Acquisitions, International Activities Boost Offshore Drillers- Research Report on Halliburton Company, Schlumberger Limited, National-Oilwell Varco, Inc., Noble Corporation, and Hercules Offshore, Inc.

NEW YORK, February 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Investors Alliance announced new research reports highlighting Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL), Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB), National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE: NOV), Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE), and Hercules Offshore, Inc. (NASDAQ: HERO). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Halliburton Company Research Report

Major oilfield services provider Halliburton increased its Q1 2013 dividend by 39 percent to 12.5 cents per share, payable on March 27. The company also revealed its plan to distribute approximately 15 percent to 20 percent of its annual net income by way of dividend, for approval by the board of directors. The dividend increase reflects strong performance, as well as the company's confidence in its business outlook and the strength of its global franchise. As of December 31, 2012, Halliburton's quarterly income from continuing operations was $589 million, or 63 cents per share, with total revenue of $7.3 billion. In 2013, the company anticipates a rig count improvement in North America, and is focused on rebuilding margins. The Full Research Report on Halliburton Company - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investors-alliance.com/r/full_research_report/466f_HAL]

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Schlumberger Limited Research Report

Schlumberger's board of directors approved a 13.6 percent quarterly dividend increase to 31.25 cents per share of outstanding common stock, payable on April 12. The company's full year 2012 revenue came in at $42.15 billion, increasing 14 percent as compared to 2011's $36.96 billion. The revenue increase is attributable to its International Areas segment, which grew by $4 billion, or 16 percent, its strongest growth by far since 2008. The latest earnings results reflect continued growth in key markets in addition to typical year-end product, software, and multi-client sales. In 2013, Schlumberger expects global oil demand to grow at similar levels to 2012 and further growth in North America, with a strong activity outlook for the Gulf of Mexico. The Full Research Report on Schlumberger Limited - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investors-alliance.com/r/full_research_report/07a1_SLB]

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National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. Research Report

NOV's acquisition of Robbins & Myers, Inc. was finally completed on February 20. The merger will provide the company an incredible opportunity to expand its offerings of products and services. Under the merger agreement, the shareholders of Robbins & Myers will receive $60 in cash for each common share. NOV's latest quarterly cash dividend is at 13 cents per share of common stock, payable on March 29. The Full Research Report on National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investors-alliance.com/r/full_research_report/72e4_NOV]

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Noble Corporation Research Report

The board of directors of Noble recommends a dividend increase of $1 per share for the 2013-2014 cycle, funded from the company's capital contribution reserve. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend is payable in for equal installments of 25 cents per share with expected payment dates in August and November 2013, and February and May 2014. During 2012, the leading offshore drilling contractor added three state-of-the-art, ultra-deep-water drill ships to its fleet and placed two other drill ships into service following significant enhancement and maintenance programs. In 2013, the company is focused on improving results from these five rigs, its incoming new builds, and the revenue efficiency of the entire fleet. The Full Research Report on Noble Corporation - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investors-alliance.com/r/full_research_report/336c_NE]

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Hercules Offshore, Inc. Research Report

The acquisition of the offshore drilling rig Ben Avon by Hercules Offshore was announced on February 21, with a purchase price of $55 million in cash. Subject to completion of closing conditions, Hercules Offshore expects the acquisition to close by the end of March 2013. The company also announced its agreement of a three-year rig commitment with Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited for the use of the Ben Avon, expecting to generate total revenue of around $119 million under the contract. Subject to a mutually agreed drilling contract, the rig is expected to begin working as early as May 2013. The Full Research Report on Hercules Offshore, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investors-alliance.com/r/full_research_report/d85d_HERO]

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SOURCE Investors-Alliance