Which of these companies is the world's largest supplier of equipment used in oil/gas drilling and production, expanding its earnings by more than 20-fold since 2003?

A.) National Oilwell Varco (NOV)
B.) GulfMark Offshore (GLF)
C.) Cal Dive International (DVR)
D.) Nabors Industries (NBR)
E.) Cameron International (CAM)
Published: December 1, 2008

The correct answer is      (A.) National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV)

National Oilwell Varco (NOV) is the world's largest supplier of equipment used in oil/gas drilling and production. From drill bits to mud pumps to comprehensive power systems, the 140-year old company offers one-stop shopping for hundreds of drillers and other customers around the globe. The company controls a dominant 60% share of the market and has installed components in roughly nine out of every ten rigs worldwide. And many customers are happy to give NOV almost 100% of their business. Over the past few years, shareholders have enjoyed rising sales and gushing profits: annual revenues have quadrupled to $9.3 billion, and earnings have exploded more than 20-fold since 2003.

For now, the firm has plenty on its plate to keep it busy, regardless of whether oil prices rebound or continue to slide. In fact, a record $2.4 billion in new orders over the past few months have lifted the total order backlog to $11.8 billion -- over 90% of which is in international markets. According to Morningstar, NOV can rake in $300 million in sales from the addition of a single new deepwater rig.

As you might expect given the stunning turnaround in oil prices, it has been a tough time for many oil equipment stocks. However, keep in mind that NOV isn't actually in the business of selling oil. And even if prices slip to $50 per barrel, most companies will go right on drilling, albeit maybe not as enthusiastically as before.

Hovering near $30 a share, but with a fair value well into the $70 range, NOV is just one of the many undervalued stocks out there, even in this tough market. StreetAuthority editor Nathan Slaughter and his team have dug up incredible opportunities like NOV in the latest issue of Half-Priced Stocks, and all of those market-beaters are designed to give investors a much-needed boost. To learn the names of the other stocks Nathan has highlighted this month, and to learn more about Half-Priced Stocks, please visit this link.

Want to answer more trivia questions? Visit our archives here!



The Hidden "Wholesale" Market Where Gold Sells for $418/oz
Traditionally this type of gold investment sells at a lofty premium to gold bullion. But right now it's on sale for -68% cheaper. Market distortions like this never last. When this gold investment snaps back in line with bullion, owners could make a lot of money in a hurry. Details here.
 
FREE six times a week, our newsletter contains actionable investment ideas from today's leading market analysts.




The Next 437 Banks That Could Fail

There are 7,830 banks in the United States -- and 437 are in immediate danger of failing.

If you have cash in any of these banks your savings could be at risk.
 



The Best Stocks to Hold Forever

Few people realize these stocks even exist.

But many of the richest, most successful investors, politicians and businessmen have been quietly cashing in on them for decades

Here's how you can too...

Meet the Experts    Newsletters    Special Offers    Email Preferences    FAQ
About Us    Advertise    Privacy    Disclaimer    Help    Terms of Use


TopStockAnalysts button StreetAuthority button Dividend Opportunities button

(c) Copyright 2001-2010 TopStockAnalysts.com -- All Rights Reserved