Rowan Revises 3Q Business Outlook

With softness in the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. apparently on the brink of war, Bob Palmer, Chairman and CEO of Rowan, said, "July earnings were better than expected and, through August, financial results were about as forecast. However, the outlook for September requires that we revise downward our 'best guess' for third quarter earnings to a range of 20-25 cents per share.

"Rowan's offshore rig utilization for the third quarter is currently estimated to be 70%, down from 90% during the second quarter. Our average offshore day rate for the third quarter should be about $57,000, down from $61,000 during the second quarter. For competitive reasons, we will not provide specific information regarding contract terms or day rates unless such contracts are considered to be material.

"We believe the worst soon will be behind us and, during the fourth quarter, our utilization and average day rates should begin to improve; but, obviously, the light in our crystal ball is powered by natural gas.