UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
OR
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o
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For
the transition period from ___ to ___
Commission File Number 1-8182
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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TEXAS
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74-2088619
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(State or other jurisdiction
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(I.R.S. Employer
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of incorporation or organization)
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Identification Number)
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1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1000, San Antonio, Texas
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78209
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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210-828-7689
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
þ
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions
of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting
company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
o
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Accelerated filer
þ
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Non-accelerated filer
o
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Smaller reporting company
o
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes
o
No
þ
As of July 18, 2008, there were 49,788,978 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
of the registrant issued and outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31,
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December 31,
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2008
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2007
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(unaudited)
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(audited)
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(In thousands, except share data)
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ASSETS
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Current assets:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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15,618
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$
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76,703
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Receivables:
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Trade, net
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68,151
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46,759
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Contract drilling in progress
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16,603
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7,861
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Income tax receivable
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340
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611
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Deferred income taxes
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5,334
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3,670
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Inventory
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2,813
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1,180
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Prepaid expenses and other
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6,022
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5,073
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Total current assets
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114,881
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141,857
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Property and equipment, at cost
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743,863
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578,697
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Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
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173,551
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161,675
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Net property and equipment
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570,312
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417,022
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Deferred income taxes
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708
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573
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Goodwill
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172,228
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Intangibles and other long term assets
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43,140
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760
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Total assets
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$
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901,269
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$
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560,212
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
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Current liabilities:
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Accounts payable
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$
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24,888
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$
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21,424
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Current portion of long-term debt
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23,457
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Income taxes payable
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4,371
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Prepaid drilling contracts
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3,082
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1,933
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Accrued expenses:
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Payroll and related employee costs
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12,533
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5,172
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Insurance premiums and deductibles
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16,144
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9,548
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Other
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3,463
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3,973
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Total current liabilities
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87,938
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42,050
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Long-term debt, less current portion
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271,563
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Other liabilities
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5,087
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254
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Deferred income taxes
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51,430
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46,836
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Total liabilities
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416,018
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89,140
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Commitments and contingencies
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Shareholders equity:
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Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
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Common stock $.10 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,788,978 shares
and 49,650,978 shares issued and
outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
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4,979
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4,965
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Additional paid-in capital
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298,189
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294,922
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss
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(950
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Accumulated earnings
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183,033
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171,185
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Total shareholders equity
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485,251
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471,072
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Total liabilities and shareholders equity
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$
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901,269
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$
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560,212
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended
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March 31,
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2008
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2007
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(In thousands, except per share data)
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Revenues
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$
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113,397
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$
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103,347
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Costs and expenses:
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Operating costs
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70,426
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59,189
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Depreciation and amortization
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17,119
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14,736
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Selling, general and administrative
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7,722
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3,824
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Bad debt expense
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135
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Total operating costs and expenses
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95,402
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77,749
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Income from operations
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17,995
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25,598
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Other income (expense):
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Interest expense
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(1,574
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)
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Interest income
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585
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881
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Other
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1,092
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8
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Total other income
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103
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889
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Income before income taxes
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18,098
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26,487
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Income tax expense
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(6,250
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)
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(9,269
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)
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Net earnings
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$
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11,848
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$
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17,218
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Earnings per common share Basic
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$
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0.24
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$
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0.35
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Earnings per common share Diluted
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$
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0.24
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$
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0.34
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Weighted average number of shares
outstanding Basic
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49,759
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49,619
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Weighted average number of shares
outstanding Diluted
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50,291
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50,127
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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2008
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2007
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(In thousands)
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Cash flows from operating activities:
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Net earnings
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$
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11,848
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$
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17,218
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Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
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Depreciation and amortization
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17,119
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14,736
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Allowance for doubtful accounts
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135
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Loss (gain) on dispositions of
property and equipment
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(23
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)
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576
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Stock-based compensation expense
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951
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587
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Deferred income taxes
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554
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6,179
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Change in other assets
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74
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5
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Change in non-current liabilities
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(88
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)
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(85
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)
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Changes in current assets and liabilities:
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Receivables
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(7,023
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)
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2,149
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Inventory
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(259
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)
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Prepaid expenses and other
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491
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374
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Accounts payable
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132
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(3,170
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)
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Income tax payable
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4,780
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(3,791
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)
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Prepaid drilling contracts
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1,150
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Accrued expenses
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10,144
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1,677
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Net cash provided by operating activities
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39,985
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36,455
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Cash flows from investing activities:
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Acquisition of production services business of WEDGE
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(313,610
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)
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Acquisition of production services business of Competition
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(26,101
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)
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Purchases of property and equipment
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(32,938
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)
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(27,870
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)
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Purchase of auction rate preferred securities
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(16,475
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)
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Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
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933
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1,477
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Net cash used in investing activities
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(388,191
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)
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(26,393
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)
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Cash flows from financing activities:
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Payments of debt
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(22,001
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)
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Proceeds from issuance of debt
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311,500
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Debt issuance costs
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(3,281
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)
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Proceeds from exercise of options
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653
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110
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Excess tax benefit of stock option exercises
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250
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19
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Net cash provided by financing activities
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287,121
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129
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
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(61,085
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)
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10,191
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Beginning cash and cash equivalents
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76,703
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74,754
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Ending cash and cash equivalents
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$
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15,618
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$
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84,945
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Supplementary disclosure:
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Interest paid
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$
|
1,489
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$
|
11
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Income tax paid
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$
|
1
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|
$
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business and Basis of Presentation
Pioneer Drilling Company and subsidiaries provide drilling and production services to our
customers in select oil and natural gas exploration and production regions in the United States and
Colombia. Our Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling services with its fleet
of 69 drilling rigs, 17 of which are operating in South Texas, 21 of which are operating in East
Texas, 9 of which are operating in North Texas, 6 of which are operating in Western Oklahoma, 11 of
which are operating in the Rocky Mountain region and 3 of which are operating internationally in
Colombia. In addition, we deployed a 1000 horsepower rig to Colombia that we expect to begin
operating in August 2008 and we are currently marketing a 1500 horsepower rig that we plan to
deploy for further expansion into international markets. We are currently constructing a 1500
horsepower drilling rig that we expect to be completed and available for operation in the United
States in December 2008. Our Production Services Division provides well services, wireline
services and fishing and rental services with its fleet of 66 workover rigs, 51 wireline units and
approximately $14 million of fishing and rental tools equipment through our facilities in Texas,
Kansas, North Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Utah and Oklahoma.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pioneer Drilling
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. In December 2007, our Board of Directors approved a change in our
fiscal year end from March 31
st
to December 31
st
. The fiscal year end change
was effective December 31, 2007 and resulted in a nine month reporting period from April 1, 2007 to
December 31, 2007. We implemented the fiscal year end change to align our United States reporting
period with the required Colombian statutory reporting period as well as the reporting periods of
peer companies in the industry.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation
S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally
accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of our
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. In preparing the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements, we make various estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets
and liabilities we report as of the dates of the balance sheets and income and expenses we report
for the periods shown in the income statements and statements of cash flows. Our actual results
could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly
susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to our recognition of revenues and costs
for turnkey contracts, our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts, our estimate of the
self-insurance portion of our health and workers compensation insurance, our estimate of asset
impairments, our estimate of deferred taxes and our determination of depreciation and amortization
expense. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 has been derived from
our audited financial statements. We suggest that you read these condensed consolidated financial
statements together with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in
our transition report on Form 10-KT for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
Drilling Contracts
Our drilling contracts generally provide for compensation on either a daywork, turnkey or
footage basis. Contract terms generally depend on the complexity and risk of operations, the
on-site drilling conditions, the type of equipment used and the anticipated duration of the work to
be performed. Generally, our contracts provide for the drilling of a single well and typically
permit the customer to terminate on short notice. However, we have entered into more longer-term
drilling contracts during periods of high rig demand. In addition, when we construct new drilling
rigs, we have entered into longer-term drilling contracts. As of July 18, 2008, we had 22
contracts with terms of 6 months to 3 years in duration, of which 12 will expire by January 18,
2009, 6 have a remaining term of 6 to 12 months, 1 has a remaining term of 12 to 18 months and 3
have a remaining term in excess of 18 months.
Foreign Currencies
Our functional currency for our foreign subsidiary in Colombia is the U.S. dollar.
Nonmonetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates and monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Income statement
accounts are translated at average rates for the period. Gains and losses from remeasurement of
foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars and from foreign currency transactions are
included in other income or expense.
5
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Drilling Services
We earn revenues by drilling oil and gas wells for our customers under
daywork, turnkey or footage contracts, which usually provide for the drilling of a single well. We
recognize revenues on daywork contracts for the days completed based on the dayrate each contract
specifies. We recognize revenues from our turnkey and footage contracts on the
percentage-of-completion method based on our estimate of the number of days to complete each
contract. With most drilling contracts, we receive payments contractually designated for the
mobilization of rigs and other equipment. Payments received, and costs incurred for the
mobilization services are deferred and recognized on a straight line basis over the contract term
of certain drilling contracts. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to
areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. Reimbursements that we
receive for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenue and the out-of-pocket expenses for which
they relate are recorded as operating costs.
The asset contract drilling in progress represents revenues we have recognized in excess of
amounts billed on contracts in progress. The asset prepaid expenses and other includes deferred
mobilization costs for certain drilling contracts. The liability prepaid drilling contracts
represents deferred mobilization revenues for certain drilling contracts and amounts collected on
contracts in excess of revenues recognized.
Production Services
We earn revenues for well services, wireline services and fishing and
rental services based on purchase orders, contracts or other persuasive evidence of an arrangement
with the customer, such as master service agreements, that include fixed or determinable prices.
These production services revenues are recognized when the services have been rendered and
collectability is reasonably assured.
Restricted Cash
As of March 31, 2008, we had restricted cash in the amount of $3,250,000 held in an escrow
account to be used for future payments in connection with the acquisition of Prairie Investors
d/b/a Competition Wireline (Competition). The former owner of Competition will receive annual
installments of $650,000 payable over a 5 year term from the escrow account. Restricted cash of
$650,000 and $2,600,000 is recorded in other current assets and other long term assets,
respectively. The associated obligation of $650,000 and $2,600,000 is recorded in accrued expenses
and other long-term liabilities, respectively.
Trade Accounts Receivable
We record trade accounts receivable at the amount we invoice our customers. These accounts do
not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of
probable credit losses in our accounts receivable as of the balance sheet date. We determine the
allowance based on the credit worthiness of our customers and general economic conditions.
Consequently, an adverse change in those factors could affect our estimate of our allowance for
doubtful accounts. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Balances more than 90
days past due are reviewed individually for collectability. We charge off account balances against
the allowance after we have exhausted all reasonable means of collection and determined that the
potential for recovery is remote. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to
our customers. We had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.3 million at March 31, 2008 and no
allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2007.
Investments
Intangibles and other long-term assets include investments in tax exempt, auction rate
preferred securities (ARPSs). Our ARPSs are classified with other long-term assets on our
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 because of our inability to determine the
recovery period of our investment in ARPSs.
At March 31, 2008, we held $16.5 million (par value) of investments comprised of ARPSs, which
are variable-rate preferred securities and have a long-term maturity with the interest rate being
reset through Dutch auctions that are held every 7 days. The ARPSs have historically traded at
par because of the frequent interest rate resets and because they are callable at par at the option
of the issuer. Interest is paid at the end of each auction period. Our ARPSs are AAA/Aaa rated
securities, collateralized by municipal bonds, backed by assets that are equal to or greater than
200% of the liquidation preference and guaranteed by monoline bond insurance companies. Until
February 2008, the auction rate securities market was highly liquid. Beginning mid-February 2008,
we experienced several failed auctions, meaning that there was not enough demand to sell all of
the securities that holders desired to sell at auction. The immediate effect of a failed auction is
that such holders cannot sell the securities at auction and the interest rate on the security
resets to a maximum auction rate. We have continued to receive interest payments on our ARPSs in
accordance with their terms. We may not be able to access the funds we invested in our ARPSs
without a loss of principal, unless a future auction is successful or the issuer calls the security
pursuant to redemption prior to maturity. We have no reason to believe that any of the underlying
municipal securities that collateralize our ARPSs are presently at risk of default. We believe we
will ultimately be able to liquidate our investments without material loss primarily due to the
collateral securing the ARPSs. We do not currently intend to attempt to sell our ARPSs since our
liquidity needs are expected to be met with cash flows from operating activities and our senior
secured revolving credit facility.
6
Our ARPSs are reported at amounts that reflect our estimate of fair value. Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurement,
provides a hierarchal
framework associated with the level of subjectivity used in measuring assets and liabilities at
fair value. To estimate the fair values of our ARPSs, we used inputs defined by SFAS 157 as level
3 inputs which are unobservable for the asset or liability and are developed based on the best
information available in the circumstances, which might include the companys own data. We
estimate the fair value of our ARPSs based on discounted cash flow models and secondary market
comparisons of similar securities.
Our ARPSs are designated as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with the
related unrealized gains or losses, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
of tax, a component of shareholders equity. The estimated fair value of our ARPSs at March 31,
2008 was $15.0 million compared with a par value of $16.5 million. The $1.5 million difference
represents a fair value discount due to the current lack of liquidity which is considered temporary
and is recorded as an unrealized loss. We would recognize an impairment charge if the fair value
of our investments falls below the cost basis and is judged to be other-than-temporary.
Inventories
Inventories primarily consist of drilling rig replacement parts and supplies held for use by
our Drilling Services Divisions operations and supplies held for use by our Production Services
Divisions operations. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out or actual)
or market value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is
provided for our assets over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line
method. We record the same depreciation expense whether a rig is idle or working. We charge our
expenses for maintenance and repairs to operating costs. We charge our expenses for renewals and
betterments to the appropriate property and equipment accounts.
We review our long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or
circumstances provide evidence that suggests that we may not recover the carrying amounts of any of
these assets. In performing the review for recoverability, we estimate the future net cash flows
we expect to obtain from the use of each asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of these
estimated future undiscounted net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we
recognize an impairment loss.
Effective January 1, 2008, management reassessed the estimated useful lives assigned to a
group of 19 drilling rigs that were recently constructed. These drilling rigs were constructed
with new components that have longer estimated useful lives when compared to other drilling rigs
that are equipped with older components. As a result, we increased the estimated useful lives for
this group of recently constructed drilling rigs from an average useful life of 9 years to 12
years. The following table provides the impact of this change in depreciation and amortization
expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense using prior useful lives
|
|
$
|
18,063
|
|
Impact of change in estimated useful lives
|
|
|
(944
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense, as reported
|
|
$
|
17,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per common share using prior useful lives
|
|
$
|
0.22
|
|
Impact of change in estimated useful lives
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per common share, as reported
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
As of March 31, 2008, the estimated useful lives of our asset classes are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lives
|
Drilling rigs and equipment
|
|
|
3 - 25
|
|
Workover rigs and equipment
|
|
|
5 - 20
|
|
Wireline units and equipment
|
|
|
5 - 10
|
|
Fishing and rental tools equipment
|
|
|
7
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
5 - 10
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
|
3 - 5
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
3 - 40
|
|
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of acquisition costs
over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We account for goodwill and other intangible assets
under the provisions of SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
. Goodwill and other
intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
SFAS No. 142 requires a two-step process for testing impairment. First, the fair value of each
reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of impairment
exists. If impairment is indicated, then the fair value of the reporting units goodwill is
determined by allocating the units fair value to its assets and liabilities (including any
unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business
combination. The amount of impairment for goodwill is measured as the excess of its carrying value
over its fair value.
Our major classes of intangible assets subject to amortization under SFAS No. 142 consist of
customer lists, trade names and non-compete agreements. Amortization expense for our non-compete
agreements is calculated using the straight-line method over the period of the agreement or the
estimated economic useful live of the intangible asset which ranges from 1 to 10 years.
Income Taxes
Pursuant to SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we follow the asset and liability
method of accounting for income taxes, under which we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities
for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. We measure our
deferred tax assets and liabilities by using the enacted tax rates we expect to apply to taxable
income in the years in which we expect to recover or settle those temporary differences. Under
SFAS No. 109, we reflect in income the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and
liabilities in the period during which the change occurs.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive loss. Other
comprehensive loss includes the change in the fair value of our ARPSs, net of tax, for the quarter
ended March 31, 2008. We had no other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarter ended March 31,
2007. The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income (amounts in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
11,848
|
|
|
$
|
17,218
|
|
Other comprehensive loss unrealized loss on securities
|
|
|
(950
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
$
|
10,898
|
|
|
$
|
17,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based Compensation
Effective April 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (Revised),
Share-Based Payment,
utilizing the
modified prospective approach. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for stock option
grants in accordance with the intrinsic-value-based method prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,
and related interpretations, as
permitted by SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
Accordingly, we recognized no
compensation expense for stock options granted, as all stock options were granted at an exercise
price equal to the closing market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Under
the modified prospective approach, compensation cost for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 includes compensation cost for all stock options granted
prior to, but not yet vested as of, April 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in
accordance with SFAS 123, and compensation cost for all stock options granted
8
subsequent to April
1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS 123R. We use the
graded vesting method for recognizing compensation costs for stock options. Compensation costs of
approximately $735,000 and $215,000 for stock options were recognized in selling, general and
administrative expense and operating costs, respectively, for the three months ended March 31,
2008.
We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options
are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the options are sold over the
exercise price of the options. In accordance with SFAS 123R, we reported all excess tax benefits
resulting from the exercise of stock options as financing cash flows in our consolidated statement
of cash flows. There were 138,000 stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31,
2008.
We estimate the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
options-pricing model. The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model for the three months ended March 31, 2008. There were no options granted
during the three months ended March 31, 2007. There were 345,000 options granted during the three
months ended March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
Weighted average expected volatility
|
|
|
43%
|
|
Weighted-average risk-free interest rates
|
|
|
2.0%
|
|
Weighted-average expected life in years
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
Options granted
|
|
|
345,000
|
|
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
|
|
$
|
4.73
|
|
The assumptions above are based on multiple factors, including historical exercise patterns of
homogeneous groups with respect to exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors,
expected future exercising patterns for these same homogeneous groups and volatility of our stock
price. As we have not declared dividends since we became a public company, we did not use a
dividend yield. In each case, the actual value that will be realized, if any, will depend on the
future performance of our common stock and overall stock market conditions. There is no assurance
the value an optionee actually realizes will be at or near the value we have estimated using the
Black-Scholes options-pricing model.
Related-Party Transactions
Our Chief Executive Officer, President of Drilling Services Division, Senior Vice President of
Drilling Services Division Marketing, and a Vice President of Drilling Services Division -
Operations occasionally acquire a 1% to 5% minority working interest in oil and gas wells that we
drill for 1 of our customers. These individuals acquired a minority working interest in 1 well
that we drilled for this customer during the three months ended March 31, 2007. We recognized
contract drilling revenues of $280,000 on this well during the three months ended March 31, 2007.
These individuals did not acquire a minority working interest in any wells that we drilled for this
customer during the three months ended March 31, 2008.
In connection with the acquisitions of the production services businesses from WEDGE Group
Incorporated (WEDGE) and Competition on March 1, 2008, we have leases for various operating and
office facilities with entities that are owned by former WEDGE employees and Competition employees
that are now employees of our company. Rent expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was
approximately $45,000 for these related party leases. In addition, we have non-compete agreements
with several former WEDGE employees that are now employees of our company. These non-compete
agreements are recorded as intangible assets with a cost, net of accumulated amortization, of $1.8
million as of March 31, 2008. See note 2 for further information regarding the acquisitions.
We purchased goods and services during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from 2 vendors that
are owned by employees of our company. We purchased $46,000 of well servicing equipment from 1
related party vendor and $18,000 of catering services from the other related party vendor for the
quarter ended March 31, 2008.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
. SFAS No. 157 defines
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value
measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit
fair value measurements and, accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS
No. 157, as issued, was effective for financial statement issued for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, on February 12, 2008,
the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-2,
Effective Dates of FASB Statement No. 157,
which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value
9
in the financial
statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on
our financial position or results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
. This statement permits
entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that
are not currently required to be measured at fair value and establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement
attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on
our financial position or results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51
. This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of
a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is
sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity
that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among
other requirements, SFAS No. 160 requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that
include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also
requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of
consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest.
