Fulfilling the Promise of Weatherford

Restoring Confidence in Weatherford

It is said what CEOs most enjoy is a challenge with outsize reward. If so, Mark McCollum should be ecstatic. As the incoming CEO of Weatherford International, he is tasked with resurrecting one of the more perennially promising, yet frustratingly underachieving, companies in the oil patch.

McCollum’s predecessor, long-time CEO Bernard Duroc-Danner, built an organization with a global presence and broad portfolio. However, the company found itself adrift in recent years as a string of financial losses and shifting strategies undermined employee morale and depleted investor confidence. Continue reading “Fulfilling the Promise of Weatherford”

The Reluctant Rockstar

Rockstar

Until recently, if one were to side-click their way to the website of onshore drilling contractor Helmerich & Payne (H&P), they could be forgiven for assuming the company was just another run-of-the-mill driller.  Framed mostly in nondescript grey and blue, the site seemed an unfinished afterthought of a organization with better things to do.

In truth, that’s probably not too far off.  H&P has traditionally avoided heavily marketing itself, leaving the trumpeting of its success to customers and industry analysts.  Nonetheless, when you’ve earned the kind of respect the Tulsa-based company has over the years, taking pride in the presentation of your story is only Continue reading “The Reluctant Rockstar”

Global Shale: Potential Bonanza for Suppliers

Global Map

Shale-oil and -gas production in the U.S. has been revered by some as the fuel, engine and vehicle driving the nation toward energy independence and economic solvency. Astronomical estimates of reserves, millions of high-paying new oilfield jobs, enhanced competitiveness for American industry, greater tax inflows for state and federal governments, and incremental export revenues certainly justify the volume of discussion.

Shale has at once become both disruptive and transformative. It’s also here to stay. IEA estimates the share of U.S. shale oil and gas production to double by 2035. Continue reading “Global Shale: Potential Bonanza for Suppliers”

The Grapevine: Nabors Industries

OIlfield Grapevine

In May of last year, we published an article discussing certain constructive developments we saw underway at Nabors Industries. The relatively sanguine tone of the report, which was met with a certain degree of skepticism by some readers, reflected our analysis of changes in both the executive suite and in the company’s stated strategy and plan for execution.

After reviewing the company’s fourth quarter 2012 earnings report, listening to the associated conference call, and examining updated customer satisfaction results, we continue to see Nabors as making strides. Granted, progress has been slower than expected. But EnergyPoint’s customer satisfaction ratings suggest both change and improvement are the overall trend at the company. Continue reading “The Grapevine: Nabors Industries”

Contract Drillers Find Customer Centricity

Customer Centricity

For both onshore and offshore applications, EnergyPoint’s latest survey results indicate contract drillers are increasingly out to show customers they mean business. At the very least, land-drillers’ overall ratings remain on an upward bent, while offshore drillers’ ratings continue to be the highest of all the major oilfield segments that EnergyPoint tracks in its customer satisfaction surveys.

Helmerich & Payne’s ratings continue to lead onshore. In fact, the company remains the only land drillers to enjoy a very high overall designation in EnergyPoint’s independent customer satisfaction ratings system. Continue reading “Contract Drillers Find Customer Centricity”

Positive Change Underway at Nabors Industries

Nabors Industries Featured Image

Are positive changes are underway at Nabors Industries? The company, which currently rates Low overall but is trending Upward in EnergyPoint’s oilfield customer satisfaction ratings, seems to be undergoing a cultural and strategic transformation under the leadership of Tony Petrello, who recently replaced Gene Isenberg as CEO.

As COO, Petrello was seen by many as complicit in the strategies and ways of Isenberg. So, were not sure if these transformational steps Petrello’s own initiative, or if they stem from specific directives from an increasingly proactive board. Continue reading “Positive Change Underway at Nabors Industries”

North American Land Driller Ratings Fall

North American Land Driller Ratings Fall (FI). v. 1.00

Demand for North American (NAM) land-drilling services has leveled off for the time being. A warm first half of winter and expectations for shoulder-month reductions in gas demand have given many producers pause regarding their drilling programs.

We believe a modest slowdown in activity could prove a blessing in disguise for many drillers, who could use the opportunity to regroup after a frenzied couple of years that, despite record earnings, have cost them in terms of customer satisfaction. Continue reading “North American Land Driller Ratings Fall”