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Helmerich & Payne

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Industry Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2003 Annual Report · Helmerich & Payne
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Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is the holding Company for Helmerich & Payne
International Drilling Co., an international drilling contractor with land
and offshore platform operations in the United States, South America, Africa,
and Europe. Holdings also include commercial real estate properties in the
Tulsa, Oklahoma, area and an energy-weighted portfolio of publicly-traded
securities valued at approximately $170 million as of September 30, 2003. At
the end of 2002, the Company completed the spin-off of Cimarex Energy Co.
to shareholders. Cimarex, the Company’s former exploration and production
division, was merged with Key Production Company, Inc. and currently
trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol XEC.

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S  

Years Ended September 30,        

2003

2002

Revenues

Net Income from Continuing Operations 

Net Income

Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Diluted Earnings per Share 

Dividends Paid per Share

Capital Expenditures

Total Assets

( in thousands , except per share amounts)

$ 515,284

$

551,879

17,873

17,873

0.35

0.35

0.32

246,301

1,415,835

53,706

63,517

1.07

1.26

0.305

312,064

1,227,313

President’s Letter

To the Co-owners of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

It seems every year the oil and gas business plays an important role on
the stage of political and economic events.  Few years can match 2003
for the sheer number of headline stories.  In the heart of the Middle
East, Operation Iraqi Freedom brought the quick overthrow of Saddam
Hussein.  During the time leading up to the war, Venezuela sustained a
crippling two-month nationwide strike, threatening an important
source of U.S. crude oil.  In the spring, record low natural gas inventories
and declining production rates prompted Federal Reserve Chairman
Alan Greenspan to warn of a potential natural gas shortage and the 
serious consequences it posed to economic recovery.  Later in the 
summer, the Northeast sustained a sweeping electrical blackout that
stranded 50 million customers.

With this backdrop, the President hoped to sign legislation representing
the first serious effort in decades at shaping a national energy policy.
Before failing by two votes to another Democratic filibuster, the energy
bill had mushroomed to over a thousand pages and an estimated cost of
some $100 billion, bearing only a weak resemblance to the President’s
original request. 

The energy bill represented an unworkable combination: too much pork
and too little beef.  Pork barrel spending included increased subsidies
for ethanol and soybean based fuel mandates, add-ons like aid for an
energy efficient shopping mall in Syracuse, and even money for a pet
rainforest project in Iowa.  While spending ballooned to more than
three times the Administration’s stated limit, one of the President’s 
priorities, the approval for exploration in Alaska’s Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge, was thrown overboard early in the Congressional 

negotiations.  In the end, too little was done to streamline and open access
to high potential natural gas exploratory plays on Federal lands, and to
promote nuclear power, and to develop clean burning coal technology.
All three are important components to a balanced U.S. energy supply.

What are the prospects for the passage of an energy bill during the
upcoming election year?

Any attempt should speak clearly to the practical challenges of fueling the
world’s largest economy.  Lewis Lehrman finds that voice in his piece,
“Energetic America,” where he argues for an energy policy that promotes
a diverse supply base that is both affordable and dependable.  He points
out that we are in a time when effective economic and energy policies
are indispensable to national security issues, and states, “Combined with
President Bush’s supply-side tax policy, an unselfconscious supply-side
energy and regulatory policy will lead to abundant and cheaper energy,
growth of economic opportunity, and full employment.”  

However future politics get sorted out, oil and gas will remain at the
center of the energy picture for years to come.  Your Company plays an
important role in providing new supplies to help meet this growing
demand.  As we go forward, we look to the opportunities ahead.

Sincerely,

Hans Helmerich
President

December 15, 2003

Contract Drilling Operations

The Company’s first full year as a stand-alone drilling contractor was
accompanied by a number of unusual factors: high oil and natural gas
prices, a second war in the Persian Gulf, and a major strike in Venezuela,
which resulted in turmoil within PDVSA, the Company’s largest customer
in South America.  The Baker Hughes U.S. Land Rig Count increased by
over 30 percent in fiscal 2003, but the journey was bumpy and cautious.
The Company delivered 19 third generation FlexRigs* to the U.S. market
in 2003, expanding its capacity in this segment by nearly one-third.  One
of the uncertainties ahead is the U.S. offshore platform market, which
softened considerably in 2003.  The Company’s South American markets
also remain weak due in large part to socio-economic and political factors.
During 2003, the Company introduced its first generation FlexRig into
two new international markets.    

U.S. Land Operations
On average, the Company worked 14 more rigs during the year than in
2002, but lower dayrates, combined with higher training and depreciation
expenses associated with the FlexRig3 project, muted financial results for
2003 compared to 2002.  At the close of the year, 68 out of 83 available
rigs were working.  The Company’s fleet of 43 FlexRigs and 11 highly
mobile rigs maintained an average utilization of 95 percent during the
year, while the remaining 29 conventional rigs had an average utilization
rate of 58 percent.  Demand continues to be weakest in the deep-drilling
end of the business where soft rates are under increasing price competition.
Out of the Company’s 16 deep-rated conventional rigs, 11 were idle at
the close of the fiscal year.  By contrast, the Company had only one idle

* The term “FlexRig” used throughout this Annual Report is a Company trademark

Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

rig out of the remaining 13 conventional rigs rated at 20,000 feet or less.
The FlexRig, with its flexible depth capacity range of 8,000 to 18,000
feet, has shifted the Company’s fleet capability toward the larger medium-
depth segment of the drilling market, and this is having a positive impact
on the Company’s activity rate.

At the close of 2003, the Company had 27 FlexRig3s operating, and
the results in the field continue to prove their value.  Of the 173 
wells completed by FlexRig3s this past year, better than two out of
three have come in ahead of customer-estimated drilling times. The
Company’s investment in employee screening, training, and team
building for the FlexRig3 is also paying dividends.  Eighteen months
into the FlexRig3 project, the Company has achieved a retention rate
of 78 percent on the initial training effort.  Well-trained and stable
crews have enabled the project to achieve outstanding field results,
and more customers and their non-operating partners are seeing how
FlexRigs can lower well costs, reduce well cycle times, and increase
productivity.  Throughout 2003, FlexRig3s were nearly 100 percent
utilized and working at premium dayrates.

Overall, the U.S. land market appears to be in the early stages of a cyclical
transition.  Drilling services, as well as other oilfield services and supplies,
typically gain more pricing power as supply and demand tighten because
of reduced industry capacity. It is in this market phase that the distinct
advantages of the FlexRig technology will be most apparent to customers
as they begin to refocus on total project costs.

U.S. Offshore Operations
Activity in the offshore platform segment declined by almost one-third
during 2003, with five of the Company’s 12 offshore platform rigs under
contract in the Gulf of Mexico at year-end.  The Company also operated
one rig in the Gulf of Mexico and two rigs offshore California under
management contracts during 2003. The overall profit margin in the
offshore segment is likely to come under increasing pressure during the
coming year as some of the working rigs are on long-term projects that
have reached the full development stage and will likely alternate between
operating rates and the lower standby rates. Out of the seven rigs that
are idle in the Company’s fleet, six are capable of returning to work on
short notice and the seventh will require shipyard maintenance.  The
Company retains a large share of the offshore platform market and 
has considerable design and construction experience in conventional,
spar, and deep-water tension-leg platform rigs.  The Company is well
positioned to compete for any opportunities that emerge in the 
coming year; however, we expect that any recovery in the platform
market will be slow due to long project lead times. 