SFAS No.160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not
expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations
and financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007) which replaces SFAS No. 141,
Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R applies to all transactions and other
events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. SFAS No. 141R
requires an acquirer, upon initially obtaining control of another entity, to recognize the assets,
liabilities and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition
date. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized and measured at fair value on the date
of acquisition rather than at a later date when the amount of that consideration may be
determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. This fair value approach replaces the cost-allocation
process required under SFAS No. 141 whereby the cost of an acquisition was allocated to the
individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. SFAS No.
141R requires acquirers to expense acquisition-related costs as incurred rather than allocating
such costs to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as was previously the case under
SFAS No. 141. Under SFAS No.141R, the requirements of SFAS No. 146,
Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities
, would have to be met in order to accrue for a restructuring plan
in purchase accounting. Pre-acquisition contingencies are to be recognized at fair value, unless it
is a non-contractual contingency that is not likely to materialize, in which case, nothing should
be recognized in purchase accounting and, instead, that contingency would be subject to the
recognition criteria of SFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Contingencies
. SFAS No. 141R is expected to
have a significant impact on our accounting for business combinations closing on or after
January 1, 2009.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB Statement No. 133
(SFAS No. 161). SFAS No. 161 changes the
disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to
provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its
related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an
entitys financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The guidance in SFAS No. 161 is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after
November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. This Statement encourages, but does not
require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The Company is currently
assessing the impact of SFAS No. 161. We do not have any derivative instruments and expect the
adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have no impact on our financial position or results of operations and
financial condition.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the financial statements for the prior years have been reclassified to
conform to the current years presentation.
2. Acquisitions
On March 1, 2008, we acquired the production services business from WEDGE which provided well
services, wireline services and fishing and rental services with a fleet of 62 workover rigs, 45
wireline units and approximately $13 million of fishing and rental tools equipment through its
facilities in Texas, Kansas, North Dakota, Colorado, Utah and Oklahoma. The aggregate purchase
price for the acquisition was approximately $314.8 million, which consisted of assets acquired of
$329.1 million and liabilities assumed of $14.3 million. The aggregate purchase price includes
$3.4 million of costs incurred to acquire the production
services business from WEDGE. We financed the acquisition with approximately $3.3 million of
cash on hand and $311.5 million of debt incurred under our senior secured revolving credit facility
described in Note 3.
10
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price and related acquisition
costs to the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as the
date of acquisition (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Cash acquired
|
|
$
|
1,168
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
22,102
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
137,173
|
|
Intangible asset and other assets
|
|
|
418
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
168,216
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
$
|
329,077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
10,655
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
1,462
|
|
Other long term liabilities
|
|
|
2,182
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities assumed
|
|
$
|
14,299
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired
|
|
$
|
314,778
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated summary financial information gives effect of
the acquisition of the production services business from WEDGE as though it was effective as of the
beginning of each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Pro forma adjustments
primarily relate to additional depreciation, amortization and interest costs. The pro forma
information reflects our companys historical data and historical data from the acquired production
services business from WEDGE for the periods indicated. The pro forma data may not be indicative
of the results we would have achieved had we completed the acquisition on January 1, 2007 or 2008,
or what we may achieve in the future and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
historical financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
Total revenues
|
|
$
|
137,048
|
|
|
$
|
125,842
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
14,140
|
|
|
$
|
17,853
|
|
Earnings per common share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.28
|
|
|
$
|
0.36
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.28
|
|
|
$
|
0.36
|
|
On March 1, 2008, immediately following the acquisition of the production services business
from WEDGE, we acquired the production services business from Competition which provided wireline
services with a fleet of 6 wireline units through its facilities in Montana. The aggregate
purchase price for the Competition acquisition was approximately $30.0 million, which consisted of
assets acquired of $30.1 million and liabilities assumed of $0.1 million. The aggregate purchase
price includes $0.4 million of costs incurred to acquire the production services business from
Competition. We financed the acquisition with $26.1 million cash on hand, a note payable due to
the owner for $3.3 million and $0.6 million of current payables due to the owner. Goodwill of $4.0
million and intangible assets and other assets of $19.3 million were recorded in connection with
the acquisition.
The acquisitions of the production services businesses from both WEDGE and Competition were
accounted for as acquisitions of businesses. The purchase price allocations of the purchase prices
for the production services businesses are preliminary at this time and may change by a material
amount once we receive finalized information regarding the fair value estimates of the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition. Goodwill was recognized as part of these
acquisitions since the purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed. We believe that the goodwill is related to the acquired workforces, future
synergies between our existing Drilling Services Division and our new Production Services Division
and the ability to expand our service offerings.
11
3. Long-term Debt
Long-term debt as of March 31, 2008 consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Senior secured credit facility
|
|
$
|
289,500
|
|
Subordinated notes payable
|
|
|
5,520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
295,020
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(23,457
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
271,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On February 29, 2008, we entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and a
syndicate of lenders (collectively the Lenders). The credit agreement provides for a senior
secured revolving credit facility, with sub-limits for letters of credit and a swing-line facility
of up to an aggregate principal amount of $400 million, all of which mature on February 28, 2013.
The senior secured revolving credit facility and the obligations thereunder are secured by
substantially all our domestic assets and are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at the
bank prime rate or at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable per annum margin in each case. The
applicable per annum margin is determined based upon our leverage ratio in accordance with a
pricing grid in the credit agreement. The per annum margin for LIBOR rate borrowings ranges from
1.50% to 2.50% and for bank prime rate borrowings ranges from 0.50% to 1.50%. Based on the terms
in the credit agreement, the LIBOR margin and bank prime rate margin in effect until delivery of
the compliance certificate for December 31, 2008 are 2.25% and 1.25%, respectively. A commitment
fee is due quarterly based on the average daily unused amount of the commitments of the Lenders
under the senior secured revolving credit facility. In addition, a fronting fee is due for each
letter of credit issued and a quarterly letter of credit fee is due based on the average undrawn
amount of letter of credit outstanding during such period. We may repay the senior secured
revolving credit facility balance outstanding in whole or in part at any time without premium or
penalty. The senior secured revolving credit facility replaced the $20.0 million credit facility
we previously had with Frost National Bank. Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit
facility were used to fund the WEDGE acquisition and are available for future acquisitions, working
capital and other general corporate purposes.
Effective June 11, 2008, we entered into a Waiver Agreement with the Lenders to waive the
requirement to provide certain financial statements and our compliance certificate within the time
period required by the credit agreement. The Waiver Agreement now requires us to provide the
financial statements and our compliance certificate on or before August 13, 2008. Until we provide
these financial statements and our compliance certificate, the aggregate principal amount
outstanding under the credit agreement may not exceed $350 million at any time (provided, however,
that the commitment fee will continue to be calculated based on the total commitment of $400
million), and the per annum margin applicable to all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement
will increase from the current rate of 2.25% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.25% for bank prime
rate borrowings to 2.50% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.50% for bank prime rate borrowings. The
required financial statements and our compliance certificate are being delivered concurrently with
the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
At July 25, 2008, we had $267.5 million outstanding under the revolving portion of the senior
secured revolving credit facility and $7.8 million in committed letters of credit. Under the terms
of the credit agreement, committed letters of credit are applied against our borrowing capacity
under the senior secured revolving credit facility. The borrowing availability under the senior
secured revolving credit facility was $74.7 million at July 25, 2008, based on our reduced
borrowing limit of $350 million according to the terms of the Waiver Agreement entered into on June
11, 2008. We expect our borrowing limit to return to $400 million upon delivery of the required
financial statements to the Lenders concurrently with the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q. Principal payments of $22.0 million made after March 31, 2008 are classified in the current
portion of long-term debt as of March 31, 2008. The outstanding balance under our senior secured
credit facility is not due until maturity on February 28, 2013. However, when cash and working
capital is sufficient, we may make principal payments to reduce the outstanding debt balance prior
to maturity.
At March 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in the credit agreement
which include restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional
debt, investments, liens, dividends, acquisitions, redemptions of capital stock, prepayments of
indebtedness, asset dispositions, mergers and consolidations, transactions with affiliates, capital
expenditures, hedging contracts, sale leasebacks and other matters customarily restricted in such
agreements. The credit agreement requires that we meet a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a
minimum interest coverage ratio and, if the leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1.00, a minimum
asset coverage ratio. In addition, the credit agreement contains customary events of default,
including without limitation, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties,
covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other material indebtedness in excess of specified
amounts, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, judgment defaults in excess of specified
amounts, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the credit agreement and change of
control.
12
Subordinated Notes Payable
In addition to amounts outstanding under the senior secured revolving credit facility,
long-term debt includes subordinated notes payable to certain employees that are former
shareholders of the production services businesses that were acquired by WEDGE prior to our
acquisition of WEDGE on March 1, 2008 and a subordinated note payable to an employee that is a
former shareholder of Competition. These subordinated notes payable have interest rates ranging
from 6% to 14%, require quarterly payments of principal and interest and have final maturity dates
ranging from January 2009 to March 2013. The aggregate outstanding balance of these subordinated
notes payable was $5.5 million as of March 31, 2008.
4. Commitments and Contingencies
In connection with our expansion into international markets, our foreign subsidiaries have
obtained bonds for bidding on drilling contracts, performing under drilling contracts, and
remitting customs and importation duties. We have guaranteed payments of $28.9 million relating to
our performance under these bonds.
In addition, due to the nature of our business, we are, from time to time, involved in routine
litigation or subject to disputes or claims related to our business activities, including workers
compensation claims and employment-related disputes. Legal costs relating to these matters are
expensed as incurred. In the opinion of our management, none of the pending litigation, disputes
or claims against us will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations or cash flow from operations and there is only a remote possibility that any such matter
will require any additional loss accrual.
5. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic
earnings per share and diluted earnings per share computations as required by SFAS No. 128 (amounts
in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
11,848
|
|
|
$
|
17,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares
|
|
|
49,759
|
|
|
|
49,619
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
11,848
|
|
|
$
|
17,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
49,759
|
|
|
|
49,619
|
|
Diluted effect of stock options
|
|
|
532
|
|
|
|
508
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,291
|
|
|
|
50,127
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
|
$
|
0.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. Equity Transactions
Employees and former employees exercised stock options for the purchase of 138,000 shares of
common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2008 at prices ranging from $3.70 to $10.31
per share. Employees and former employees exercised stock options for the purchase of 34,000 shares
of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2007 at prices ranging from $3.20 to $4.77
per share.
13
7. Segment Information
At March 31, 2008, we had two operating segments referred to as the Drilling Services Division
and the Production Services Division which is the basis management uses for making operating
decisions and assessing performance. Prior to our acquisitions of the production services
businesses from WEDGE and Competition on March 1, 2008, all our operations related to the Drilling
Services Division and we reported these operations in a single operating segment. The acquisitions
of the production services businesses from WEDGE and Competition resulted in the formation of our
Production Services Division. See Note 2.
Drilling Services Division
- Our Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling
services with its fleet of 69 drilling rigs, 17 of which were operating in South Texas, 21 of which
were operating in East Texas, 9 of which were operating in North Texas, 6 of which were operating
in Western Oklahoma, 11 of which were operating in the Rocky Mountain region and 3 of which were
operating internationally in Colombia. In addition, we deployed a 1000 horsepower rig to Colombia
that we expect to begin operating in August 2008 and we are currently marketing a 1500 horsepower
rig that we plan to deploy for further expansion into international markets. We are currently
constructing a 1500 horsepower drilling rig that we expect to be completed and available for
operation in the United States in December 2008.
Production Services Division
Our Production Services Division provides well services,
wireline services and fishing and rental services:
|
|
|
Well services are provided with a fleet of 66 rigs (61 550 horsepower
rigs, 4 600 horsepower rigs and 1 400 horsepower rig) and pump packages
capable of working at depths of 20,000 feet to complete, maintain, and
workover oil and natural gas producing wells.
|
|
|
|
|
Wireline services provide open and cased-hole wireline services with a
fleet of 51 wireline units. Services include radial and standard cement bond
logging with gamma-ray-neutron, casing calipers, temperature logging, pipe
recovery, bridge plugs and a full range of perforating. In addition, the
group operates the latest pulsed-neutron technology in through-casing logs,
utilizing a direct, deeper-reading neutron detector.
|
|
|
|
|
Fishing and rental services are provided though approximately $14 million
of fishing and rental tools equipment, air drilling equipment, power swivels
and blowout preventers.
|
The following table sets forth certain financial information for our two operating segments
and corporate for the three months ended March 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services
|
|
|
Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division
|
|
|
Division
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
100,041
|
|
|
$
|
13,356
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
113,397
|
|
Operating costs
|
|
|
63,497
|
|
|
|
6,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,426
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment profits
|
|
$
|
36,544
|
|
|
$
|
6,427
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
42,971
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
15,729
|
|
|
$
|
1,298
|
|
|
$
|
92
|
|
|
$
|
17,119
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$
|
24,814
|
|
|
$
|
3,139
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
27,953
|
|
Identifiable assets
|
|
$
|
511,866
|
|
|
$
|
368,332
|
|
|
$
|
21,071
|
|
|
$
|
901,269
|
|
The following table reconciles the segment profits reported above to income from operations as
reported on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March
31, 2008 (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Segment profits
|
|
$
|
42,971
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(17,119
|
)
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
(7,722
|
)
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
(135
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
$
|
17,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth certain financial information for our international operations
in Colombia as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2008 which is included in our Drilling
Services Division (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Identifiable assets
|
|
$
|
97,779
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
8,541
|
|
14
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Statements we make in the following discussion that express a belief, expectation or
intention, as well as those that are not historical fact, are forward-looking statements that are
subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results, performance or achievements,
or industry results, could differ materially from those we express in the following discussion as a
result of a variety of factors, including general economic and business conditions and industry
trends, the continued strength or weakness of the contract land drilling industry in the geographic
areas in which we operate, decisions about onshore exploration and development projects to be made
by oil and gas companies, the highly competitive nature of our business, difficulty in integrating
the services of acquired companies, including the production services businesses of WEDGE and
Competition, in an efficient and effective manner, the availability, terms and deployment of
capital, the availability of qualified personnel, and changes in, or our failure or inability to
comply with, government regulations, including those relating to the environment. We have
discussed many of these factors in more detail elsewhere in this report and in our transition
report on
Form 10-KT
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. These factors are not
necessarily all the important factors that could affect us. Unpredictable or unknown factors we
have not discussed in this report or in our transitional report on
Form 10-KT
could also have
material adverse effects on actual results of matters that are the subject of our forward-looking
statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as the date on which they are made and we
undertake no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements. We advise our shareholders
that they should (1) be aware that important factors not referred to above could affect the
accuracy of our forward-looking statements and (2) use caution and common sense when considering
our forward-looking statements.
Company Overview
Pioneer Drilling Company is a multi-national oilfield services company that provides drilling
services and production services to independent and major oil and gas exploration and production
companies throughout the United States and internationally in Colombia. Our company was
incorporated in 1979 as the successor to a business that had been operating since 1968. Over the
years, our business has grown through acquisitions and through organic growth. Since September
1999, we have significantly expanded our drilling rig fleet by adding 42 rigs through acquisitions
and by adding 26 rigs through the construction of rigs from new and used components. On March 1,
2008, we significantly expanded our service offerings when we acquired the production services
businesses of WEDGE Group Incorporated (WEDGE) and Prairie Investors d/b/a Competition Wireline
(Competition) which provide well services, wireline services and fishing and rental services.
These drilling services and production services are fundamental to establishing and maintaining the
flow of oil and natural gas throughout the productive life at a well site and enable us to meet
multiple needs of our customers.
Business Segments
We currently conduct our operations through two operating segments: our Drilling Services
Division and our Production Services Division. The following is a description of these two
operating segments. Financial information about our operating segments is included in Note 7,
Segment Information,
of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part
I, Item I,
Financial Statements,
of this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q.
|
|
|
Drilling Services Division
Our Drilling Services Division provides
contract land drilling services with its fleet of 69 drilling rigs, 17 of
which are operating in South Texas, 21 of which are operating in East Texas, 9
of which are operating in North Texas, 6 of which are operating in Western
Oklahoma, 11 of which are operating in the Rocky Mountain region and 3 of
which are operating internationally in Colombia. In
addition, we deployed a 1000 horsepower rig to Colombia that we expect to begin
operating in August 2008 and we are currently marketing a 1500 horsepower rig
that we plan to deploy for further expansion into international markets. We are
currently constructing a 1500 horsepower drilling rig that we expect to be
completed and available for operation in the United States in December 2008.
In addition to our drilling rigs, we provide the drilling crews and most of the
ancillary equipment needed to operate our drilling rigs. We obtain our
contracts for drilling oil and gas wells either through competitive bidding or
through direct negotiations with customers. Our drilling contracts generally
provide for compensation on either a daywork, turnkey or footage basis.
Contract terms generally depend on the complexity and risk of operations, the
on-site drilling conditions, the type of equipment used and the anticipated
duration of the work to be performed.
|
|
|
|
|
Production Services Division
Our Production Services Division earns
revenues for well services, wireline services and fishing and rental services
based on purchase orders, contracts or other persuasive evidence of an
arrangement with the customer, such as master service agreements, that include
fixed or determinable prices. These production services revenues are
recognized when the services have been rendered and collectability is
reasonably assured.
|
|
o
|
|
Well services are provided with a fleet of 66 rigs (61 550
horsepower rigs, 4 600 horsepower rigs and 1 400 horsepower rig)
with pump packages capable of working at depths of 20,000 feet to
complete, maintain, and workover oil and natural gas producing wells.
|
15
|
o
|
|
Wireline services provide open and cased-hole wireline
services with a fleet of 51 wireline units. Services include radial and
standard cement bond logging with gamma-ray-neutron, casing calipers,
temperature logging, pipe recovery, bridge plugs and a full range of
perforating. In addition, the group operates the latest pulsed-neutron
technology in through-casing logs, utilizing a direct, deeper-reading
neutron detector.
|
|
|
o
|
|
Fishing and rental services are provided though approximately
$14 million of fishing and rental tools equipment, air drilling
equipment, power swivels and blowout preventers.
|
Pioneer Drilling Companys corporate office is located at 1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1000, San
Antonio, Texas 78209. Our phone number is (210) 828-7689 and our website address is
www.pioneerdrlg.com. We make available free of charge though our website our Annual Reports on
Form 10K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8K, and all amendments to those
reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Information on our website is not incorporated
into this report or otherwise made part of this report.
Business Strategy
In past years, our strategy was to become a premier land drilling company through steady and
disciplined growth. We executed this strategy by acquiring and building a high quality drilling
rig fleet that operates in active drilling markets in the United States. Our long term strategy is
to maintain and leverage our position as a leading land drilling company and evolve into a premier
multi-service, international oilfield services provider. The key elements of this long term
strategy include:
|
|
|
Expand our Operations into International Markets
In early 2007, we
announced our intention to expand internationally and began negotiating
drilling contracts in Colombia. We are currently operating 3 drilling rigs in
Colombia, deploying a 1000 horsepower drilling rig that we expect will begin
operating in Colombia in August 2008 and marketing a 1500 horsepower drilling
rig for further international expansion.
|
|
|
|
|
Pursue Opportunities into Other Oilfield Services
We strive to mitigate
the cyclical risk in oilfield services by complimenting our drilling services
with certain production services. Effective March 1, 2008, we acquired the
production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition which provide well
services, wireline services and fishing and rental services with a fleet of 62
workover rigs, 51 wireline units and approximately $13 million of fishing and
rental tools equipment through its facilities in Texas, Kansas, North Dakota,
Colorado, Utah, Montana and Oklahoma. These acquisitions resulted in the
formation of our Production Services Division operating segment.
|
|
|
|
|
Continue Growth with Select Capital Deployment
We intend to continue
growing our business by making selective acquisitions, continuing new-build
programs and / or upgrading our existing assets. Our capital investment
decisions are determined by an analysis of the projected return on capital
employed on each of those alternatives. Acquisitions and new-build
opportunities that support our long term strategy are also evaluated for fit
with our current geographic locations and risk assessments are performed. We
are currently constructing a 1500 horsepower drilling rig that we expect to be
completed and available for operation in the United States in December 2008.
|
Market Conditions in Our Industry
Demand for oilfield services offered by our industry is a function of our customers
willingness to make operating and capital expenditures to explore for, develop and produce
hydrocarbons, which in turn is affected by current and expected levels of oil and gas prices. As
oil and gas prices have risen, oil and gas companies have generally increased their drilling and
workover activities. This increased activity resulted in increased domestic exploration and
production spending compared to the prior year of 17% in 2006, according to the Lehman Brothers
2007 E&P Spending Survey. Domestic spending increased 4% in 2007 and is estimated to increase 4%
in 2008, according to the Lehman Brothers 2008 E&P Spending Survey. Latin America has experienced
even higher exploration and production spending increases during the same time periods.
