SLB Warns of Flat Q2 on Saudi and Latin America Activity Slowdown

Core Insights - SLB anticipates flat revenues and core profit for Q2 2025 due to unexpected slowdown in drilling activity in Saudi Arabia and Latin America [1][9] - CEO Olivier Le Peuch highlighted that actual field activity diverged from original assumptions, particularly in the Middle East and South America [2][3] Drilling Activity - Several drilling rigs were demobilized in Saudi Arabia, and operations at the Jafurah unconventional gas field were paused, significantly impacting operational performance [3] - In Latin America, a decline in short-cycle project activity has further pressured top-line growth, reflecting shifting customer behavior [4] Margin Pressure - The company expects its margin profile to be affected by an unfavorable geographical activity mix, with declines in higher-margin operations in the Middle East and Latin America [5] - SLB anticipates Q2 EBITDA to be flat quarter over quarter, slightly below prior guidance due to cost rigidity in service delivery [5] Geopolitical Risks - The current forecast assumes no disruptions in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with any escalation posing additional downside risks [6] Shareholder Returns - Despite operational challenges, SLB remains committed to its capital return program, planning to return at least $4 billion to shareholders in 2025 [7]