Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___
Commission File Number 1-8182
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
TEXAS   74-2088619
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)
     
1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1000, San Antonio, Texas   78209
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
210-828-7689
(Registrant’s 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):
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     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
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
ITEM 5. Other Information
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Index to Exhibits
Amended and Restated Key Executive Severance Plan
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan
Certification of Wm. Stacy Locke, President & CEO, Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Certification of Joyce M. Schuldt, EVP & CFO, Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
Certification of Wm. Stacy Locke, President & CEO, Pursuant to Section 906
Certification of Joyce M. Schuldt, EVP & CFO, Pursuant to Section 906


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (unaudited)     (audited)  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 15,618     $ 76,703  
Receivables:
               
Trade, net
    68,151       46,759  
Contract drilling in progress
    16,603       7,861  
Income tax receivable
    340       611  
Deferred income taxes
    5,334       3,670  
Inventory
    2,813       1,180  
Prepaid expenses and other
    6,022       5,073  
 
           
Total current assets
    114,881       141,857  
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, at cost
    743,863       578,697  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    173,551       161,675  
 
           
Net property and equipment
    570,312       417,022  
Deferred income taxes
    708       573  
Goodwill
    172,228        
Intangibles and other long term assets
    43,140       760  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 901,269     $ 560,212  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 24,888     $ 21,424  
Current portion of long-term debt
    23,457        
Income taxes payable
    4,371        
Prepaid drilling contracts
    3,082       1,933  
Accrued expenses:
               
Payroll and related employee costs
    12,533       5,172  
Insurance premiums and deductibles
    16,144       9,548  
Other
    3,463       3,973  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    87,938       42,050  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    271,563        
Other liabilities
    5,087       254  
Deferred income taxes
    51,430       46,836  
 
           
Total liabilities
    416,018       89,140  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
           
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
    4,979       4,965  
Additional paid-in capital
    298,189       294,922  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (950 )      
Accumulated earnings
    183,033       171,185  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    485,251       471,072  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 901,269     $ 560,212  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Revenues
  $ 113,397     $ 103,347  
 
           
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Operating costs
    70,426       59,189  
Depreciation and amortization
    17,119       14,736  
Selling, general and administrative
    7,722       3,824  
Bad debt expense
    135        
 
           
Total operating costs and expenses
    95,402       77,749  
 
           
 
               
Income from operations
    17,995       25,598  
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense
    (1,574 )      
Interest income
    585       881  
Other
    1,092       8  
 
           
Total other income
    103       889  
 
           
 
               
Income before income taxes
    18,098       26,487  
Income tax expense
    (6,250 )     (9,269 )
 
           
 
               
Net earnings
  $ 11,848     $ 17,218  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per common share — Basic
  $ 0.24     $ 0.35  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per common share — Diluted
  $ 0.24     $ 0.34  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — Basic
    49,759       49,619  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — Diluted
    50,291       50,127  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 11,848     $ 17,218  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    17,119       14,736  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    135        
Loss (gain) on dispositions of property and equipment
    (23 )     576  
Stock-based compensation expense
    951       587  
Deferred income taxes
    554       6,179  
Change in other assets
    74       5  
Change in non-current liabilities
    (88 )     (85 )
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (7,023 )     2,149  
Inventory
    (259 )      
Prepaid expenses and other
    491       374  
Accounts payable
    132       (3,170 )
Income tax payable
    4,780       (3,791 )
Prepaid drilling contracts
    1,150        
Accrued expenses
    10,144       1,677  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    39,985       36,455  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of production services business of WEDGE
    (313,610 )      
Acquisition of production services business of Competition
    (26,101 )      
Purchases of property and equipment
    (32,938 )     (27,870 )
Purchase of auction rate preferred securities
    (16,475 )      
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    933       1,477  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (388,191 )     (26,393 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments of debt
    (22,001 )      
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    311,500        
Debt issuance costs
    (3,281 )      
Proceeds from exercise of options
    653       110  
Excess tax benefit of stock option exercises
    250       19  
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    287,121       129  
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (61,085 )     10,191  
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
    76,703       74,754  
 
           
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 15,618     $ 84,945  
 
           
Supplementary disclosure:
               
Interest paid
  $ 1,489     $ 11  
Income tax paid
  $ 1     $  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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.

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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.

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     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 company’s 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 Division’s operations and supplies held for use by our Production Services Division’s 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  
 
     

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     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 unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s 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

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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

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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 Activities—an 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 entity’s 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 year’s 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.

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     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 company’s 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.

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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.

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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.

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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  

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S 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.

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  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 Company’s 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:

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    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

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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.

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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 )
 
                 

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     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.

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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,

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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.

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    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 Division’s 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 Division’s 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 Division’s 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.

