Topic: How To Invest

What are your thoughts on Mitcham Industries? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Mitcham Industries, $17.99, symbol MIND on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 12.8 million; Market cap: $230.2 million; www.mitchamindustries.com), leases and sells new and used seismic equipment, mainly to clients in the oil and gas industry (86% of revenue). It also designs, makes and sells specialized seismic marine gear (14% of revenue) through its Seamap business. Oil and gas firms use seismic surveys to help locate oil and gas reserves and evaluate the potential for drilling, development and production. The industry has used seismic technology since the 1920s, and recent advancements have significantly improved it. For example, starting in the early 1990s, oil and gas firms increased their use of 3-D seismic data, which provides a more comprehensive subsurface image. That has contributed to higher drilling success rates, particularly in mature oil and gas basins such as those in North America. In the three months ended April 30, 2013, Mitcham’s revenue fell 21.1%, to $27.3 million from $34.6 million a year earlier. The company earned…