HALLIBURTON CO quarterly report, Q1 FY1998

Halliburton Company 10-Q Summary

Business Context and Reporting Period

This filing is a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1998. Halliburton Company operates in over 100 countries, providing energy services and engineering/construction services to the petroleum industry and other sectors. The company is currently in the process of a definitive merger with Dresser Industries, Inc., announced in February 1998.

Key Financial Metrics

MetricQ1 1998Q1 1997
Total Revenues$2,355.3 million$1,897.5 million
Operating Income$204.0 million$138.7 million
Net Income$117.8 million$83.0 million
Diluted EPS$0.44$0.32
Cash and Equivalents (End of Period)$93.4 million$85.4 million
Long-Term Debt$538.3 million$538.9 million
Short-Term Debt$75.6 million$2.7 million
Operating Cash Flow($26.0 million) used($88.0 million) used
Capital Expenditures$156.3 million$112.2 million

Margins: Energy Group operating margin improved to 11.6% (from 10.5% in Q1 1997). Engineering and Construction Group margin remained flat at 3.8%. The effective income tax rate was 38.8%.

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Revenue Growth: Consolidated revenues increased 24% year-over-year, driven primarily by a 42% increase in Energy Group revenues ($1,589.2 million vs. $1,120.3 million). This growth outpaced the 9% increase in the worldwide rotary rig count.
  • Profitability: Net income rose 42% to $117.8 million. Operating income increased 47% to $204.0 million.
  • Segment Performance: The Engineering and Construction Group saw a 1% revenue decline due to the sale of its environmental services business in late 1997 and reduced activity in the pulp/paper and military support sectors.
  • Liquidity: Cash and equivalents decreased by $127.9 million during the quarter, primarily due to working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Short-term borrowings increased significantly to $75.6 million from $2.7 million.

Outlook, Risks, and Unusual Items

  • Halliburton/Dresser Merger: A definitive merger agreement was approved for a one-for-one stock exchange. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, including a request for additional information from the U.S. Department of Justice. Completion is expected in the fall of 1998.
  • Environmental Contingencies: The company is a potentially responsible party (PRP) for various Superfund sites. Specifically, the Jasper County Superfund Site in Missouri involves a lengthy remediation study; management cannot currently determine the extent of liability but does not expect the study costs to be material.
  • Year 2000 Issue: The company is assessing Year 2000 readiness and installing a new enterprise-wide information system. Management does not expect remediation costs outside of the new system to be material.
  • Forward-Looking Risks: Risks include unsettled political conditions in over 100 countries, currency devaluations, changes in oil and gas prices, and competition for skilled labor.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the status of regulatory approvals for the Dresser Industries merger, specifically the Department of Justice inquiry.
  • Monitor the Energy Group's ability to sustain revenue growth rates that significantly exceed the underlying rig count increases.
  • Review the impact of the sale of the environmental services business on the Engineering and Construction Group's future revenue baseline.
  • Assess the company's liquidity position given the $127.9 million cash decrease and increased short-term debt usage.
  • Track the progress of the Jasper County Superfund Site remediation study for potential future liability exposure.