WorkBoat Composite Index

Index finishes the first quarter on a down note

The WorkBoat Composite Index finished the first quarter losing 119 points in March, or 3.55%. For the month, losers topped winners 17-7. Among the losers was drilling contractor Nabors Industries, which dipped 19% in March. However, the company has posted several strong quarters in a row. During the com- pany’s fourth-quarter conference call, Tony Petrello, the company’s chairman, president and CEO, said the fourth quarter marked the third consecutive quarter of sequential earnings growth above 20%, consolidated revenue increased 10% sequentially, and the company’s global average rig count increased by 3.4 rigs. The growth was driven by increases in both the U.S. and international markets, Petrello said.

Looking forward, Petrello said that “with the spot and future prices for WTI in the current range, we believe the outlook for continued increases in drilling activity in Lower 48 is still constructive. We expect these increases to materialize as we move throughout the year.”

But several factors could affect the company’s outlook. “Foremost among these is the possibility of a recession, which reduces the demand for oil.”

BY PAMELA GLASS

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