Reduction in Effective Tax Rate
The effective tax rate has returned to a normal level, dropping from around 28% to slightly over 20%, largely due to improved operations in Norway and reduced losses.
Well Services Segment Performance
Despite a global trend of reduced investment due to lower oil prices, the well services segment showed resilience with a profit margin of over 16% and a decrease in revenue by only 3% to 4%, outperforming global peers like Halliburton and Baker Hughes.
Significant Overseas Contract Growth
The company saw a 47% growth in locked overseas technical contracts, a 255% increase in bundled services, and a 36% increase in new contracts.
Improved Financial Management
Substantial savings in finance costs were achieved by repaying USD 1 billion debt and swapping out high-interest debt, amidst challenges of renminbi depreciation.