Boosts

From a mixed performance the day before, the cash market went to a virtually united show of strength Tuesday. A large majority of the upticks were in double digits, but some — mostly in the Gulf Coast — were less than a dime.

Summertime, and the living is downright hot–finally. Moderate to severe heat was uniform in all areas for a change Monday (even up into Canada, where a Calgary source reported afternoon temperatures in the mid 80s). The cash market responded with across-the-board gains that were mostly in the teens.

The addition of the prolific Ladyfern discovery in northeast British Columbia, which began flowing one month ago, has sent Alberta Energy Co. Ltd.’s natural gas production soaring, producing more than 150 MMcf/d, the company said Friday. AEC’s current gas production with Ladyfern now equals 1.5 Bcf/d, the highest for any Canadian producer, and 40% higher than the company’s average for all of 2000.

The rapid expansion of North American exploration and production led to substantially improved oilfield services results during the first quarter. Schlumberger’s income, for example, rose 92% from 2000, while other providers, including Nabors Industries and Patterson Energy, also showed rapid growth.

More exploration and production led to more oilfield services, and first quarter results from service companies continue to show spectacular earnings. The world’s second-largest operator, Schlumberger Ltd., said its earnings rose 92% from 2000, boosted by heavy E&P activity, especially in North America. Other providers, including Nabors Industries and Patterson Energy, also report high earnings, with North American E&P activity boosting the bottom line.

Pioneer Natural Resources board approved a 28% increase in its2001 capital budget compared to 2000 spending and announced a newhedging program weighted toward first quarter prices. Its spendingwill be weighted heavily toward natural gas development.

Houston-based Anadarko Petroleum Corp. increased its presence in the East Texas Bossier sand gas play last week, spending $38 million to acquire Pinnacle Gas Treating Inc., which owns and operates a natural gas pipeline and treating plant there. Pinnacle is a subsidiary of Western Gas Resources Inc. based in Denver, and it plans to use the sale to pay down debt.

Houston-based Anadarko Petroleum Corp. increased its presence inthe East Texas Bossier sand gas play yesterday, spending $38million to acquire Pinnacle Gas Treating Inc., which owns andoperates a natural gas pipeline and treating plant there. Pinnacleis a subsidiary of Western Gas Resources Inc. based in Denver, andit plans to use the sale to pay down debt.

While Mondays have been a bear trader’s best friend, Wednesdays(last week’s Wednesday excepted) have given bulls a reason to smilelately and yesterday was no exception as prices moved higher in twodistinct buying binges.