On July 18, 2008, the spot price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil was $128.88, the spot
price for Henry Hub natural gas was $10.54 and the Baker Hughes land rig count was 1,833, a 9%
increase from 1,685 on July 20, 2007. The average weekly spot prices of West Texas Intermediate
crude oil and Henry Hub natural gas, the average weekly domestic land rig count per the Baker
Hughes land rig count, and the average monthly domestic workover rig count for the quarter ended
March 31, 2008 and each of the previous five years ended March 31, 2008 were:
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
Years Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
Oil (West Texas
Intermediate)
|
|
$
|
97.74
|
|
|
$
|
82.50
|
|
|
$
|
64.96
|
|
|
$
|
59.94
|
|
|
$
|
45.04
|
|
|
$
|
31.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas (Henry Hub)
|
|
$
|
8.63
|
|
|
$
|
7.27
|
|
|
$
|
6.53
|
|
|
$
|
9.10
|
|
|
$
|
5.99
|
|
|
$
|
5.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Land Rig Count
|
|
|
1,689
|
|
|
|
1,685
|
|
|
|
1,589
|
|
|
|
1,329
|
|
|
|
1,110
|
|
|
|
964
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Workover Rig Count
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
|
2,412
|
|
|
|
2,376
|
|
|
|
2,271
|
|
|
|
2,087
|
|
|
|
1,996
|
|
Increased expenditures for exploration and production activities generally leads to increased
demand for our drilling services and production services. Rising oil and natural gas prices and the
corresponding increase in onshore oil and gas exploration and production spending have led to
expanded drilling and well service activity as reflected by the increases in the U.S. land rig
counts and U.S. workover rig counts over the previous five years as noted in the table above.
Exploration and production spending is generally categorized as either an operating
expenditure or a capital expenditure. Activities designed to add hydrocarbon reserves are
classified as capital expenditures, while those associated with maintaining or accelerating
production are categorized as operating expenditures.
Capital expenditures by oil and gas companies tend to be relatively sensitive to volatility in
oil or gas prices because project decisions are tied to a return on investment spanning a number of
years. As such, capital expenditure economics often require the use of commodity price forecasts
which may prove inaccurate in the amount of time required to plan and execute a capital expenditure
project (such as the drilling of a deep well). When commodity prices are depressed for even a short
period of time, capital expenditure projects are routinely deferred until prices return to an
acceptable level.
In contrast, both mandatory and discretionary operating expenditures are substantially more
stable than exploration and drilling expenditures. Mandatory operating expenditure projects involve
activities that cannot be avoided in the short term, such as regulatory compliance, safety,
contractual obligations and projects to maintain the well and related infrastructure in operating
condition. Discretionary operating expenditure projects may not be critical to the short-term
viability of a lease or field but these projects are relatively insensitive to commodity price
volatility. Discretionary operating expenditure work is evaluated according to a simple short-term
payout criterion which is far less dependent on commodity price forecasts.
Our business is influenced substantially by both operating and capital expenditures by oil and
gas companies. Because existing oil and gas wells require ongoing spending to maintain production,
expenditures by oil and gas companies for the maintenance of existing wells are relatively stable
and predictable. In contrast, capital expenditures by oil and gas companies for exploration and
drilling are more directly influenced by current and expected oil and gas prices and generally
reflect the volatility of commodity prices.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity consist of: (i) cash and cash equivalents (which equaled
$15.6 million as of March 31, 2008); (ii) cash generated from operations; and (iii) the unused
portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility which has borrowing availability of $74.7
million as of July 25, 2008. The borrowing availability is based on the $350 million borrowing
limitation imposed by the June 11, 2008 Waiver Agreement and is adjusted for letters of credit
outstanding and subject to certain debt and leverage ratio covenants. Our principal liquidity
requirements have been for working capital needs, capital expenditures and acquisitions.
On February 29, 2008, we entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and a
syndicate of lenders (collectively the Lenders). The credit agreement provides for a senior
secured revolving credit facility, with sub-limits for letters of credit and a swing-line facility
of up to an aggregate principal amount of $400 million, all of which mature on February 28, 2013.
The senior secured revolving credit facility and the obligations thereunder are secured by
substantially all our domestic assets and are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at the
bank prime rate or at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable per annum margin in each case. The
applicable per annum margin is determined based upon our leverage ratio in accordance with a
pricing grid in the credit agreement. The per annum margin for LIBOR rate borrowings ranges from
1.50% to 2.50% and for bank prime rate borrowings ranges from 0.50% to 1.50%. Based on the terms
in the credit agreement, the LIBOR margin and bank prime rate margin in effect until delivery of
the compliance certificate for December 31, 2008 are 2.25% and 1.25%, respectively. A commitment
fee is due quarterly based on the average daily unused
17
amount of the commitments of the Lenders
under the senior secured revolving credit facility. In addition, a fronting fee is due for each
letter of credit issued and a quarterly letter of credit fee is due based on the average undrawn
amount of letter of credit outstanding during such period. We may repay the senior secured
revolving credit facility balance outstanding in whole or in part at any time without premium or
penalty. The senior secured revolving credit facility replaced the $20.0 million credit facility
we previously had with Frost National Bank. Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit
facility were used to fund the WEDGE acquisition and are available for future acquisitions, working
capital and other general corporate purposes.
Effective June 11, 2008, we entered into a Waiver Agreement with the Lenders to waive the
requirement to provide certain financial statements and our compliance certificate within the time
period required by the credit agreement. The Waiver Agreement now requires us to provide the
financial statements and our compliance certificate on or before August 13, 2008. Until we provide
these financial statements and our compliance certificate, the aggregate principal amount
outstanding under the credit agreement may not exceed $350 million at any time (provided, however,
that the commitment fee will continue to be calculated based on the total commitment of $400
million), and the per annum margin applicable to all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement
will increase from the current rate of 2.25% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.25% for bank prime
rate borrowings to 2.50% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.50% for bank prime rate borrowings. The
required financial statements and our compliance certificate are being delivered concurrently with
the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
At July 25, 2008, we had $267.5 million outstanding under the revolving portion of the senior
secured revolving credit facility and $7.8 million in committed letters of credit. Under the terms
of the credit agreement, committed letters of credit are applied against our borrowing capacity
under the senior secured revolving credit facility. The borrowing availability under the senior
secured revolving credit facility was $74.7 million at July 25, 2008, based on our reduced
borrowing limit of $350 million according to the terms of the Waiver Agreement entered into on June
11, 2008. We expect our borrowing limit to return to $400 million upon delivery of the required
financial statements to the Lenders concurrently with the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q. Principal payments of $22.0 million made after March 31, 2008 are classified in the current
portion of long-term debt as of March 31, 2008. The outstanding balance under our senior secured
credit facility is not due until maturity on February 28, 2013. However, when cash and working
capital is sufficient, we may make principal payments to reduce the outstanding debt balance prior
to maturity.
At March 31, 2008, we held $16.5 million (par value) of investments comprised of tax exempt,
auction rate preferred securities (ARPSs), which are variable-rate preferred securities and have
a long-term maturity with the interest rate being reset through Dutch auctions that are held
every 7 days. The ARPSs have historically traded at par because of the frequent interest rate
resets and because they are callable at par at the option of the issuer. Interest is paid at the
end of each auction period. Our ARPSs are AAA/Aaa rated securities, collateralized by municipal
bonds, backed by assets that are equal to or greater than 200% of the liquidation preference and
guaranteed by monoline bond insurance companies. Until February 2008, the auction rate securities
market was highly liquid. Beginning mid-February 2008, we experienced several failed auctions,
meaning that there was not enough demand to sell all of the securities that holders desired to sell
at auction. The immediate effect of a failed auction is that such holders cannot sell the
securities at auction and the interest rate on the security resets to a maximum auction rate. We
have continued to receive interest payments on our ARPSs in accordance with their terms. We may not
be able to access the funds we invested in our ARPSs without a loss of principal, unless a future
auction is successful or the issuer calls the security pursuant to redemption prior to maturity. We
have no reason to believe that any of the underlying municipal securities that collateralize our
ARPSs are presently at risk of default. We believe we will ultimately be able to liquidate our
investments without material loss primarily due to the collateral securing the ARPSs. We do not
currently intend to attempt to sell our ARPSs since our liquidity needs are expected to be met with
cash flows from operating activities and our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our ARPSs
are classified with other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March
31, 2008 because of our inability to determine the recovery period of our investment in ARPSs. Our
ARPSs are designated as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with the related
unrealized gains or losses, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax, a component of shareholders equity. The estimated fair value of our ARPSs at March 31, 2008
was $15.0 million compared with a par value of $16.5 million. The $1.5 million difference
represents a fair value discount due to the current lack of liquidity which is considered temporary
and is recorded as an unrealized loss. We would recognize an impairment charge if the fair value
of our investments falls below the cost basis and is judged to be other-than-temporary.
18
Uses of Capital Resources
On March 1, 2008, we acquired the production services business of WEDGE which provides well
services, wireline services and fishing and rental services with a fleet of 62 workover rigs, 45
wireline units and approximately $13 million of fishing and rental tools equipment through
facilities in Texas, Kansas, North Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Utah and Oklahoma. The aggregate
purchase price for the acquisition was approximately $314.8 million, which consisted of assets
acquired of $329.1 million and liabilities assumed of $14.3 million. The aggregate purchase price
included $3.4 million of costs incurred to acquire the production services business from WEDGE. We
financed the acquisition with approximately $3.3 million of cash on hand and $311.5 million of debt
incurred under our new $400 million senior secured revolving credit facility.
On March 1, 2008, immediately following the acquisition of the production services business
from WEDGE, we acquired the production services business from Competition which provided wireline
services with a fleet of 6 wireline units through its facilities in Montana. The aggregate
purchase price for the Competition acquisition was approximately $30.0 million, which consisted of
assets acquired of $30.1 million and liabilities assumed of $0.1 million. The aggregate purchase
price includes $0.4 million of costs incurred to acquire the production services business from
Competition. We financed the acquisition with $26.1 million cash on hand, a note payable due to
the owner for $3.3 million and $0.6 million of current payables due to the owner.
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, we had $28.0 million of additions to our property
and equipment. For the remainder of fiscal year 2008, we project capital expenditures to be
approximately $115.3 million, comprised of new rig and equipment acquisitions of approximately
$56.0 million, routine capital expenditures of approximately $30.7 million, and non-routine capital
expenditures of approximately $28.6 million. We expect to fund these capital expenditures
primarily from operating cash flow in excess of our working capital and other normal cash flow
requirements and availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility.
Working Capital
Our working capital was $26.9 million at March 31, 2008, compared to $99.8 million at December
31, 2007. Our current ratio, which we calculate by dividing our current assets by our current
liabilities, was 1.3 at March 31, 2008 compared to 3.4 at December 31, 2007.
Our operations have historically generated cash flows sufficient to at least meet our
requirements for debt service and normal capital expenditures. However, during periods when higher
percentages of our drilling contracts are turnkey and footage contracts, our short-term working
capital needs could increase.
The changes in the components of our working capital were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
$
|
15,618
|
|
|
$
|
76,703
|
|
|
$
|
(61,085
|
)
|
Trade receivables, net
|
|
|
68,151
|
|
|
|
46,759
|
|
|
|
21,392
|
|
Contract drilling in progress
|
|
|
16,603
|
|
|
|
7,861
|
|
|
|
8,742
|
|
Income tax receivable
|
|
|
340
|
|
|
|
611
|
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
5,334
|
|
|
|
3,670
|
|
|
|
1,664
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
2,813
|
|
|
|
1,180
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
6,022
|
|
|
|
5,073
|
|
|
|
949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
114,881
|
|
|
|
141,857
|
|
|
|
(26,976
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
24,888
|
|
|
|
21,424
|
|
|
|
3,464
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
23,457
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,457
|
|
Prepaid drilling contracts
|
|
|
3,082
|
|
|
|
1,933
|
|
|
|
1,149
|
|
Income taxes payable
|
|
|
4,371
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,371
|
|
Accrued payroll and
related employee costs
|
|
|
12,533
|
|
|
|
5,172
|
|
|
|
7,361
|
|
Accrued insurance premiums
and deductibles
|
|
|
16,144
|
|
|
|
9,548
|
|
|
|
6,596
|
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
3,463
|
|
|
|
3,973
|
|
|
|
(510
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
87,938
|
|
|
|
42,050
|
|
|
|
45,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital
|
|
$
|
26,943
|
|
|
$
|
99,807
|
|
|
$
|
(72,864
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to our use of $29.4 million of
cash to fund the WEDGE and Competition acquisitions, $32.9 million for certain property and
equipment expenditures and $16.5 million used to purchase ARPSs in January 2008 that are recorded
as other long term assets as of March 31, 2008.
The increase in our receivables at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 was
primarily due to receivables of $21.1 million at March 31, 2008 that relate to our new Production
Services Division that was formed when we acquired the production services businesses of WEDGE and
Competition on March 1, 2008.
The increase in contract drilling in progress at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31,
2007 was primarily due to drilling revenues that were earned but not billed as of March 31, 2008
for two of our drilling contracts in Colombia.
The increase in inventory at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 was primarily due
to inventory of $1.4 million for our new Production Services Division and an increase of $0.3
million of inventory primarily related to our third drilling rig that began operating in Colombia
in February 2008. We maintain inventories of replacement parts and supplies for our drilling rigs
operating in Colombia to ensure efficient operations in geographically remote areas.
Most of our prepaid expenses and other consist of prepaid insurance and deferred mobilization
costs. The increase at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 is primarily due to prepaid
expenses and other of $1.2 million for our new Production Services Division and an increase of $1.1
million in deferred mobilization costs relating to our third drilling contract in Colombia that
began in February 2008. This increase in prepaid expenses and other was partially offset by a
decrease in prepaid insurance. We renew and pay most of our insurance premiums in late October of
each year and some in April of each year. As of March 31, 2008, we had amortization of 5 months of
these October insurance premiums, as compared to 2 months of amortization as of December 31, 2007.
The increase in accounts payable at March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 was
primarily due to accounts payable of $4.9 million for our new Production Services Division. The
increase in accounts payable was partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable due to a 3%
decrease in revenue days for our Drilling Services Division.
The increase in the current portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2008 is primarily due to
principal payments of $22.0 million that were made after March 31, 2008 to reduce the outstanding
balance of our senior secured revolving credit facility. The outstanding balance under our senior
secured credit facility is not due until maturity on February 28, 2013. However, when cash and
working capital is sufficient, we may make principal payments to reduce the outstanding debt
balance prior to maturity.
The increase in prepaid drilling contracts as of March 31, 2008, as compared to December 31,
2007, was due to amounts billed for mobilization revenues in excess of revenue recognized for our
third drilling contract in Colombia that began in February 2008. Mobilization billings, and costs
incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling
contract.
The increase in accrued payroll and related employee costs was primarily due to an increase in
the number of employees and an increase in the number of payroll days accrued at March 31, 2008 as
compared to December 31, 2007. In addition, accrued payroll and related employee costs increased
due to accrued bonuses related to the 12 month period ended March 31, 2008 that are expected to be
paid to certain employees during the third quarter of 2008.
The increase in accrued insurance premiums and deductibles was primarily due to increases in
costs incurred for the self-insurance portion of our health and workers compensation insurance
during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007.
20
Long Term Debt
Long-term debt as of March 31, 2008 consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Senior secured credit facility
|
|
$
|
289,500
|
|
Subordinated notes payable
|
|
|
5,520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
295,020
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(23,457
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
271,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual Obligations
The following table includes all our contractual obligations of the types specified below at
March 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than 5
|
|
Contractual Obligations
|
|
Total
|
|
|
year
|
|
|
1-3 years
|
|
|
4-5 years
|
|
|
years
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
$
|
295,020
|
|
|
$
|
23,457
|
|
|
$
|
2,763
|
|
|
$
|
268,800
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Interest on long term debt
|
|
|
64,286
|
|
|
|
13,854
|
|
|
|
25,927
|
|
|
|
24,505
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase commitments
|
|
|
14,429
|
|
|
|
14,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
5,101
|
|
|
|
1,387
|
|
|
|
2,142
|
|
|
|
1,304
|
|
|
|
268
|
|
Restricted cash obligations
|
|
|
3,250
|
|
|
|
650
|
|
|
|
1,300
|
|
|
|
1,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
491
|
|
|
|
246
|
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
382,577
|
|
|
$
|
54,023
|
|
|
$
|
32,377
|
|
|
$
|
295,909
|
|
|
$
|
268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt consists of $289.5 million outstanding under our senior secured credit facility
and $5.5 million outstanding under subordinated notes payable to certain employees that are former
shareholders of previously acquired production services businesses. The outstanding balance under
our senior secured credit facility is not due until maturity on February 28, 2013, but principal
payments of $22.0 million made after March 31, 2008 are classified in the current portion of
long-term debt as of March 31, 2008. We may make principal payments to reduce the outstanding debt
balance prior to maturity when cash and working capital is sufficient.
Interest payment obligations on our senior secured credit facility are estimated based on (1)
interest rates that are in effect under the Waiver Agreement through August 5, 2008, the date we
anticipate delivering the financial statements required under the Waiver Agreement, (2) interest
rates that we expect to be in effect after we deliver the required financial statements to the
Lenders, (3) $22.0 million of principal payments that have been made after March 31, 2008 to reduce
the outstanding principal balance, and (4) the remaining principal balance of $267.5 million to be
paid at maturity in February 2013. Interest payment obligations on our subordinated notes payable
are based on interest rates ranging from 6% to 14%, with quarterly payments of principal and
interest and final maturity dates ranging from January 2009 to March 2013.
Purchase obligations primarily relate to drilling rig and well servicing rig upgrades,
acquisitions or new construction.
Operating leases consist of lease agreements with terms in excess of 1 year for office space,
operating facilities, equipment and personal property.
As of March 31, 2008, we had restricted cash in the amount of $3,250,000 held in an escrow
account to be used for future payments in connection with the acquisition of Competition. The
former owner of Competition will receive annual installments of $650,000 payable over a 5 year term
from the escrow account.
Debt Requirements
The covenants contained in the credit agreement for our senior secured revolving credit
facility include restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional
debt, investments, liens, dividends, acquisitions, redemptions of capital stock, prepayments of
indebtedness, asset dispositions, mergers and consolidations, transactions with affiliates, capital
expenditures,
21
hedging contracts, sale leasebacks and other matters customarily restricted in such
agreements. The credit agreement requires that we meet a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a
minimum interest coverage ratio and, if the leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1.00, a minimum
asset coverage ratio. In addition, the credit agreement contains customary events of default,
including without limitation, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties,
covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other material indebtedness in excess of specified
amounts, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, judgment defaults in excess of specified
amounts, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the credit agreement and change of
control.