International Operations
An average of 12 rigs were fully employed in 2003, compared to 16 rigs
in 2002.  Ecuador remained the most active country with an average 
of seven rigs working, followed by Venezuela with an average of four rigs,
and Colombia and Bolivia each with less than a full rig year of activity.
Operations in Venezuela are improving as seven rigs were working shortly
after the close of the fiscal year, and an eighth rig is expected to start
work in the second quarter.  Despite numerous challenges presented in
Venezuela, we are encouraged by the recent increase in activity.

Venezuela still has promising growth potential, and the Company has
the best-equipped and maintained rig fleet in the country.

Two first generation FlexRigs were committed to short-term international
contracts in 2003.  The first is working for a U.S. based independent in
Hungary where, at year-end, it was drilling its third well after a smooth,
incident-free start-up.  Having previously used a FlexRig in U.S. operations,
the customer desired to see the technology, versatility, and mobility of
these rigs employed in an important international project. The second
FlexRig was deployed for a major international operator under a multi-
well contract in the central African nation of Chad.  This project is
scheduled to begin drilling in December 2003.

Outlook
Looking to 2004 and beyond, we see significant opportunities for a
growing international business and believe the Company brings a 
distinctive combination of experience and innovation to this market.
The FlexRig will play an important role in capturing this potential, as
we endeavor to introduce this unique technology to international markets.
While this transition year was not what we had hoped for financially,
the Company improved operating performance, expanded its capacity,
and is well positioned in high potential markets to participate in future
opportunities.  The most critical dimension of quality is our performance
in the area of health, safety, and the environment (HSE) and, during
2003, the Company logged one of its best years on record.  After the
close of the fiscal year, two of our largest customers, ExxonMobil and
Royal Dutch Shell, separately recognized the Company’s land and offshore
operations for leadership and excellence in HSE.  

Financial & Operating Review

Years Ended September 30

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996 

1995 

1994 

1993

SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME*†

Operating Revenues①
Operating Costs①
Depreciation
Operating Income①
Income from Investments
Interest Expense
General and Administrative Expense①
Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:

Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income

507,331
345,537
82,513
79,281
7,953
12,289
41,003
17,873
17,873

0.35
0.35

523,803
361,669
61,447
100,687
28,076
980
36,563
53,706
63,517

1.07
1.26

531,604
330,181
49,532
151,891
10,967
1,701
28,180
80,467
144,254

1.58
2.84

*$000’s omitted, except per share data.
①Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications. (see note 1)
†All data excludes discontinued operations except net income.

384,762
248,568
77,317
58,877
32,063
2,730
23,306
36,470
82,300

.73
1.64

431,741
290,048
70,092
71,601
7,422
5,389
24,629
32,115
42,788

.65
.86

479,592
322,861
58,187
98,544
45,152
336
21,299
80,790
101,154

1.60
2.00

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA*

Cash**
Working Capital**
Investments
Plant, Property, and Equipment, Net**
Total Assets
Long-term Debt
Shareholders’ Equity
Capital Expenditures**
*$000’s omitted.
** Excludes discontinued operations.

RIG FLEET SUMMARY

Drilling Rigs – 

United States Land – FlexRigs
United States Land – Conventional
United States Offshore Platform
International

Total Rig Fleet

Rig Utilization Percentage – 
United States Land – FlexRigs
United States Land – Conventional
United States Land – All Rigs
United States Offshore Platform
International

38,189
108,913
158,770
1,058,205
1,415,835
200,000
917,251
246,301

46,883
105,852
150,175
897,445
1,227,313
100,000
895,170
312,064

128,826
223,980
203,271
650,051
1,300,121
50,000
1,026,477
184,668

107,632
179,884
307,425
526,723
1,200,854
50,000
955,703
65,820

21,758
82,893
240,891
553,769
1,073,465
50,000
848,109
78,357

24,476
49,179
200,400
548,555
1,053,200
50,000
793,148
217,597

43
40
12
32
127

97
67
81
51
39

26
40
12
33
111

96
78
84
83
51

13
36
10
37
96

100
96
97
98
56

6
32
10
40
88

99
82
85
94
47

6
34
10
39
89

79
68
69
95
53

6
30
10
44
90

100
94
94
99
88

353,355
228,958
48,291
76,106
11,746
34
15,636
48,801
84,186

.97
1.67

27,963
65,802
323,510
392,489
987,432
—
780,580
114,626

—
29
9
39
77

—
99
99
63
91

274,208
184,703
39,592
49,913
5,992
678
15,222
25,844
72,566

.52
1.46

16,892
48,128
229,809
329,377
786,351
—
645,970
83,411

— 
30
11
36
77

— 
88
88
70
85

229,316
158,815
37,364
33,137
11,279
407
14,019
18,464
9,751

.38
.20

19,543
50,038
156,908
286,678
707,061
—
562,435
89,709

— 
30
11
35
76

— 
73
73
66
84

206,991
148,210
31,038
27,743
6,944
385
14,126
13,216
24,971

.27
.51

29,447
76,238
87,414
235,067
624,827
—
524,334
59,379

— 
36
11
29
76

— 
66
66
79
88

167,956
114,858
29,397
23,701
9,494
925
12,422
8,978
24,550

.18
.50

61,656
104,085
84,945
209,877
610,935
3,600
508,927
27,823

— 
31
11
29
71

— 
48
48
70
68

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

FORM 10-K, 2003

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 OR

[  ]   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 1-4221
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE                          73-0679879
(State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. employer

incorporation or organization)                      identification no.)

UTICA AT TWENTY-FIRST STREET, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74114

(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (918) 742-5531

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

TITLE OF EACH CLASS

NAME OF EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED

Common Stock ($0.10 par value)

New York Stock Exchange

Common Stock Purchase Rights

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  NONE

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 [X]  No [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated
by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [X]  No [  ]

At March 31, 2003, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates was $1,218,694,981.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at December 15, 2003: 50,168,655.

D O C U M E N T S   I N C O R P O R AT E D   B Y   R E F E R E N C E
Certain portions of the following documents have been incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K as indicated:

Documents

(1) Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2003 

(2) Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
to be held March 3, 2004

10-K Parts

Parts I and II

Part III

D I S C L O S U R E   R E G A R D I N G   F O R W A R D - L O O K I N G   S T A T E M E N T S

THIS REPORT INCLUDES “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF

1933, AS AMENDED, AND THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.  ALL STATEMENTS OTHER

THAN STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACTS INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,

STATEMENTS REGARDING THE REGISTRANT’S FUTURE FINANCIAL POSITION, BUSINESS STRATEGY, BUDGETS,

PROJECTED COSTS AND PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS, ARE FORWARD-

LOOKING STATEMENTS.  IN ADDITION, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS GENERALLY CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY 

THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS “MAY”, “WILL”, “EXPECT”, “INTEND”, “ESTIMATE”,

“ANTICIPATE”, “BELIEVE”, OR “CONTINUE” OR THE NEGATIVE THEREOF OR SIMILAR TERMINOLOGY.  ALTHOUGH

THE REGISTRANT BELIEVES THAT THE EXPECTATIONS REFLECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

ARE REASONABLE, IT CAN GIVE NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH EXPECTATIONS WILL PROVE TO BE CORRECT.

IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE REGISTRANT’S

EXPECTATIONS ARE DISCLOSED IN THIS REPORT UNDER THE CAPTION “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 

5, AS WELL AS IN MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL 

CONDITION ON PAGES 24 THROUGH 47 OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT.  ALL SUBSEQUENT WRITTEN AND

ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE REGISTRANT, OR PERSONS ACTING ON ITS

BEHALF, ARE EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY SUCH CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.  THE REGISTRANT

ASSUMES NO DUTY TO UPDATE OR REVISE ITS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS BASED ON CHANGES IN 

INTERNAL ESTIMATES OR EXPECTATIONS OR OTHERWISE.

PART I

I T E M   1 .   B U S I N E S S

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on February 3,
1940, and is successor to a business originally organized in 1920.  The Company  is primarily engaged in contract
drilling of oil and gas wells for others.  The contract drilling business accounts for the major portion of its operating
revenues.  The Company is also engaged in the ownership, development, and operation of commercial real estate.

The Company is organized into two separate autonomous operating entities, being contract drilling and real estate.
Both businesses operate independently of the other.  Both the contract drilling and real estate businesses are conducted
through wholly owned subsidiaries.  Operating decentralization is balanced by a centralized finance division, which
handles all accounting, information technology, budgeting, insurance, cash management, and related activities.

The Company’s contract drilling business is composed of three business segments: domestic land drilling, domestic
offshore platform drilling and international drilling.  The Company’s domestic contract drilling is conducted primarily
in Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, and Louisiana, and offshore from platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and California.  The
Company also operated during fiscal 2003 in seven international locations:  Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina,
Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, and Hungary.

The Company’s real estate investments are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the Company maintains its executive offices.

Prior to October 1, 2002, the Company was engaged in the exploration, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas
business (“exploration and production business”).  During fiscal 2002, the Company transferred the assets and liabilities
of its exploration and production business to its wholly owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co.  On September 30, 2002,
the Company distributed the common stock of Cimarex Energy Co. to the Company’s stockholders and completed 
a merger of Key Production Company, Inc. with a subsidiary of Cimarex Energy Co.  As a result of this transaction,
Cimarex Energy Co. became a separate publicly-traded company that owned and operated the exploration and 
production business.  The Company does not own any common stock of Cimarex Energy Co.

C O N T R A C T   D R I L L I N G

The Company believes that it is one of the major land and offshore platform drilling  contractors in the western 
hemisphere.  Operating principally in North and South America, the Company specializes in medium to deep drilling
in major gas producing basins of the United States and in drilling for oil and gas in international locations.  In the
United States, the Company draws its customers primarily from the major oil companies and the larger independents.
In South America, the Company’s current customers include the Venezuelan state petroleum company and major
international oil companies.

In fiscal 2003, the Company received approximately 68% of its consolidated revenues from the Company’s ten largest
contract drilling customers.  BP plc, Shell Oil Company, and ExxonMobil Corporation (respectively,  “BP”, “Shell” and
“ExxonMobil”), including their affiliates, are the Company’s three largest contract drilling customers.  The Company
performs drilling services for BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil on a world-wide basis.  Revenues from drilling services performed
for BP, Shell and ExxonMobil in fiscal 2003 accounted for approximately 16%, 15% and 11%, respectively, of the
Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations for the same period.

The Company provides drilling rigs, equipment, personnel, and camps on a contract basis.  These services are provided
so that the Company’s customers may explore for and develop oil and gas from onshore areas and from fixed platforms,
tension-leg platforms and spars in offshore areas.  Each of the drilling rigs consists of engines, drawworks, a mast, pumps,
blowout preventers, a drillstring, and related equipment.  The intended well depth and the drilling site conditions are

1

the principal factors that determine the size and type of rig most suitable for a particular drilling job.  A land drilling rig
may be moved from location to location without modification to the rig.  A helicopter rig is one that can be disassembled
into component part loads of approximately 4,000-20,000 pounds and transported to remote locations by helicopter,
cargo plane, or other means.  A platform rig is specifically designed to perform drilling operations upon a particular
platform.  While a platform rig may be moved from its original platform, significant expense is incurred to modify a
platform rig for operation on each subsequent platform.  In addition to traditional platform rigs, the Company operates
self-moving minimum-space platform drilling rigs and drilling rigs to be used on tension-leg platforms and spars.  The
minimum-space rig is designed to be moved without the use of expensive derrick barges.  The tension-leg platforms and
spars allow drilling operations to be conducted in much deeper water than traditional fixed platforms.

During fiscal 1998, the Company put to work a new generation of six highly mobile/depth flexible rigs (individually the
“FlexRig”).  The FlexRig has been able to significantly reduce average rig move times compared to similar depth-rated
traditional land rigs.  In addition, the FlexRig allows a greater depth flexibility of between 8,000 to 18,000 feet and
provides greater operating efficiency.  The original six rigs were designated as FlexRig1 rigs.  Subsequently, the Company
built and completed 12 new FlexRig2 rigs.  During fiscal 2001, the Company announced that it would build an additional
25 new FlexRigs.  These new rigs, known as “FlexRig3”, are the next generation of FlexRigs which incorporate new
drilling technology and new environmental and safety design.  This new design includes integrated top drive, AC electric
drive, hydraulic BOP handling system, hydraulic tubular make-up and break-out system, split crown and traveling
blocks and an enlarged drill floor that enables simultaneous crew activities.  All 25 of these FlexRigs were completed
by June of 2003.  During fiscal 2003, the Company began constructing seven more FlexRig3s at an approximate cost
of $11,250,000 each.  Two of the seven were completed in fiscal year 2003.  The other five will be completed by
March 2004.  All FlexRigs will be available for work in the Company’s domestic and international drilling operations.

The Company’s drilling contracts are obtained through competitive bidding or as a result of negotiations with customers,
and sometimes cover multi-well and multi-year projects.  Each drilling rig operates under a separate drilling contract.
Most of the contracts are performed on a “daywork” basis, under which the Company charges a fixed rate per day,
with the price determined by the location, depth, and complexity of the well to be drilled, operating conditions, the
duration of the contract, and the competitive forces of the market.  The Company has previously performed contracts
on a combination “footage” and “daywork” basis, under which the Company charged a fixed rate per foot of hole
drilled to a stated depth, usually no deeper than 15,000 feet, and a fixed rate per day for the remainder of the 
hole.  Contracts performed on a “footage” basis involve a greater element of risk to the contractor than do contracts
performed on a “daywork” basis.  Also, the Company has previously accepted “turnkey” contracts under which the
Company charges a fixed sum to deliver a hole to a stated depth and agrees to furnish services such as testing, 
coring, and casing the hole which are not normally done on a “footage”  basis.  “Turnkey” contracts entail varying
degrees of risk greater than the usual “footage” contract.  The Company did not accept any “footage” or “turnkey”
contracts during fiscal 2003.  The Company believes that under current market conditions “footage” and “turnkey”
contract rates do not adequately compensate contractors for the added risks.  The duration of the Company’s drilling
contracts are “well-to-well” or for a fixed term.  “Well-to-well” contracts are cancelable at the option of either party
upon the completion of drilling at any one site.  Fixed-term contracts customarily provide for termination at the 
election of the customer, with an “early termination payment” to be paid to the contractor if a contract is terminated
prior to the expiration of the fixed term.