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          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.

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          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 unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s 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

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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

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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 Activities—an 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 entity’s 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

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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 Commission’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s internal control over financial reporting and to determine whether such weaknesses, if any, have materially affected the Company’s financial statements The Special Committee engaged Bracewell &

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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 Committee’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s governance and control environment.
          The Bracewell report noted some deficiencies in the Company’s 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 Committee’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 management’s 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:
    our revenues, cash flows and profitability;
 
    the fair market value of our drilling rig fleet and production service assets;
 
    our ability to maintain or increase our borrowing capacity;
 
    our ability to obtain additional capital to finance our business and make acquisitions, and the cost of that capital; and
 
    our ability to retain skilled rig personnel whom we would need in the event of an upturn in the demand for our services.
          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:
    the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas;
 
    the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves;
 
    the rate of decline of existing and new oil and gas reserves;
 
    available pipeline and other oil and gas transportation capacity;
 
    the ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital;
 
    economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere;
 
    actions by OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
 
    political instability in the Middle East and other major oil and gas producing regions;
 
    governmental regulations, both domestic and foreign;

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    domestic and foreign tax policy;
 
    weather conditions in the United States and elsewhere;
 
    the pace adopted by foreign governments for the exploration, development and production of their national reserves;
 
    the price of foreign imports of oil and gas; and
 
    the overall supply and demand for oil and gas.
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:
    the type and condition of each of the competing drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs;
 
    the mobility and efficiency of the rigs;
 
    the quality of service and experience of the rig crews;
 
    the safety records of the rigs;
 
    the offering of ancillary services; and
 
    the ability to provide drilling and production equipment adaptable to, and personnel familiar with, new technologies and drilling and production techniques.
          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:
    better withstand industry downturns;
 
    compete more effectively on the basis of price and technology;
 
    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.
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:
    blowouts;
 
    cratering;
 
    fires and explosions;
 
    loss of well control;
 
    collapse of the borehole;
 
    damaged or lost drilling equipment; and
 
    damage or loss from natural disasters.
 
      Any of these hazards can result in substantial liabilities or losses to us from, among other things:
    suspension of operations;
 
    damage to, or destruction of, our property and equipment and that of others;
 
    personal injury and loss of life;
 
    damage to producing or potentially productive oil and gas formations through which we drill; and
 
    environmental damage.
          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:
    unanticipated costs and assumption of liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired businesses, including environmental liabilities;
 
    difficulties in integrating the operations and assets of the acquired business and the acquired personnel;
 
    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;
 
    potential losses of key employees and customers of the acquired businesses;
 
    risks of entering markets in which we have limited prior experience; and
 
    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:
    impairing our ability to make investments and obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes;
 
    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;
 
    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;
 
    limiting our ability to obtain additional financing that may be necessary to operate or expand our business;
 
    putting us at a competitive disadvantage to competitors that have less debt; and
 
    increasing our vulnerability to interest rate increases to the extent that we incur variable rate indebtedness. 
          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:
    refinancing or restructuring our debt;
 
    selling assets;
 
    reducing or delaying acquisitions or capital investments, such as refurbishments of our rigs and related equipment; or
 
    seeking to raise additional capital.
                   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:
    limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness;
 
    restrictions on investments, mergers or consolidations, asset dispositions, acquisitions, transactions with affiliates and other transactions without the Lenders’ consent; and
 
    limitation on dividends and distributions. 
          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:
    risks of war, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping of employees;
 
    expropriation, confiscation or nationalization of our assets;
 
    renegotiation or nullification of contracts;
 
    foreign taxation;
 
    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;
 
    changing political conditions and changing laws and policies affecting trade and investment;
 
    regional economic downturns;
 
    the overlap of different tax structures;
 
    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;
 
    difficulty in collecting international accounts receivable; and
 
    potentially longer payment cycles.
          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:
    environmental quality;
 
    pollution control;
 
    remediation of contamination;
 
    preservation of natural resources; and
 
    worker safety.
          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.

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          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:
    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;
 
    limitations on the ability of our shareholders to call a special meeting and act by written consent;
 
    provisions dividing our board of directors into three classes elected for staggered terms; and
 
    the authorization given to our board of directors to issue and set the terms of preferred stock.
   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

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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.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
          The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or incorporated by reference herein:
         
2.1 *
  -   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)).
 
       
2.2 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.1 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.2 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.3 *
  -   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form 8-K dated December 10, 2007 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
 
       
4.1 *
  -   Form of Certificate representing Common Stock of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form S-8 filed November 18, 2003 (Reg. No. 333-110569, Exhibit 4.3)).
 
       
10.1*
  -   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)).
 
