(Oil & Gas 360) – SLB reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings Friday, supported by increased North American oilfield activity and a gradual recovery in Middle Eastern operations, as the world’s largest oilfield services company positioned itself for additional growth in 2027.The Houston-based company reported adjusted earnings of $0.64 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $0.62. Revenue reached $9.45 billion, up 6% year over year and 5% sequentially.Net income attributable to SLB totaled $735 million, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached $2.07 billion.North America emerged as a significant contributor to the company’s performance, with quarterly revenue increasing 24% year over year to $2.40 billion. Sequential revenue growth was 7%, supported by U.S. land activity, production chemicals, artificial lift, and the company’s ChampionX operations.International revenue increased 5% sequentially to approximately $6.99 billion, reflecting stronger activity across several producing regions.Middle East and Asia revenue rose 9% from the previous quarter to $2.81 billion, although it remained 6% below the year-earlier period as geopolitical disruptions continued affecting operations.SLB reported a 13% sequential increase in its Middle Eastern business as customers resumed drilling, intervention, and production-related activities following earlier disruptions.The regional recovery remains uneven, however, with renewed security concerns creating uncertainty around project schedules and equipment deployment.Outside the Middle East, international offshore development contributed to stronger demand for drilling technology, subsea equipment, and reservoir services.For exploration and production companies, these developments reflect continued investment in maintaining output, improving recovery rates, and developing reserves despite volatile commodity markets.SLB’s Production Systems, Well Construction, and Reservoir Performance divisions each reported sequential revenue increases, suggesting that demand improvements extended across multiple stages of oil and gas development.The company’s diversification strategy also gained momentum outside traditional oilfield operations.SLB reported that its Data Center Solutions revenue increased 23% sequentially, supported by growing demand for infrastructure serving artificial intelligence applications.The company recently announced plans to acquire thermal management equipment manufacturer Kelvion, expanding its capabilities in data center cooling and related infrastructure.For investors, the combination of conventional energy services and emerging infrastructure businesses introduces additional opportunities, although acquisition integration, capital requirements, and execution risks remain important considerations.SLB generated $1.51 billion in operating cash flow and $828 million in free cash flow during the quarter.Management maintained its expectation for approximately $2.5 billion in capital investment during 2026.Looking ahead, SLB expects international production investment, offshore development, and continued recovery in Middle Eastern operations to support its 2027 growth outlook.Investors will be monitoring regional project activity, service margins, free cash flow, and the contribution from newer businesses to determine whether the company’s improving operating momentum can be sustained.Disclaimer This informational, opinion, and insights article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. The views expressed are based on publicly available information and market conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.