Weatherford Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Diluted Share of $0.46 Before Gain on Sale of UCO Shares and Exit and Restructuring Costs

03 Feb 2006

Sequential Earnings Up 24%

HOUSTON, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) today reported fourth quarter 2005 income from continuing operations of $164 million, or $0.46 per diluted share before non-recurring items, a 24 percent improvement as compared to third quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.37 before charges. The fourth quarter was a 64 percent improvement from the prior year's fourth quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.28 excluding the 2004 gain on sale of Universal common stock. The non- recurring items in the fourth quarter results include a gain of $115 million relating to the sale of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc.'s common stock, offset by exit costs and restructuring charges of $17 million and tax expense of $24 million associated with acquisition integration and related activities.

Revenues for the fourth quarter were $1,461 million, an increase of $385 million over the prior quarter. The Precision acquisition, which was completed on September 1, 2005, contributed $247 million to the increase. Excluding the acquisition, fourth quarter revenues improved 14 percent sequentially and 26 percent over the comparable period of the prior year. Activity levels in both North America and in the Eastern Hemisphere outperformed each region's increase in rig count. The Eastern Hemisphere's growth was led by an 18 percent sequential increase in the Middle East/North Africa region.

Operating income, excluding the charges noted above, was $250 million for the quarter, 46 percent higher than the third quarter and twice the level of the fourth quarter 2004. Operating income margins improved 120 basis points sequentially and 290 basis points over the fourth quarter of 2004.

Annual revenues were $4,333 million and represent the highest revenue levels in the history of the company. Excluding the Precision acquisition, annual revenues improved $753 million or 24 percent over the prior year. Operating income before charges was $690 million for the current year, 66 percent higher than the prior year. Diluted earnings per share of $1.46, before gains and charges, was 60 percent higher than 2004 diluted earnings per share of $0.91, before charges.

Evaluation, Drilling & Intervention Services

Revenues for the quarter reached record levels of $838 million, including $265 million attributable to the Precision acquisition. Excluding the acquisition, this division posted revenue gains of 9 percent sequentially and 20 percent over the comparable period of the prior year. Sequential improvements were led by an 11 percent increase in North America and an 8 percent increase in the Middle East/North Africa region.

Operating income of $209 million topped the preceding quarter by 49 percent and exceeded the same quarter in the prior year by 88 percent. Both the legacy Weatherford and the acquired Precision product lines posted strong results. Incremental operating margins were 54 percent excluding the acquired businesses or 30 percent with the impact of the acquisition.

Completion & Production Systems

Fourth quarter revenues of $518 million were led by a strong performance in the Eastern Hemisphere. Revenue increases in Europe/CIS/West Africa and the Middle East/North Africa drove the Eastern Hemisphere's 39 percent sequential improvement. Revenue growth in North America was 17 percent sequentially and 37 percent over the same period in 2004.

This division continues to post record levels of operating income. The fourth quarter results of $87 million represent a sequential improvement of 33 percent and an increase of 70 percent over the fourth quarter of 2004. Incremental operating margins were 24 percent sequentially and 27 percent over the same quarter in the prior year.

Other Operations

Other Operations includes the company's pipeline services and contract drilling businesses. Revenues in the fourth quarter increased $68 million as compared to the third quarter. Operating income remained essentially flat on the higher revenue. The contract drilling business' transition to United States accounting requirements accelerated the recognition of $7.1 million of expenses that would have otherwise been deferred.

Research and Development

The company's Research and Development expenditures increased $8 million sequentially and $11 million as compared to the same quarter in the prior year due to the Precision acquisition and increased baseline activity in both divisions.

Other Income (Expense)

The company sold its remaining 6.75 million shares of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc.'s common stock during the fourth quarter of 2005 for a gain of $115 million. There were no tax effects associated with the disposition.

Interest Expense, net increased $6 million sequentially and $9 million from the fourth quarter 2004 due to the reduction in cash and incremental borrowings related to the Precision acquisition.

Share Split

In the fourth quarter the company's board of directors declared a two-for-one share split of Weatherford's common shares. Earnings per share information for prior periods have been restated to reflect the two-for-one share split.

Non-GAAP Measures

Non-GAAP performance measures and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the three months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 have been provided for additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods.

Conference Call

The company will host a conference call with financial analysts on Friday, February 3, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time). The purpose of the conference call is to discuss results for the company's fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005. The company invites investors to listen to a play back of the conference call at the company's website, http://www.weatherford.com in the "investor relations" section.

Weatherford is one of the largest global providers of innovative mechanical solutions, technology and services for the drilling and production sectors of the oil and gas industry. Weatherford operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 25,100 people worldwide.