Effective June 11, 2008, we entered into a Waiver Agreement with the Lenders to waive the
requirement to provide certain financial statements and our compliance certificate within the time
period required by the credit agreement. The Waiver Agreement now requires us to provide the
financial statements and our compliance certificate on or before August 13, 2008. Until we provide
these financial statements and our compliance certificate, the aggregate principal amount
outstanding under the credit agreement may not exceed $350 million at any time (provided, however,
that the commitment fee will continue to be calculated based on the total commitment of $400
million), and the per annum margin applicable to all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement
will increase from the current rate of 2.25% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.25% for bank prime
rate borrowings to 2.50% for LIBOR rate borrowings and 1.50% for bank prime rate borrowings. The
required financial statements and our compliance certificate are being delivered concurrently with
the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
Effective March 1, 2008, we acquired the production services businesses of WEDGE and
Competition which provide well services, wireline services and fishing and rental services with a
fleet of 62 workover rigs, 51 wireline units and approximately $13 million of fishing and rental
tools equipment through its facilities in Texas, Kansas, North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, Montana and
Oklahoma. The acquisitions of the production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition resulted
in the formation of our new operating segment, the Production Services Division. We consolidated
the results of these acquisitions from the day they were acquired. These acquisitions affect the
comparability from period to period of our historical results, and our historical results may not
be indicative of our future results.
Statement of Operations Analysis
The following table provides information for our operations for the three months ended March
31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands, except average number of drilling rigs, utilization rate
and revenue days information):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Drilling Services Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
100,041
|
|
|
$
|
103,347
|
|
Operating costs
|
|
|
63,497
|
|
|
|
59,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling Services Division margin
|
|
$
|
36,544
|
|
|
$
|
44,158
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of drilling rigs
|
|
|
67.0
|
|
|
|
64.3
|
|
Utilization rate
|
|
|
84
|
%
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
Revenue days
|
|
|
5,186
|
|
|
|
5,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average revenues per day
|
|
$
|
19,291
|
|
|
$
|
19,863
|
|
Average operating costs per day
|
|
|
12,244
|
|
|
|
11,376
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling Services Division margin per
day
|
|
$
|
7,047
|
|
|
$
|
8,487
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production Services Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
13,356
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Operating costs
|
|
|
6,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production Services Division margin
|
|
$
|
6,427
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
$
|
36,206
|
|
|
$
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We present Drilling Services Division margin, Production Services Division margin and earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) information because we believe
they provide investors and our management additional information to assist them in assessing our
business and performance in comparison to other companies in our industry. Since
Drilling Services Division margin, Production Services Division margin and EBITDA information
are non-GAAP financial measures under the rules and regulations of the SEC, we have included
below a reconciliation of Drilling Services Division margin, Production Services Division margin
and EBITDA to net earnings, which is the nearest comparable GAAP financial measure.
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Reconciliation of combined Drilling Services Dvision
margin and Production Services Division margin
and EBITDA to net earnings:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling Services Division margin
|
|
$
|
36,544
|
|
|
$
|
44,158
|
|
Production Services Division margin
|
|
|
6,427
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined margin
|
|
|
42,971
|
|
|
|
44,158
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
(7,722
|
)
|
|
|
(3,824
|
)
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
(135
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
1,092
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
36,206
|
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(17,119
|
)
|
|
|
(14,736
|
)
|
Interest income (expense), net
|
|
|
(989
|
)
|
|
|
881
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(6,250
|
)
|
|
|
(9,269
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
$
|
11,848
|
|
|
$
|
17,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Drilling Services Divisions revenues decreased by $3.3 million, or 3%, for the quarter
ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2007, primarily due to a decrease
in contract drilling revenues of $572 per day, or 3%, resulting from a reduced demand for drilling
rigs.
Our Drilling Services Divisions operating costs grew by $4.3 million, or 7%, for the quarter
ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding period in 2007, due to a $868 increase in
the average operating costs per revenue day, which was primarily due to higher operating costs per
day for our Colombian operations, an increase in employee related costs for rig personnel, an
increase in supplies, repairs and maintenance expenses and more turnkey and footage costs. Under
turnkey and footage contracts, we provide supplies and materials such as fuel, drill bits, casing
and drilling fluids, which significantly add to drilling costs when compared to daywork contracts.
These costs are also included in the revenues we recognize for turnkey and footage contracts,
resulting in higher revenue rates per day for turnkey and footage contracts compared to daywork
contracts, which do not include such costs.
Our Production Services Divisions revenue of $13.4 million and operating costs of $6.9
million are based on the operating results for this new operating segment which was created on
March 1, 2008 when we acquired the production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition.
Our selling, general and administrative expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 increased
by approximately $3.9 million, or 102%, compared to the corresponding quarter in 2007. The
increase resulted from $1.5 million in additional compensation-related expenses incurred for
existing and new employees in our corporate office. Professional and consulting expenses increased
$0.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. In addition, we incurred $1.2 million and
$.6 million of additional selling, general and administrative expenses relating to our Production
Service Division and our Colombian operations, respectively.
Our other income for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 increased by $1.1 million compared to
the corresponding quarter in 2007, primarily due to foreign currency translation gains relating to
our operations in Colombia.
Our depreciation and amortization expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 increased by
$2.4 million, or 16%, compared to the corresponding quarter in 2007. The increases resulted
primarily from additional depreciation and amortization expense of $1.3 million for our new
Production Services Division and an increase in the average size of our drilling rig fleet, which
increase consisted of newly constructed rigs. Partially offsetting the increase in depreciation
and amortization expense was a decrease of approximately $0.9 million resulting from the change in
the estimated useful lives of a group of 19 drilling rigs from an average useful life of 9 years to
12 years.
Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 is related to interest due on the
amounts outstanding under our new senior secured revolving credit facility which was used to fund
the acquisitions of the production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition on March 1, 2008.
23
Our effective income tax rate of 34.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 differs from the
federal statutory rate of 35% due to tax benefits in foreign jurisdictions, tax benefits recognized
for previously unrecognized deferred tax assets and state income taxes.
Inflation
Due to the increased rig count in each of our market areas, availability of personnel to
operate our rigs is limited. In April 2005, January 2006 and May 2006, we raised wage rates for
our drilling rig personnel by an average of 6%, 6% and 14%, respectively. We were able to pass
these wage rate increases on to our customers based on contract terms. We anticipate an additional
wage rate increase of 10% to 15% prior to December 31, 2008 that we expect to pass on to our
customers.
We are experiencing increases in costs for rig repairs and maintenance and costs of rig
upgrades and new rig construction, due to the increased industry-wide demand for equipment,
supplies and service. We estimate these costs increased by 10% to 15% in fiscal year 2007. We
expect similar cost increases during the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 as
rig counts remain at historically high levels.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not currently have any off balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Revenue and cost recognition
Our Drilling Services Division earns revenues by drilling oil
and gas wells for our customers under daywork, turnkey or footage contracts, which usually provide
for the drilling of a single well. We recognize revenues on daywork contracts for the days
completed based on the dayrate each contract specifies. We recognize revenues from our turnkey and
footage contracts on the percentage-of-completion method based on our estimate of the number of
days to complete each contract. Individual contracts are usually completed in less than 60 days.
The risks to us under a turnkey contract and, to a lesser extent, under footage contracts, are
substantially greater than on a contract drilled on a daywork basis. Under a turnkey contract, we
assume most of the risks associated with drilling operations that are generally assumed by the
operator in a daywork contract, including the risks of blowout, loss of hole, stuck drill pipe,
machinery breakdowns and abnormal drilling conditions, as well as risks associated with
subcontractors services, supplies, cost escalations and personnel operations.
Our management has determined that it is appropriate to use the percentage-of-completion
method, as defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
81-1, to recognize revenue on our turnkey and footage contracts. Although our turnkey and footage
contracts do not have express terms that provide us with rights to receive payment for the work
that we perform prior to drilling wells to the agreed-on depth, we use this method because, as
provided in applicable accounting literature, we believe we achieve a continuous sale for our
work-in-progress and believe, under applicable state law, we ultimately could recover the fair
value of our work-in-progress even in the event we were unable to drill to the agreed-on depth in
breach of the applicable contract. However, in the event we were unable to drill to the agreed-on
depth in breach of the contract, ultimate recovery of that value would be subject to negotiations
with the customer and the possibility of litigation.
If a customer defaults on its payment obligation to us under a turnkey or footage contract, we
would need to rely on applicable law to enforce our lien rights, because our turnkey and footage
contracts do not expressly grant to us a security interest in the work we have completed under the
contract and we have no ownership rights in the work-in-progress or completed drilling work, except
any rights arising under the applicable lien statute on foreclosure. If we were unable to drill to
the agreed-on depth in breach of the contract, we also would need to rely on equitable remedies
outside of the contract, including quantum meruit, available in applicable courts to recover the
fair value of our work-in-progress under a turnkey or footage contract.
We accrue estimated contract costs on turnkey and footage contracts for each day of work
completed based on our estimate of the total costs to complete the contract divided by our estimate
of the number of days to complete the contract. Contract costs include labor, materials, supplies,
repairs and maintenance, operating overhead allocations and allocations of depreciation and
amortization expense. In addition, the occurrence of uninsured or under-insured losses or
operating cost overruns on our turnkey and footage contracts could have a material adverse effect
on our financial position and results of operations. Therefore, our actual results for a contract
could differ significantly if our cost estimates for that contract are later revised from our
original cost estimates for a contract in progress at the end of a reporting period which was not
completed prior to the release of our financial statements.
With most drilling contracts, we receive payments contractually designated for the
mobilization of rigs and other equipment. Payments received, and costs incurred for the
mobilization services are deferred and recognized on a straight line basis over the
contract term of certain drilling contracts. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other
drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred.
Reimbursements that we receive for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenue and the
out-of-pocket expenses for which they relate are recorded as operating costs.
24
The asset contract drilling in progress represents revenues we have recognized in excess of
amounts billed on contracts in progress. The asset prepaid expenses and other includes deferred
mobilization costs for certain drilling contracts. The liability prepaid drilling contracts
represents deferred mobilization revenues for certain drilling contracts and amounts collected on
contracts in excess of revenues recognized.
Our Production Services Division earns revenues for well services, wireline services and
fishing and rental services pursuant to master services agreements based on purchase orders,
contracts or other persuasive evidence of an arrangement with the customer that include fixed or
determinable prices. Production service revenue is recognized when the service has been rendered
and collectability is reasonably assured.
Asset impairments
We assess the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that we consider
important and which could trigger an impairment review would be our customers financial condition,
local conditions in a particular market and any significant negative industry or economic trends.
More specifically, among other things, we consider our contract revenue rates; our utilization
rates; cash flows from our drilling rigs, workover rigs, wireline units and fishing and rental
tools equipment; current oil and gas prices, rig counts and trends in the price of used equipment
observed by our management. If a review of our property and equipment indicates that our carrying
value exceeds the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, we are required under applicable
accounting standards to write down the property and equipment to its fair market value. A one
percent write-down in our net property and equipment, at March 31, 2008, would have resulted in a
corresponding decrease in our net earnings of approximately $3.7 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2008.
Goodwill Impairments
Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess
of acquisition costs over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We account for goodwill and
other intangible assets under the provisions of SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
.
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment
annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be
impaired. SFAS No. 142 requires a two-step process for testing impairment. First, the fair value
of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of
impairment exists. If impairment is indicated, then the fair value of the reporting units
goodwill is determined by allocating the units fair value to its assets and liabilities (including
any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business
combination. The amount of impairment for goodwill is measured as the excess of its carrying value
over its fair value.
Deferred taxes
We provide deferred taxes for the basis differences in our property and
equipment between financial reporting and tax reporting purposes and other costs such as
compensation, foreign net operating loss carryforwards, employee benefit and other accrued
liabilities which are deducted in different periods for financial reporting and tax reporting
purposes. For property and equipment, basis differences arise from differences in depreciation
periods and methods and the value of assets acquired in a business acquisition where we acquire an
entity rather than just its assets. For financial reporting purposes, we depreciate the various
components of our drilling rigs, workover rigs and wireline units over 5 to 25 years and
refurbishments over 3 to 5 years, while federal income tax rules require that we depreciate
drilling rigs, workover rigs, wireline units and refurbishments over 5 years. Therefore, in the
first 5 years of our ownership of a drilling rig, workover rig or wireline unit, our tax
depreciation exceeds our financial reporting depreciation, resulting in our providing deferred
taxes on this depreciation difference. After 5 years, financial reporting depreciation exceeds tax
depreciation, and the deferred tax liability begins to reverse.
Accounting estimates
We consider the recognition of revenues and costs on turnkey and
footage contracts to be critical accounting estimates. On these types of contracts, we are
required to estimate the number of days needed for us to complete the contract and our total cost
to complete the contract. Our actual costs could substantially exceed our estimated costs if we
encounter problems such as lost circulation, stuck drill pipe or an underground blowout on
contracts still in progress subsequent to the release of the financial statements.
We receive payment under turnkey and footage contracts when we deliver to our customer a well
completed to the depth specified in the contract, unless the customer authorizes us to drill to a
more shallow depth. Since 1995, we have completed all our turnkey or footage contracts. Although
our initial cost estimates for turnkey and footage contracts do not include cost estimates for
risks such as stuck drill pipe or loss of circulation, we believe that our experienced management
team, our knowledge of geologic formations in our areas of operations, the condition of our
drilling equipment and our experienced crews have previously enabled us to make reasonable cost
estimates and complete contracts according to our drilling plan. While we do bear the risk of loss
for cost overruns and other events that are not specifically provided for in our initial cost
estimates, our pricing of turnkey and footage contracts takes such risks into consideration. When
we encounter, during the course of our drilling operations, conditions unforeseen in the
preparation of our original cost estimate, we increase our cost estimate to complete the contract.
If we anticipate a loss on a contract in progress at the end of a reporting period due to a change
in our cost estimate, we accrue the entire amount of the estimated
loss, including all costs that are included in our revised estimated cost to complete that
contract, in our consolidated statement of operations for that reporting period. During the three
months ended March 31, 2008, we experienced losses on 2 of the 23 turnkey and footage contracts
completed, with a loss of less than $25,000 on one of these contracts and a loss of less than
$125,000 on the other contract. We are more likely to encounter losses on turnkey and footage
contracts in periods in which revenue rates are lower
25
for all types of contracts. During periods
of reduced demand for drilling rigs, our overall profitability on turnkey and footage contracts has
historically exceeded our profitability on daywork contracts.
Revenues and costs during a reporting period could be affected for contracts in progress at
the end of a reporting period which have not been completed before our financial statements for
that period are released. We had 1 turnkey and 3 footage contracts in progress at March 31, 2008,
which were completed prior to the release of the financial statements included in this report. Our
contract drilling in progress totaled $16.6 million at March 31, 2008. Of that amount accrued,
turnkey and footage contract revenues were $1.6 million. The remaining balance of $14.4 million
related to the revenue recognized but not yet billed on daywork drilling contracts in progress at
March 31, 2008 and $0.6 million related to unbilled revenue for our Production Services Division.
We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the creditworthiness of our customers
as well as general economic conditions. We evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers based on
commercial credit reports, trade references, bank references, financial information, production
information and any past experience we have with the customer. Consequently, an adverse change in
those factors could affect our estimate of our allowance for doubtful accounts. In some instances,
we require new customers to establish escrow accounts or make prepayments. We typically invoice
our customers at 15-day intervals during the performance of daywork contracts and upon completion
of the daywork contract. Turnkey and footage contracts are invoiced upon completion of the
contract. Our typical contract provides for payment of invoices in 10 to 30 days. We generally do
not extend payment terms beyond 30 days and have not extended payment terms beyond 90 days for any
of our contracts in the last three fiscal years. We had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.3
million at March 31, 2008 and no allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2007.
Our determination of the useful lives of our depreciable assets, which directly affects our
determination of depreciation expense and deferred taxes is also a critical accounting estimate. A
decrease in the useful life of our property and equipment would increase depreciation expense and
reduce deferred taxes. We provide for depreciation of our drilling, production, transportation and
other equipment on a straight-line method over useful lives that we have estimated and that range
from 3 to 25 years. We record the same depreciation expense whether a drilling rig, workover rig
or wireline unit is idle or working. Our estimates of the useful lives of our drilling,
production, transportation and other equipment are based on our more than 35 years of experience in
the oilfield services industry with similar equipment. Effective January 1, 2008, we reassessed
the estimated useful lives assigned to a group of 19 drilling rigs that were recently constructed.
These drilling rigs were constructed with new components that have longer estimated useful lives
when compared to other drilling rigs that are equipped with older components. As a result, we
increased the estimated useful lives for this group of recently constructed drilling rigs from an
average useful life of 9 years to 12 years. This change in the estimated useful lives of this
group of 19 drilling rigs resulted in a $0.9 million decrease in depreciation and amortization
expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
As of March 31, 2008, we had foreign net operating losses for tax purposes and other tax
benefits available to reduce future taxable income in a foreign jurisdiction. The valuation
allowance in the amount of $4.0 million offsets in part our foreign net operating losses and other
tax benefits. In assessing the realizability of our foreign deferred tax assets, we recognized a
tax benefit to the extent of taxable income we expect to earn over the terms of three existing
drilling contracts in the foreign jurisdiction. The terms of these contracts expire in October
2008, December 2008 and March 2009. If one or more of these contracts are extended or renewed or
new contracts are entered into, then we expect to recognize additional tax benefits to the extent
projected future taxable income increases. The foreign net operating loss has an indefinite
carryforward period. The foreign net operating loss is primarily due to the special income tax
benefits permitted by the Colombian government that allows us to recover 140% of the cost of
certain imported assets. We are currently marketing a 1500 horsepower drilling rig that we plan to
deploy in Colombia. To obtain this special income tax benefit, we plan to have our U.S operating
company sell this drilling rig to Stayton Asset Group, a variable interest entity established for
this transaction for which we are the primary beneficiary. We plan to have Stayton Asset Group
immediately sell this drilling rig to our operating entity in Colombia.
Our accrued insurance premiums and deductibles as of March 31, 2008 include accruals for costs
incurred under the self-insurance portion of our health insurance of approximately $0.9 million and
our workers compensation, general liability and auto liability insurance of approximately $9.8
million. We have a deductible of $125,000 per covered individual per year under the health
insurance, except for individuals employed by our Production Services Division where we have no
deductible. We have a deductible of $500,000 per occurrence under our workers compensation
insurance, except in North Dakota, where we do not have a deductible. We have deductibles of
$250,000 and $100,000 per occurrence under our general liability insurance and auto liability
insurance, respectively. We accrue for these costs as claims are incurred based on historical
claim development data, and we accrue the costs of administrative services associated with claims
processing. We also evaluate our workers compensation claim cost estimates based on estimates
provided by a professional actuary.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
. SFAS No. 157 defines
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value
measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit
fair value measurements and, accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS
No. 157, as issued, was effective for financial statement issued for fiscal years beginning after
November
26
15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, on February 12, 2008,
the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-2,
Effective Dates of FASB Statement No. 157,
which delays the
effective date of SFAS No. 157 for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all
nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at
fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not
have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
. This statement permits
entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that
are not currently required to be measured at fair value and establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement
attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on
our financial position or results of operations and financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51
. This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of
a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is
sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity
that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among
other requirements, SFAS No. 160 requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that
include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also
requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of
consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest.
SFAS No.160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not
expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations
and financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007) which replaces SFAS No. 141,
Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R applies to all transactions and other
events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. SFAS No. 141R
requires an acquirer, upon initially obtaining control of another entity, to recognize the assets,
liabilities and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition
date. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized and measured at fair value on the date
of acquisition rather than at a later date when the amount of that consideration may be
determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. This fair value approach replaces the cost-allocation
process required under SFAS No. 141 whereby the cost of an acquisition was allocated to the
individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. SFAS No.
