Global Marine Picture Brightens
As the offshore drilling picture continues to improve, companies such as Global Marine should experience a healthy market capitalization boost as shares fly high simultaneously with oil prices and rig utilization rates. Last week, for example, ABN AMRO raised its 2000 earnings estimate on offshore oil and gas drilling contractor Global Marine Inc. to 60 cents a share from 55 cents. A day previous to the upgrade, Global Marine agreed on contract extensions for three of its rigs at significantly higher daily rental rates. The extensions of 7 to 9 months are for jack-up rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and capable of drilling in water depths of 250 to 300 ft.
ABN AMRO Raises 2001 Earnings Estimates For Offshore Drillers
ABN AMRO raised its 2001 earnings estimates for several offshore drillers and said the oil service industry was in the early stages of a multiyear growth phase. "We are raising our 2000 and 2001 upstream capital spending growth estimates,'' analyst Asit Sen said in a research note. "We note that our views are above the latest consensus expectations. To reflect higher-than-previously expected day rates/utilization rates, we are also raising our 2001 earnings estimates and price targets," he said. "We believe that the sector is in the early stages of a multiyear growth phase. Accordingly, we would use any periods of significant near-term weakness as buying opportunities," he added.