Weatherford Swings to Profit in 1Q11

Weatherford reported first quarter 2011 income of $78 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, excluding an after-tax loss of $18 million. On a GAAP basis, our net income for the first quarter of 2011 was $59 million, or $0.08 per diluted share. The excluded after-tax loss is comprised of the following items:

• $9 million after-tax charge incurred in connection with the termination of a corporate consulting contract;
• $8 million in after-tax severance; and
• $1 million for investigation costs.

First quarter diluted earnings per share reflect an increase of $0.07 over the first quarter of 2010 diluted earnings per share of $0.03, before charges. Sequentially, the company's first quarter diluted earnings per share, before charges, were $0.06 lower than the fourth quarter of 2010.

First quarter revenues were $2,856 million, or 23 percent higher than the same period last year, and down two percent sequentially. North America revenues increased 53 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010 while international revenues were up four percent over the same period.

Segment operating income of $353 million improved 38 percent year-over-year but was down 17 percent sequentially. Margin performance was held back primarily due to political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, unfavorable weather conditions and an equity tax enacted in Colombia.

The company expects earnings per share before excluded items of approximately $0.15 to $0.17 in the second quarter of 2011.

North America

Revenue increased eight percent sequentially and 53 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010. Canadian activity was strong while colder winter temperatures subdued progress in the United States. Operating income of $284 million improved $22 million sequentially, and margins increased 20 basis points to 20.9 percent.

Middle East/North Africa/Asia

Revenue decreased $109 million sequentially, or 16 percent, as political disruptions in the Middle East and North Africa and challenging weather events in Australia and China took a heavy toll, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the drop. Operating income declined $38 million sequentially, on decrementals of 35 percent.

Europe/West Africa/FSU

Revenue declined $18 million, or three percent, sequentially but was up 12 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010. The winter effect in the North Sea, Russia and Caspian were primarily responsible for the decline. Operating income declined $27 million sequentially. Contributing to the severe decrementals were increased employee-related costs, as well as higher fuel and transportation costs in Russia.

Latin America

Revenue decreased eight percent, or $36 million, on a sequential basis and declined four percent, or $17 million, compared to the first quarter of 2010. Mexico and Venezuela led the declines. Operating income fell $32 million sequentially. Approximately $16 million of the decline was due to the charge for the Colombia equity tax. Adjusting for this effect, decrementals were approximately 44 percent.

Net Debt

Net debt for the quarter increased $547 million primarily as a result of an increase in working capital of $365 million. The increase in working capital was largely driven by North America and Latin America.