141R requires acquirers to expense acquisition-related costs as incurred rather than allocating
such costs to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as was previously the case under
SFAS No. 141. Under SFAS No.141R, the requirements of SFAS No. 146,
Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities
, would have to be met in order to accrue for a restructuring plan
in purchase accounting. Pre-acquisition contingencies are to be recognized at fair value, unless it
is a non-contractual contingency that is not likely to materialize, in which case, nothing should
be recognized in purchase accounting and, instead, that contingency would be subject to the
recognition criteria of SFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Contingencies
. SFAS No.141R is expected to have
a significant impact on our accounting for business combinations closing on or after January 1,
2009.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB Statement No. 133
(SFAS No. 161). SFAS No. 161 changes the
disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to
provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its
related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an
entitys financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The guidance in SFAS No. 161 is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after
November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. This Statement encourages, but does not
require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The Company is currently
assessing the impact of SFAS No. 161. We do not have any derivative instruments and expect the
adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have no impact on our financial position or results of operations and
financial condition.
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We are subject to interest rate market risk on our variable rate debt. As of March 31, 2008,
we had $289.5 million outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility subject to
variable interest rate risk. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt
would result in increased interest expense of approximately $0.7 million and a decrease in net
income of approximately $0.5 million during a quarterly period.
At March 31, 2008, we held $16.5 million (par value) of investments comprised of tax exempt,
auction rate preferred securities (ARPSs), which are variable-rate preferred securities and have
a long-term maturity with the interest rate
being reset through Dutch auctions that are held
every 7 days. The ARPSs have historically traded at par because of the frequent interest rate
27
resets and because they are callable at par at the option of the issuer. Interest is paid at the
end of each auction period. Our ARPSs are AAA/Aaa rated securities, collateralized by municipal
bonds, backed by assets that are equal to or greater than 200% of the liquidation preference and
guaranteed by monoline bond insurance companies. Until February 2008, the auction rate securities
market was highly liquid. Beginning mid-February 2008, we experienced several failed auctions,
meaning that there was not enough demand to sell all of the securities that holders desired to sell
at auction. The immediate effect of a failed auction is that such holders cannot sell the
securities at auction and the interest rate on the security resets to a maximum auction rate. We
have continued to receive interest payments on our ARPSs in accordance with their terms. We may not
be able to access the funds we invested in our ARPSs without a loss of principal, unless a future
auction is successful or the issuer calls the security pursuant to redemption prior to maturity. We
have no reason to believe that any of the underlying municipal securities that collateralize our
ARPSs are presently at risk of default. We believe we will ultimately be able to liquidate our
investments without material loss primarily due to the collateral securing the ARPSs. We do not
currently intend to attempt to sell our ARPSs since our liquidity needs are expected to be met with
cash flows from operating activities and our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our ARPSs
are classified with other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March
31, 2008 because of our inability to determine the recovery period of our investment in ARPSs. Our
ARPSs are designated as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with the related
unrealized gains or losses, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax,
a component of shareholders equity. The estimated fair value of our ARPSs at March 31, 2008 was
$15.0 million compared with a par value of $16.5 million. The $1.5 million difference represents a
fair value discount due to the current lack of liquidity which is considered temporary and is
recorded as an unrealized loss. We would recognize an impairment charge if the fair value of our
investments falls below the cost basis and is judged to be other-than-temporary.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our international operations in Colombia expose us to movements in currency exchange rates,
which may be volatile at times. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is complex
because changes are often linked to various real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental
actions and other factors. These changes, if material, could cause us to change our financing and
operating strategies.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we operated 3 drilling rigs in Colombia that
generated 8% of our total revenue. We estimate, based upon our net income for our Colombian
operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates
would not have resulted in a material impact to consolidated net income.
We do not currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge against interest rate risk
or foreign currency risk.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation, under
the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the
end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as
of March 31, 2008 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our
reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms and
that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
the three months ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
On March 1, 2008, we completed the acquisitions of the production services businesses of WEDGE
and Competition. We are in the process of transferring all accounting for the new acquisition to
our headquarters and into our existing internal control processes. The integration will lead to
changes in these controls in future fiscal periods but we do not except these changes to materially
affect our internal controls over financial reporting. Consistent with published guidance of the
SEC, our management excluded the acquired companies from the scope of its assessment of internal
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008. Total assets and total revenues from the
acquisitions represented approximately 41% and 12%, respectively, of the related consolidated
financial statement amounts of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
Investigation by the Special Subcommittee of the Board of Directors
On May 12, 2008, the Company announced a delay in filing its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2008 (the Quarterly Report), as a result of certain questions raised with respect to
the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. On May 15, 2008, the Board of Directors formed a special subcommittee of
the Board (the Special Committee) to investigate the questions raised regarding the Companys
internal control over financial reporting and to determine whether such weaknesses, if any, have
materially affected the Companys financial statements The Special Committee engaged Bracewell &
28
Giuliani LLP (Bracewell), as independent legal counsel, and Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte),
as independent forensic accountants, to assist in the investigation.
In July 2008, after an extensive document review and interviewing relevant current and former
employees and vendors, Bracewell presented their report to the Special Committee. After
consideration of the report, the Special Committee then met with the Board of Directors, at which
meeting Bracewell also presented its report to the Board of Directors, to discuss the report and
present the Special Committees recommendations.
After reviewing the report, the Special Committee and the Board of Directors concluded that
they were not aware of any facts that caused them to believe that there was any material
misstatement of the Companys historical financial statements or in the financial statements
proposed to be included in the Quarterly Report.
Furthermore, based on the Bracewell report, the Special Committee and the Board do not believe
that the questions raised constituted a material weakness in the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. The Bracewell report, however, did identify certain control deficiencies and
made recommendations, that have been adopted by the Board of Directors, to enhance the Companys
governance and control environment.
The Bracewell report noted some deficiencies in the Companys manual process to record
purchases and process expenditures, for both expense and capital expenditures. While there were
certain compensating controls that mitigated the financial reporting risks associated with these
deficiencies, the Bracewell report recommended that the Company implement a more effective
systematic purchase order application integrated with the general ledger. Consistent with the
recommendation in the Bracewell report, the Company intends to enhance its current process by
expanding, upgrading, better systematizing and making prospective its current purchase order
system.
The Bracewell report and the Special Committees review also noted the desirability to improve
communications and more clearly delineate roles and responsibilities within the Company. As
recommended in the Bracewell report, the Company intends to hire a general counsel and chief
compliance officer, to further define roles and responsibilities, and to undertake a series of
training initiatives.
The Bracewell report also reviewed certain matters related to the Companys Colombian
operations. In light of the recent commencement of these operations and cultural and other issues
involved in integrating them into the Company and its systems, including documentation procedures,
the Bracewell report recommended, and the Board has already begun to focus on, additional oversight
of these operations as the Company continues the intended expansion in this market.
Finally, the Board has directed management to consider and report back to the Board with
respect to the implementation of additional controls and procedures. These include a disclosure
committee comprised of representatives from operations, compliance and finance and accounting and a
quarterly subcertification and management representation process with signoff by segment and
service line operating executives and controllers, corporate accounting managers and other
personnel involved in the financial reporting process. These processes should enhance internal
accountability for our financial statements.
While some matters raised during the process of the investigation require additional review by
the Special Committee and its counsel, the Company does not believe they will have a material
impact on the Companys financial statements or operations.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although the
amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately
predicted, in managements opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our
business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will
always be present. Part I, Item 1A of our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007 describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business
that have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations. The risk factors presented below update, and should be considered in addition to, the
risk factors previously disclosed by us in such Transition Report on Form 10-KT. Additional risks
and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may
negatively impact our business, financial condition or operating results.
Set forth below are various risks and uncertainties that could adversely impact our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Relating to the Oil and Gas Industry
We derive all our revenues from companies in the oil and gas exploration and production
industry, a historically cyclical industry with levels of activity that are significantly
affected by the levels and volatility of oil and gas prices.
As a provider of contract land drilling services and oil and gas production services, our
business depends on the level of exploration and production activity by oil and gas companies
operating in the geographic markets where we operate. The oil and gas exploration and production
industry is a historically cyclical industry characterized by significant changes in the levels of
exploration and development activities. Oil and gas prices, and market expectations of potential
changes in those prices, significantly affect the levels of those activities. Worldwide political,
economic, and military events as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and gas price
volatility and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Any prolonged reduction in the
overall level of exploration and development activities, whether resulting from changes in oil and
gas prices or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect us in many ways by negatively
impacting:
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our revenues, cash flows and profitability;
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the fair market value of our drilling rig fleet and production service assets;
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our ability to maintain or increase our borrowing capacity;
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our ability to obtain additional capital to finance our business and make acquisitions,
and the cost of that capital; and
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our ability to retain skilled rig personnel whom we would need in the event of an upturn
in the demand for our services.
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Depending on the market prices of oil and gas, oil and gas exploration and production
companies may cancel or curtail their drilling programs and may lower production spending on
existing wells, thereby reducing demand for our services. Oil and gas prices have been volatile
historically and, we believe, will continue to be so in the future. Many factors beyond our
control affect oil and gas prices, including:
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the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas;
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the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves;
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the rate of decline of existing and new oil and gas reserves;
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available pipeline and other oil and gas transportation capacity;
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the ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital;
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economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere;
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actions by OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
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political instability in the Middle East and other major oil and gas producing regions;
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governmental regulations, both domestic and foreign;
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domestic and foreign tax policy;
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weather conditions in the United States and elsewhere;
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the pace adopted by foreign governments for the exploration, development and production
of their national reserves;
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the price of foreign imports of oil and gas; and
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the overall supply and demand for oil and gas.
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Risks Relating to Our Business
Reduced demand for or excess capacity of drilling services or production services could
adversely affect our profitability.
Our profitability in the future will depend on many factors, but largely on pricing and
utilization rates for our drilling and production services. A reduction in the demand for drilling
rigs or an increase in the supply of drilling rigs, whether through new construction or
refurbishment, could decrease the dayrates and utilization rates for our drilling services, which
would adversely affect our revenues and profitability. An increase in supply of well service rigs,
wireline units and fishing and rental tools equipment, without a corresponding increase in demand,
could similarly decrease the pricing and utilization rates of our production services, which would
adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
We operate in a highly competitive, fragmented industry in which price competition could reduce
our profitability.
We encounter substantial competition from other drilling contractors and other oilfield
service companies. Our primary market areas are highly fragmented and competitive. The fact that
drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs are mobile and can be moved from one market to another
in response to market conditions heightens the competition in the industry and may result in an
oversupply of rigs in an area. Contract drilling companies and other oilfield service companies
compete primarily on a regional basis, and the intensity of competition may vary significantly from
region to region at any particular time. If demand for drilling or production services improves in
a region where we operate, our competitors might respond by moving in suitable rigs from other
regions. An influx of rigs from other regions could rapidly intensify competition, reduce
profitability and make any improvement in demand for drilling or production services short-lived.
Most drilling services contracts and production services contracts are awarded on the basis of
competitive bids, which also results in price competition. In addition to pricing and rig
availability, we believe the following factors are also important to our customers in determining
which drilling services or production services provider to select:
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the type and condition of each of the competing drilling, workover and well-servicing
rigs;
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the mobility and efficiency of the rigs;
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the quality of service and experience of the rig crews;
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the safety records of the rigs;
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the offering of ancillary services; and
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the ability to provide drilling and production equipment adaptable to, and personnel
familiar with, new technologies and drilling and production techniques.
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While we must be competitive in our pricing, our competitive strategy generally emphasizes the
quality of our equipment, the safety record of our rigs, our ability to offer ancillary services
and the quality of service and experience of our rig crews to differentiate us from our
competitors. This strategy is less effective as lower demand for drilling and production services
or an oversupply of drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs intensifies price competition and
makes it more difficult for us to compete on the basis of factors other than price. In all of the
markets in which we compete, an oversupply of rigs can cause greater price competition, which can
reduce our profitability.
We face competition from many competitors with greater resources.
Many of our competitors have greater financial, technical and other resources than we do.
Their greater capabilities in these areas may enable them to:
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better withstand industry downturns;
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compete more effectively on the basis of price and technology;
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retain skilled rig personnel; and
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build new rigs or acquire and refurbish existing rigs so as to be able to place rigs
into service more quickly than us in periods of high drilling demand.
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Unexpected cost overruns on our turnkey drilling jobs and our footage contracts could adversely
affect our financial position and our results of operations.
We have historically derived a portion of our revenues from turnkey drilling contracts, and
turnkey contracts may represent a component of our future revenues. The occurrence of uninsured or
under-insured losses or operating cost overruns on our turnkey jobs could have a material adverse
effect on our financial position and results of operations. Under a typical turnkey drilling
contract, we agree to drill a well for our customer to a specified depth and under specified
conditions for a fixed price. We provide technical expertise and engineering services, as well as
most of the equipment and drilling supplies required to drill the well. We often subcontract for
related services, such as the provision of casing crews, cementing and well logging. Under typical
turnkey drilling arrangements, we do not receive progress payments and are paid by our customer
only after we have performed the terms of the drilling contract in full. For these reasons, the
risk to us under a turnkey drilling contract is substantially greater than for a well drilled on a
daywork basis because we must assume most of the risks associated with drilling operations that the
operator generally assumes under a daywork contract, including the risks of blowout, loss of hole,
stuck drill pipe, machinery breakdowns, abnormal drilling conditions and risks associated with
subcontractors services, supplies, cost escalations and personnel. Similar to our turnkey
contracts, under a footage contract we assume most of the risks associated with drilling operations
that the operator generally assumes under a daywork contract.
Although we attempt to obtain insurance coverage to reduce certain of the risks inherent in
our turnkey drilling operations, adequate coverage may be unavailable in the future and we might
have to bear the full cost of such risks, which could have an adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Our operations involve operating hazards, which, if not insured or indemnified against, could
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the drilling, workover and
well-servicing industries, including the risks of:
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blowouts;
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cratering;
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fires and explosions;
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loss of well control;
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collapse of the borehole;
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damaged or lost drilling equipment; and
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damage or loss from natural disasters.
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Any of these hazards can result in substantial liabilities or losses to us from, among
other things:
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suspension of operations;
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damage to, or destruction of, our property and equipment and that of others;
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personal injury and loss of life;
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damage to producing or potentially productive oil and gas formations through which we
drill; and
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environmental damage.
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We seek to protect ourselves from some but not all operating hazards through insurance
coverage. However, some risks are either not insurable or insurance is available only at rates that
we consider uneconomical. Those risks include pollution liability in excess of relatively low
limits. Depending on competitive conditions and other factors, we attempt to obtain contractual
protection against uninsured operating risks from our customers. However, customers who provide
contractual indemnification protection may not in all cases maintain adequate insurance to support
their indemnification obligations. Our insurance or indemnification arrangements may not
adequately protect us against liability or loss from all the hazards of our operations. The
occurrence of a significant event that we have not fully insured or indemnified against or the
failure of a customer to meet its indemnification obligations to us could materially and adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we may be unable to
maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable.
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We face increased exposure to operating difficulties because we primarily focus on providing
drilling and production services for natural gas.
Most of our drilling and production contracts are with exploration and production companies in
search of natural gas. Drilling on land for natural gas generally occurs at deeper drilling depths
than drilling for oil. Although deep-depth drilling and production services expose us to risks
similar to risks encountered in shallow-depth drilling and production services, the magnitude of
the risk for deep-depth drilling and production services is greater because of the higher costs and
greater complexities involved in providing drilling and production services for deep wells. We
generally do not insure risks related to operating difficulties other than blowouts. If we do not
adequately insure the increased risk from blowouts or if our contractual indemnification rights are
insufficient or unfulfilled, our profitability and other results of operations and our financial
condition could be adversely affected in the event we encounter blowouts or other significant
operating difficulties while providing drilling or production services at deeper depths.
Our current primary focus on drilling for customers in search of natural gas could place us at a
competitive disadvantage if we were to change our primary focus to drilling for customers in
search of oil.
Our drilling rig fleet consists of rigs capable of drilling on land at drilling depths of
6,000 to 18,000 feet because most of our contracts are with customers drilling in search of natural
gas, which generally occurs at deeper drilling depths than drilling in search of oil, which often
occurs at drilling depths less than 6,000 feet. Generally, larger drilling rigs capable of deep
drilling generally incur higher mobilization costs than smaller drilling rigs drilling at shallower
depths. If our primary focus shifts from drilling for customers in search of natural gas to
drilling for customers in search of oil, the majority of our rig fleet would be disadvantaged in
competing for new oil drilling projects as compared to competitors that primarily use shallower
drilling depth rigs when drilling in search of oil.
We could be adversely affected if shortages of equipment, supplies or personnel occur.
From time to time there have been shortages of drilling and production services equipment and
supplies during periods of high demand which we believe could recur. Shortages could result in
increased prices for drilling and production services equipment or supplies that we may be unable
to pass on to customers. In addition, during periods of shortages, the delivery times for
equipment and supplies can be substantially longer. Any significant delays in our obtaining
drilling and production services equipment or supplies could limit drilling and production services
operations and jeopardize our relations with customers. In addition, shortages of drilling and
production services equipment or supplies could delay and adversely affect our ability to obtain
new contracts for our rigs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.
Our operations require the services of employees having the technical training and experience
necessary to obtain the proper operational results. As a result, our operations depend, to a
considerable extent, on the continuing availability of such personnel. Shortages of qualified
personnel are occurring in our industry. If we should suffer any material loss of personnel to
competitors or be unable to employ additional or replacement personnel with the requisite level of
training and experience to adequately operate our equipment, our operations could be materially and
adversely affected. A significant increase in the wages paid by other employers could result in a
reduction in our workforce, increases in wage rates, or both. The occurrence of either of these
events for a significant period of time could have a material and adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Our acquisition strategy exposes us to various risks, including those relating to difficulties
in identifying suitable acquisition opportunities and integrating businesses, assets and personnel,
as well as difficulties in obtaining financing for targeted acquisitions and the potential for
increased leverage or debt service requirements.
As a key component of our business strategy, we have pursued and intend to continue to pursue
acquisitions of complementary assets and businesses. For example, since March 31, 2003, our
drilling rig fleet has increased from 24 to 69 drilling rigs, primarily as a result of
acquisitions. In addition, during the first quarter of 2008, we completed the acquisition of the
production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition.
Our acquisition strategy in general, and our recent acquisitions in particular, involve
numerous inherent risks, including:
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unanticipated costs and assumption of liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities
of acquired businesses, including environmental liabilities;
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difficulties in integrating the operations and assets of the acquired business and the
acquired personnel;
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limitations on our ability to properly assess and maintain an effective internal control
environment over an acquired business in order to comply with applicable periodic reporting
requirements;
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potential losses of key employees and customers of the acquired businesses;
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risks of entering markets in which we have limited prior experience; and
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increases in our expenses and working capital requirements.
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The process of integrating an acquired business may involve unforeseen costs and delays or
other operational, technical and financial difficulties that may require a disproportionate amount
of management attention and financial and other resources. Possible future acquisitions may be for
purchase prices significantly higher than those we paid for previous acquisitions. Our failure to
achieve consolidation savings, to incorporate the acquired businesses and assets into our existing
operations successfully or to minimize any unforeseen operational difficulties could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we may not have sufficient capital resources to complete additional acquisitions.
Historically, we have funded the growth of our rig fleet through a combination of debt and equity
financing. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness to finance future acquisitions and
also may issue equity securities or convertible securities in connection with such acquisitions.
Debt service requirements could represent a significant burden on our results of operations and
financial condition and the issuance of additional equity or convertible securities could be
dilutive to our existing shareholders. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain additional
financing on satisfactory terms.
Even if we have access to the necessary capital, we may be unable to continue to identify
additional suitable acquisition opportunities, negotiate acceptable terms or successfully acquire
identified targets.
Our strategy of constructing drilling rigs during periods of peak demand requires that we
maintain an adequate supply of drilling rig components to complete our rig building program. Our
suppliers may be unable to continue providing us the needed drilling rig components if their
manufacturing sources are unable to fulfill their commitments.
Our indebtedness could restrict our operations and make us more vulnerable to adverse economic
conditions.
