Pride International, Inc. Reports 115 Percent Improvement in Second Quarter Net Income, Led by Strong Offshore Segment Performance


HOUSTON, Aug. 2, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Pride International, Inc. (NYSE:PDE) today reported a 115% improvement in net income for the second quarter of 2007, to a record $146.1 million, or $0.83 per diluted share. The results compared to net income of $67.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the corresponding three months in 2006. Second quarter 2007 results included gains totaling $8.8 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, resulting primarily from the sale of a land rig located in Russia. Revenues for the second quarter of 2007 totaled $791.2 million, compared to revenues of $616.5 million during the second quarter of 2006.

For the six months ended June 30, 2007, net income was $247.8 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, on revenues of $1,503.2 million. The results compared to net income of $138.3 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, on revenues of $1,183.4 million for the comparable six months in 2006. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2006 include after-tax gains totaling $19.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, relating to the sale of assets.

Louis A. Raspino, president and chief executive officer of Pride International, Inc., stated, "Our record second quarter results were driven by strong operating performance with our fleet of deepwater and midwater floaters combined with continued average daily revenue improvements from contract rollovers. Following the excellent operating results of first quarter 2007, we continued in the second quarter with excellent utilization, uptime, cost control, and shipyard performance, while achieving 21% and 36% average daily revenue increases in our deepwater and midwater fleets, respectively."

Raspino added, "Partially offsetting these results was our U.S. Gulf jackup fleet, which experienced lower utilization and lower average daily revenues in the quarter due to reduced activity, combined with an increase in out-of-service time as we prepared to relocate the Pride Oklahoma and Pride Mississippi to the stronger market in Mexico.

"From a macro perspective, strong global demand for energy is fueling our customers' continued growth in E&P spending, particularly in the deepwater. As part of our stated strategy to further grow our significant deepwater presence, we recently committed to the construction of an ultra-deepwater drillship and acquired a second ultra-deepwater drillship in the early stages of construction. When combined with the acquisitions of our partners' interest in two deepwater joint ventures, we have now invested or committed over $2 billion toward our deepwater growth strategy. We are confident that the favorable conditions in the deepwater sector will persist for quite some time, producing attractive opportunities for deepwater drilling rigs, especially ultra-deepwater rigs of the caliber we are adding to our fleet," said Raspino.

Consolidated Results

Total consolidated revenues of $791.2 million in the second quarter of 2007 achieved another quarterly record, increasing $79.2 million, or 11% from first quarter 2007 revenues of $712.0 million. The record revenues were significantly aided by improving average daily revenues in the company's Offshore segment, as several floating rigs commenced new contracts at significantly higher average daily revenues. Additionally, higher activity and increased revenues from reimbursables in the Latin America Land and E&P Services segments contributed to the record revenues.

Earnings from operations reached $237.2 million during the second quarter of 2007, up $60.5 million from $176.7 million in the first quarter of 2007. The 34% improvement, due chiefly to improved revenues, was partially offset by a 6% increase in operating costs, which totaled $444.1 million in the second quarter of 2007 compared to $419.2 million in the preceding quarter of 2007. Higher activity in both the Latin American Land and the Offshore segments contributed an estimated $9 million to the operating cost increase in the quarter. Additional increased operating costs of approximately $6 million resulted primarily from wage and benefit increases for the company's Argentine union workers due to government-mediated union negotiations with the energy industry. As has been the case historically, the company will seek to recover these costs over the succeeding quarters.

Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $207 million. Since the close of the second quarter, the company made initial capital expenditures of approximately $210 million related to the commitment to construct an ultra-deepwater drillship and the acquisition of another ultra-deepwater drillship in the early stages of construction. As a result of these drillship projects, the company has revised its expected 2007 capital expenditures to an estimated $790 million. Total debt at June 30, 2007 was $1,290.7 million, resulting in a debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of approximately 31%.

Offshore Segment Results

Revenues from the Offshore segment totaled $517.1 million during the second quarter of 2007, representing a 13% improvement from revenues of $455.7 million during the first quarter of 2007. The revenue growth was due primarily to higher average daily revenues in both the deepwater and midwater fleets, partially offset by declining utilization and average daily revenues in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico jackup rig fleet. Segment earnings from operations were $213.6 million during the second quarter, up 25% from $170.5 million in the preceding quarter. The increase was attributable to the higher revenues, partially offset by higher labor, increased reimbursables and mobilization costs.

