Recently, Apache (APA) reported its earnings for the 1st quarter of 2012. This however came as a flop compared with last year’s earnings, the 1st quarter of 2011. For this year’s 1st quarter Apache managed to report $778 million, which would be an approximate $2 per diluted share. For the same quarter last year the company made a whopping $1.1 billion, approximating to about $2.9 per diluted share. But one thing that is for sure is that Apache has laid out plans to ensure it raises its earnings by the time it releases its next report. I share the same view that it just might attain that target. Since the start of 2012 it has been expanding its acreage by making acquisitions.

Making acquisitions is one sure way to ensure growth in a company, especially an oil and gas company like Apache. The company increased its production in the Anadarko basin up to 53% early this year in January. This doubles its acreage in the region by purchasing the privately owned Cordillera Energy for about $2.9 billion. Geographically, Apache has its geographical risk factor scattered in several continents. It has its operations in six countries currently, which include: Australia, Egypt, Argentina, Europe (off the coast of UK), North America (in Canada) and in the Mexican gulf. The company is based in Houston and is among the large companies dealing in oil exploration around the world.

As I have mentioned above, Apache has been on an acquisition spree since the start of this year.To continue reading, click here.