For several years we have had little or no long-term debt. In connection with the acquisition
of the production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition, we entered into a new $400 million,
five-year, senior secured revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2008, our total debt was
approximately $295.0 million.
Our current and future indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
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impairing our ability to make investments and obtain additional financing for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes;
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limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because
we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to make principal and interest
payments on our indebtedness;
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making us more vulnerable to a downturn in our business, our industry or the economy in
general as a substantial portion of our operating cash flow will be required to make
principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, making it more difficult to react to
changes in our business and in industry and market conditions;
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limiting our ability to obtain additional financing that may be necessary to operate or
expand our business;
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putting us at a competitive disadvantage to competitors that have less debt; and
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increasing our vulnerability to interest rate increases to the extent that we incur
variable rate indebtedness.
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We anticipate that our cash generated by operations and our ability to borrow under the
currently unused portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility should allow us to meet
our routine financial obligations for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to make
payments on our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures, will depend on our ability
to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to conditions in the oil and
gas industry, general economic and financial conditions, competition in the markets where we
operate, the impact of legislative and regulatory actions on how we conduct our business and other
factors, all of which are beyond our control. If our business does not generate sufficient cash
flow from operations to service our outstanding indebtedness, we may have to undertake alternative
financing plans, such as:
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refinancing or restructuring our debt;
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selling assets;
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reducing or delaying acquisitions or capital investments, such as refurbishments of our
rigs and related equipment; or
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seeking to raise additional capital.
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However, we may be unable to implement alternative financing plans, if necessary, on
commercially reasonable terms or at all, and any such alternative financing plans might be
insufficient to allow us to meet our debt obligations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash
flow or are otherwise unable to obtain the funds required to make principal and interest payments
on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in our senior
secured revolving credit facility or other
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instruments governing any future indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of our senior
secured revolving credit facility or such instruments. In the event of a default, the Lenders under
our senior secured revolving credit facility could elect to declare all the loans made under such
facility to be due and payable together with accrued and unpaid interest and terminate their
commitments thereunder and we or one or more of our subsidiaries could be forced into bankruptcy or
liquidation. Any of the foregoing consequences could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our senior secured revolving credit facility imposes restrictions on us that may affect our
ability to successfully operate our business.
Our senior secured revolving credit facility limits our ability to take various actions, such
as:
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limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness;
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restrictions on investments, mergers or consolidations, asset dispositions,
acquisitions, transactions with affiliates and other transactions without the Lenders
consent; and
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limitation on dividends and distributions.
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In addition, our senior secured revolving credit facility requires us to maintain certain
financial ratios and to satisfy certain financial conditions, which may require us to reduce our
debt or take some other action in order to comply with them. The failure to comply with any of
these financial conditions, such as financial ratios or covenants, would cause an event of default
under our senior secured revolving credit facility. An event of default, if not waived, could
result in acceleration of the outstanding indebtedness under our senior secured revolving credit
facility, in which case the debt would become immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may
not be able to pay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing is
available, it may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us. These restrictions could
also limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a
downturn in our business or the economy in general, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate
activities. We also may be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise
because of the limitations imposed on us by the restrictive covenants under our senior secured
revolving credit facility.
Our international operations are subject to political, economic and other uncertainties not
encountered in our domestic operations.
As we continue to implement our strategy of expanding into areas outside the United States,
our international operations will be subject to political, economic and other uncertainties not
generally encountered in our U.S. operations. These will include, among potential others:
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risks of war, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping of employees;
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expropriation, confiscation or nationalization of our assets;
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renegotiation or nullification of contracts;
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foreign taxation;
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the inability to repatriate earnings or capital due to laws limiting the right and
ability of foreign subsidiaries to pay dividends and remit earnings to affiliated
companies;
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changing political conditions and changing laws and policies affecting trade and
investment;
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regional economic downturns;
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the overlap of different tax structures;
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the burden of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws;
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the risks associated with the assertion of foreign sovereignty over areas in which our
operations are conducted;
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difficulty in collecting international accounts receivable; and
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potentially longer payment cycles.
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Our international operations may also face the additional risks of fluctuating currency
values, hard currency shortages and controls of foreign currency exchange. Additionally, in some
jurisdictions, we may be subject to foreign governmental regulations favoring or requiring the
awarding of contracts to local contractors or requiring foreign contractors to employ citizens of,
or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. These regulations could adversely affect our
ability to compete.
Our operations are subject to various laws and governmental regulations that could restrict our
future operations and increase our operating costs.
Many aspects of our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and
governmental regulations, including laws and regulations governing:
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environmental quality;
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pollution control;
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remediation of contamination;
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preservation of natural resources; and
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worker safety.
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Our operations are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations
governing the protection of the environment and human health and safety. Some of those laws, rules
and regulations relate to the disposal of hazardous substances, oilfield waste and other waste
materials and restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of those substances that can be
released into the environment. Several of those laws also require removal and remedial action and
other cleanup under certain circumstances, commonly regardless of fault. Our operations routinely
involve the handling of significant amounts of waste materials, some of which are classified as
hazardous substances. Planning, implementation and maintenance of protective measures are
required to prevent accidental discharges. Spills of oil, natural gas liquids, drilling fluids and
other substances may subject us to penalties and cleanup requirements. Handling, storage and
disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are also subject to these regulatory
requirements. In addition, our operations are often conducted in or near ecologically sensitive
areas, such as wetlands, which are subject to special protective measures and which may expose us
to additional operating costs and liabilities for accidental discharges of oil, gas, drilling
fluids, contaminated water or other substances, or for noncompliance with other aspects of
applicable laws and regulations.
The federal Clean Water Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act, the federal Clean Air Act,
the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Occupational
Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, and their state counterparts and similar statutes are the primary
statutes that impose the requirements described above and provide for civil, criminal and
administrative penalties and other sanctions for violation of their requirements. The OSHA hazard
communication standard, the Environmental Protection Agency community right-to-know regulations
under Title III of the federal Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act and comparable state
statutes require us to organize and report information about the hazardous materials we use in our
operations to employees, state and local government authorities and local citizens. In addition,
CERCLA, also known as the Superfund law, and similar state statutes impose strict liability,
without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons who
are considered responsible for the release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the
environment. These persons include the current owner or operator of a facility where a release has
occurred, the owner or operator of a facility at the time a release occurred, and companies that
disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at a particular site. This
liability may be joint and several. Such liability, which may be imposed for the conduct of others
and for conditions others have caused, includes the cost of removal and remedial action as well as
damages to natural resources. Few defenses exist to the liability imposed by environmental laws and
regulations. It is also common for third parties to file claims for personal injury and property
damage caused by substances released into the environment.
Environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to frequent change. Failure to
comply with governmental requirements or inadequate cooperation with governmental authorities could
subject a responsible party to administrative, civil or criminal action. We may also be exposed to
environmental or other liabilities originating from businesses and assets which we acquired from
others. Our compliance with amended, new or more stringent requirements, stricter interpretations
of existing requirements or the future discovery of contamination or regulatory noncompliance may
require us to make material expenditures or subject us to liabilities that we currently do not
anticipate.
36
In addition, our business depends on the demand for land drilling and production services from
the oil and gas industry and, therefore, is affected by tax, environmental and other laws relating
to the oil and gas industry generally, by changes in those laws and by changes in related
administrative regulations. It is possible that these laws and regulations may in the future add
significantly to our operating costs or those of our customers, or otherwise directly or indirectly
affect our operations.
Our combined operating history may not be sufficient for investors to evaluate our business and
prospects.
The acquisition of the production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition significantly
expanded our operations and assets. Our historical combined financial statements include financial
information based on the separate production services businesses of WEDGE and Competition. As a
result, the historical and pro forma information presented may not provide an accurate indication
of what our actual results would have been if the acquisition of the production services businesses
of WEDGE and Competition had been completed at the beginning of the periods presented or of what
our future results of operations are likely to be. Our future results will depend on our ability
to efficiently manage our combined operations and execute our business strategy.
Risk Relating to Our Capitalization and Organizational Documents
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, and therefore
only appreciation of the price of our common stock will provide a return to our shareholders.
We have not paid or declared any dividends on our common stock and currently intend to retain
any earnings to fund our working capital needs and growth opportunities. Any future dividends will
be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors it deems
relevant, including our financial condition and performance, cash needs, income tax consequences
and the restrictions imposed by the Texas Business Corporation Act and other applicable laws and by
our credit facilities. Our debt arrangements include provisions that generally prohibit us from
paying dividends on our capital stock, including our common stock.
We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our
common stock.
Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue, without the approval of our shareholders,
one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations
and relative rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and
distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series
of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our common stock. For
example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors
in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions.
Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to
holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.
Provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change in control of our
company even if that change would be beneficial to our shareholders.
The existence of some provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a
change in control of our company even if that change would be beneficial to our shareholders. Our
articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make acquiring control of our
company difficult, including:
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provisions regulating the ability of our shareholders to nominate candidates for
election as directors or to bring matters for action at annual meetings of our
shareholders;
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limitations on the ability of our shareholders to call a special meeting and act by
written consent;
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provisions dividing our board of directors into three classes elected for staggered
terms; and
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the authorization given to our board of directors to issue and set the terms of
preferred stock.
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We may continue to experience market conditions that could adversely affect the liquidity of our
auction rate preferred security investment.
At March 31, 2008, we held $16.5 million (par value) of investments comprised of tax exempt,
auction rate preferred securities (ARPSs), which are variable-rate preferred securities and have
a long-term maturity with the interest rate being reset through Dutch auctions that are held
every 7 days. The ARPSs have historically traded at par because of the frequent interest rate
resets and because they are callable at par at the option of the issuer. Interest is paid at the
end of each auction period. Our ARPSs are AAA/Aaa rated securities, collateralized by municipal
bonds, backed by assets that are equal to or greater than 200% of the liquidation preference and
guaranteed by monoline bond insurance companies. Until February 2008, the auction rate securities
market was highly liquid. Beginning mid-February 2008, we experienced several failed auctions,
meaning that there was not
37
enough demand to sell all of the securities that holders desired to sell at auction. The
immediate effect of a failed auction is that such holders cannot sell the securities at auction and
the interest rate on the security resets to a maximum auction rate. We have continued to receive
interest payments on our ARPSs in accordance with their terms. We may not be able to access the
funds we invested in our ARPSs without a loss of principal, unless a future auction is successful
or the issuer calls the security pursuant to redemption prior to maturity. We have no reason to
believe that any of the underlying municipal securities that collateralize our ARPSs are presently
at risk of default. We believe we will ultimately be able to liquidate our investments without
material loss primarily due to the collateral securing the ARPSs. We do not currently intend to
attempt to sell our ARPSs since our liquidity needs are expected to be met with cash flows from
operating activities and our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our ARPSs are classified
with other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008
because of our inability to determine the recovery period of our investment in ARPSs. Our ARPSs are
designated as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value with the related unrealized
gains or losses, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, a component
of shareholders equity. The estimated fair value of our ARPSs at March 31, 2008 was $15.0 million
compared with a par value of $16.5 million. The $1.5 million difference represents a fair value
discount due to the current lack of liquidity which is considered temporary and is recorded as an
unrealized loss. We would recognize an impairment charge if the fair value of our investments
falls below the cost basis and is judged to be other-than-temporary.
ITEM 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31,
2008, nor did we repurchase any shares of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
ITEM 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
ITEM 5.
Other Information
Not Applicable.
38
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or incorporated by reference herein:
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2.1 *
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-
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Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2008, by and
among Pioneer Drilling Company, WEDGE Group Incorporated, WEDGE
Energy Holdings, L.L.C., WEDGE Oil & Gas Services, L.L.C.,
Timothy Daley, John Patterson and Patrick Grissom (Form 8-K dated
February 1, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 2.1)).
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2.2 *
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-
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Letter Agreement, dated February 29, 2008, amending the
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2008, by and
among Pioneer Drilling Company, WEDGE Group Incorporated, WEDGE
Energy Holdings, L.L.C., WEDGE Oil & Gas Services, L.L.C.,
Timothy Daley, John Patterson and Patrick Grissom (Form 8-K dated
March 3, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 2.1)).
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3.1 *
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-
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Articles of Incorporation of Pioneer Drilling Company, as amended
(Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2001 (File No. 1-8182,
Exhibit 3.1)).
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3.2 *
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Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Pioneer
Drilling Company (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2001 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
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3.3 *
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Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form 8-K
dated December 10, 2007 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
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4.1 *
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-
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Form of Certificate representing Common Stock of Pioneer Drilling
Company (Form S-8 filed November 18, 2003 (Reg. No. 333-110569,
Exhibit 4.3)).
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10.1*
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-
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Credit Agreement, dated February 29, 2008, among Pioneer Drilling
Company, as Borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent, issuing lender, swing line lender and
co-lead arranger, Fortis Bank SA/NV, New York Branch, as co-lead
arranger, and each of the other parties listed therein (Form 8-K
dated March 3, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.1)).
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10.2*+
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-
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Employment Letter, effective March 1, 2008, from Pioneer Drilling
Company to Joseph B. Eustace (Form 8-K dated March 5, 2008 (File
No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.1)).
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10.3 *+
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-
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Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, dated February 29,
2008, by and between Pioneer Drilling Company, Pioneer Production
Services, Inc. and Joe Eustace (Form 8-K dated March 5, 2008
(File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.2)).
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10.4 **+
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Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company Key Executive
Severance Plan.
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10.5 **+
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Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company 2007 Incentive Plan.
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31.1 **
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Certification by Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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31.2 **
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Certification by Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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32.1 #
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Certification by Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief
Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
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32.2 #
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Certification by Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
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*
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Incorporated herein by reference to the specified prior filing by
Pioneer Drilling Company.
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**
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Filed herewith
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+
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Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
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#
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Furnished herewith
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
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/s/ Joyce M. Schuldt
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Joyce M. Schuldt
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Representative)
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Dated: August 5, 2008
40
Index to Exhibits
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2.1 *
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-
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Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2008, by and
among Pioneer Drilling Company, WEDGE Group Incorporated, WEDGE
Energy Holdings, L.L.C., WEDGE Oil & Gas Services, L.L.C.,
Timothy Daley, John Patterson and Patrick Grissom (Form 8-K dated
February 1, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 2.1)).
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2.2 *
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Letter Agreement, dated February 29, 2008, amending the
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2008, by and
among Pioneer Drilling Company, WEDGE Group Incorporated, WEDGE
Energy Holdings, L.L.C., WEDGE Oil & Gas Services, L.L.C.,
Timothy Daley, John Patterson and Patrick Grissom (Form 8-K dated
March 3, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 2.1)).
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3.1 *
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Articles of Incorporation of Pioneer Drilling Company, as amended
(Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2001 (File No. 1-8182,
Exhibit 3.1)).
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3.2 *
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Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Pioneer
Drilling Company (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2001 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
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3.3 *
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Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form 8-K
dated December 10, 2007 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
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4.1 *
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Form of Certificate representing Common Stock of Pioneer Drilling
Company (Form S-8 filed November 18, 2003 (Reg. No. 333-110569,
Exhibit 4.3)).
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10.1*
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-
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Credit Agreement, dated February 29, 2008, among Pioneer Drilling
Company, as Borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent, issuing lender, swing line lender and
co-lead arranger, Fortis Bank SA/NV, New York Branch, as co-lead
arranger, and each of the other parties listed therein (Form 8-K
dated March 3, 2008 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.1)).
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10.2*+
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-
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Employment Letter, effective March 1, 2008, from Pioneer Drilling
Company to Joseph B. Eustace (Form 8-K dated March 5, 2008 (File
No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.1)).
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10.3 *+
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Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, dated February 29,
2008, by and between Pioneer Drilling Company, Pioneer Production
Services, Inc. and Joe Eustace (Form 8-K dated March 5, 2008
(File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 10.2)).
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10.4 **+
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Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company Key Executive
Severance Plan.
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10.5 **+
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-
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Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company 2007 Incentive Plan.
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31.1 **
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Certification by Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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31.2 **
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Certification by Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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32.1 #
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Certification by Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief
Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
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32.2 #
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Certification by Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
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*
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Incorporated herein by reference to the specified prior filing by Pioneer Drilling Company.
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**
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Filed herewith
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+
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Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
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#
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Furnished herewith
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Exhibit 10.4
AMENDED AND RESTATED
PIONEER DRILLING SERVICES, LTD.
KEY EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN
(Adopted August 3, 2007)
(Amended and Restated December 10, 2007)
I. Purposes of Plan and Definitions
1.1
Purposes
. This Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. Key Executive Severance Plan (the Plan),
for selected key executive employees of Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd., a Texas limited
partnership, and any successor thereto (the Partnership) and its Affiliates, is intended to
assist the Partnership in attracting and retaining competent and capable executives to perform
services for Pioneer Drilling Company, a Texas corporation (the Company) and its subsidiaries
(including the Partnership), to provide greater incentives to such key executives to attain and
maintain high levels of performance, to support the retention of an intact management team during
any consideration of potential transactions involving the Company, and to provide some protection
for loss of salary and benefits in the event of certain involuntary terminations or changes in
control of the Company.
1.2
Definitions
.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common
control with the Person in question. As used herein, the term control means the
possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
AIP means the Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, as
from time to time in effect, including any successor plan.
Associate means, with reference to any Person (as defined below), (i) any
corporation, firm, partnership, association, unincorporated organization or other entity
(other than the Company or any of its Affiliates (including the Partnership)) of which that
Person is an officer or general partner (or officer or general partner of a general partner)
or is, directly or indirectly, the Beneficial Owner (as defined below) of 10% or more of any
class of its equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which that Person has a
substantial beneficial interest or for or of which that Person serves as trustee or in a
similar fiduciary capacity and (iii) any relative or spouse of that Person, or any relative
of that spouse, who has the same home as that Person.
Base Salary means the annual base salary of a Participant, as established by the
Committee (as defined below) for a fiscal year.
1
Beneficial Owner a Person is deemed the Beneficial Owner of, and is deemed to
beneficially own, any securities:
(i) of which that Person or any of its Affiliates or Associates, directly or
indirectly, is the beneficial owner (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act (as defined below)) or otherwise has the right to vote or dispose of, including
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing);
provided, however
, that a Person will not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to
beneficially own, any security under this subparagraph (i) as a result of an agreement,
arrangement or understanding to vote that security if that agreement, arrangement or
understanding: (A) arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a
public (that is, not including a solicitation exempted by Exchange Act Rule 14a-2(b)(2))
proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable
provisions of the Exchange Act; and (B) is not then reportable by that Person on Exchange
Act Schedule 13D (or any comparable or successor report);
(ii) which that Person or any of its Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly,
has the right or obligation to acquire (whether that right or obligation is exercisable or
effective immediately or only after the passage of time or the occurrence of an event)
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) or on
the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, other rights, warrants or options, or
otherwise;
provided, however
, that a Person will not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or
to beneficially own, securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by
that Person or any of its Affiliates or Associates until those tendered securities are
accepted for purchase or exchange; or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by (A) any other Person (or
any Affiliate or Associate thereof) with which the specified Person or any of its Affiliates
or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing)
for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except pursuant to a revocable proxy or
consent as described in the proviso to subparagraph (i) of this definition) or disposing of
any voting securities of the Company or (B) any group (as Exchange Act Rule 13d-5(b) uses
that term) of which that specified Person is a member;
provided, however
, that nothing in this definition will cause a Person engaged in business
as an underwriter of securities to be the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own,
any securities that Person acquires through its participation in good faith in a firm
commitment underwriting (including securities acquired pursuant to stabilizing transactions
to facilitate a public offering in accordance with Exchange Act Regulation M or to cover
overallotments created in connection with a public offering) until the expiration of 40 days
after the date of that acquisition. For purposes of this definition, voting a security
includes voting, granting a proxy, acting by consent, making a request or demand relating to
corporate action (including calling a stockholder meeting) or otherwise giving an
authorization (within the meaning of Exchange Act Section 14(a)) in respect of that
security.
Board means the board of directors of the Company.