While current fixed term contracts are for one to five year periods, some fixed term and well-to-well contracts are
expected to be continued for longer periods than the original terms.  However, the contracting parties have no legal
obligation to extend the contracts.   Contracts generally contain renewal or extension provisions exercisable at the
option of the customer at prices mutually agreeable to the Company and the customer.  In most instances contracts
provide for additional payments for mobilization and demobilization.

D O M E S T I C   L A N D   D R I L L I N G

The Company believes it is a major land drilling contractor in the domestic market.  At the end of September 2003,
the Company had 83 of its land rigs available for work in the United States.  The 17-rig increase from fiscal 2002
to 2003 was due to the delivery of 19 new FlexRigs and the transfer of two rigs to the Company’s international
operations.  The Company’s land operations contributed approximately 53% of the Company’s consolidated revenues
during fiscal 2003.  Rig utilization in fiscal 2003 was 81%, down from 84% in fiscal 2002.  However, the 22,588
activity days in fiscal 2003 were up from the fiscal 2002 total of 17,478 due to the increase in rig count.  The
Company’s fleet of FlexRigs and highly mobile rigs maintained an average utilization of approximately 95% during
fiscal 2003 while the Company’s conventional rigs had an average utilization rate of approximately 58%.  At the
close of fiscal 2003, 68 land rigs were working out of 83 available rigs.

D O M E S T I C   O F F S H O R E   P L A T F O R M   D R I L L I N G

The Company’s offshore platform operations contributed approximately 22% of the Company’s consolidated revenues
during fiscal 2003.  Rig utilization in fiscal 2003 was 51%, down from 83% in fiscal 2002.  At the end of this fiscal
year, the Company had five of its 12 offshore platform rigs under contract and it continued to work under management
contracts for three customer-owned rigs.  It is likely during the first six months of calendar 2004 that two platform
rigs will be placed on standby status and will receive lower standby rates.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L   D R I L L I N G

General

The Company’s international drilling operations began in 1958 with the acquisition of Sinclair Oil Company’s drilling
rigs in Venezuela.  Helmerich & Payne de Venezuela, C.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the
leading drilling contractors in Venezuela.  Beginning in 1972, with the introduction of its first helicopter rig, the
Company expanded into other Latin American countries.

The Company’s international operations contributed approximately 21% of the Company’s consolidated revenues
during fiscal 2003.  Rig utilization in fiscal 2003 was 39%, down from 51% in fiscal 2002.

Venezuela

Venezuelan operations continue to be a significant part of the Company’s operations.  During fiscal 2003, the Company
sold three workover/drilling rigs, leaving the Company with 11 land drilling rigs in Venezuela at the end of fiscal 2003.
The Company worked exclusively for the Venezuelan state petroleum company during fiscal 2003, and revenues from
this work accounted for approximately 6% of the Company’s consolidated revenues during the fiscal year.  The Company
had six rigs working in Venezuela at the end of fiscal 2003.

The Company’s rig utilization rate in Venezuela has decreased from approximately 41% during fiscal 2002 to 
approximately 33% in fiscal 2003.  Even though the Company is, at this time, unable to predict future fluctuations 
in its utilization rates during fiscal 2004, the Company believes that the prospects are good for returning at least 
two of its idle rigs back to work in Venezuela during fiscal 2004.

Ecuador

At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company owned eight rigs in Ecuador.  The Company’s utilization rate was approximately
85% during fiscal 2003, down from approximately 93% in fiscal 2002.  Revenues generated by Ecuadorian drilling
operations contributed approximately 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues during fiscal 2003.  The Ecuadorian
drilling contracts are primarily with large international oil companies.

2

3

Colombia

During fiscal 2003, the Company owned three drilling rigs in Colombia.  The Company’s utilization rate in Colombia
was approximately 21% during fiscal 2003, down from approximately 31% in fiscal 2002.  The revenues generated by
Colombian drilling operations contributed approximately 1% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2003.
At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company was operating one rig in Colombia, which has since ceased operations.

Other Locations

In addition to its operations in Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia, in fiscal 2003, the Company owned six rigs in Bolivia
and two rigs in Argentina.  At the end of fiscal 2003, no rigs were operating in Bolivia or Argentina.  However, as of the
end of November, 2003, one rig was operating in each of Bolivia and Argentina.

During fiscal 2003, the Company continued operations under a management contract for a customer-owned platform
rig located offshore Equatorial Guinea.  Also, during the fiscal year, the Company moved one FlexRig each to Hungary
and Chad.  The rig in Hungary began operations in July 2003 and the rig in Chad is currently expected to commence
drilling operations in December of 2003.

R E A L   E S T A T E   O P E R A T I O N S

The Company’s real estate operations are conducted exclusively within the metropolitan area of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  
Its major holding is Utica Square Shopping Center, consisting of 15 separate buildings, with parking and other 
common facilities covering an area of approximately 30 acres.  The Company in fiscal 2003, with the assistance of
an architectural consulting firm, has determined that the gross usable area within the buildings of the shopping 
center is 441,588 square feet, composed of retail space of 382,801 usable square feet, office space of 39,400
usable square feet, storage space of 2,404 usable square feet and common area space of 16,983 usable square
feet.  The Company’s real estate operations occupy approximately 4,140 square feet of general office and storage
space.  In calendar 2003, the Company renovated and converted a vacated department store to multi-tenant retail,
office, and storage space.  Occupancy in the shopping center increased from 80% in fiscal 2002 to 85% in fiscal
2003 with the addition of a children’s clothing store located within the newly-renovated space.

Following the demolition of an eight-story medical office building in 2002, the Company undertook a redevelopment
of that site, adding two new restaurant locations.  Two new upscale restaurants containing 8,305 and 7,143 square
feet, respectively, have been completed and are operating at such locations.

At the end of the 2003 fiscal year, the Company owned 11 of a total of 73 units in The Yorktown, a 16-story luxury
residential condominium with approximately 150,940 square feet of living area located on a six-acre tract adjacent to
Utica Square Shopping Center.  Seven of the Company’s units are currently leased.

The Company owns an eight-story office building located diagonally across the street from Utica Square Shopping
Center, containing approximately 87,000 square feet of net leasable general office space.  This building houses the
Company’s principal executive offices.  The Company has leased from a third party approximately 114,000 square
feet of office space and intends to relocate its principal executive offices to such space by the end of calendar 2003.
Following the relocation, the Company intends, during calendar 2004, to raze the former headquarters building.
Thereafter, the Company will investigate future development opportunities for this site.

The Company owns and leases to third parties multi-tenant warehouse space.  Three warehouses known as Space Center,
each containing approximately 165,000 square feet of net leasable space, are situated in the southeast part of Tulsa at
the intersection of two major limited-access highways.  Present occupancy is 98%, which is down from 100% in fiscal
2002.  The Company also owns approximately 1.5 acres of undeveloped land lying adjacent to such warehouses.

In July of 2003, the Company sold approximately 14.91 acres of undeveloped land in Southpark.  The sales price
totaled approximately $2.2 million.  Southpark is located in a high growth area of southeast Tulsa and is suitable for
mixed commercial and light industrial development.  Subsequent to such sale and at the end of fiscal 2003, the
Company owned approximately 220 acres in Southpark consisting of approximately 207 acres of undeveloped real
estate  and approximately 13 acres of multi-tenant warehouse area.  The warehouse area is known as Space Center
East and consists of two warehouses, one containing approximately 90,000 square feet and the other containing
approximately 112,500 square feet. Present occupancy is 96%, which is up from 93% in fiscal 2002.  The Company
believes that a high quality office park, with peripheral commercial, office/warehouse, and hotel sites, is the best
development use for the remaining land.  However, no development plans are currently pending.

