Monday, March 30, 2026

SLB: Is the Familiar Bellwether Loudly Trumpeting the Start of Buying Season?

The most common adage heard among the investment community is “buy low, sell high.” But depressed oil prices combined with the rise in bankruptcies led many industry insiders to wait for increased M&A activity. But the onslaught of fire sales and corporate mergers has yet to earnestly materialize. This week, industry bellwether Schlumberger (ticker: SLB) announced its second 2016 acquisition:

MPLX LP Reports First Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Reported first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $302 million; distributable cash flow of $236 million Declared distribution of $0.505 per common unit, a 23 percent increase over first-quarter 2015 Announced a $1 billion private placement of convertible preferred securities with third-party investors Completed acquisition of Marathon Petroleum Corporation`s inland marine business, with strong sponsor support for the transaction Reaffirmed guidance of 12