2
Cause means, (x) with respect to any Level I or Level II Participant (as defined
below), that Participants (i) commission of any act or omission constituting fraud under
any law of the State of Texas, (ii) conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, a
felony, (iii) embezzlement or theft of property or funds of the Partnership or any Affiliate
or (iv) refusal to perform his or her duties, as specified in any written agreement between
the Participant and the Company or in any specific directive adopted by a majority of the
Board members at a meeting of the Board that is consistent with the Participants status as
an executive officer of the Company; and (y) with respect to any Level III or other
Participant, that Participants (i) commission of any act or omission constituting fraud
under any law of the State of Texas, (ii) conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, a
felony, (iii) embezzlement or theft of property or funds of the Partnership or any
Affiliate, (iv) failure to follow the instructions of the Board or the board of directors of
the General Partner (in either case, as approved by a majority of the members of such board
at a meeting of such board) or any supervising or executive officer of the Partnership or
any Affiliate or (v) unacceptable performance, gross negligence or willful misconduct with
respect to his or her duties to the Partnership or any Affiliate.
Change in Control has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
COBRA means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
from time to time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of
the Board or of the board of directors of the General Partner as is designated by either the
Board or the board of directors of the General Partner to administer the Plan.
Common Stock means the common stock of the Company.
Company has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.
Disability means the absence of a Participant from the Participants duties with the
Partnership or any of its Affiliates on a full-time basis for at least 180 consecutive days
as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness or injury which is determined by
the Committee in its sole discretion to be permanent.
Effective Date of a Change in Control has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
Employee means any employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (whether or
not he is also a director thereof) who is compensated for employment of the Partnership or
any Affiliate by a regular salary and who is considered by the Committee to be a senior
management employee.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
3
Exempt Person means: (i) the Partnership; (ii) any Affiliate of the Partnership
(including the Company); (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Partnership or of any
Affiliate and any Person organized, appointed or established by the Partnership for or
pursuant to the terms of any such plan or for the purpose of funding any such plan or
funding other employee benefits for employees of the Partnership or any Affiliate of the
Partnership; or (iv) any corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the
shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
capital stock of the Company.
General Partner means PDC Mgmt. Co., a Texas corporation and the general partner of
the Partnership.
Good Reason for the Participant to terminate his or her employment means, prior to
the Effective Date of a Change in Control, the occurrence (without the Participants written
consent) of any of the following:
(i) a reduction in the Participants Base Salary or total compensation except for an
across-the-board reduction similarly affecting all senior executives of the Partnership and
all senior executives of any Person in control of the Partnership;
(ii) failure by the Partnership to pay any portion of the Participants compensation
within fourteen days of the date it is due or any other material breach of a contract with
the Participant by the Partnership which is not remedied by the Partnership within 5
business days after the Participants written notice to the Partnership of such breach; or
(iii) the Partnerships failure to maintain a Participants employment without material
diminution in the Participants duties and responsibilities, and such failure is not cured
by the Partnership within 5 business days after the Participants written notice to the
Partnership of such failure.
After the Effective Date of a Change in Control, Good Reason shall also include any of
(iv)-(ix) below unless, in the case of any of (v), (vii), (viii), or (ix), such act or
failure is corrected within five business days following the giving of written notice of
Good Reason by the Participant, and in the case of (vi) below, such act is not objected to
in writing by the Participant within fourteen days after notification thereof:
(iv) after a Change in Control, the determination by the Participant, in his or her
sole and absolute discretion, that the business philosophy or policies of the Partnership or
the Company or its successor or the implementation thereof is not compatible with those of
the Participant;
(v) the assignment to the Participant of duties inconsistent with his or her status as
an executive officer of the Company or a meaningful alteration, adverse to the Participant,
in the nature or status of his or her responsibilities (other than reporting
responsibilities) from those in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, including,
4
without limitation, a material reduction in the budget for which the Participant is
responsible;
(vi) failure by the Partnership or the Company to continue in effect any compensation
plan in which the Participant participates immediately prior to a Change in Control that is
material to the Participants compensation, unless an equitable arrangement has been made
with the Participant with respect to such plan;
(vii) failure by the Partnership or the Company to continue the Participants
participation in a plan described in (vi) above or a substitute or alternative plan on a
basis not materially less favorable to the Participant than as existed at the time of a
Change in Control;
(viii) failure by the Partnership to continue to provide the Participant with benefits
substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Participant prior to a Change in Control; or
(ix) a requirement by the Partnership or the Company that the Participant relocate his
or her residence outside the metropolitan area in which the Participant was based
immediately prior to a Change in Control, or a move of the Participants principal business
location more than 45 miles from the Participants previous principal business location.
The Participants continued employment shall not of itself constitute consent to, or a
waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason
hereunder.
Gross-Up Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4.
Involuntary Termination means the termination of a Participants employment with the
Partnership or any Affiliate (i) by the Partnership or any Affiliate for any reason other
than Cause, death, or Disability or (ii) by the Participant for Good Reason.
Level I Participant means the Participant is designated as a Level I participant
under the AIP and the Partnerships and Companys long-term incentive plan as of the
execution date of the Participation Certificate
.
Level II Participant means the Participant is designated as a Level II participant
under the AIP and the Partnerships and the Companys long-term incentive plan as of the
execution date of the Participation Certificate.
Level III Participant means the Participant is designated as a Level III participant
under the AIP and the Partnerships and the Companys long-term incentive plan as of the
execution date of the Participation Certificate.
Participant means an Employee who has been selected by the Committee to participate
in the Plan.
5
Participation Certificate means a certificate substantially similar to the form
attached hereto as
Exhibit A
.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.
Person has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and
used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof.
Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.
Voting Stock means the Common Stock and any other securities issued by the Company
which entitle the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of members of the Board.
Waiver and Release means a legal document, in a form substantially similar to the
form attached hereto as
Exhibit B
, in which a Participant, in exchange for severance
benefits under the Plan, releases, among other parties, the Partnership and all of its
Affiliates and their directors, officers, employees and agents, their employee benefit
plans, and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans from liability and damages in any way
related to the Participants employment with or separation from employment with the
Partnership or any of its Affiliates.
Waiver Effective Date means the eighth day following the date on which the
Participant executes the Waiver and Release.
II. Administration of the Plan
2.1
Interpretations
. The Committee shall have full power and authority to interpret, construe
and administer the Plan.
2.2
Committee Determinations Conclusive
. All determinations by the Committee as to which
Employees shall be offered the opportunity to participate herein, and any interpretation adopted by
the Committee with respect to any provision of the Plan and the effect thereof, shall be final,
binding and conclusive upon the Partnership, all Affiliates and all persons who may claim any
rights or benefits hereunder;
provided, however
, that a Change in Control shall occur only pursuant
to the provisions of Section 5.5.
III. Eligibility of Employees
3.1
Eligibility Requirements
. The Committee shall in its sole discretion from time to time
designate the Employees who are to be Participants.
3.2
Notification of Participation
. Each Employee who is designated a Participant by the
Committee shall be provided a Participation Certificate, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit
A
, specifying that the Employee is a Participant, together with a copy of the Plan.
6
3.3
Termination of Participation.
An Employees status as a Participant shall terminate at
such time as may be determined by the Committee, provided such Participant shall be given notice of
such termination of status as a Participant by the Committee at least one year prior to the
effectiveness of such termination;
provided, however,
that in the case of an Employee who is a
Participant immediately prior to the Effective Date of a Change in Control, such Employees status
as a Participant may not be terminated without his or her written consent at any time within two
years following the Effective Date of such Change in Control.
IV. Involuntary Termination Not Incident to Change in Control
4.1
Cash Severance Payment
. In the event of an Involuntary Termination of a Participant that
does not occur within two years following the Effective Date of a Change in Control, the
Participant, in addition to all obligations otherwise owing to the Participant, shall be entitled
to the following cash severance benefit following his or her execution, without revocation, of the
Waiver and Release:
(a) If the Participant is a Level I Participant or a Level II Participant, a lump-sum
cash payment, payable not later than five days following the Waiver Effective Date, in an
amount equal to two times the sum of the Participants Base Salary, as in effect on the date
of such Involuntary Termination, and the Participants annual target bonus amount for the
AIP in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination; or
(b) If the Participant is a Level III Participant, a lump-sum cash payment, payable not
later than five days following the Waiver Effective Date, in an amount equal to one times
the Participants Base Salary, as in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination; or
(c) If the Participant is designated as other than a Level I, Level II or Level III
Participant, a lump-sum cash payment, payable not later than five days following the Waiver
Effective Date, in an amount equal to one-half (1/2) times the Participants Base Salary, as
in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination.
(d) In the event a Participant is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code (as determined as of the Participants termination of employment pursuant to
policies adopted by the Board), the lump sum payment specified in this Section 4.1 shall be
delayed until the date six months and two days following the date of the Participants
termination of employment.
4.2
Vesting of All Equity Awards
.
(a) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, if the
Participant is a Level I Participant or a Level II Participant and is entitled to a cash
severance benefit under Section 4.1, then notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in
any applicable plan or agreement, the Participant shall be entitled to immediate and full
vesting of all stock options and other equity-based awards held by the Participant on the
date of his or her termination of employment to the extent such stock options or other
7
equity-based awards would have otherwise vested during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Participants Involuntary Termination.
(b) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, if the
Participant is a Level III Participant and is entitled to a cash severance benefit under
Section 4.1, then notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any applicable plan or
agreement, the Participant shall be entitled to immediate and full vesting of all stock
options and other equity-based awards held by the Participant on the date of his or her
termination of employment to the extent such stock options or other equity-based awards
would have otherwise vested during the twelve-month period immediately following the
Participants Involuntary Termination.
(c) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, if the
Participant is designated as other than a Level I, Level II or Level III Participant and is
entitled to a cash severance benefit under Section 4.1, the Participant shall be entitled to
immediate and full vesting of all stock options and other equity-based awards held by the
Participant on the date of his or her termination of employment to the extent such stock
options or other equity-based awards would have otherwise vested during the six-month period
immediately following the Participants Involuntary Termination.
4.3
Life Insurance and Medical Benefits Continuation
.
(a) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, any Level I
Participant or Level II Participant who is entitled to a severance benefit under Section 4.1
shall be entitled to receive for himself or herself and, where applicable, his or her
eligible dependents, for twelve months following his or her Involuntary Termination,
continued life insurance coverage and coverage under the Partnerships medical benefits plan
in which the Participant is participating as of the date of his or her Involuntary
Termination (or any successor medical plan maintained by the Partnership or an Affiliate, as
applicable, under which the active employees of the Partnership participate) at the same
rate and under the same terms and conditions as may then be in effect for active employee
participants. The period of coverage provided under this section shall not constitute
continuation coverage required by COBRA. Following the benefits continuation period
provided herein, the Participant shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in
accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA. In the event of a
Participants death during the benefits continuation period, the Participants beneficiaries
shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the
applicable period required by, COBRA.
(b) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, any Level III
Participant who is entitled to a severance benefit under Section 4.1 shall be entitled to
receive for himself or herself and, where applicable, his or her eligible dependents, for
twelve months following his or her Involuntary Termination, continued life insurance
coverage and coverage under the Partnerships medical benefits plan in which the Participant
is participating as of the date of his or her Involuntary Termination (or any successor
medical plan maintained by the Partnership or an Affiliate, as applicable, under which the
active employees of the Partnership participate) at the same
8
rate and under the same terms
and conditions as may then be in effect for active employee participants. The period of
coverage provided under this section shall not constitute continuation coverage required by
COBRA. Following the benefits continuation period provided herein, the Participant shall be
eligible to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable
period required by, COBRA. In the event of a Participants death during the benefits
continuation period, the Participants beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued
medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
(c) Subject to the Participants execution of the Waiver and Release, any Participant
who is other than a Level I, Level II or Level III Participant who is entitled to a
severance benefit under Section 4.1 shall be entitled to receive for himself or herself and,
where applicable, his or her eligible dependents, for six months following his or her
Involuntary Termination, continued life insurance coverage and coverage under the
Partnerships medical benefits plan in which the Participant is participating as of the date
of his or her Involuntary Termination (or any successor medical plan maintained by the
Partnership or an Affiliate, as applicable, under which the active employees of the
Partnership participate) at the same rate and under the same terms and conditions as may
then be in effect for active employee participants. The period of coverage provided under
this section shall not constitute continuation coverage required by COBRA. Following the
benefits continuation period provided herein, the Participant shall be eligible to commence
continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by,
COBRA. In the event of a Participants death during the benefits continuation period, the
Participants beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in
accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
(d) In the event a Participant is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code (as determined as of the Participants termination of employment pursuant to
policies adopted by the Board), payment of the Partnerships portion of any life insurance
premiums shall be delayed until the date six months and two days following the date of the
Participants termination of employment. During the six months following termination of
employment, the Participant shall be responsible for payment of the entire amount of life
insurance premiums.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the continuation of life insurance coverage and
medical benefits for any Participant shall immediately end upon the Participants
eligibility for similar life insurance and medical coverage by reason of employment with any
entity other than the Partnership or any Affiliate.
V. Involuntary Termination Upon Change in Control
5.1
Cash Severance Payment
. In the event of an Involuntary Termination of a Participant
within two years following the Effective Date of a Change in Control, then in lieu of the cash
severance benefit provided in Section 4.1, the Participant shall be entitled to the following cash
severance benefit:
9
(a) If the Participant is a Level I Participant or a Level II Participant, a lump-sum
cash payment, payable not later than 30 days following the date of the Participants
termination of employment, in an amount equal to three times the sum of (i) the
Participants Base Salary (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the Base
Salary in effect on the date immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control
or (y) the Base Salary in effect on the date of termination of employment), and (ii) the
amount equal to the annual amount of the Participants maximum award opportunity under the
AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the annual amount of the
Participants maximum award opportunity in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date
of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participants maximum award in effect
on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and (iii) an amount equal to the annual amount
of the Participants car allowance or car lease payments and annual club membership fees
allowance, if any, (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the annual amount of
the Participants maximum car allowance or car lease payments and annual club membership
fees allowance, if any, in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in
Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participants maximum car allowance or car lease
payments and annual club membership fees allowance, if any, in effect on the date of such
Involuntary Termination); or
(b) If the Participant is a Level III Participant, a lump-sum cash payment, payable not
later than 30 days following the date of the Participants termination of employment, in an
amount equal to two times the sum of (i) the Participants Base Salary (which shall, for
this purpose, be the higher of (x) the Base Salary in effect on the date immediately prior
to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the Base Salary in effect on the date
of termination of employment), and (ii) the amount equal to the annual amount of the
Participants maximum award opportunity under the AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the
higher of (x) the annual amount of the Participants maximum award opportunity in effect
immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of
the Participants maximum award in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and
(iii) an amount equal to the annual amount of the Participants car allowance or car lease
payments and annual club membership fees allowance, if any, (which shall, for this purpose,
be the higher of (x) the annual amount of the Participants maximum car allowance or car
lease payments and annual club membership fees allowance, if any, in effect immediately
prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the
Participants maximum car allowance or car lease payments and annual club membership fees
allowance, if any, in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination); or
(c) If the Participant is other than a Level I, Level II or Level III Participant, a
lump-sum cash payment, payable not later than 30 days following the date of the
Participants termination of employment, in an amount equal to one and one-half (1
1
/
2
) times
the sum of (i) the Participants Base Salary (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher
of (x) the Base Salary in effect on the date immediately prior to such Effective Date of a
Change in Control or (y) the Base Salary in effect on the date of termination of
employment), (ii) the amount equal to the annual amount of the Participants maximum award
opportunity under the AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the
10
annual
amount of the Participants maximum award opportunity in effect immediately prior to such
Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participants maximum
award in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and (iii) an amount equal to
the annual amount of the Participants car allowance or car lease payments and annual club
membership fees allowance, if any, (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the
annual amount of the Participants maximum car allowance or car lease payments and annual
club membership fees allowance, if any, in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date
of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participants maximum car allowance
or car lease payments and annual club membership fees allowance, if any, in effect on the
date of such Involuntary Termination).
(d) In the event a Participant is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code (as determined as of the Participants termination of employment pursuant to
policies adopted by the Board), the lump sum payment specified in this Section 5.1 shall be
delayed until the date six months and two days following the date of the Participants
termination of employment.
5.2
Vesting of All Equity Awards.
Upon the Effective Date of a Change in Control, each
Participant shall be entitled to immediate and full vesting of all stock options and other
equity-based awards held by the Participant as of such date.
Following the Effective Date of a Change in Control, to the extent permitted by law and by any
agreement to which the Company or the surviving entity in such Change in Control (the Surviving
Entity), and to the extent the Surviving Entity has adequate legal capital, a Participant who has
been subject of an Involuntary Termination within two years following the Effective Date of a
Change in Control shall have the right to put any and all such vested awards, or, if already
exercised, the underlying equity securities, to the Surviving Entity, and the Surviving Entity
shall have the obligation to purchase such vested awards or underlying equity securities, as the
case may be, if the Participant would violate the securities laws by selling the underlying equity
securities directly into the market or privately to a third party. Such right shall be exercisable
by such Participant at any time prior to the date which is twelve months following the date of his
or her Involuntary Termination following the applicable Change in Control. The Participant may
exercise such right by providing to the Surviving Entity five business days prior written notice.
Within five business days after the effectiveness of such notice and upon receipt by the Surviving
Entity of the awards or underlying equity securities that are subject to the put right, the
Surviving Entity shall pay the purchase price, which shall be determined as follows:
(a) the purchase price for an award shall be the difference between the aggregate fair
market value of the underlying equity securities and the aggregate exercise price set forth
in the award; and
(b) the purchase price for the underlying equity securities shall be the aggregate fair
market value of the underlying equity securities.
Fair market value of a share or other trading unit of equity securities shall be equal
to (1) with respect to publicly traded equity securities (each a Public Security),
11
the
average of the high and low market prices at which a share or other trading unit of the
Public Security shall have been sold on such date (or the immediately preceding trading day
if such date was not a trading day) on the AMEX or such other exchange or quotation system
on which the Public Security is traded, and (2) with respect to equity securities that are
not publicly traded, the value of a share or trading unit as determined by a
nationally-recognized accounting firm selected by the Participant, with such valuation to be
paid for by the Participant.
5.3
Life Insurance and Medical Benefits Continuation
.
(a) Any Level I Participant or Level II Participant entitled to a severance benefit
under Section 5.1 shall be entitled to receive for himself or herself and, where applicable,
his or her eligible dependents, for eighteen months following his or her Involuntary
Termination, continued life insurance coverage and coverage under the Partnerships medical
benefits plan in which the Participant is participating as of the date of the Effective Date
of a Change in Control giving rise to the benefit payment under Section 5.1, at the same
rate as may then be in effect for active Participants. The period of coverage provided
under this section shall not constitute continuation coverage required by COBRA. Following
the benefits continuation period provided herein, the Participant shall be eligible to
commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period
required by, COBRA. In the event of the Participants death during the benefits
continuation period, the Participants beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued
medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
(b) Any Participant who is a Level III Participant entitled to a severance benefit
under Section 5.1 shall be entitled to receive for himself or herself and, where applicable,
his or her eligible dependents, for twelve months following his or her Involuntary
Termination, continued life insurance coverage and coverage under the Partnerships medical
benefits plan in which the Participant is participating as of the date of the Effective Date
of a Change in Control giving rise to the benefit payment under Section 5.1, at the same
rate as may then be in effect for active Participants. The period of coverage provided
under this section shall not constitute continuation coverage required by COBRA. Following
the benefits continuation period provided herein, the Participant shall be eligible to
commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period
required by, COBRA. In the event of the Participants death during the benefits
continuation period, the Participants beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued
medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
(c) Any Participant who is a other than a Level I, Level II or Level III Participant
entitled to a severance benefit under Section 5.1 shall be entitled to receive for himself
or herself and, where applicable, his or her eligible dependents, for twelve months
following his or her Involuntary Termination, continued life insurance coverage and coverage
under the Partnerships medical benefits plan in which the Participant is participating as
of the date of the Effective Date of a Change in Control giving rise to the benefit payment
under Section 5.1, at the same rate as may then be in effect for active
12
Participants. The
period of coverage provided under this section shall not constitute continuation coverage
required by COBRA. Following the benefits continuation period provided herein, the
Participant shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and
for the applicable period required by, COBRA. In the event of the Participants death
during the benefits continuation period, the Participants beneficiaries shall be eligible
to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period
required by, COBRA.
