SLB-SELL/AVOID/SHORT-Estimates way too high

SLB-SELL/AVOID/SHORT-Estimates way too high

Sell side estimates are too high, as they are not taking margins down enough for the coming trough. I believe the coming drop in rig rates from falling demand is coming just as SLB (and other OFS companies) have significantly ramped capacity. The result will be lower utilization and falling prices. The confluence of these factors will weaken margins, as they have done historically, and significantly below current sell side estimates. Negative revisions will drive stock down.

The below chart demonstrates the point. It graphs WW rig count, SLB capex spend and SLB Ebitda Margin from 1994-2008. Some quick take aways:

1st WW rig count is synonymous with increased capex spend by E+P companies

2. This increased capex leads to increased demand for OFS products creating higher utilization rates and margins

3. SLB (and other OFS companies) do not immediately increase their capex spending as Rig count accelerates, creating a tight (or shortage of) capacity. This tight capacity leads to pricing power and even higher margins. (See capex lag 2002-5)

4. As rig count rolls over capacity adds from SLB accelerating capex spends are still coming on. High capacity and falling demand has historically led to weaker margins as the factors in #2 and #3, reverse.

5. SLB (and OFS margins in general) are significantly higher than historical as this cycle was sharper and longer run-up in rig count and oil prices than previous cycles. This served to magnify the benefit of delayed OFS capacity spend ( i.e. capex ) on SLB margins.

6. Now I will recap trough margins from this graph:
Today (2008)EBITDA MARGIN= 36%
Average EBITDA margin 1994-2004=21%
Highest EBITDA margin pre 2005-26%
Average previous trough EBITDA margin= 20%
Major sell side 2009 (the trough) EBITDA Margin=34% (lowest found)

7. WW rig count likely to fall by 600 rigs in 2009, an 18% drop off. This is mostly North American driven, and could be greater if IOC's and NOC's begin cutting capex. This last point likely to happen should we enter a world wide recession.

8. Each 1% drop in EBITDA margins equals a $0.17/share eps, using 2008 estimates. For example, if EBITDA margins fell to 30%, 2008PF earnings fall 22%, from $4.66 to $3.65/share. Given history, this would be a very modest margin drop.

9.Recommendations:
Long Only: Sell/Avoid
Hedge Funds: Long Off shore Deepwater drillers/short SLB or Long WFT (currently very cheap to SLB vs historic and rest of OFS))/Short SLB

10. Possible critic of this analysis: I used numbers reported in each year and did not go back and adjust for business subsequently acquired or disposed of. Nonetheless, I believe the disparity between today’s margins and historical margins ( average, trough, peaks) are sufficiently anomalous that a refinement in this analysis would not change the conclusion.


Note: Having trouble publishing the excel graph. Until I figure it out, please post a comment requesting a copy, provide your email and I will be happy to send it along.