The Company owns a five-building complex called Tandem Business Park.  The project is located adjacent to and
east of the Space Center East facility and contains approximately six acres, with approximately 88,084 square feet 
of office/warehouse space.  Occupancy has increased from 80% to 84% during fiscal 2003.  The Company also
owns a 12 building complex, consisting of approximately 204,600 square feet of office/warehouse space, called
Tulsa Business Park.  The project is located south and east of the Space Center facility, separated by a city street,
and contains approximately 12 acres.  During fiscal 2003, occupancy has decreased from 96% to 86%.

The Company owns two service center properties located adjacent to arterial streets in south central Tulsa.  The first,
called Maxim Center, consists of one office/warehouse building containing approximately 40,800 square feet and
located on approximately 2.5 acres.  During fiscal 2003, occupancy has remained at 94%.  The second, called
Maxim Place, consists of one office/warehouse building containing approximately 33,750 square feet and located on
approximately 2.25 acres.  During fiscal 2003, occupancy has remained at 17%.

F I N A N C I A L

Information relating to Revenue and Operating Profit by Business Segments may be found on pages 72 through 74 
of the Company’s Annual Report.

E M P L O Y E E S

The Company had 2,929 employees within the United States (10 of which were part-time employees) and 1,008
employees in international operations as of September 30, 2003.

R I S K   F A C T O R S

In addition to the risks and factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the Company cautions that the following “Risk
Factors” could affect its actual results in the future.

1. Competition

Competition in the Contract Drilling Business

The contract drilling business is highly competitive.  Competition in contract drilling involves such factors as price, 
rig availability, efficiency, condition of equipment, reputation, operating safety, and customer relations.  Competition 
is primarily on a regional basis and may vary significantly by region at any particular time.  Land drilling rigs can 
be readily moved from one region to another in response to changes in levels of activity, and an oversupply of rigs 
in any region may result, leading to increased price competition.

Although many contracts for drilling services are awarded based solely on price, the Company has been successful in
establishing long-term relationships with certain customers which have allowed the Company to secure drilling work
even though the Company may not have been the lowest bidder for such work.  The Company has continued to

4

5

attempt to differentiate its services based upon its engineering design expertise, operational efficiency, safety and
environmental awareness.  This strategy is less effective when lower demand for drilling services intensifies price
competition and makes it more difficult or impossible to compete on any other basis than price.

Competition in the Real Estate Business

The Company has numerous competitors in the multi-tenant leasing business.  The size and financial capacity of these
competitors range from one-property sole proprietors to large international corporations.  The primary competitive factors
include price, location, and configuration of space.  The Company’s competitive position is enhanced by the location
of its properties, its financial capability and the long-term ownership of its properties.  However, many competitors
have financial resources greater than the Company and have more contemporary facilities.

2. Operating Risks

The drilling operations of the Company are subject to the many hazards inherent in the business, including inclement
weather, blowouts and well fires.  These hazards could cause personal injury, suspend drilling operations, seriously
damage or destroy the equipment involved, and cause substantial damage to producing formations and the surrounding
areas.  The Company’s offshore platform drilling operations are also subject to potentially greater environmental liability,
adverse sea conditions and platform damage or destruction due to collision with aircraft or marine vessels.

3. Indemnification and Insurance Coverage

The Company believes that it has adequate insurance coverage for comprehensive general liability, public liability,
property damage, workers compensation, and employer’s liability.  No insurance is carried against loss of earnings or
business interruption.  The Company is unable to obtain significant amounts of insurance to cover risks of underground
reservoir damage, however, the Company is generally indemnified under its drilling contracts from this risk.  The majority
of the Company’s insurance coverage has been purchased through fiscal 2004.  No assurance can be given that  all
or a portion of the Company’s coverage will not be cancelled during fiscal 2004 or that insurance coverage will continue
to be available at rates considered reasonable.  Additionally, no assurance can be given that the Company’s insurance
and indemnification arrangements will adequately protect it against all liabilities that could result from the hazards of
its drilling operations.  Incurring a liability for which the Company is not fully insured or indemnified could materially
affect the Company’s results of operations.

4. Volatility of Oil and Gas Prices

The Company’s operations can be materially affected by low oil and gas prices.  The Company believes that any
significant reduction in oil and gas prices could depress the level of exploration and production activity and result in
a corresponding decline in demand for the Company’s services.  Worldwide military, political and economic events,
including initiatives by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, may affect both the demand for, and the
supply of, oil and gas.  Fluctuations during the last few years in the demand and supply of oil and gas have contributed
to, and are likely to continue to contribute to, price volatility.  Any prolonged reduction in demand for the Company’s
services could have a material and adverse effect on the Company.

5. International Uncertainties and Local Laws

International operations are subject to certain political, economic, and other uncertainties not encountered in domestic
operations, including increased risks of terrorism, kidnapping of employees, expropriation of equipment as well as
expropriation of a particular oil company operator’s property and drilling rights, taxation policies, foreign exchange
restrictions, currency rate fluctuations, and general hazards associated with foreign sovereignty over certain areas in
which operations are conducted.   There can be no assurance that there will not be changes in local laws, regulations,

and administrative requirements or the interpretation thereof which could have a material adverse effect on the profitability
of the Company’s operations or on the ability of the Company to continue operations in certain areas.

Because of the impact of local laws, the Company’s future operations in certain areas may be conducted through
entities in which local citizens own interests and through entities (including joint ventures) in which the Company
holds only a minority interest, or pursuant to arrangements under which the Company conducts operations under
contract to local entities.  While the Company believes that neither operating through such entities nor pursuant to
such arrangements would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations or revenues, there can be 
no assurance that the Company will in all cases be able to structure or restructure its operations to conform to local
law (or the administration thereof) on terms acceptable to the Company.

Although the Company attempts to minimize the potential impact of such risks by operating in more than one 
geographical area, during fiscal 2003, approximately 21% of the Company’s consolidated revenues were generated
from the international contract drilling business.  Approximately 86% of the international revenues were from operations
in South America and approximately 87% of South American revenues were from Venezuela and Ecuador.

6. Currency Risk

General

Contracts for work in foreign countries generally provide for payment in United States dollars, except for amounts
required to meet local expenses.  However, government owned petroleum companies are more frequently requesting
that a greater proportion of these payments be made in local currencies.  Based upon current information, the
Company believes that exposure to potential losses from currency devaluation is minimal in Colombia, Ecuador,
Bolivia, and Equatorial Guinea.  In those countries, all receivables and payments are currently in U.S. dollars.  Cash
balances are kept at a minimum which assists in reducing exposure.

Argentina

In 2002, Argentina suffered a 60% devaluation of the peso.  As a consequence, the Company secured agreements
with its customers that limited the portion of the accounts receivable that will be paid in pesos with the balance 
of such accounts receivable to be paid in U.S. dollars.  The Company did not experience Argentine currency losses
in fiscal 2003.

