Form 8-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): December 10,
2002
SCHLUMBERGER N.V. (SCHLUMBERGER LIMITED)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Netherlands Antilles |
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1-4601 |
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52-0684746 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
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(Commission File Number) |
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
153 East 53rd Street, 57th Floor New York, New York |
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10022-4624 |
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42, rue Saint-Dominique Paris,
France |
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75007 |
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Parkstraat 83, The
Hague, The Netherlands |
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2514 JG |
(Addresses of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip or Postal Codes) |
Registrants telephone number
in the United States, including area code: (212) 350-9400
Item 5.
Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein is the December 10, 2002 Schlumberger Limited press release.
Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c ) Exhibits
99.1 December 10, 2002 Schlumberger Limited press release.
99.2 Question and Answer document on the December 10, 2002 Schlumberger Limited press release
Item 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
The Question and Answer document attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2, which is incorporated in this Item 9 by reference, was posted on the Schlumberger internet web site
(www.slb.com/ir) on December 10, 2002 and is furnished pursuant to Regulation FD.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SCHLUMBERGER N.V.
(SCHLUMBERGER LIMITED)
By: /s/ Frank A. Sorgie
Frank A. Sorgie
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: December 10, 2002
Press Release
Exhibit 99.1
Schlumberger Updates Strategy for SchlumbergerSema Business Segment and Announces Charges
Strong Emphasis on the Global Energy Industry with Regional Focus on Local Growth Opportunities
NEW YORK, December 10, 2002 Schlumberger Limited [NYSE:SLB] today announced that the Board of Directors has approved an updated
strategy for its SchlumbergerSema business segment. SchlumbergerSema will focus on IT consulting, systems integration together with network and infrastructure solutions, primarily in global energy while continuing to develop specific regional market
sectors in areas where it enjoys a successful competitive position based on scale and domain knowledge. This strategy is designed to create industry leadership in the huge energy market by combining the systems integration skills of Sema with the
global reach and energy sector knowledge of Schlumberger.
The volume products activities, which include smart
cards, point of sales terminals, payphones, eCity terminals, electricity meters, payment systems and telecom software products will be managed separately.
The costs of this business realignment within SchlumbergerSema, amounting to approximately $77 million after tax ($0.13 per share), are mainly related to facility closures and workforce reductions in
Continental Europe and the United States of 1600 people.
As a result of an impairment review based on the
strategic plan outlook, realignment and current business values, SchlumbergerSema will recognize charges of $2,885 million after-tax in its fiscal fourth quarter 2002 corresponding to $4.96 per share. These charges include $2,618 million related to
impairment of goodwill and a further $267 million impairment associated with intangibles and other costs, including a provision against a deferred tax asset in Europe.
The impairment of goodwill mainly reflects the current difficulties of the telecommunications industry and the severely depressed market values of the IT companies serving
the sector.
At the same time, Schlumberger reiterated its view, expressed in the report for the third quarter
that demand for oilfield services in the US would remain lackluster in the fourth quarter, while activity in the UK North Sea and Nigeria would soften. Further, current work stoppages have increased uncertainty in relation to the level of oilfield
activity in Venezuela. In contrast, the activity at SchlumbergerSema continues to improve.
In addition, the operating losses experienced by WesternGeco in the third quarter
2002 are expected to be repeated in the fourth quarter due to the seasonal slowdown in Europe marine activity and the reduction of land activity in the US. Schlumberger will record an after tax charge of $77 million related to reducing the
WesternGeco workforce by 1700 people, closing the land-based seismic operations in the US lower 48 states and Canada and reducing the marine seismic fleet. Schlumberger will also record after tax charges of $129 million related to a partial
impairment of the WesternGeco multiclient library. This represents 15% of the total library. These figures reflect the Schlumberger share of the seismic joint venture and correspond to $0.35 per share.