       
10.2*+
  -   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)).
 
       
10.3 *+
  -   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)).
 
       
10.4 **+
      Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company Key Executive Severance Plan.
 
       
10.5 **+
  -   Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company 2007 Incentive Plan.
 
       
31.1 **
  -   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.
 
       
31.2 **
  -   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 #
  -   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).
 
       
32.2 #
  -   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).
 
*   Incorporated herein by reference to the specified prior filing by Pioneer Drilling Company.
 
**   Filed herewith
 
+   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
#   Furnished herewith
          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.
         
  PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
 
 
  /s/ Joyce M. Schuldt    
  Joyce M. Schuldt   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Representative)  
 
 
Dated: August 5, 2008

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Index to Exhibits
         
2.1 *
  -   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)).
 
       
2.2 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.1 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.2 *
  -   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)).
 
       
3.3 *
  -   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form 8-K dated December 10, 2007 (File No. 1-8182, Exhibit 3.1)).
 
       
4.1 *
  -   Form of Certificate representing Common Stock of Pioneer Drilling Company (Form S-8 filed November 18, 2003 (Reg. No. 333-110569, Exhibit 4.3)).
 
       
10.1*
  -   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)).
 
       
10.2*+
  -   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)).
 
       
10.3 *+
  -   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)).
 
       
10.4 **+
      Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company Key Executive Severance Plan.
 
       
10.5 **+
  -   Amended and Restated Pioneer Drilling Company 2007 Incentive Plan.
 
       
31.1 **
  -   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.
 
       
31.2 **
  -   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.

 


Table of Contents

         
32.1 #
  -   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).
 
       
32.2 #
  -   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).
 
*   Incorporated herein by reference to the specified prior filing by Pioneer Drilling Company.
 
**   Filed herewith
 
+   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
#   Furnished herewith

 

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.

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     “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.

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     “Cause” means, (x) with respect to any Level I or Level II Participant (as defined below), that Participant’s (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 Participant’s status as an executive officer of the Company; and (y) with respect to any Level III or other Participant, that Participant’s (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 Participant’s 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.

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     “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 Participant’s written consent) of any of the following:
     (i) a reduction in the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s written notice to the Partnership of such breach; or
     (iii) the Partnership’s failure to maintain a Participant’s employment without material diminution in the Participant’s duties and responsibilities, and such failure is not cured by the Partnership within 5 business days after the Participant’s 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,

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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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s principal business location more than 45 miles from the Participant’s previous principal business location.
     The Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Partnership’s and Company’s 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 Partnership’s and the Company’s 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 Partnership’s and the Company’s 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.

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     “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 Participant’s 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.

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     3.3 Termination of Participation. An Employee’s 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 Employee’s 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 Participant’s Base Salary, as in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination, and the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s termination of employment.
     4.2 Vesting of All Equity Awards .
     (a) Subject to the Participant’s 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

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equity-based awards would have otherwise vested during the twelve-month period immediately following the Participant’s Involuntary Termination.
     (b) Subject to the Participant’s 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 Participant’s Involuntary Termination.
     (c) Subject to the Participant’s 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 Participant’s Involuntary Termination.
     4.3 Life Insurance and Medical Benefits Continuation .
     (a) Subject to the Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
     (b) Subject to the Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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

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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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s beneficiaries shall be eligible to commence continued medical coverage in accordance with, and for the applicable period required by, COBRA.
     (c) Subject to the Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s 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 Participant’s termination of employment pursuant to policies adopted by the Board), payment of the Partnership’s portion of any life insurance premiums shall be delayed until the date six months and two days following the date of the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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:

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     (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 Participant’s termination of employment, in an amount equal to three times the sum of (i) the Participant’s 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 Participant’s maximum award opportunity under the AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award opportunity in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and (iii) an amount equal to the annual amount of the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s termination of employment, in an amount equal to two times the sum of (i) the Participant’s 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 Participant’s maximum award opportunity under the AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award opportunity in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and (iii) an amount equal to the annual amount of the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s termination of employment, in an amount equal to one and one-half (1 1 / 2 ) times the sum of (i) the Participant’s 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 Participant’s maximum award opportunity under the AIP (which shall, for this purpose, be the higher of (x) the

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annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award opportunity in effect immediately prior to such Effective Date of a Change in Control or (y) the annual amount of the Participant’s maximum award in effect on the date of such Involuntary Termination), and (iii) an amount equal to the annual amount of the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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”),

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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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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

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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 Participant’s death during the benefits continuation period, the Participant’s 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 Participant’s termination of employment pursuant to policies adopted by the Board), payment of the Partnership’s portion of any life insurance premiums shall be delayed until the date six months and two days following the Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s behalf with respect to such Excise Tax).

