Are Today’s Drill Bits Better Mousetraps?

Chart showing drill bit scores by supplier
When oilfield suppliers make outsized claims regarding a new technology or design, we, like many in the industry, can be skeptical.
 
Looking good on paper doesn’t always produce repeatable results for customers. Over-promoted offerings spawn the kinds of high expectations that lead to low customer ratings.

Continue reading “Are Today’s Drill Bits Better Mousetraps?”

NOV + Grant Prideco: A Different Kind of Merger?

NOV + Grant Prideco: A Different Kind of Merger?

History indicates National Oilwell Varco’s (NOV) purchase of Grant Prideco may benefit the latter’s shareholders more than its customers.

Why? Acquisitions of companies with higher customer satisfaction ratings by lower-rated players tend to hurt the purchased company more than help the ratings of the acquirer.

More so, bigger is not always better in terms of execution or customer satisfaction. Some customers like the broader line of products NOV now offers as a result of the past merger between Varco and National Oilwell. However, a number of NOV customers express concern. Continue reading “NOV + Grant Prideco: A Different Kind of Merger?”