The total of all fourth quarter charges is $3.17 billion corresponding to $5.44 per share. The cash impact of the charges is less than
$160 million while the restructuring of SchlumbergerSema and WesternGeco is expected to generate a total of $250 million in annualized pre-tax costs savings. Further, management expects to achieve its goal of reducing the companys net debt to
under $4 billion by year-end 2003.
Schlumberger Limited [NYSE:SLB] is a global technology services company
consisting of two business segments. Schlumberger Oilfield Services is the leading provider of technology services and solutions to the international petroleum industry. SchlumbergerSema is an IT services company providing consulting and systems
integration services, and network and infrastructure solutions, to the energy, oil and gas, telecommunications, finance and public sector markets. In 2001, Schlumberger revenue was $14.3 billion. For more information visit http://www.slb.com.
WesternGeco is owned 70% by Schlumberger and 30% by Baker Hughes.
# # #
Note:
Supplemental information in the form of a question and answer document on this press release is available at http://www.slb.com/dec10pr
For more information:
Christian Lange
Director of Investor Relations
Tel: 212 350 9432
Reference Press Release
Exhibit 99.2
Supplemental Information
Reference Press Release Schlumberger Updates Strategy for SchlumbergerSema Business Segment and Announces Charges December 10, 2002.
1. |
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Why has Schlumberger taken this action now? |
The company has over the last 12 months evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the SchlumbergerSema portfolio of businesses. The plan reflects the companys conviction that the energy markets represent the most promising
sector for growth and profitability. Additionally, SchlumbergerSema will continue to develop specific regional market sector operations in areas where it enjoys a successful competitive position based on scale and domain expertise.
2. |
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What is meant by specific regional market sectors? |
We will focus on those customers where we have critical mass and to whom we can provide scale, intimacy and value through the domain knowledge of our local experts. Examples of regional market sectors are the public sector
in the UK, the telecommunications sector in Italy or the finance sector in France.
3. |
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What is the general plan for the volume products activities that have been identified and will be managed separately? |
We will evaluate the options available, which may include; continuing to manage them as a separate business segment; partnering with third parties in order to maximize
growth opportunities; floating them on the market or divestiture. Schlumberger has chosen to manage these businesses separately due to key differences in the business model for these services in comparison to service related activities.
4. |
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What is the future involvement of SchlumbergerSema in the telecommunications sector? |
SchlumbergerSema will continue to develop and provide system integration services on a regional basis to telecommunication customers. Software and hardware products will be
sourced from the separately managed products enterprise or from 3rd parties as required.
5. |
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What are the margin targets for continuing SchlumbergerSema operations? |
The objective of Schlumberger is to deliver a return on capital in line with shareholder expectations.
6. |
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What additional investment plans does Schlumberger have for IT related services and/or products going forward? |
SchlumbergerSemas growth will be organic. Capital requirements will be limited to that required for the operation of the business.
7. |
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What was the rationale for the impairment charge related to goodwill and intangibles and on what basis was the impairment charge recorded?
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The new strategic plan outlook, current business values and the reorganization of SchlumbergerSema constitute significant events that require an
impairment analysis to be performed in accordance with FAS 142. SchlumbergerSema (SLS) was valued on a stand-alone basis; each business unit within SLS was valued using a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis based on a long-term forecast
prepared by SLS management with the assistance of third party valuation experts. The implied multiples yielded by the DCF analysis were compared to observed trading multiples of comparable companies and recent transactions in the IT services
industry. The fair value was below the book value and therefore failed the initial impairment test as prescribed in SFAS 142. As a result, goodwill was written down. Certain intangible assets were also identified and written down as part of this
process.
8. |
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What is the pre-tax impact of the charges? |
The pre-tax charge is $3,208 million, which includes the goodwill impairment, severance, asset write-downs and other closure costs; the tax charge is a net $48 million. Minority Interest is a credit of $88 million.
9. |
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What is the cash impact of the charges? |
The estimated cash impact is less than $160 million.
