Apr 24, 2013 by David SmithDuPont's Planted the Seeds for GrowthDuPont has moved from a largely chemicals-based company to one that tilts toward agriculture. It's quarterly results showed definite signs of positive results.
Apr 24, 2013 by David SmithExxonMobil: Stand By for News The biggest member of big oil likely will cover a bevy of significant topics when it tells us about its 2013 first quarter.
Apr 23, 2013 by David SmithHalliburton's Shine Suddenly BrightensThe third of of the big oil-field services companies to report, Halliburton has become a lot more compelling.
Apr 22, 2013 by David SmithIs DuPont Getting Its Strength Back?Despite being buffeted by the economy, DuPont appears to be gaining ground as it moves more decisively into agriculture.
Apr 22, 2013 by David SmithMake Hay With Baker Hughes' Global PushDifferences may exist regarding the North American market, but Baker Hughes is flexing its muscles globally.
Apr 22, 2013 by David SmithWill Freeport-McMoRan Be Boosted By Its Energy Buys? With copper prices softening amid a sluggish worldwide economy, and a pair of controversial acquisitions in the hopper, it may be time to remain on the Freeport-McMoRan sidelines.
Apr 20, 2013 by David SmithSchlumberger: A Hard Habit to BreakThe big enchilada of oilfield services has posted a sound quarter amid industry softness in North America. It clearly is one of the better ways to play its group.
Apr 20, 2013 by David SmithShould We Be Worried About China's North American Energy Grab?CNOOC is now the owner of Nexen, a once sizable Canadian energy producer, and the Chinese are focusing on other parts of the world, including the Arctic. Should we be concerned?
Apr 17, 2013 by David SmithBaker Hughes' Friday Report Could Boost Its StandingIn the face of a still soft North American market, Baker Hughes' international expansion may shed a positive new light on the company on Friday.
Apr 17, 2013 by David SmithWhat Is Schlumberger Preparing to Tell Us?The kingpin of the oil-field services world will release its earnings on Friday, April 19. The company's releases and subsequent calls are always ultra-informative for energy investors.
Apr 16, 2013 by David SmithAre the U.S. and Saudi Arabia About to Trade Places?With Saudi Arabia's oil reserves possibly overstated, and U.S. production climbing as new technologies come on line, North America just might become the Saudi Arabia of the 2020's.
Apr 14, 2013 by David SmithBig Oil's Back in Washington's Taxation CrosshairsD.C. has its sights set on the industry once again.
Apr 6, 2013 by David SmithDiamond Offshore Sparkles in the DeepwaterDiamond Offshore is worth your attention for its solid margins, its balance sheet, and its board's tendency to toss shareholders a few extra shekels.
Apr 3, 2013 by David SmithAn Underwater Company That's on the RiseOceaneering is a key beneficiary of the quest for hydrocarbons moving to the challenging deep water. That movement is unlikely to abate for decades to come.
Apr 2, 2013 by David SmithAre Scotland and England Headed for Divorce Court?With Scotland accounting for the vast majority of British North Sea oil production -- and consequently related tax revenues -- there's a movement afoot in the country for a separation from England.
Mar 28, 2013 by David SmithAs Europe Struggles, Japan Threatens to EruptDespite the latest woes on Cyprus -- and previously in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Ireland -- Japan, the world's third-largest economy, could easily implode.
Mar 26, 2013 by David SmithEOG Resources Is Running Away From the CompetitionBy concentrating on the Eagle Ford, Bakken/Three Forks, and the Permian Basin plays, EOG Resources has achieved major growth in earnings, likely reserves, and liquids ratio.
Mar 25, 2013 by David SmithA Close Look at the King Kong of Oilfield Services Schlumberger stands out among its oilfield services peers, not only for its size, but also for its technological superiority, its global footprint, and its management's communication abilities.
Mar 25, 2013 by David SmithHas Russia Just Become Energy's Capital?With its new oil and gas pacts with China, along with state-controlled Rosneft's having consummated its purchase of TNK-BP, Russia's the new center of energy activity.
Mar 18, 2013 by David SmithApproaching 3 Years Since Macondo, Should Investors Look Into BP?London-based BP has tripped repeatedly during the past decade and still sits atop unknown Macondo liabilities. But it's also scoring on a host of fronts. Should you be a buyer?