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     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 Firm’s 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 Participant’s 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;

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     (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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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

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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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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 Participant’s 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.
                 
    PIONEER DRILLING SERVICES, LTD.    
 
               
    By:   PDC MGMT. CO,    
        its general partner    
 
               
 
      By:        
 
      Name:  
 
   
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   

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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 Partnership’s Executive Severance Plan and Employee hereby waives any rights to benefits under such plan in exchange for participation in this Plan.
     3. Upon Employee’s 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 Employee’s 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 Employee’s 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 Employee’s 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.
             
    Compensation Committee    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
   

 


 

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 Partnership’s 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.
         
 
       
Employee’s Printed Name
      Partnership Representative
 
       
 
       
Employee’s Signature
      Partnership Execution Date
 
       
 
       
Employee’s Signature Date
      Employee’s Social Security Number

 

Exhibit 10.5
PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
AMENDED AND RESTATED
2007 INCENTIVE PLAN

(Adopted May 16, 2008)
     1.  Plan. This 2007 Incentive Plan of Pioneer Drilling Company (this “Plan”) was adopted by Pioneer Drilling Company, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), to reward certain corporate officers, key employees, consultants and directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries by enabling them to acquire shares of common stock of the Company and/or through the provision of cash payments.
     2.  Objectives. This Plan is designed to attract and retain officers, key employees and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to attract and retain qualified directors of the Company, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such officers, employees, consultants and directors and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries. These objectives are to be accomplished by making Awards under this Plan and thereby providing Participants with a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
     3.  Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the following respective meanings:
     “Authorized Officer” means the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or any other senior officer of the Company to whom either of them shall delegate the authority to execute any Award Agreement).
     “Award” means the grant of any Option, SAR, Stock Award, Performance Award or Cash Award, whether granted singly, in combination or in tandem, to a Participant pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in accordance with the objectives of the Plan.
     “Award Agreement” means any written agreement between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to an Award.
     “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
     “Cash Award” means an award denominated in cash.
     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
     “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan.
     “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company.

 


 

     “Director” means an individual serving as a member of the Board.
     “Dividend Equivalents” means, with respect to shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, with respect to which shares are to be issued at the end of the Restriction Period, an amount equal to all dividends and other distributions (or the economic equivalent thereof) that are payable to shareholders of record during the Restriction Period on a like number of shares of Common Stock.
     “Employee” means an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an individual who has agreed to become an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and actually becomes such an employee within the following six months.
     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock means, as of a particular date, (i) if shares of Common Stock are listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price per share of Common Stock on the consolidated transaction reporting system for the principal national securities exchange on which shares of Common Stock are listed on that date, or, if there shall have been no such sales reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such a sale was so reported, (ii) if the Common Stock is not so listed, the mean between the closing bid and asked price on that date, or, if there are no such prices available for such date, on the last preceding date on which such prices shall be available, as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated, or (iii) if shares of Common Stock are not publicly traded, the most recent value determined by an independent appraiser appointed by the Company for such purpose.
     “Incentive Option” means an Option that is intended to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 422 of the Code.
     “Option” means a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock at a specified price.
     “Nonqualified Option” means an Option that is not intended to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 422 of the Code.
     “Participant” means an Employee, consultant or Director to whom an Award has been made under this Plan.
     “Performance Award” means an award made pursuant to this Plan to a Participant who is an Employee, which Award is subject to the attainment of one or more Performance Goals. Performance Awards may be Stock Awards or Cash Awards.
     “Performance Goal” means a standard established by the Committee, to determine in whole or in part whether a Performance Award shall be earned.
     “Restricted Stock” means any Common Stock that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.

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     “Restricted Stock Unit” means a unit evidencing the right to receive one share of Common Stock or equivalent value (as determined by the Committee) that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.
     “Restriction Period” means a period of time beginning as of the date upon which an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units is made pursuant to this Plan and ending as of the date upon which the Common Stock subject to such Award is issued (if not previously issued), no longer restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.
     “SAR” means a right to receive a payment, in cash or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value or other specified valuation of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the right is exercised over a specified strike price, in each case, as determined by the Committee.
     “Stock Award” means an award in the form of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock.
     “Subsidiary” means (i) in the case of a corporation, any corporation of which the Company directly or indirectly owns shares representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the shares of all classes or series of capital stock of such corporation which have the right to vote generally on matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders of such corporation and (ii) in the case of a partnership or other business entity not organized as a corporation, any such business entity of which the Company directly or indirectly owns 50% or more of the voting, capital or profits interests (whether in the form of partnership interests, membership interests or otherwise).
     4.  Eligibility.
     (a) Employees. Employees eligible for Awards under this Plan are: (i) the officers of the Company; and (ii) those other employees who hold positions of responsibility and whose performance, in the judgment of the Committee, can have a significant effect on the success of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
     (b) Consultants. Consultants eligible for Awards under this Plan are those consultants to the Company or Subsidiaries whose performance, in the judgment of the Committee, can have or have had a significant effect on the success of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
     (c) Directors. Directors eligible for Awards under this Plan, in their capacities as Directors, are those who are not employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (“Nonemployee Directors”).
     5.  Common Stock Available for Awards. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 15 hereof, there shall be available for Awards under this Plan granted wholly or partly in Common Stock (including rights or options that may be exercised for or settled in Common Stock) an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock. In the discretion of the Committee, all 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be granted as Incentive Options. No more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available under this Plan for Awards other than