Revenues from the company's eight-rig deepwater fleet were $167.2 million during the second quarter of 2007, up 21% from $138.1 million in the preceding quarter, while earnings from operations were $76.7 million, up 45% from $53.0 million over the same comparative period. Higher average daily revenues on the semisubmersible rig Pride South Pacific, which completed a full quarter at the new contract dayrate of $425,000, retroactive revenues on the drillship Pride Angola and improved utilization on the semisubmersible rig Pride Rio de Janeiro contributed to the improved financial results, partially offset by out-of-service time on the semisubmersible rig Pride Carlos Walter. The average daily revenues of the deepwater fleet improved 21% to $236,200 during the second quarter of 2007, from $195,400 during the preceding quarter. Utilization of the fleet remained excellent at 97% compared to 98% over the same comparative period.

Revenues from the midwater fleet, comprising six semisubmersible rigs, totaled $95.7 million during the second quarter of 2007, up 19% from $80.2 million during the first quarter. Earnings from operations improved 40% during the second quarter to $45.7 million, compared to $32.7 million in the first quarter. The favorable results were due primarily to higher average daily revenues on the semisubmersible rigs Pride South Seas, Pride South Atlantic and Pride South America. The higher daily revenues on the three rigs contributed to a 36% increase in the midwater average daily revenues for the second quarter to $203,500 compared to $150,000 in the first quarter. Average midwater fleet utilization declined to 86% in the second quarter from 99% in the preceding quarter due primarily to the planned shipyard program on the semisubmersible rig Pride Mexico in preparation for its five year, estimated $482 million contract with Petrobras in Brazil. The contract is expected to commence during the second quarter of 2008.

Revenues from the 28-rig jackup fleet experienced modest improvement during the second quarter of 2007 to $192.2 million from $182.6 million in the first quarter, while income from operations improved 5% to $82.4 million from $78.8 million over the same comparative period. Improving international jackup fleet dayrates were significantly offset by lower activity and average daily revenues in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where utilization fell to 71% in the second quarter from 80% in the preceding quarter, and average daily revenues declined to $83,600 from $91,900 over the same comparative period. The company does not currently expect activity levels in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to increase sufficiently during 2007 to support dayrate improvement from current levels. Taking this into consideration, as well as the strong international market, the company will mobilize two of its jackup rigs, the Pride Oklahoma and Pride Mississippi, to Mexican waters during the third quarter of 2007 to begin one year contracts with Pemex. This move will reduce the company's jackup fleet in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to 10 units.

Latin America Land Segment

Revenues from the Latin American Land segment, comprised of 207 land drilling and workover rigs and two lake barges, were $192.2 million in the second quarter of 2007, up 8% from revenues of $178.1 million in the first quarter, due primarily to higher activity, especially in Argentina and Colombia, increased reimbursable revenues and modest pricing improvement. Earnings from operations totaled $27.6 million in the second quarter, down from $31.8 million in the first quarter. This reduction is primarily the result of higher wages and benefits resulting from government-mediated union negotiations with the energy industry. Average daily revenues for the fleet of 73 land drilling rigs improved to $17,800 in the second quarter of 2007, from $16,500 in the preceding quarter. Average daily revenues for the fleet of 134 land workover rigs increased to $7,200, up from $7,000 over the same comparative period.

E&P Services Segment

Revenues from the E&P Services segment totaled $54.2 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared to $48.3 million in the first quarter. The 12% revenue increase was driven primarily by higher pressure pumping and integrated services activities. Earnings from operations increased to $7.8 million from $6.5 million over the same comparative period, a 20% increase.

Pride International, Inc. will host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 to discuss results for the second quarter of 2007, recent events and management's operational outlook. Individuals who wish to participate in the conference call should dial 913-981-5578 and refer to confirmation code 7963041 approximately five to 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. In addition, the conference call will be simulcast through a listen-only broadcast over the Internet and can be accessed at www.prideinternational.com and selecting the Investor Relations link. A telephonic replay of the conference call should be available after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 2 and can be accessed by dialing 719-457-0820 and referring to pass code 7963041. Also, a replay will be available through the Internet, along with an electronic download option (podcast) and can be accessed by visiting the company's worldwide web address. All replay options will be available for approximately 30 days.

Pride International, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of the world's largest drilling contractors. The Company provides onshore and offshore drilling and related services in more than 25 countries, operating a diverse fleet of 280 rigs, including two ultra-deepwater drillships, 12 semisubmersible rigs, 28 jackups, 16 tender-assisted, barge and platform rigs, five managed and 217 land rigs. The company also has two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction with expected deliveries in 2010.

