HALLIBURTON CO quarterly report, Q3 FY2001

Halliburton Company (HAL) - Q3 2001 10-Q Summary

Business Context and Reporting Period

This report covers the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001. Halliburton operates through two primary segments: the Energy Services Group (oilfield services, products, and integrated solutions) and the Engineering and Construction Group (Kellogg Brown & Root). The company also reports results for the Dresser Equipment Group as discontinued operations following its sale in April 2001.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric (Millions) Q3 2001 Q3 2000 9M 2001 9M 2000
Total Revenues $3,391 $3,024 $9,874 $8,751
Operating Income $342 $248 $812 $455
Net Income $179 $157 $670 $496
Diluted EPS $0.42 $0.35 $1.56 $1.11
Cash & Equivalents $227 $310 $227 $310
Operating Cash Flow (9M) $556 ($189) $556 ($189)
Total Debt (Short + Long) $1,687 $2,627 $1,687 $2,627

Note: Debt figures derived from Balance Sheet (Short-term notes payable + Current maturities + Long-term debt). Q3 2000 debt figures are not explicitly provided in the text for the quarter end, but year-end 2000 figures are used for comparison context where available.

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Revenue Growth: Consolidated revenues increased 12% in Q3 and 13% for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2001, compared to 2000. This was driven by a 33% increase in the Energy Services Group, offset by a 16% decline in the Engineering and Construction Group due to the completion of large projects in 2000.
  • Profitability: Operating income rose 38% in Q3 and 79% for the nine-month period. The Energy Services Group saw operating income more than double (excluding a one-time gain in 2000) due to higher rig counts and improved pricing.
  • Discontinued Operations: The company recorded a significant after-tax gain of $299 million in the first nine months of 2001 from the sale of the Dresser Equipment Group. Conversely, Q3 2001 included a $2 million loss from discontinued operations due to asbestos claims, compared to a $27 million gain in Q3 2000.
  • Debt Reduction: Total debt decreased significantly from year-end 2000 levels. Proceeds from the Dresser sale ($1.27 billion) and new medium-term notes ($425 million) were used to repay short-term borrowings, reducing the debt-to-capitalization ratio from 40% to 27%.

Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies

  • Market Outlook: Management expects U.S. gas-drilling activity to decline into early 2002 due to high gas storage levels and economic uncertainty. However, international deepwater projects and stable oil prices are expected to provide growth opportunities.
  • Asbestos Litigation: A material contingency exists regarding asbestos claims. As of Sept 30, 2001, there were approximately 146,000 open claims. The company has accrued a net liability of $125 million ($704 million liability less $579 million estimated insurance recoveries). Significant uncertainty remains regarding the financial ability of former subsidiary Harbison-Walker to indemnify the company and the outcome of litigation with Highlands Insurance Company regarding coverage for construction claims.
  • Acquisitions: The company is in the process of acquiring Magic Earth (expected Q4 2001) and has formed a joint venture with DSND Subsea ASA. It also acquired PGS Data Management in March 2001.
  • Accounting Changes: The company is evaluating the impact of new FASB standards (SFAS 141, 142, 143, 144) regarding business combinations, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and impairment of long-lived assets.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Asbestos Reserve Adequacy: Verify the sufficiency of the $125 million net asbestos liability given the ongoing litigation with Harbison-Walker and Highlands Insurance Company.
  • U.S. Drilling Activity: Monitor U.S. rig counts and natural gas prices to assess the severity of the expected Q4 2001 and early 2002 revenue decline in the Energy Services Group.
  • Discontinued Operations: Confirm the final tax treatment and cash realization of the $299 million gain from the Dresser Equipment Group sale.
  • Debt Structure: Review the terms of the new $425 million medium-term notes issued in July 2001 and the company's ability to service debt as short-term borrowings are replaced.
  • Engineering Segment Pipeline: Assess the backlog and new award rates for the Engineering and Construction Group to determine if the revenue decline is temporary or structural.