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Options or SARs. Additionally, the number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of Awards under this Plan, that are cancelled, forfeited, terminated or expire unexercised, shall again immediately become available for Awards hereunder. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only to the extent that shares of Common Stock are actually issued in connection with the exercise or settlement of an Award; provided, however, that the number of shares reserved for issuance shall be reduced by the total number of Options or SARs exercised. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall not be increased by (i) any shares tendered or Award surrendered in connection with the purchase of shares upon the exercise of an Option as described in paragraph 11 or (ii) any shares deducted from an Award payment in connection with the Company’s tax withholding obligations as described in paragraph 12. The Committee may from time to time adopt and observe such procedures concerning the counting of shares against the Plan maximum as it may deem appropriate. The Committee and the appropriate officers of the Company shall be authorized to, from time to time, take all such actions as any of them may determine are necessary or appropriate to file any documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges and transaction reporting systems as may be required to ensure that shares of Common Stock are available for issuance pursuant to Awards.
     6.  Administration.
     (a) Authority of the Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Committee shall have full and exclusive power and authority to administer this Plan and to take all actions that are specifically contemplated hereby or are necessary or appropriate in connection with the administration hereof. The Committee shall also have full and exclusive power to interpret this Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out this Plan as it may deem necessary or proper, all of which powers shall be exercised in the best interests of the Company and in keeping with the objectives of this Plan. Subject to paragraph 6(c) hereof, the Committee may, in its discretion, provide for the extension of the exercisability of an Award, accelerate the vesting or exercisability of an Award, eliminate or make less restrictive any restrictions contained in an Award, waive any restriction or other provision of this Plan or an Award or otherwise amend or modify an Award in any manner that is (i) not adverse to the Participant to whom such Award was granted, (ii) consented to by such Participant or (iii) authorized by paragraph 15(c) hereof; provided, however, that no such action shall permit the term of any Option to be greater than ten years from the applicable grant date. The Committee may make an Award to an individual who it expects to become an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within the next six months, with such Award being subject to the individual’s actually becoming an employee within such time period, and subject to such other terms and conditions as may be established by the Committee. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any Award in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable to further the Plan purposes. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of this Plan shall lie within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned.

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     (b) Limitation of Liability. No member of the Committee or officer of the Company to whom the Committee has delegated authority in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 7 of this Plan shall be liable for anything done or omitted to be done by him or her, by any member of the Committee or by any officer of the Company in connection with the performance of any duties under this Plan, except for his or her own willful misconduct or as expressly provided by statute.
     (c) Repricing and Other Limitations. No Award may be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or modified without shareholder approval (except in connection with a change in the Company’s capitalization), if the effect would be to reduce the exercise price for the shares underlying such Award. No Award may be modified or extended in a manner that would cause the Award to be subject to, or result in a violation of, Section 409A of the Code.
     7.  Delegation of Authority. The Committee may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer and to other senior officers of the Company its duties under this Plan pursuant to such conditions or limitations as the Committee may establish.
     8.  Awards. (a) The Committee shall determine the type or types of Awards to be made under this Plan and shall designate from time to time the Participants who are to be the recipients of such Awards. Each Award shall be embodied in an Award Agreement, which shall contain such terms, conditions and limitations as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion and shall be signed by the Participant to whom the Award is made and by an Authorized Officer for and on behalf of the Company. Awards may consist of those listed in this paragraph 8(a) and may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards may also be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, grants or rights under this Plan or any other plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the plan of any acquired entity; provided that, except as contemplated in paragraph 15 hereof, no Option may be issued in exchange for the cancellation of an Option with a higher exercise price nor may the exercise price of any Option be reduced. All or part of an Award may be subject to conditions established by the Committee, which may include, but are not limited to, continuous service with the Company and its Subsidiaries, achievement of specific business objectives, increases in specified indices, attainment of specified growth rates and other comparable measurements of performance. Upon the termination of employment by a Participant who is an Employee, any unexercised, deferred, unvested or unpaid Awards shall be treated as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
     (i) Option. An Award may be in the form of an Option. An Option awarded pursuant to this Plan may consist of an Incentive Option or a Nonqualified Option. Incentive Options may not be awarded to Nonemployee Directors. The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The term of an Option shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Options awarded pursuant to this Plan, including the term of any Options and the date or dates upon which they become exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.