10. |
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How much (if any) of these charges are in the United States and pertain to Schlumberger Technology Corporation (STC)? |
Fourth quarter 2002 charges which relate to STC are in the order of $373 million, consisting of goodwill and identifiable intangibles impairment of $326 million;
severance, facilities and other costs of $35 million (after tax) and charges related to WesternGeco of approximately $12 million after-tax.
The majority of these charges pertain to the write-down of goodwill and intangibles; this charge will not inhibit the ability of STC to service its long-term debt and commercial paper programs.
11. |
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What is the impact on debt ratings? |
In
general, credit analysts look at various ratios in addition to Debt-to-Equity. Specifically, the impairment charges do not affect Schlumbergers interest or debt coverage ratios. Additionally, the rating agencies take into account ongoing plans
to achieve the targeted net debt. Given the fact that SchlumbergerSema cash flow is a small part of the overall cash flow of Schlumberger, the impairment does not change significantly our ability to generate cash from operations.
12. |
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What covenants and/or triggers are activated by the change to the DE ratio? |
There are no material financial covenants or prepayment triggers on Schlumbergers credit facilities. As customary, several of the lines of credit have credit spreads calculated along a sliding
scale, which is a function of the credit
rating, but this does not affect the availability of credit. Schlumberger does not anticipate the requirement of
additional net credit facilities for the foreseeable future. Currently, Schlumberger has $ 2 billion in unused available credit facilities.
13. |
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What is the estimated value range of proceeds expected from the divestitures planned for fiscal year 2003? |
In addition to the proceeds from the sale of Reed Hycalog and the remaining drilling rigs, (which are planned to close this year), which represent a total of approximately
$350 million in cash, we have identified various businesses/assets which have been earmarked for sale in 2003. It is anticipated that these divestitures plus liquidity from operations should generate more than $1 billion.
14. |
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What is Schlumbergers targeted net debt for the end of 2003? |
The net debt goal for the end of 2003 is under $4 billion, down from $5 billion estimated for year-end 2002.
15. |
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What is the target annualized cost savings from the reorganization efforts? |
The combined restructuring efforts at SchlumbergerSema and WesternGeco are expected to generate $250 million in annualized pre-tax costs savings.
16. |
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What is the reason for the provision against a deferred tax asset in Europe? |
Through September 30, 2002, tax benefits on losses were recorded in expectation that there would have been sufficient taxable income in the future to realize those assets. Our new plans now indicate
that future taxable income will not be sufficient during the loss carry forward period to realize those assets. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established against the related deferred tax asset.
Oilfield Services
17. |
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What is the general outlook for the Areas in terms of activity in the fourth Quarter 2002? |
In the third quarter Schlumberger Limited reported earnings per share of $0.30 which included a loss from the WesternGeco Joint Venture of $0.04 and a charge at
SchlumbergerSema of $0.02 related to workforce reductions. In the fourth quarter, the WesternGeco loss will be about the same as the third quarter and SchlumbergerSema results will improve. The lowering of oil demand estimates by the IEA for the
second-half-year, together with the OPEC decision to maintain current quotas despite increased pressure for them to be raised, has only served to amplify uncertainty surrounding near-term investment levels. As a result, International activity has
started to soften, most notably in the UK and Nigeria. Additionally, political unrest and current work stoppages in Venezuela has increased uncertainty surrounding the levels of oilfield service activity in that
country. In the US, despite the marginal increase in rig count, activity remains lackluster as E&P companies
decelerate their rigless activities. In the Gulf of Mexico, delays caused by Tropical Storm Lilly, further impacted activity.
WesternGeco
18. |
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What was the rationale for the Multiclient Library impairment charge and on what basis was the impairment charge estimated?
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WesternGeco performs periodic valuations of its Multiclient library. During Q4 2002, a forecasted cash flow analysis of the portfolio indicated a
possible shortfall in the future sales versus the current Net Book Value. A detailed review of each individual survey within the entire portfolio identified 22 surveys as very unlikely to generate future material sales. The majority of these surveys
are in areas that have lost exploration appeal as a result of a lack of commercial hydrocarbon discoveries. The October 1, 2002 Net Book Value of these surveys was $184 million.
