Stable Oil Price News

It is not business as usual in the world where we do business. Things are changing. Even regulations themselves are changing from less prescriptive in nature to more performance-based. As Chairman, President and CEO of a global classification and technology-centric company that operates in 70 countries with 5,000 employees, I am continually assessing the impact of these changes on the capabilities ABS needs to fulfill its mission and maintain its leadership position in the maritime, offshore and government industries it serves. To know where we are heading, we have to know where we began.

Bourbon published its first half results for 2014, recording adjusted revenues up 8.9% at constant rates, reflecting an increase in the size of the fleet, despite a lower utilization rate (adjusted revenues increased 1.5% at current rates). Adjusted EBITDAR as a percentage of adjusted revenues, remained at a stable level of 34.4% following good cost control over the period, while adjusted EBIT decreased more than 50% largely due to €41.8 million increase in bareboat charter costs year on year, not fully offset by capital gains.

The Keppel Corporation released its limited unaudited results for the first quarter ending March31, 2014, reporting a 5% decrease in net profits to S$339 million compared to Q1 2013's S$357 million, though the company attributed the decline to one-off gains from the reversal of provision from the sale of a power barge and write-back of tax provision made by Keppel Land in Q1 2013. Earnings per share also fell, now 18.7 cents, down 6% from 1Q 2013's 19.8 cents, while economic value added decreased from S$217 million to S$151 million.

Net Income Group share up 174% to €115 million. Increased operating margin1 and capital gains generated €575.7 million EBITDA, up 41.7% compared to 2012. Return on average capital employed (ROACE: EBIT / average capital employed excluding installments) increased to 9.8% compared to 5.8% in 2012. The majority of the vessel sales were done at the end of the year. The cost of financial debt remained at the same level as 2012 (€73 million). Other financial costs consist mainly of foreign exchange losses, 65% of which are unrealized at year end. Operating margin increased almost 2 points versus 2012 as the benefits of the focus on operational excellence began to materialize.

Revenues up 10.5% vs. full year 2012 to €1.312 billion and up 6.0% vs. fourth quarter 2012 to €331.6 million impacted by U.S. •    Foreign currency movements versus the Euro in 2013 (most notably versus the U.S. “2013 revenues of more than €1.3 billion, a complete range of 485 vessels with an average age of 6.2 years and the broad geographical reach of its activities makes Bourbon a leader in the offshore marine services industry,” said Christian Lefèvre, Chief Executive Officer of Bourbon.

North Sea drilling activity remains steady, with a positive forecast for the next two quarters, according to a new report into offshore activity from Deloitte, the business advisory firm. The report, compiled by Deloitte’s Petroleum Services Group (PSG) found that although the number of new wells drilled on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) has fallen slightly in comparison to the same period last year, the level of exploratory activity remains healthy. A total of 16 exploration…