Venezuela

The Company is exposed to risks of currency devaluation in Venezuela primarily as a result of bolivar receivable balances
and bolivar cash balances. In Venezuela, approximately 60% of the Company’s invoice billings are in U.S. dollars and
40% are in the local currency, the bolivar. The significance of this arrangement is that even though the dollar-based
invoices may be paid in bolivars, the Company, historically, has usually been able to convert the bolivars into U.S.
dollars in a timely manner and thus avoid, in large measure, devaluation losses pertaining to the dollar-based invoices.
However, this arrangement is effective only in the absence of exchange controls. In January 2003, the Venezuelan
government put into effect exchange controls that fixed the exchange rate at 1600 bolivars to one U.S. dollar and
also prohibited the Company, as well as other companies, from converting the bolivar into U.S. dollars through the
Central Bank. As a result of these exchange controls, the Company has been unable since January 2003 to convert its
bolivar cash balances into U.S. dollars. As of September 30, 2003, the Company’s bolivar balance was approximately
14 billion bolivars or approximately $8.8 million. Historically, the Company has kept bolivar cash balances at necessary
minimum levels. Absent existing exchange controls, the Company would have converted approximately 95% of the
bolivars (13.3 billion bolivars) into $8.3 million.

6

7

As part of the exchange controls regulation, the Venezuelan government provided a mechanism by which companies
could request conversion of bolivars into U.S. dollars.  In compliance with such regulations, the Company on October 1, 2003,
submitted a request to the Venezuelan government seeking permission to dividend earnings, which effectively will
convert 14 billion bolivars into U.S. dollars. The Company is unable to predict if or when this request will be approved. 

As stated above, the Company is exposed to risks of currency devaluation in Venezuela primarily as a result of bolivar
receivable balances and bolivar cash balances.  From August of 2002 to August of 2003, there was a 13% devaluation
of the bolivar.  As a result, the Company experienced a $624,000 devaluation loss.  This 13% devaluation loss may not
be reflective of the actual potential for future devaluation losses because of the exchange controls that are currently in
place. While the Company is unable to predict future devaluation in Venezuela, if fiscal 2004 activity levels are similar
to fiscal 2003 and if a 25% to 50% devaluation would occur, the Company could experience potential currency
devaluation losses ranging from approximately $3,200,000 to $5,100,000. 

In late August 2003, the Venezuelan state petroleum company agreed, on a prospective basis, to pay a portion of
the Company’s dollar-based invoices in U.S. dollars. While this is a positive development in light of the existing
exchange controls, there is no guarantee as to how long this arrangement will continue. Were this agreement 
to end, the Company would revert back to receiving these payments in bolivars and thus increase bolivar cash
balances and exposure to devaluation.

7. Governmental Instability in Venezuela

Governmental instability continues to exist in Venezuela.  In the event that extended labor strikes occur or turmoil
increases, the Company could experience shortages in material and supplies necessary to operate some or all of
its Venezuelan drilling rigs.

During the mid-1970s, the Venezuelan government nationalized the exploration and production business.  At the
present time it appears the Venezuelan government will not nationalize the contract drilling business.  Any such
nationalization could result in the Company’s loss of all or a portion of its assets and business in Venezuela.

at September 30, 2003, of which $25 million is due in 2007 and the remaining $175 million is due 2009 through 2014.
The average interest rate during the next four years on this debt is 6.3%, after which it increases to 6.4%.  The fair value
of this debt at September 30, 2003 was approximately $226.5 million.

At September 30, 2003, the Company had in place a committed unsecured line of credit totaling $125,000,000.
There was $30,000,000 borrowed against the line of credit and $13,747,260 of outstanding letters of credit as of
September 30, 2003.  The Company’s line of credit interest rate is based on LIBOR plus 87 to 112.5 basis points based
on the Company’s EBITDA to net debt ratio. As the Company draws on this line of credit, it is  subject to the interest
rates prevailing during the term at which the Company had outstanding borrowings.  Although market interest rates
were at historical lows during fiscal year 2003, interest rates could rise for a number of various reasons in the future
and increase the Company’s total interest expense, depending upon the amount borrowed against the credit line.

10. Equity Price Risk

At September 30, 2003, the Company owned stocks in other publicly held companies with a total market value of
$169,546,000.  These securities are subject to a wide variety of market-related risks that could substantially reduce
or increase the market value of the Company’s holdings.  Except for the Company’s holdings in its equity affiliate,
Atwood Oceanics, Inc., the portfolio is recorded at fair value on its balance sheet with changes in unrealized after-tax
value reflected in the equity section of its balance sheet.  Any reduction in market value would have an impact on the
Company’s debt ratio and financial strength.

11. Reliance on Small Number of Customers

In fiscal 2003, the Company received approximately 68% of its consolidated revenues from the Company’s ten
largest contract drilling customers and approximately 42% of its consolidated revenues from the Company’s three
largest customers (including their affiliates).  The Company believes that its relationship with all of these customers 
is good; however, the loss of one or more of its larger customers would have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s results of operations.

8. Government Regulation and Environmental Risks

12. Key Personnel

Many aspects of the Company’s operations are subject to government regulation, including those relating to drilling
practices and methods and the level of taxation.  In addition, various countries (including the United States) have
environmental regulations which affect drilling operations.  Drilling contractors may be liable for damages resulting
from pollution.  Under United States regulations, drilling contractors must establish financial responsibility to cover
potential liability for pollution of offshore waters.  Generally, the Company is indemnified under drilling contracts 
from liability arising from pollution, except in certain cases of surface pollution.  However, the enforceability of 
indemnification provisions in foreign countries may be questionable.

The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all legislation and regulations affecting its operations
in the drilling of oil and gas wells and in controlling the discharge of wastes.  To date, compliance has not materially
affected the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Company, although these measures may add
to the costs of operating drilling equipment in some instances.  Additional legislation or regulation may reasonably be
anticipated, and the effect thereof on operations cannot be predicted.

9. Interest Rate Risk

In 2002, the Company entered into a $200,000,000 intermediate-term unsecured debt obligation with staged maturities
from five to 12 years with varying fixed interest rates for each maturity series.  There was $200 million outstanding

The Company utilizes highly skilled personnel in operating and supporting its businesses.  In times of high utilization,
it can be difficult to find qualified individuals.  Although to date the Company’s operations have not been materially
affected by competition for personnel, an inability to obtain a sufficient number of qualified personnel could materially
impact the Company’s results of operations.

13. Changes in Technologies

Although the Company takes measures to ensure that it uses advanced oil and natural gas drilling technology,
changes in technology or in the Company’s competitors’ equipment could make the Company’s equipment less 
competitive or require significant capital investments to keep its equipment competitive.

14. Concentration of Credit

The concentration of the Company’s customers in the energy industry could cause them to be similarly affected by
changes in industry conditions and, as a result, could impact the Company’s exposure to credit risk.  The Company
cannot offer assurances that losses due to uncollectible receivables will be consistent with expectation.