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     (ii) Stock Appreciation Right. An Award may be in the form of an SAR. The strike price for an SAR shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date on which the SAR is granted. The term of an SAR shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Subject to the foregoing limitations, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any SARs awarded pursuant to this Plan, including the term of any SARs and the date or dates upon which they become exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.
     (iii) Stock Award. An Award may be in the form of a Stock Award. Subject to the Plan, the vesting and other terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Stock Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee, acting in its discretion.
     (iv) Cash Award. An Award may be in the form of a Cash Award. The terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Cash Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee.
     (v) Performance Award. Without limiting the type or number of Awards that may be made under the other provisions of this Plan, an Award may be in the form of a Performance Award. Subject to the Plan, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Performance Awards granted to Participants pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee, acting in its discretion. The Committee shall set Performance Goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the value and/or amount of Performance Awards that will be paid out to the Participant and/or the portion of an Award that may be exercised.
          (A) Nonqualified Performance Awards. Performance Awards granted to Employees or Nonemployee Directors that are not intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code shall be based on achievement of such Performance Goals and be subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee or its delegate shall determine.
          (B) Qualified Performance Awards. Performance Awards granted to Employees under the Plan that are intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code shall be paid, vested or otherwise deliverable solely on account of the attainment of one or more pre-established, objective Performance Goals established by the Committee in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code prior to the earlier to occur of (x) 90 days after the commencement of the period of service to which the Performance Goal relates and (y) the lapse of 25% of the period of service (as scheduled in good faith at the time the goal is established), and in any event while the outcome is substantially uncertain. A Performance Goal is objective if a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine whether the goal is met. Such a Performance Goal may be based on one or more business criteria that apply to the Employee, one or more business units, divisions or sectors of the Company, or the Company as a whole, and if so desired by the Committee, by comparison with a peer group of companies. A Performance Goal may include one or more of the following:

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    increased revenue;
 
    net income measures (including but not limited to income after capital costs and income before or after taxes);
 
    stock price measures (including but not limited to growth measures and total shareholder return);
 
    price per share of Common Stock;
 
    market share;
 
    net earnings;
 
    earnings per share (actual or targeted growth);
 
    earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”);
 
    earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (“EBITA”);
 
    economic value added (or an equivalent metric);
 
    market value added;
 
    debt to equity ratio;
 
    cash flow measures (including but not limited to cash flow per share, cash flow return on capital, cash flow return on tangible capital, net cash flow, net cash flow before financing activities and improvement in or attainment of working capital levels);
 
    return measures (including but not limited to return on equity, return on average assets, return on capital, risk-adjusted return on capital, return on investors’ capital and return on average equity);
 
    operating measures (including operating income, funds from operations, cash from operations, after-tax operating income; net operating profit after tax, revenue volumes, operating efficiency, rig fleet day rates and rig fleet utilization);
 
    expense measures (including but not limited to overhead cost, general and administrative expense and improvement in or attainment of expense levels);
 
    margins;
 
    shareholder value;

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    proceeds from dispositions;
 
    total market value;
 
    reliability;
 
    productivity;
 
    corporate values measures (including ethics compliance, environmental, and safety) and
 
    debt reduction.
Unless otherwise stated, such a Performance Goal need not be based upon an increase or positive result under a particular business criterion and could include, for example, maintaining the status quo , performance relative to a peer group determined by the Committee or limiting economic losses (measured, in each case, by reference to specific business criteria). In interpreting Plan provisions applicable to Performance Goals and Qualified Performance Awards, it is the intent of the Plan to conform with the standards of Section 162(m) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.162-27(e)(2)(i), as to grants to those Employees whose compensation is, or is likely to be, subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, and the Committee in establishing such goals and interpreting the Plan shall be guided by such provisions. Prior to the payment of any compensation based on the achievement of Performance Goals applicable to Qualified Performance Awards, the Committee must certify in writing that applicable Performance Goals and any of the material terms thereof were, in fact, satisfied. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Qualified Performance Awards made pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee.
     (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the following limitations shall apply to any Awards made hereunder:
     (i) no Participant may be granted, during any one-year period, Awards consisting of Options or SARs that are exercisable for more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock;
     (ii) no Participant may be granted, during any one-year period, Stock Awards covering or relating to more than 200,000 shares of Common Stock (the limitation set forth in this clause (ii), together with the limitation set forth in clause (i) above, being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Stock-based Awards Limitations”); and
     (iii) no Participant may be granted Awards consisting of cash or in any other form permitted under this Plan (other than Awards consisting of Options or