     Contact:  Lisa W. Rodriguez           (713) 693-4746
               Chief Financial Officer

               Andrew P. Becnel            (713) 693-4136
               Vice President - Finance

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning, among other things, Weatherford's prospects for its operations and the successful integration of the acquisition, all of which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties, which are more fully described in Weatherford International Ltd.'s reports and registration statements filed with the SEC, include the impact of oil and natural gas prices and worldwide economic conditions on drilling activity, the demand for and pricing of Weatherford's products and services, domestic and international economic and regulatory conditions and changes in tax and other laws affecting our business. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated.



                        Weatherford International Ltd.
                 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
                     (In 000's, Except Per Share Amounts)


                                      Three Months          Twelve Months
                                    Ended December 31,    Ended December 31,
                                     2005       2004       2005        2004
    Net Revenues:
       Evaluation, Drilling &
        Intervention Services      $837,832  $478,569  $2,428,382  $1,697,635
       Completion & Production
        Systems                     518,358   388,209   1,722,884   1,358,479
       Other Operations             105,220    15,827     181,961      75,660
                                  1,461,410   882,605   4,333,227   3,131,774

    Operating Income (Expense):
       Evaluation, Drilling &
        Intervention Services       209,156   111,509     579,902     355,698
       Completion & Production
        Systems                      86,682    51,063     255,604     162,575
       Other Operations               4,369    (2,849)     12,739      14,510
       Research and Development     (35,300)  (23,833)   (107,362)    (83,552)
       Equity in Earnings             6,312     5,848      23,948      22,405
       Corporate Expenses           (21,006)  (16,652)    (74,405)    (55,889)
       Exit Costs and
        Restructuring Charges       (16,977)      ---    (120,997)        ---
                                    233,236   125,086     569,429     415,747

    Other Income (Expense):
       Debt Redemption Expense          ---       ---      (4,733)        ---
       Gain on Sale of Universal
        Common Stock                115,456    52,362     115,456      77,642
       Other, Net                     2,353    (2,593)     13,918      (4,121)
       Interest Expense, Net        (23,301)  (13,928)    (69,135)    (59,716)
    Income from Continuing
     Operations Before Income
     Taxes                          327,744   160,927     624,935     429,552
    Provision for Income Taxes      (83,994)  (27,998)   (158,726)    (92,253)
    Income from Continuing
     Operations                     243,750   132,929     466,209     337,299
    Income (Loss) from
     Discontinued Operation, Net
     of Taxes                           ---       626       1,211      (7,153)
    Net Income                     $243,750  $133,555    $467,420    $330,146

    Basic Earnings Per Share:
     Income from Continuing
      Operations                      $0.70     $0.49       $1.55       $1.26
     Income (Loss) from
      Discontinued Operation           0.00      0.00        0.01       (0.03)
     Net Income                       $0.70     $0.49       $1.56       $1.23

    Diluted Earnings Per Share:
     Income from Continuing
      Operations                      $0.69     $0.45       $1.47       $1.17
     Income (Loss) from
      Discontinued Operation           0.00      0.00        0.00       (0.02)
     Net Income                       $0.69     $0.45       $1.47       $1.15

    Weighted Average Shares
     Outstanding:
     Basic                          346,874   272,870     300,336     268,000
     Diluted                        355,630   303,040     322,286     297,368



                        Weatherford International Ltd.
                           Supplemental Information
                                  (In 000's)

                                     Three Months          Twelve Months
                                   Ended December 31,     Ended December 31,
                                    2005       2004        2005        2004
    Geographic Revenues:
     Eastern Hemisphere            $478,796  $317,650  $1,508,548  $1,160,827
     United States                  508,517   321,405   1,609,209   1,140,974
     Canada                         316,985   155,380     791,496     528,581
     Latin America                  157,112    88,170     423,974     301,392
                                 $1,461,410  $882,605  $4,333,227  $3,131,774

    Depreciation and
     Amortization:
     Evaluation, Drilling &
      Intervention Services         $79,088   $45,846    $232,254    $175,420
     Completion & Production
      Systems                        19,505    17,795      76,237      66,140
     Other Operations                10,839     1,691      17,909       7,249
     Research and Development         1,744     1,151       5,485       4,606
     Other                              773       613       2,453       2,469
                                   $111,949   $67,096    $334,338    $255,884

    Research and Development:
     Evaluation, Drilling &
      Intervention Services         $21,612   $10,924     $56,909     $39,258
     Completion & Production
      Systems                        13,170    12,314      48,828      42,462
     Other Operations                   518       595       1,625       1,832
                                    $35,300   $23,833    $107,362     $83,552


We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, Weatherford's management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. One such non-GAAP financial measure we may present from time to time is operating income or income from continuing operations excluding certain charges or amounts. This adjusted income amount is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or other income data prepared in accordance with GAAP. See the table below for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the three months ended September 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.




