Smith International, Inc. · Houston, TX United States ·(NYSE: SII)

Smith International is anything but anonymous for oil and gas producers. The company makes premium drill bits, drilling fluids, and related products and, via its Smith Services unit, offers drilling-related services. Its 60%-owned M-I SWACO unit sells fluids used to cool and lubricate drill bits and prevent pipes from clogging. M-I SWACO owns sites from which it mines some of the barite and bentonite used to make drilling fluids. Its Wilson business provides pipes and fittings, tools, and maintenance and janitorial supplies, mainly to oil and mining companies. Smith Technologies produces drill bits and other drilling equipment. In 2008 the company acquired oilfield services player W-H Energy for $3.2 billion. To read the full description, subscribe now.