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SARs or otherwise consisting of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in such shares) in respect of any one-year period having a value determined on the date of grant in excess of $3,000,000.
     9. (Intentionally left blank.)
     10.  Award Payment; Dividends; Substitution.
     (a) General. Payment of Awards may be made in the form of cash or Common Stock, or a combination thereof, and may include such restrictions as the Committee shall determine, including, in the case of Common Stock, restrictions on transfer and forfeiture provisions. If payment of an Award is made in the form of Restricted Stock, the applicable Award Agreement relating to such shares shall specify whether they are to be issued at the beginning or end of the Restriction Period. In the event that shares of Restricted Stock are to be issued at the beginning of the Restriction Period, the certificates evidencing such shares (to the extent that such shares are so evidenced) shall contain appropriate legends and restrictions that describe the terms and conditions of the restrictions applicable thereto. In the event that shares of Restricted Stock are to be issued at the end of the Restricted Period, the right to receive such shares shall be evidenced by book entry registration or in such other manner as the Committee may determine.
     (b) Deferral. With the approval of the Committee, amounts payable in respect of Awards may be deferred and paid either in the form of installments or as a lump-sum payment; provided, however, that if deferral is permitted, each provision of the Award shall be interpreted to permit the deferral only as allowed in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any provision that would conflict with such requirements shall not be valid or enforceable. The Committee intends that any Awards under the Plan satisfy the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid imposition of applicable taxes thereunder. The Committee may permit selected Participants to elect to defer payments of some or all types of Awards in accordance with procedures established by the Committee. Any deferred payment of an Award, whether elected by the Participant or specified by the Award Agreement or by the Committee, may be forfeited if and to the extent that the Award Agreement so provides.
     (c) Dividends and Interest. Rights to dividends or Dividend Equivalents may be extended to and made part of any Award consisting of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock, subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee may establish. The Committee may also establish rules and procedures for the crediting of interest on deferred cash payments and Dividend Equivalents for Awards consisting of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock.
     11.  Stock Option Exercise. The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased under an Option shall be paid in full at the time of exercise in cash or, if permitted by the Committee, the Participant may purchase such shares by means of tendering Common Stock valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise, or any combination thereof. The Committee

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shall determine acceptable methods for Participants to tender Common Stock; provided that any Common Stock that was the subject of an Award may be so tendered only if it has been held by the Participant for at least six months. The Committee may provide for procedures to permit the exercise or purchase of such Awards by use of the proceeds to be received from the sale of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an Award.
     12.  Taxes. The Company shall have the right to deduct applicable taxes from any Award payment and withhold, at the time of delivery or vesting of cash or shares of Common Stock under this Plan, an appropriate amount of cash or number of shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof for payment of taxes required by law or to take, or cause the Participant to take, such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for withholding of such taxes. The Committee may also permit withholding to be satisfied by the transfer to the Company of shares of Common Stock theretofore owned by the holder of the Award with respect to which withholding is required. If shares of Common Stock are used to satisfy tax withholding, such shares shall be valued based on the Fair Market Value when the tax withholding is required to be made.
     13.  Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination. The Board may amend, modify, suspend or terminate this Plan for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in legal requirements or for any other purpose permitted by law, except that (i) no amendment or alteration that would adversely affect the rights of any Participant under any Award previously granted to such Participant shall be made without the consent of such Participant and (ii) no amendment or alteration shall be effective prior to its approval by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is otherwise required by applicable legal requirements.
     14.  Assignability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the Award Agreement, no Award or any other benefit under this Plan shall be assignable or otherwise transferable, except upon the Participant’s death to a beneficiary designated by the Participant in a manner acceptable to the Committee, or, if no beneficiary has been duly designated or no duly designated beneficiary shall survive the Participant, pursuant to the Participant’s Will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted assignment of an Award or any other benefit under this Plan in violation of this paragraph 14 shall be null and void.
     15.  Adjustments.
     (a) The existence of outstanding Awards shall not affect in any manner the right or power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the capital stock of the Company or its business or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock (whether or not such issue is prior to, on a parity with or junior to the Common Stock) or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding of any kind, whether or not of a character similar to that of the acts or proceedings enumerated above.