The Pride International, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3388

The information above includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions identified above or as disclosed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements.



                       Pride International, Inc.
                 Consolidated Statements of Operations
                (In millions, except per share amounts)

                                                   Three Months Ended
                                                        June 30,
                                                  --------------------
                                                    2007        2006
                                                  --------    --------
 REVENUES                                         $  791.2    $  616.5

 COSTS AND EXPENSES
   Operating costs, excluding depreciation
    and amortization                                 444.1       391.8
   Depreciation and amortization                      77.9        64.4
   General and administrative, excluding
    depreciation and amortization                     40.8        36.8
   Gain on sales of assets, net                       (8.8)       (1.7)
                                                  --------    --------
                                                     554.0       491.3
                                                  --------    --------

 EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS                            237.2       125.2

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
   Interest expense                                  (20.3)      (18.5)
   Interest income                                     0.8         1.7
   Other income (expense), net                        (0.9)       (2.0)
                                                  --------    --------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE            
  INCOME TAX AND MINORITY INTEREST                   216.8       106.4
 INCOME TAXES                                        (69.2)      (37.2)
 MINORITY INTEREST                                    (1.5)       (1.4)
                                                  --------    --------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                   146.1        67.8
                                                  --------    --------
 NET INCOME                                       $  146.1    $   67.8
                                                  ========    ========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
   Income from continuing operations              $   0.88    $   0.41
   Income from discontinued operations                  --          --
                                                  --------    --------
     Net income                                   $   0.88    $   0.41
                                                  ========    ========

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
   Income from continuing operations              $   0.83    $   0.39
   Income from discontinued operations                  --          --
                                                  --------    --------
     Net income                                   $   0.83    $   0.39
                                                  ========    ========
 SHARES USED IN PER SHARE CALCULATIONS
   Basic                                             165.4       162.7
   Diluted                                           178.3       176.5


                      Pride International, Inc.
                Consolidated Statements of Operations
               (In millions, except per share amounts)

                                                    Six Months Ended
                                                        June 30,
                                                  --------------------
                                                    2007        2006
                                                  --------    --------
 REVENUES                                         $1,503.2    $1,183.4

 COSTS AND EXPENSES
   Operating costs, excluding depreciation
    and amortization                                 863.4       764.1
   Depreciation and amortization                     155.5       129.9
   General and administrative, excluding
    depreciation and amortization                     79.8        62.8
   Gain on sales of assets, net                       (9.3)      (28.4)
                                                  --------    --------
                                                   1,089.4       928.4
                                                  --------    --------

 EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS                            413.8       255.0

 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
   Interest expense                                  (40.9)      (38.2)
   Interest income                                     1.5         2.5
   Other income (expense), net                        (3.9)        0.4
                                                  --------    --------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE            
  INCOME TAX AND MINORITY INTEREST                   370.5       219.7
 INCOME TAXES                                       (120.2)      (79.4)
 MINORITY INTEREST                                    (2.5)       (2.8)
                                                  --------    --------

 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                   247.8       137.5
 INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF
  TAX                                                   --         0.8
                                                  --------    --------
 NET INCOME                                       $  247.8    $  138.3
                                                  ========    ========

 BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:                        
   Income from continuing operations              $   1.50    $   0.84
   Income from discontinued operations                  --        0.01
                                                  --------    --------
     Net income                                   $   1.50    $   0.85
                                                  ========    ========

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
   Income from continuing operations              $   1.41    $   0.79
   Income from discontinued operations                  --        0.01
                                                  --------    --------
     Net income                                   $   1.41    $   0.80
                                                  ========    ========
 SHARES USED IN PER SHARE CALCULATIONS
   Basic                                             165.0       162.4
   Diluted                                           178.1       176.5


                      Pride International, Inc.
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                   (In millions, except par value)

                                                  June 30,    Dec. 31,
                                                    2007        2006
                                                  --------    --------
                  ASSETS                        (Unaudited)   (Audited)
 CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                      $  124.8    $   64.1
   Trade receivables, net                            605.9       505.0
   Parts and supplies, net                            77.7        75.3
   Deferred income taxes                             166.1       154.5
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets         139.7       164.3
                                                  --------    --------
     Total current assets                          1,114.2       963.2

 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                            6,000.4     5,808.4
   Less: accumulated depreciation                  1,953.9     1,808.3
                                                  --------    --------
     Property and equipment, net                   4,046.5     4,000.1
                                                  --------    --------
 Goodwill                                             68.5        68.5
 Other assets                                         70.7        65.7
                                                  --------    --------
     Total assets                                 $5,299.9    $5,097.5
                                                  ========    ========
           LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
   Current portion of long-term debt              $  141.4    $   91.9
   Accounts payable                                  168.2       189.9
   Accrued expenses and other current
    liabilities                                      385.3       388.3
                                                  --------    --------
     Total current liabilities                       694.9       670.1

 OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                         184.1       196.9

 LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION            1,149.3     1,294.7
 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                               333.2       273.6

 MINORITY INTEREST                                    30.7        28.3

 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Preferred stock                                        --          --
 Common stock                                          1.7         1.7
 Paid-in capital                                   1,862.7     1,817.9
 Treasury stock, at cost                              (9.8)       (8.0)
 Retained earnings                                 1,048.4       819.0
 Accumulated other comprehensive income                4.7         3.3
                                                  --------    --------
   Total stockholders' equity                      2,907.7     2,633.9
                                                  --------    --------
     Total liabilities and stockholders'
      equity                                      $5,299.9    $5,097.5
                                                  ========    ========


                      Pride International, Inc.
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                            (In millions)

                                                    Six Months Ended
                                                        June 30,
                                                  --------------------
                                                    2007        2006
                                                  --------    --------
 CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) OPERATING 
  ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                       $  247.8    $  138.3
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash from operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                     155.5       129.9
   Discount amortization on long-term debt             0.4         0.1
   Amortization and write-offs of deferred
    financing costs                                    2.0         2.0
   Amortization of deferred contract
    liabilities                                      (25.9)       (2.2)
   Gain on sale of assets                             (9.3)      (28.4)
   Equity in earnings of affiliates                    0.1        (1.3)
   Deferred income taxes                              46.1        44.8
   Excess tax benefits from stock-based
    compensation                                      (4.4)         --
   Minority interest                                   2.5         2.8
   Stock-based compensation                           11.4         8.3
   Loss (gain) on mark-to-market of
    derivatives                                        0.8        (1.8)
   Other non-cash items                                 --         3.0
 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
  effects of acquisitions:
   Trade receivables                                (100.9)      (31.4)
   Parts and supplies                                 (2.4)       (3.7)
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets          17.0       (16.9)
   Other assets                                       (6.1)       (0.9)
   Accounts payable                                  (26.3)       (8.5)
   Accrued expenses                                   38.5         8.3
   Other liabilities                                 (48.9)        5.5
 Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue             (25.7)      (14.4)
 Decrease (increase) in deferred expense               9.5        15.4
                                                  --------    --------
 NET CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) OPERATING 
  ACTIVITIES                                         281.7       248.9
                                                  --------    --------
 CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING
  ACTIVITIES:
   Purchases of property and equipment              (170.6)     (105.0)
   Proceeds from dispositions of property
    and equipment                                     17.1        54.6
   Investments in and advances to affiliates            --        (3.8)
                                                  --------    --------
 NET CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING
  ACTIVITIES                                        (153.5)      (54.2)
                                                  --------    --------
 CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
   Repayments of borrowings                         (216.6)     (353.8)
   Proceeds from debt borrowings                     120.0       186.0
   Decrease in restricted cash                         0.4          --
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options            22.2        27.5
   Excess tax benefits from stock-based
    compensation                                       4.4          --
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock              2.1         1.4
                                                  --------    --------
 NET CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES                                         (67.5)     (138.9)
                                                  --------    --------
 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents                                         60.7        55.8
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD                                              64.1        45.1
                                                  --------    --------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD         $  124.8    $  100.9
                                                  ========    ========


                       Pride International, Inc.
                Quarterly Operating Results by Segment
                             (In millions)
                              (Unaudited)

                                               Three Months Ended
                                         June 30,   March 31,  June 30,
                                          ----------------------------
                                           2007       2007       2006
                                          ------     ------     ------
 Revenues:
   Offshore                               $517.1     $455.7     $384.3
   Latin America Land                      192.2      178.1      156.2
   E&P Services                             54.2       48.3       50.3
   Other                                    27.7       29.9       25.7
   Corporate                                  --         --         --
                                          ------     ------     ------
   Total                                  $791.2     $712.0     $616.5
                                          ======     ======     ======

 Earnings from operations:
   Offshore                               $213.6     $170.5     $114.5
   Latin America Land                       27.6       31.8       28.8
   E&P Services                              7.8        6.5        7.4
   Other                                    19.7        3.2        7.0
   Corporate                               (31.5)     (35.3)     (32.5)
                                          ------     ------     ------
   Total                                  $237.2     $176.7     $125.2
                                          ======     ======     ======


