of 2020, and the first quarter of 2020?
Schlumberger’s adjusted EBITDA was $1.049 billion in the first quarter of 2021, $1.112 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020, and $1.347 billion in the first quarter of 2020, and was calculated as follows:
(Stated in millions) | ||||
First Quarter 2021 |
Fourth Quarter 2020 |
First Quarter 2020 |
||
Net income (loss) attributable to Schlumberger | $299 | $374 | $(7,376) | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | $13 | 8 | 8 | |
Tax (benefit) expense | $74 | 89 | (721) | |
Income (loss) before taxes | $386 | $471 | $(8,089) | |
Charges &credits | - | (81) | 8,523 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 532 | 583 | 792 | |
Interest expense | 136 | 144 | 136 | |
Interest income | (5) | (5) | (15) | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $1,049 | $1,112 | $1,347 |
Adjusted EBITDA represents income before taxes excluding charges & credits, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and interest income. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is an important profitability measure for Schlumberger and that it allows investors and management to more efficiently evaluate Schlumberger’s operations period over period and to identify operating trends that could otherwise be masked. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by management as a performance measure in determining certain incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
10) What were the components of depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2021, the fourth quarter of 2020, and the first quarter of 2020?
The components of depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2021, the fourth quarter of 2020, and the first quarter of 2020 were as follows:
(Stated in millions) | ||||
First Quarter 2021 |
Fourth Quarter 2020 |
First Quarter 2020 |
||
Depreciation of fixed assets | $355 | $374 | $449 | |
Amortization of APS investments | 75 | 88 | 163 | |
Amortization of intangible assets | 76 | 79 | 133 | |
Amortization of multiclient seismic data costs capitalized | 26 | 42 | 47 | |
$532 | $583 | $792 |
Schlumberger (SLB: NYSE) is a technology company that partners with customers to access energy. Our people, representing over 160 nationalities, are providing leading digital solutions and deploying innovative technologies to enable performance and sustainability for the global energy industry. With expertise in more than 120 countries, we collaborate to create technology that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all.
Find out more at www.slb.com
*Mark of Schlumberger or a Schlumberger company.
†Mark of ExxonMobil Corp.; technology licensed exclusively to Schlumberger.
Schlumberger will hold a conference call to discuss the earnings press release and business outlook on Friday, April 23, 2021. The call is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. US Eastern Time. To access the call, which is open to the public, please contact the conference call operator at +1 (844) 721-7241 within North America, or +1 (409) 207-6955 outside North America, approximately 10 minutes prior to the call’s scheduled start time, and provide the access code 8858313. At the conclusion of the conference call, an audio replay will be available until May 23, 2021 by dialing +1 (866) 207-1041 within North America, or +1 (402) 970-0847 outside North America, and providing the access code 8458766. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously at www.slb.com/irwebcast on a listen-only basis. A replay of the webcast will also be available at the same website until May 23, 2021.
Ndubuisi Maduemezia – Vice President of Investor Relations, Schlumberger Limited
Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations, Schlumberger Limited
Office +1 (713) 375-3535
investor-relations@slb.com
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This first-quarter 2021 earnings release, as well as other statements we make, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which include any statements that are not historical facts, such as our forecasts or expectations regarding business outlook; growth for Schlumberger as a whole and for each of its Divisions (and for specified business lines or geographic areas within each Division); oil and natural gas demand and production growth; oil and natural gas prices; pricing; Schlumberger’s response to, and preparedness for, the COVID-19 pandemic and other widespread health emergencies; improvements in operating procedures and technology; capital expenditures by Schlumberger and the oil and gas industry; the business strategies of Schlumberger, including digital and “fit for basin,” as well as the strategies of Schlumberger’s customers; Schlumberger’s restructuring efforts and charges recorded as a result of such efforts; access to raw materials; our effective tax rate; Schlumberger’s APS projects, joint ventures, and other alliances; future global economic and geopolitical conditions; future liquidity; and future results of operations, such as margin levels. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changing global economic conditions; changes in exploration and production spending by Schlumberger’s customers, and changes in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development; the results of operations and financial condition of Schlumberger’s customers and suppliers, particularly during extended periods of low prices for crude oil and natural gas; Schlumberger’s inability to achieve its financial and performance targets and other forecasts and expectations; Schlumberger’s inability to sufficiently monetize assets; the extent of future charges; general economic, geopolitical, and business conditions in key regions of the world; foreign currency risk; pricing pressure; weather and seasonal factors; unfavorable effects of health pandemics; availability and cost of raw materials; operational modifications, delays, or cancellations; challenges in Schlumberger’s supply chain; production declines; Schlumberger’s inability to recognize intended benefits from its business strategies and initiatives, such as digital or Schlumberger New Energy; as well as its restructuring and structural cost reduction plans; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements, including those related to offshore oil and gas exploration, radioactive sources, explosives, chemicals, hydraulic fracturing services, and climate-related initiatives; the inability of technology to meet new challenges in exploration; the competitiveness of alternative energy sources or product substitutes; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in this first-quarter 2021 earnings release and our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of any such development changes), or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. Statements in this first-quarter earnings release are made as of the date of this release, and Schlumberger disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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