8

9

I T E M   2 .   P R O P E R T I E S

C O N T R A C T   D R I L L I N G

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company’s domestic drilling rigs as of September 30, 2003:

Location

FLEXRIGS

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Wyoming

Wyoming

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Oklahoma

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Colorado

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Texas

Texas

Oklahoma

Louisiana

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Rig

164

165

166

169

178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

188

189

210

211

212

213

214

215

216

217

218

219

220

221

222

223

224

225

226

227

228

229

230

231

Optimum Depth 

Rig Type

Drawworks:
Horsepower

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

SCR (FlexRig1)

SCR (FlexRig1)

SCR (FlexRig1)

SCR (FlexRig1)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

SCR (FlexRig2)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

Location

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

HIGHLY MOBILE RIGS

Oklahoma

Texas

Wyoming

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Wyoming

CONVENTIONAL RIGS

Texas

Oklahoma

Texas

Texas

Texas

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Texas

Louisiana

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Louisiana

Rig

232

233

234

235

236

158

156

159

141

142

143

145

155

146

147

154

110

96

118

119

120

162

80

89

92

94

98

122

79

97

99

137

149

191

192

170

72

73

125

134

136

Optimum Depth 

Rig Type

Drawworks:
Horsepower

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

18,000

10,000

12,000

12,000

14,000

14,000

14,000

14,000

14,000

16,000

16,000

16,000

12,000

16,000

16,000

16,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

16,000

20,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig3)

SCR

Mechanical

Mechanical

Mechanical

Mechanical

Mechanical

Mechanical

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR (Heli Rig)

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

900

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,500

700

1,000

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,700

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

10

11

Location

Texas

Louisiana

Louisiana

Texas

Rig

157

161

163

139

OFFSHORE PLATFORM RIGS

Texas

Louisiana

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico

Louisiana

Louisiana

Louisiana

Louisiana

Louisiana

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico

108

91

203

205

206

100

105

106

107

201

202

204

Optimum Depth 

Rig Type

Drawworks:
Horsepower

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000+

18,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

Self-Erecting

Conventional

Self-Erecting

Tension-leg

Self-Erecting

Conventional

Conventional

Conventional

Conventional

Tension-leg

Tension-leg

Tension-leg

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

1,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

The following table sets forth information with respect to the utilization of the Company’s domestic drilling rigs for the 

periods indicated:

Years ended September 30,

Number of rigs owned at end of period

Average rig utilization rate during period*

1999

50

75%

2000

48

87%

2001

59

97%

2002

78

83%

2003

95

77%

*A rig is considered to be utilized when it is operated or being moved, assembled, or dismantled under contract.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company’s international drilling rigs as of 
September 30, 2003: 

Location

Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador

Hungary

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Venezuela

Rig

23

132

176

121

117

138

190

168

140

148

160

113

115

116

127

128

129

150

153

Optimum Depth 

Rig Type

Drawworks:
Horsepower

18,000

18,000

18,000

20,000

26,000

26,000

26,000

18,000

10,000

26,000

26,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000+

SCR (Heli Rig)

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR (FlexRig1)

Mechanical

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,700

2,500

2,500

2,000

1,500

900

2,000

2,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

The following table sets forth information with respect to the utilization of the Company’s international drilling rigs for the

periods indicated:

Years ended September 30,

Number of rigs owned at end of period
Average rig utilization rate during period*†

1999

39
53%

2000

40
47%

2001

37
56%

2002

33
51%

2003

32
39%

* A rig is considered to be utilized when it is operated or being moved, assembled, or dismantled under contract.

† Does not include rigs returned to United States for major modifications and upgrades.

Location

Argentina

Argentina

Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia

Chad

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Ecuador

Rig

174

177

171

172

173

123

151

175

167

133

135

152

22

Optimum Depth 

Rig Type

Draw-Works:
Horsepower

R E A L   E S T A T E   O P E R A T I O N S

30,000

30,000

16,000

16,000

20,000

26,000

30,000

30,000

18,000

30,000

30,000

30,000+

18,000

SCR

SCR

Mechanical

Mechanical

Mechanical

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR (FlexRig1)

SCR

SCR

SCR

SCR (Heli Rig)

3,000

3,000

1,000

1,000

2,000

2,100

3,000

3,000

1,500

3,000

3,000

3,000

1,700

See Item 1. BUSINESS, pages 4 through 5 of the Company’s Annual Report.

S T O C K   P O R T F O L I O

Information required by this item regarding the stock portfolio held by the Company may be found on page 42 of the
Company’s Annual Report under the caption, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition.”

I T E M   3 .   L E G A L   P R O C E E D I N G S

The Company is subject to various claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of manage-
ment, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position,
results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.  The Company is not a party to, and none of its property is subject
to, any material pending legal proceedings.

12

13

I T E M   4 .   S U B M I S S I O N   O F   M AT T E R S   T O   A   V O T E   O F  

S E C U R I T Y   H O L D E R S

None.

The Company paid a cash dividend of $.080 per share on December 1, 2003, to stockholders of record on

November 14, 2003. Payment of future dividends will depend on earnings and other factors.

As of December 15, 2003, there were 1,017 record holders of the Company’s common stock as listed by

E X E C U T I V E   O F F I C E R S   O F   T H E   C O M P A N Y

the transfer agent’s records.

The following table sets forth the names and ages of the Company’s executive officers, together with all positions and
offices held with the Company by such executive officers.  Officers are elected to serve until the meeting of the Board
of Directors following the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors have been elected and have
qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

W. H. Helmerich, III, 80
Chairman of the Board
Director since 1949; Chairman of the Board 
since 1960

Hans Helmerich, 45
President and Chief Executive Officer
Director since 1987; President and Chief Executive
Officer since 1989

George S. Dotson, 62
Vice President
Director since 1990; Vice President since 1977 and
President and Chief Operating Officer of Helmerich 
& Payne International Drilling Co. since 1977

Douglas E. Fears, 54
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
since 1988

Steven R. Mackey, 52
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Secretary since 1990; Vice President and 
General Counsel since 1988 

Gordon K. Helm, 50
Controller
Chief Accounting Officer of the Company; 
Controller since December 10, 1993

PART II

I T E M   5 .   M A R K E T   F O R   T H E   C O M P A N Y ’ S   C O M M O N   S T O C K  
A N D   R E L A T E D   S T O C K H O L D E R   M A T T E R S

The principal market on which the Company’s common stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange.  The high
and low sale prices per share for the common stock for each quarterly period during the past two fiscal years as
reported in the NYSE-Composite Transaction quotations follow:

Quarter

First

Second

Third

Fourth

2002

High*

Low*

$ 35.25

$  24.70

41.31

43.24

38.35

27.70

33.70

28.90

2003

High

Low

$  30.23

$  23.45

28.94

32.80

30.30

22.60

24.72

25.70

* Market prices for 2002 are prior to distribution of 100% of common stock of Cimarex Energy Co. (See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

The Registrant paid quarterly cash dividends during the past two years as shown in the following table:

Quarter

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Paid per Share
Fiscal

Total Payment
Fiscal

2002

$0.075

0.075

0.075

0.080

2003

$0.080

0.080

0.080

0.080

14

2002

2003

$3,738,220

$4,000,982

3,739,680

3,743,587

3,999,597

4,002,239

4,002,971

4,009,076

S U M M A R Y   O F   A L L   E X I S T I N G   E Q U I T Y   C O M P E N S A T I O N   P L A N S

The following chart sets forth information concerning the compensation plans under which equity securities

of the Company are authorized for issuance as of September 30, 2003.

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Number of securities remaining 
available for future issuance under 
equity compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column (a))

(a)

(b)

(c)

Plan Category:
Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders (1)

4,327,388

$   21.408

1,596,950

Equity compensation plans not

approved by security holders (2)

Total

–
4,327,388

–
$   21.408

–
1,596,950

(1) Includes the 1990 Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company.

(2) The Company does not maintain any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by the stockholders.

