US independents set to release Q1 earnings

摘要

Houston—As North American independentscontinue their shift from natural gas to oil,first quarter results appear poised to reflectthe impact of a 9% hike from 2011 in averageoil prices, offset by a 25% drop for gas.When those companies start reporting theactual results later this month for the quarterended March 31, earnings are expected totrend up by a combined 6% from last year,according to a Platts review of analyst projec-tions for 20 key E&Ps.