19. |
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What is the cash flow impact of this w/o of MCs? |
There is no cash impact of the write-off in the current year as this is a non-cash item.
20. |
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What is the value of the Multiclient surveys you plan to shoot in 2003 and where? |
Current estimates for 2003 Multiclient Capex are at $200$250 million for the year. This is substantially lower than the 2002 full year estimate of $350 million. 2003
Multiclient Capex is limited to 3D marine surveys in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea where there are clusters of fields and open acreage, which would benefit from a Multiclient approach.
21. |
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What is the after write-down Net Book Value of the WesternGeco Multiclient library? |
Using the October 1st, 2002
impairment charge of $184 million, the estimated Net Book Value of the library on December 31st, 2002
will be $1,020 million.
22. |
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What is the target annualized cost savings from the restructuring plan at WesternGeco? |
2003 annual cost savings are estimated to be in the order of $145 million, excluding any amortization savings related to Multiclient impairments.
23. |
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How many land crews and marine vessels will you lay up? |
In the US and Canada, the equivalent of about 8 permanent land crews are being shut down. Our marine fleet capacity is being adjusted according to market conditions; at present we intend to remove 2 3D streamer vessels and 6
miscellaneous marine vessels.
24. |
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What is the plan for the excess equipment? |
We will redeploy seismic equipment as needed and write-off any excess equipment. We plan to sell the non-seismic equipment. We will not release any seismic equipment into the market.
25. |
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Does this signify a permanent exit from the land business in North America? |
No. We are shutting down conventional crews in North America due to the unprofitable environment. However, should conditions there significantly improve, we would consider restarting operations. We
continue to operate a sizeable number of field crews in other parts of the world and will consider operations in any environment supportive of our business objectives.
26. |
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What has prompted WesternGeco to take this action now? |
We consider this action necessary given the sustained unprofitable market conditions that exist and the revised 2003 forecast prepared in the fourth quarter for WesternGeco.
27. |
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What is the geographical or departmental breakdown of the 1700 people who will be released? |
Approximately half of this number will be from US and Canada land operations, in a combination of field and operations support.
28. |
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What is the short to medium term outlook for the industry? |
We expect the conventional seismic market to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future. We are encouraged by positive customer reaction to our suite of Q-Reservoir services and expect growth in
this segment. We dont expect the conventional seismic market to recover until there is a balance of supply and demand.
29. |
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What impact does this action have on your R&E investment? |
Some projects will be stopped or deferred, however we will continue our strong emphasis on R&E to provide differentiated, reservoir-focused technology.
# # #
This question and answer document, the December 10, 2002 press release and other statements we make contain forward looking statements, which include any statements that are not historical facts, such as our expectations
regarding the future SchlumbergerSema business, including improvement of return on capital in line with shareholder expectations, achievement of projected cost reduction and realization of annualized cost savings from the SchlumbergerSema
restructuring efforts; the impact of the impairment charges to goodwill on debt ratings and credit facilities, including the ability to service debt programs; Schlumbergers view of oilfield service activity and expectation of fourth quarter
results; realization of cost reduction and annualized cost savings targets from the restructuring efforts at WesternGeco; estimated proceeds from
planned divestitures; and expected Capex for SchlumbergerSema for 2003. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to continued demand for and expected growth in Schlumbergers IT consulting and systems integration services and network and infrastructure solutions in the global energy sector; our ability to identify and maintain a strong competitive
position in other regional market sectors with strong growth opportunities; our ability to generate sufficient cash from operations and planned divestitures to achieve targeted 2003 net debt; achievement of divestitures planned for 2003; and impact
of the separation of volume products on IT service revenues. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development change), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary
materially from those forecasted or expected. Schlumberger disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.