New Transactions, Revenue Backlog to Boost Growth- Research Report on Seadrill Ltd.
Seadrill looks to build on its bright future with record highs in revenue backlog and earnings visibility, as well as improving access to capital and asset mix and new acquisitions
NEW YORK, January 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Norwegian offshore driller Seadrill (NYSE:SDRL) [Full Research Report](1), known for its high dividend yield stock, has secured itself for further growth in the future after announcing its plans to introduce 22 newbuilds into its current fleet of 48 drilling units over the next two years.
In addition, Seadrill has a record high revenue backlog of $19.7 billion and has earnings visibility as markets from all asset classes are improving. Motley Fool expects the company to add to its backlog up until next year as 2014 newbuild deliveries start to contract out. At present, it has a diverse asset base of 24 drillships & semi-submersibles, 21 jack-up rigs and 21 tender rigs.
The company also improved its access to capital and asset mix by floating its master limited partnership division, Seadrill Partners. In addition, they managed to increase its stake in Asia Offshore Drilling at 66.16 percent after failing to secure the purchase. It now owns twice as much of the company, expanding the company's position in the shallow-water sector of the offshore drilling industry.
Seadrill announced the sale of its tender rig division to Malaysian oil and gas firm SapuraKencana for $2.9 billion, including $363 million in remaining capital expenditures on the company's newbuild tender rigs, $187 million in a seller's note, and $350 million worth of new shares of SapuraKencana. The company will also assume the debt Seadrill's tender rig division, which is at $800 million.
A report from Seeking Alpha says pushing for an acquisition rather than build new rigs, which could take at least two years, would make better sense for Seadrill. Aside from that, shipyards can only build so many rigs at one time, considering constraints on space, manpower, equipment and other resources.
Fortunately, Seadrill has secured build slots at various shipyards, enabling them to construct new rigs even with capacity concerns. However, an acquisition would give the company a ready-made fleet of rigs without having to wait years to obtain and begin using the rigs. This would drastically increase its operating fleet and start generating revenue, cash flow, and profits right away.
Nevertheless, investors can expect substantial payouts ahead into the future as Seadrill rakes in the revenue and additional oil production either through new rigs or acquisitions they have planned. It wouldn't be surprising if the $38.16 stock price would be in the hundreds not far from today.
Reference Links:
(1)The Full Research Report on Seadrill Ltd. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets -is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.nationaltradersassociation.org/r/entire_report/7e29_SDRL]
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