                        Weatherford International Ltd.
            Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                                 (Unaudited)
                    (In thousands, except per share data)

                                              For the three months ended
                                                   December 31, 2005

                                                         Items       Non-GAAP
                                                       impacting     Adjusted
                                              GAAP     the period*   Earnings

       Operating Income                     $233,236     $16,977     $250,213

       Other Income (Expense), Net            94,508    (115,456)     (20,948)

       Income from Continuing Operations
        Before Income Taxes                  327,744     (98,479)     229,265

       Provision for Income Taxes            (83,994)     18,650      (65,344)

       Income from Continuing Operations    $243,750    $(79,829)    $163,921

       Diluted Earnings Per Share from
        Continuing Operations                  $0.69                    $0.46

       Diluted Weighted Average Shares
        Outstanding                          355,630                  355,630

       * Exit costs, restructuring charges and tax expense associated with
       the Precision acquisition and related activities and the gain on sale
       of shares of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc., with no related
       income tax effects.



                                             For the three months ended
                                                    December 31, 2004

                                                         Items       Non-GAAP
                                                       impacting     Adjusted
                                              GAAP     the period*   Earnings

       Operating Income                     $125,086        $---     $125,086

       Other Income (Expense), Net            35,841     (52,362)     (16,521)

       Income from Continuing Operations
        Before Income Taxes                  160,927     (52,362)     108,565

       Provision for Income Taxes            (27,998)        ---      (27,998)

       Income from Continuing Operations    $132,929    $(52,362)     $80,567

       Diluted Earnings Per Share from
        Continuing Operations                  $0.45                    $0.28

       Diluted Weighted Average Shares
        Outstanding                          303,040                  303,040

       * Gain on sale of shares of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc., with
       no related income tax effects.



                        Weatherford International Ltd.
            Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                                 (Unaudited)
                    (In thousands, except per share data)

                                              For the three months ended
                                                  September 30, 2005
                                                         Items       Non-GAAP
                                                       impacting     Adjusted
                                              GAAP     the period*   Earnings
       Operating Income                     $74,206     $97,258     $171,464

       Other Income (Expense), Net          (14,658)      4,733       (9,925)

       Income from Continuing Operations
        Before Income Taxes                  59,548     101,991      161,539

       Provision for Income Taxes           (12,249)    (31,740)     (43,989)

       Income from Continuing Operations    $47,299     $70,251     $117,550

       Diluted Earnings Per Share from
        Continuing Operations                 $0.15                    $0.37

       Diluted Weighted Average Shares
        Outstanding **                      311,788                  323,510

       * Exit costs and restructuring charges associated with the acquisition
       of the Precision divisions and debt redemption expense incurred with
       the settlement of the Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures.

       ** The effect of our Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures is anti
       dilutive for GAAP purposes, however, after adjusting for non-GAAP
       items, the effect of the Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures is
       dilutive.



                                         For the year ended December 31, 2005

                                                         Items       Non-GAAP
                                                       impacting     Adjusted
                                              GAAP     the period*   Earnings
       Operating Income                     $569,429    $120,997    $690,426

       Other Income (Expense), Net            55,506    (110,723)    (55,217)

       Income from Continuing Operations
        Before Income Taxes                  624,935      10,274     635,209

       Provision for Income Taxes           (158,726)    (13,802)   (172,528)

       Income from Continuing Operations    $466,209     $(3,528)   $462,681

       Diluted Earnings Per Share from
        Continuing Operations                  $1.47                   $1.46

       Diluted Weighted Average Shares
        Outstanding                          322,286                 322,286

       * Exit costs, restructuring charges and tax expense associated with the
       Precision acquisition and related activities, debt redemption expense
       incurred with the settlement of the Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures,
       debt restructuring costs related to our investment in Universal
       Compression Holdings, Inc. and the gain on sale of shares of Universal
       Compression Holdings, Inc., with no related income tax effects.



                        Weatherford International Ltd.
            Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                                 (Unaudited)
                    (In thousands, except per share data)


                                         For the year ended December 31, 2004

                                                         Items       Non-GAAP
                                                       impacting     Adjusted
                                              GAAP     the period*   Earnings
       Operating Income                     $415,747        $---    $415,747

       Other Income (Expense), Net            13,805     (77,642)    (63,837)

       Income from Continuing Operations
        Before Income Taxes                  429,552     (77,642)    351,910

       Provision for Income Taxes            (92,253)        ---     (92,253)

       Income from Continuing Operations    $337,299    $(77,642)   $259,657

       Diluted Earnings Per Share from
        Continuing Operations                  $1.17                   $0.91

       Diluted Weighted Average Shares
        Outstanding                          297,368                 297,368

       * Gain on sale of shares of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc., with
       no related income tax effects.

SOURCE Weatherford International Ltd.

CONTACT: Lisa W. Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer, +1-713-693-4746, or Andrew P. Becnel, Vice President - Finance, +1-713-693-4136, both of Weatherford International Ltd.