(d) In the event a Participant is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code (as determined as of the Participants termination of employment pursuant to
policies adopted by the Board), payment of the Partnerships portion of any life insurance
premiums shall be delayed until the date six months and two days following the Participants
termination of employment. During the six months following termination of employment, the
Participant shall be responsible for payment of the entire amount of life insurance
premiums.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the continuation of life insurance coverage and
medical benefits for any Participant shall immediately end upon the Participants
eligibility for similar life insurance and medical coverage by reason of employment with an
entity other than the Partnership or any Affiliate.
5.4
Certain Additional Payments.
Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding and
except as set forth below, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution in
the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the
benefit of the Participant, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the
terms of this Plan or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required
under this Section 5.4 (the Payment), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999
of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax
(Excise Tax), then the Participant shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a
Gross-Up Payment) in an amount such that, after payment (whether through withholding at the
source or otherwise) by the Participant of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed
with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and
penalties imposed with respect thereto), employment taxes and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up
Payment, the Participant retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed
upon the Payment (or such amount is paid on the Participants behalf with respect to such Excise
Tax).
13
Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.4, all determinations required to be made under
this Section 5.4, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such
Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be
made by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm that is selected by the
Partnership (the Accounting Firm) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
the Partnership and the Participant within five business days after the receipt of notice from the
Partnership or the Participant that a Payment is expected to be made under this Plan, or such
earlier time as is requested by the Partnership. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving
as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control or the
Accounting Firm declines or is unable to serve, the Participant shall appoint another nationally
recognized certified public accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which
accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses
of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Partnership.
Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 5.4, shall be paid by the
Partnership to the Participant before the later of (i) the date the Payment is made and (ii) five
days after the receipt of the Accounting Firms determination (but in no event later than the
December 31st of the year following the year in which the Participant remits the related taxes).
If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Participant, it shall
furnish the Participant with a written opinion that failure to report the Excise Tax on the
Participants applicable federal income tax return would not result in the imposition of negligence
or similar penalty. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Partnership
and the Participant. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code
at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Partnership should have been made
(Underpayment), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event
that the Partnership exhausts its remedies pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 5.4
and the Participant thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm
shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be
promptly paid by the Partnership to or for the benefit of the Participant.
The Participant shall notify the Partnership in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue
Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Partnership of the Gross-Up Payment.
Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than 10 business days after
the Participant is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Partnership of the
nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Participant
shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30 day period following the date on which
it gives such notice to the Partnership (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment
of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Partnership notifies the Participant in
writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the
Participant shall:
(a) give the Partnership any information reasonably requested by the Partnership relating to
such claim;
14
(b) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Partnership shall
reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal
representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Partnership;
(c) cooperate with the Partnership in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim;
and
(d) permit the Partnership to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;
provided, however, that the Partnership shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses
(including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall
indemnify and hold the Participant harmless, on an after tax basis, for any Excise Tax, employment
tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of
such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation of the foregoing
provisions of this Section 5.4, the Partnership shall control all proceedings taken in connection
with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may,
at its sole option, either direct the Participant to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or
contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Participant agrees to prosecute such contest
to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in
one or more appellate courts, as the Partnership shall determine; provided, however, that any
extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the
Participant with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to
such contested amount. Furthermore, the Partnerships control of the contest shall be limited to
issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Participant
shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal
Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
If, after the receipt by the Participant of an amount provided by the Partnership pursuant to
the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.4, the Participant becomes entitled to receive any
refund with respect to such claim, the Participant shall (subject to the Partnership complying with
the requirements of this Section 5.4) promptly pay to the Partnership the amount of such refund
(together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto).
In the event a Participant is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A of the Code
(as determined as of the Participants termination of employment pursuant to policies adopted by
the Board), any Gross-Up Payment shall be delayed until the date six months and two days following
the date of Participants termination of employment.
5.5
Change in Control of the Company
. For purposes of the Plan, a Change in Control of the
Company shall conclusively be deemed to have occurred if an event set forth in any one of the
following paragraphs shall have occurred:
(a) any Person (other than an Exempt Person) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner of
Voting Stock (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any
securities acquired directly from the Company after the date the Plan first became
effective) representing 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Stock
15
then
outstanding;
provided, however
, that a Change of Control will not be deemed to occur under
this clause (a) if a Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of Voting Stock representing 40% or
more of the combined voting power of the Voting Stock then outstanding solely as a result of
a reduction in the number of shares of Voting Stock outstanding which results from the
Companys repurchase of Voting Stock, unless and until such time as that Person or any
Affiliate or Associate of that Person purchases or otherwise becomes the Beneficial Owner of
additional shares of Voting Stock constituting 1% or more of the combined voting power of
the Voting Stock then outstanding, or any other Person (or Persons) who is (or collectively
are) the Beneficial Owner of shares of Voting Stock constituting 1% or more of the combined
voting power of the Voting Stock then outstanding becomes an Affiliate or Associate of that
Person, unless, in either such case, that Person, together with all its Affiliates and
Associates, is not then the Beneficial Owner of Voting Stock representing 40% or more of the
Voting Stock then outstanding; or
(b) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the date the Plan first became
effective, constitute the Board; and any new director (other than a director whose initial
assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating
to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board of
the Company or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders was approved or
recommended by a majority vote of the directors then still in office who either were
directors on the date the Plan first became effective or whose appointment, election or
nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or
(c) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any parent or
direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with or into any other corporation, other than:
(i) a merger or consolidation which results in the Voting Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining
outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any
parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the securities which entitle
the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of members of the board of directors or
similar governing body of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (ii) a merger or
consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar
transaction) in which no Person (other than an Exempt Person) is or becomes the Beneficial
Owner of Voting Stock (not including, for purposes of this determination, any Voting Stock
acquired directly from the Company or its subsidiaries after the date the Plan first became
effective other than in connection with the acquisition by the Company or one of its
subsidiaries of a business) representing 40% or more of the combined voting power of the
Voting Stock then outstanding; or
(d) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Company, or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition
of all or substantially all of the Companys assets unless (i) the sale is to an entity, of
which at least 50% of the combined voting power of the securities which entitle the holder
thereof to vote generally in the election of members of the board of
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directors or similar
governing body of such entity (New Entity Securities) are owned by stockholders of the
Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Voting Stock
immediately prior to such sale; (ii) no Person other than the Company and any employee
benefit plan or related trust of the Company or of such corporation then beneficially owns
40% or more of the New Entity Securities; and (iii) at least a majority of the directors of
such corporation were members of the incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the
initial agreement or action providing for such disposition.
5.6
Effective Date of a Change in Control
. The Effective Date of a Change in Control shall
be:
(a) the first date that the direct or indirect ownership of 40% or more combined voting
power of the Companys outstanding securities results in a Change in Control as described in
Section 5.5(a);
(b) the date of the election of directors that results in a Change in Control as
described in Section 5.5(b);
(c) the effective date of the merger or consolidation that results in a Change in
Control as described in Section 5.5(c); or
(d) the date of stockholder approval that results in a Change in Control as described
in Section 5.5(d).
VI. Rights of Participants
6.1
Limitation of Rights
. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to:
(a) give any Employee any right to participate in the Plan in the absence of a specific
designation by the Committee of that Employee as a Participant in accordance with Sections
3.1 and 3.2;
(b) limit in any way the right of the Partnership or any Affiliate to terminate a
Participants employment with the Partnership or any Affiliate at any time;
(c) give a Participant or any spouse of a deceased Participant any interest in any fund
or any specific asset or assets of the Partnership or any Affiliate; or
(d) be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the
Partnership or any Affiliate will employ a Participant in any particular position or at any
particular rate of remuneration.
6.2
Non-alienation of Benefits
. No right or benefit under the Plan shall be subject to
anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to
anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the same will be void. No right or
benefit hereunder shall in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities
or torts of the person entitled to such benefits.
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6.3
Prerequisites to Benefits
. No Participant, or any person claiming through a Participant,
shall have any right or interest in the Plan, or in any benefits hereunder, unless and until all of
the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan which affect such Participant or such other person
shall have been complied with as specified herein.
VII. Miscellaneous
7.1
Release and Full Settlement.
Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, as a
condition to the receipt of any severance payments or benefits under the Plan prior to a Change in
Control, a Participant whose employment has been subject to an Involuntary Termination shall first
execute a Waiver and Release, in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B
, no
later than 60 days following the Participants termination of employment.
7.2
Amendment or Termination of the Plan
. Upon authorization by the Board, the Partnership
may amend or terminate the Plan at any time;
provided, however
, that no amendment or termination
that would adversely affect the rights of any Participant under the Plan shall be made without the
consent of such Participant, except as expressly provided in Section 3.3.
7.3
Cash Severance Payment in Lieu of Other Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything in the
Plan to the contrary, the amount of any cash severance benefit calculated pursuant to Section 4.1
or Section 5.1 of the Plan, as applicable, shall supersede, and be awarded in lieu of, any cash
compensation payable to the Participant by the Partnership or any Affiliate on account of the
termination of the Participants employment, pursuant to (a) a written employment agreement with
the Partnership or any Affiliate, (b) another severance plan or program of the Partnership or any
Affiliate, or (c) any other obligation, whether by contract, applicable law or otherwise, of the
Partnership, or any other individual or entity to provide a payment to such Participant in the
event of an involuntary termination of such Participants employment with the Partnership or any
Affiliate.
7.4
Reduction of Cash Severance Payment
. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the
contrary, the amount of any cash severance benefit otherwise payable to a Participant shall be
reduced by any monies owed by the Participant to the Partnership or any Affiliate, including, but
not limited to, any overpayments made to the Participant by the Partnership or any Affiliate, and
the balance of any loan by the Partnership or any Affiliate to the Participant that is outstanding
at the time that the cash severance payment is made.
7.5
Taxes.
All payments provided for hereunder shall be made net of any applicable withholding
requirements of federal, state, or local law.
7.6
Applicable Laws
. The Plan shall be construed, administered and governed in all respects
under the laws of the State of Texas.
7.7
Unfunded Plan
. The benefits provided herein shall be unfunded and shall be provided from
the Partnerships general assets.
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7.8
Superseding Effect
. This Plan shall supersede any severance plan maintained by the
Company or any severance agreement previously entered into or obligation otherwise agreed to
between the Company and the Participant with respect to severance payments.
7.9
Successors; Binding Agreement
.
(a) In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to the
Partnership, the Partnership will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
or assets (or a combination thereof) of the Partnership to expressly assume and agree to
perform this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Partnership would be
required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Partnership to
obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall
be a breach of this Plan and shall entitle the Participant to terminate employment and
receive the payments described in Article V that would be payable upon termination by the
Participant for Good Reason immediately after a Change in Control.
(b) This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Participants
legal representatives and other successors in interest, provided that rights under this Plan
may not be assigned by the Participant. If the Participant dies while any amount (other
than an amount that by its terms is to terminate upon his or her death) would still be
payable to him or her hereunder if he or she was still living, all such amounts shall be
paid in accordance with this Plan to the executors, personal representatives, or
administrators of the Participants estate.
7.10
Fees.
In the event a Participant is the prevailing party in litigation with respect to
payments or benefits under this Plan, the Partnership shall pay to such Participant all reasonable
legal fees and expenses incurred by the Participant with respect to such litigation.
7.11
Entire Agreement.
This Plan sets forth the entire agreement of the parties regarding its
subject matter.
7.12
Invalidity or Unenforceability.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Plan will not be deemed to invalidate or make unenforceable any other provision of the Plan or
the entirety of the Plan.
VIII. Section 409A Compliance
8.1
General
. This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and any ambiguous
provisions will be construed in a manner that is compliant with or exempt from the application of
Section 409A. If a provision of the Plan would result in the imposition of an applicable tax under
Section 409A of the Code, such provision may be reformed to avoid imposition of the applicable tax
and no action taken to comply with Section 409A shall be deemed to adversely affect any
Participants rights or benefits hereunder.
8.2
Reimbursements or Provision of In-Kind Benefits
. All reimbursements or provision of
in-kind benefits pursuant to this Plan shall be made in accordance with Treasury
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Regulations §1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) such that the reimbursement or provision will be deemed payable at
a specified time or on a fixed schedule relative to a permissible payment event. Specifically, the
amount reimbursed or provided under Sections 4.3, 5.3 or 7.10 hereof during the Participants
taxable year may not affect the amounts reimbursed or provided in any other taxable year (except
that total reimbursements may be limited by a lifetime maximum under a group health plan), the
reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before the last day of the Participants
taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred, and the right to
reimbursement or provision of in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another
benefit.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Partnership has executed the Plan this
day of August, 2007,
but effective as of
, 2007.
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PIONEER DRILLING SERVICES, LTD.
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By:
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PDC MGMT. CO,
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its general partner
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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20
EXHIBIT A
PIONEER DRILLING SERVICES, LTD. KEY EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN
PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE
This Participation Certificate given this ___day of
, ___, by Pioneer Drilling
Services, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (the Partnership), and the Committee to
(Employee), with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the
respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. Key Executive
Severance Plan unless otherwise stated.
1. The Committee hereby designates Employee as a
[Level ___]
Participant in the Plan,
effective as of
.
2. Employee hereby acknowledges that his or her designation as a Participant in this
Plan replaces any participation in the Partnerships Executive Severance Plan and Employee
hereby waives any rights to benefits under such plan in exchange for participation in this
Plan.
3. Upon Employees termination of employment under the circumstances and subject to the
terms and conditions described Article IV of the Plan, Employee will be entitled to the
benefits specified in Article IV of the Plan
4. Upon Employees termination of employment following a Change in Control of the
Company under the circumstances and subject to the terms and conditions described in Article
V of the Plan, Employee will be entitled to the benefits specified in Article V of the Plan.
5. An Employees status as a Participant shall terminate at such time as may be
determined by the Committee, provided such Participant shall be given notice of such
termination of status as a Participant by the Committee at least one year prior to the
effectiveness of such termination;
provided, however
, that in the case of an Employee who is
a Participant immediately prior to the Effective Date of a Change in Control, such
Employees status as a Participant may not be terminated without his or her written consent
at any time within two years of the Effective Date of such Change in Control.
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Compensation Committee
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By:
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EXHIBIT B
PIONEER DRILLING SERVICES, LTD. KEY EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN
FORM OF WAIVER AND RELEASE
Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. has offered to pay me certain benefits (the Benefits)
pursuant to the Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. Key Executive Severance Plan (the Plan). The
Benefits are offered to me subject to my agreement, among other things, to waive any and all of my
claims against and release Pioneer Drilling Services, Ltd. and its predecessors, successors and
assigns (collectively referred to as the Partnership), all of the affiliates (including parents
and subsidiaries) of the Partnership (collectively referred to as the Affiliates), and the
Partnerships and Affiliates directors and officers, employees and agents, counsel, insurers,
employee benefit plans and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans (collectively, with the
Partnership and Affiliates, referred to as the Corporate Group) from any and all claims, demands,
actions, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or
separation from the Partnership or any Affiliate;
provided, however
, that this Waiver and Release
shall not apply to (i) any claim or cause of action to enforce or interpret any provision contained
in the Plan or (ii) any claims for indemnification under any charter documents or bylaws of the
Partnership or any Affiliate or, if applicable, the director and officer indemnification agreement
entered into with the Partnership or an Affiliate on
, 20___. I have read this Waiver and
Release and the Plan (which, together, are referred to herein as the Plan Materials) and the Plan
is incorporated herein by reference. The provision of the Benefits is voluntary on the part of the
Partnership and is not required by any legal obligation other than the Plan. I choose to accept
this offer.
I understand that signing this Waiver and Release is an important legal act. I acknowledge
that the Partnership has advised me to consult an attorney before signing this Waiver and Release.
I understand that, in order to be eligible for the Benefits, I must sign (and return to Human
Resources Manager, Pioneer Drilling Company
,
1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1000, San Antonio, Texas
78209) this Waiver and Release by 5:00 p.m. on
. I acknowledge that I have been given
at least 21 days to consider whether to sign and execute this Waiver and Release.
In exchange for the payment to me of Benefits, I (1) agree not to sue in any local, state
and/or federal court regarding or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from the
Partnership or any Affiliate and (2) knowingly and voluntarily waive all claims and release the
Corporate Group from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities and damages, whether known
or unknown, arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from the
Partnership or any Affiliate, except to the extent that my rights are vested under the terms of
employee benefit plans sponsored by the Partnership or any Affiliate and except with respect to
such rights or claims as may arise after the date this Waiver and Release is executed. The claims
subject to this Waiver and Release include, but are not limited to, claims and causes of action
under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII); the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990
(ADEA); the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Civil
Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); the Energy
Reorganization Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 5851; the Workers Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act of 1988; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978; the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Fair Labor
Standards Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Texas Labor Code § 21.001 et seq.; the
Texas Labor Code; claims in connection with workers compensation or whistle blower statutes;
and/or contract, tort, defamation, slander, wrongful termination or any other state or federal
regulatory, statutory or common law. Further, I expressly represent that no promise or agreement
which is not expressed in the Plan Materials has been made to me in executing this Waiver and
Release, and that I am relying on my own judgment in executing this Waiver and Release, and that I
am not relying on any statement or representation of the Partnership, any of the Affiliates or any
other member of the Corporate Group or any of their agents. I agree that this Waiver and Release
is valid, fair, adequate and reasonable, is with my full knowledge and consent, was not procured
through fraud, duress or mistake and has not had the effect of misleading, misinforming or failing
to inform me.
I acknowledge that payment of Benefits to me by the Partnership is not an admission by the
Partnership or any other member of the Corporate Group that they engaged in any wrongful or
unlawful act or that the Partnership or any member of the Corporate Group violated any federal or
state law or regulation.
Should any of the provisions set forth in this Waiver and Release be determined to be invalid
by a court, agency or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such
determination shall not affect the enforceability of other provisions of this Waiver and Release.
I acknowledge that this Waiver and Release and the other Plan Materials set forth the entire
understanding and agreement between me and the Partnership or any other member of the Corporate
Group concerning the subject matter of this Waiver and Release and supersede any prior or
contemporaneous oral and/or written agreements or representations, if any, between me and the
Partnership or any other member of the Corporate Group. I understand that for a period of seven
calendar days following the date that I sign this Waiver and Release, I may revoke my acceptance of
the offer referred to above, provided that my written statement of revocation is received on or
before that seventh day by Human Resources Manager, Pioneer Drilling Company, 1250 N.E. Loop 410,
Suite 1000, San Antonio, Texas 78209, in which case the Waiver and Release will not become
effective. In the event I revoke my acceptance of the offer referred to above, the Partnership
shall have no obligation to provide me the Benefits. I understand that failure to revoke my
acceptance of the offer referred to above within seven calendar days from the date I sign this
Waiver and Release will result in this Waiver and Release being permanent and irrevocable.
I acknowledge that I have read this Waiver and Release, I have had an opportunity to ask
questions and have it explained to me and that I understand that this Waiver and Release will have
the effect of knowingly and voluntarily waiving any action I might pursue, including breach of
contract, personal injury, retaliation, discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, national
origin or disability and any other claims arising prior to the date of this Waiver and Release. By
execution of this document, I do not waive or release or otherwise relinquish any legal rights I
may have which are attributable to or arise out of acts, omissions or events of the
Partnership or any other member of the Corporate Group which occur after the date of the
execution of this Waiver and Release.
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Employees Printed Name
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Partnership Representative
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Employees Signature
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Partnership Execution Date
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Employees Signature Date
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Employees Social Security Number
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