                       Pride International, Inc.
                Quarterly Operating Results by Segment
                             (In millions)
                              (Unaudited)

                                                   Six Months Ended
                                                  June 30,    June 30,
                                                  --------------------
                                                    2007        2006
                                                  --------    --------

 Revenues:
   Offshore                                       $  972.8    $  748.7
   Latin America Land                                370.3       296.6
   E&P Services                                      102.5        89.2
   Other                                              57.6        48.9
   Corporate                                            --          --
                                                  --------    --------
   Total                                          $1,503.2    $1,183.4
                                                  ========    ========

 Earnings from operations:
   Offshore                                       $  384.1    $  240.7
   Latin America Land                                 59.3        51.3
   E&P Services                                       14.3        11.3
   Other                                              22.9         9.9
   Corporate                                         (66.8)      (58.2)
                                                  --------    --------
   Total                                          $  413.8    $  255.0
                                                  ========    ========


                       Pride International, Inc.
                  Quarterly Selected Segment Metrics


 Offshore Segment

                    Q2 2007            Q1 2007            Q2 2006
               -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
               Average            Average            Average 
                Daily    Utiliz-   Daily    Utiliz-   Daily    Utiliz-
               Revenues   ation   Revenues   ation   Revenues   ation
                 (1)      (2)       (1)      (2)        (1)     (2)
               -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
 Deepwater     $236,200    97%    $195,400    98%    $173,700    93%
 Midwater      $203,500    86%    $150,000    99%    $ 93,500    77%
 Jackups       $ 94,100    80%    $ 90,700    80%    $ 79,500    84%
 Other         $ 49,400    73%    $ 47,900    68%    $ 48,400    69%
               
 (1) Average daily revenues are based on total revenues for each type
     of rig divided by actual days worked by all rigs of that type. 
     Average daily revenues will differ from average contract dayrate 
     due to billing adjustments for any non-productive time, 
     mobilization fees, demobilization fees, performance bonuses and 
     charges to the customer for ancillary services.

 (2) Utilization is calculated as the total days worked divided by the
     total days in the period.


 Latin America Land Segment


                    Q2 2007            Q1 2007            Q2 2006
               -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
               Average            Average            Average 
                Daily     Days     Daily     Days     Daily     Days
               Revenues  Worked   Revenues  Worked   Revenues  Worked
                 (1)      (2)       (1)      (2)        (1)     (2)
               -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
 Drilling      $ 17,800    5,796  $ 16,500    5,775  $ 14,900    5,754
 Workover      $  7,200   11,613  $  7,000   11,107  $  5,800   11,231


 (1) Average daily revenues are based on total revenues for each type
     of rig divided by actual days worked by all rigs of that type.

 (2) Days worked is calculated as the total days worked by all rigs 
     of each type during the period.


                      Pride International, Inc.
                  Quarterly Selected Segment Metrics


 Offshore Segment
                                      Six Months Ending June 30,
                                        2007              2006
                                  -----------------  -----------------
                                  Average            Average
                                   Daily    Utiliz-   Daily    Utiliz-
                                  Revenues   ation   Revenues   ation
                                    (1)      (2)        (1)     (2)
                                  -----------------  -----------------
 Deepwater                        $215,800    98%    $175,800    90%
 Midwater                         $175,000    93%    $ 89,300    83%
 Jackups                          $ 92,400    80%    $ 72,000    86%
 Other                            $ 48,700    70%    $ 46,800    68%

 (1) Average daily revenues are based on total revenues for each type
     of rig divided by actual days worked by all rigs of that type.
     Average daily revenues will differ from average contract dayrate
     due to billing adjustments for any non-productive time,
     mobilization fees, demobilization fees, performance bonuses and
     charges to the customer for ancillary services.

 (2) Utilization is calculated as the total days worked divided by
     the total days in the period.


Latin America Land Segment

                                      Six Months Ending June 30,
                                        2007              2006
                                  -----------------  -----------------
                                  Average            Average
                                   Daily     Days     Daily     Days
                                  Revenues  Worked   Revenues  Worked
                                    (1)      (2)        (1)     (2)
                                  -----------------  -----------------
 Drilling                         $ 17,100   11,571  $ 14,600   11,256
 Workover                         $  7,100   22,720  $  5,600   21,671


 (1) Average daily revenues are based on total revenues for each type
     of rig divided by actual days worked by all rigs of that type.

 (2) Days worked is calculated as the total days worked by all rigs
     of each type during the period.


            

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