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     (b) In the event of any subdivision, consolidation of outstanding shares of Common Stock, declaration of a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or other stock split, any other recapitalization or capital reorganization of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with another corporation or entity, the adoption by the Company of any plan of exchange affecting the Common Stock or any distribution to holders of Common Stock of securities or property (other than normal cash dividends or dividends payable in Common Stock), then (i) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Plan, (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by outstanding Awards in the form of Common Stock or units denominated in Common Stock, (iii) the exercise or other price in respect of such Awards, and (iv) the Stock-based Award Limitations described in paragraph 8(b) hereof shall each be proportionately adjusted to the extent and in the manner the Board, in its discretion, deems appropriate or necessary to reflect such transaction; provided that such adjustments shall only be such as are necessary to maintain the proportionate interest of the holders of the Awards and preserve, without exceeding, the value of such Awards.
     (c) In the event of a corporate merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of stock or assets, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Board may make such adjustments to Awards or other provisions for the disposition of Awards as it deems equitable, and shall be authorized, in its discretion, (i) to provide for the substitution of a new Award or other arrangement (which, if applicable, may be exercisable for such property or stock as the Board determines) for an Award or the assumption of the Award, regardless of whether in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies, (ii) to provide, prior to the transaction, for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of, or lapse of restrictions with respect to, the Award and, if the transaction is a cash merger, provide for the termination of any portion of the Award that remains unexercised at the time of such transaction or (iii) to provide for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of an Award and the cancellation thereof in exchange for such payment as shall be mutually agreeable to the Participant and the Board.
     16.  Restrictions. No Common Stock or other form of payment shall be issued with respect to any Award unless the Company shall be satisfied based on the advice of its counsel that such issuance will be in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered under this Plan (to the extent that such shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the Common Stock is then listed or to which it is admitted for quotation and any applicable federal or state securities law. The Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed upon such certificates (if any) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
     17.  Unfunded Plan. Insofar as it provides for Awards of cash, Common Stock or rights thereto, this Plan shall be unfunded. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Participants who are entitled to cash, Common Stock or rights thereto under this Plan, any such accounts shall be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any time be represented by cash,

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Common Stock or rights thereto, nor shall this Plan be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall the Company, the Board or the Committee be deemed to be a trustee of any cash, Common Stock or rights thereto to be granted under this Plan. Any liability or obligation of the Company to any Participant with respect to an Award of cash, Common Stock or rights thereto under this Plan shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations that may be created by this Plan and any Award Agreement, and no such liability or obligation of the Company shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company. Neither the Company nor the Board nor the Committee shall be required to give any security or bond for the performance of any obligation that may be created by this Plan.
     18.  Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, if any Plan provision or Award under the Plan would result in the imposition of an applicable tax under Section 409A of the Code and related regulations and Treasury pronouncements, that Plan provision or Award will be reformed to avoid imposition of the applicable tax and no such action shall be deemed to adversely affect the Participant’s rights to an Award.
     19.  Governing Law. This Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by mandatory provisions of the Code or the securities laws of the United States, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
     20.  No Right to Employment or Directorship. Nothing in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or a Subsidiary to terminate any Participant’s employment or other service relationship at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the capacity in which he or she is employed or otherwise serves the Company or any Subsidiary. Further, nothing in the Plan or an Award Agreement constitutes any assurance or obligation of the Board to nominate any Director for re-election by the Company’s shareholders.
     21.  Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.
     22.  Effectiveness. This Plan shall be effective upon the approval by the holders of a majority of shares of votes entitled to vote on the approval of this Plan and who vote for or against or expressly abstain from voting with respect to the approval of this Plan at the 2007 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders to be held on August 3, 2007 or any adjournment or postponement thereof. If the shareholders of the Company should fail to so approve this Plan prior to such date, this Plan shall terminate and cease to be of any further force or effect, and all grants of Awards hereunder shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years after the date on which the shareholders of the Company approve the Plan, unless sooner terminated by action of the Board.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pioneer Drilling Company has caused this Plan to be executed by its duly authorized officer, effective as provided herein.
         
  PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY
 
 
  By:      
    Joyce M. Schuldt   
    Corporate Secretary   
 

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EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Drilling Company, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pioneer Drilling Company;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
August 5, 2008
         
     
  /s/ Wm. Stacy Locke    
  Wm. Stacy Locke   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pioneer Drilling Company, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pioneer Drilling Company;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
August 5, 2008
         
     
  /s/ Joyce M. Schuldt    
  Joyce M. Schuldt   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1
Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)
     Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350), I, Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Drilling Company, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, to my knowledge, that:
(1) the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
Dated: August 5, 2008  /s/ Wm. Stacy Locke    
  Wm. Stacy Locke   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)
     Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350), I, Joyce M. Schuldt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pioneer Drilling Company, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, to my knowledge, that:
(1) the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
Dated: August 5, 2008  /s/ Joyce M. Schuldt    
  Joyce M. Schuldt   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.