I T E M   6 .   S E L E C T E D   F I N A N C I A L   D A T A

The following table summarizes selected financial information and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results 
of Operations and Financial conditions contained at pages 24 through 47 of the Company’s Annual Report.  On
September 30, 2002, the Company spun off Cimarex Energy Co.  The historical financial data for the business 
conducted by Cimarex Energy Co. for 2002 has been reported as discontinued operations. 

F I V E - Y E A R   S U M M A R Y   O F   S E L E C T E D   F I N A N C I A L   D A T A

Sales, operating, and other revenues 

$439,118

$416,272

$542,571

$551,879

$515,284

Income from continuing operations

32,115

36,470

80,467

53,706

17,873

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

(in thousands)

Income from continuing operations

per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Total assets

Long-term debt

Cash dividends declared per common share

0.28

50,000

0.65

0.65

0.74

0.73

1.61

1.58

1.08

1.07

0.36

0.35

1,073,465

1,200,854

1,300,121

1,227,313

1,415,835

50,000

0.285

50,000

100,000

200,000

0.30

0.31

0.32

15

I T E M   7. M A N A G E M E N T ’ S   D I S C U S S I O N   &   A N A LY S I S   O F   R E S U LT S   O F  

O P E R AT I O N S   A N D   F I N A N C I A L   C O N D I T I O N

Information required by this item may be found on pages 24 through 47 of the Company’s Annual Report under the
caption “Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”

I T E M 7A.   Q U A N T I T A T I V E   A N D   Q U A L I T A T I V E   D I S C L O S U R E S   A B O U T  

M A R K E T   R I S K

Information required by this item may be found on the following pages of the Company’s Annual Report under Management’s
Discussion & Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition and in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:

M A R K E T   R I S K

• Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

• Commodity Price Risk

• Interest Rate Risk

• Equity Price Risk

P A G E

43- 45

45 - 46

46 - 47

47

I T E M   8.   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S   A N D   S U P P L E M E N T A R Y   D A T A

Information required by this item may be found on pages 49 through 75 of the Company’s Annual Report.

I T E M   9.   C H A N G E S   I N   A N D   D I S A G R E E M E N T S   W I T H   A C C O U N TA N T S  

O N   A C C O U N T I N G   A N D   F I N A N C I A L   D I S C L O S U R E

None.

I T E M 9 A.   C O N T R O L S   A N D   P R O C E D U R E S

a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer believe that:

• The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and
forms; and

• The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures operate such that important information flows to appro-
priate collection and disclosure points in a timely manner and are effective to ensure that such information
is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, and made known to the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the period when this Annual Report
on Form 10-K was prepared, as appropriate to allow timely decision regarding the required disclosure.

b) Changes in internal controls.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
during the Company’s last fiscal quarter of 2003 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART III

I T E M   1 0 .   D I R E C T O R S   A N D   E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R S   O F   T H E   C O M P A N Y

Information required under this item with respect to Directors and with respect to delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2004, to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after
September 30, 2003.  The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s Executive Officers
appears on page 14 of the Company’s Annual Report.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officers and Senior Financial Officers.  The text of
such Code is located on the Company’s website under “Investor Relations - Corporate Governance.”  The Company’s
Internet address is www.hpinc.com.

I T E M   1 1 .   E X E C U T I V E   C O M P E N S A T I O N

This information is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2004, to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days 
after September 30, 2003.

I T E M   1 2 .   S E C U R I T Y   O W N E R S H I P   O F   C E R T A I N   B E N E F I C I A L   O W N E R S  
A N D   M A N A G E M E N T   A N D   R E L A T E D   S T O C K H O L D E R   M A T T E R S

This information is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2004, to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days 
after September 30, 2003.

I T E M   1 3 .   C E R T A I N   R E L A T I O N S H I P S   A N D   R E L A T E D  

T R A N S A C T I O N S

This information is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2004, to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days 
after September 30, 2003.

I T E M   1 4 .   P R I N C I P A L   A C C O U N T A N T   F E E S   A N D   S E R V I C E S

This information is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2004, to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days 
after September 30, 2003.

16

17

PART IV

I T E M   1 5 .   E X H I B I T S ,   F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T   S C H E D U L E S ,   A N D  

R E P O R T S   O N   F O R M   8 - K

a) 1. Financial Statements: The following appear in the Company’s Annual Report at the pages indicated below

and are incorporated herein by reference.

Report of Independent Auditors

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended 

September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

48

49

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2003 and 2002

50-51

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended 

September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended 

September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

52

53

54-75

2. Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted as inapplicable or because the required information 

is contained in the financial statements or included in the notes thereto.

3. Exhibits. The following documents are included as exhibits to this Form 10-K.  Exhibits incorporated by 

reference herein are duly noted as such.  Unless so noted, each exhibit is filed herewith. 

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal 1996, SEC file No. 001-04221.

3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 
of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the 
quarter ended March 31, 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

4.1 Rights Agreement dated as of January 8, 1996, between the Company and The Liberty National Bank
and Trust Company of Oklahoma City, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-A,
dated January 18, 1996, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.1 Consulting Services Agreement between W. H. Helmerich, III, and the Company effective January 1,
1990, as amended is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal 1996, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.2 Supplemental Retirement Income Plan for Salaried Employees of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is incorporat-
ed herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and
Exchange Commission for fiscal 1996, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.3 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal 1996, SEC
File No. 001-04221.

*10.4 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for the 1990 Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-55239 on Form S-8, dated August 26, 1994.

*10.5 Supplemental Savings Plan for Salaried Employees of Helmerich and Payne, Inc. is incorporated herein 
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange
Commission for fiscal 1999, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.6 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1
to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-34939 on Form S-8 dated September 4, 1997.

*10.7 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-34939 on
Form S-8 dated September 4, 1997.

*10.8 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan is 
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities
and Exchange Commission for fiscal 1997, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.9 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1
to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-63124 on Form S-8 dated June 15, 2001.

*10.10 Form of Agreements for Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan being (i) Restricted Stock
Award Agreement, (ii) Incentive Stock Option Agreement and (iii) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement are
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-63124 on Form
S-8 dated June 15, 2001.

10.11 Distribution Agreement dated as of February 23, 2002, by and between Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and
Cimarex Energy Co. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Cimarex Energy Co. Registration
Statement No. 333-87948 on Form S-4 filed May 9, 2002.

10.12 Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of February 23, 2002, by and between Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and
Cimarex Energy Co. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Cimarex Energy Co. Registration
Statement No. 333-87948 on Form S-4 filed May 9, 2002. 

10.13 Form of Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for the 2000 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Stock Incentive
Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to
the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

*10.14 Form of Change of Control Agreement for Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference 
to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission
for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

10.15 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2002, by and among Helmerich & Payne
International Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and Bank One, Oklahoma, N.A. is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange
Commission for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

10.16 Credit Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2002, among Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.,
Helmerich & Payne, Inc., the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of Oklahoma, National
Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

10.17 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 15, 2002, among Helmerich & Payne International
Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and various insurance companies is incorporated herein by reference 
to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission 
for fiscal 2002, SEC File No. 001-04221.

10.18 Office Lease dated May 30, 2003, between K/B Fund IV and Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

18

19

13. The Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for fiscal 2003.

21. List of Subsidiaries of the Company. 

23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors.

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Compensatory plan or arrangement

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

/s/ Edward B. Rust, Jr.

By 
Edward B. Rust, Jr., Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ John D. Zeglis
By 
John D. Zeglis, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ Paula Marshall-Chapman

By            
Paula Marshall-Chapman, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ Douglas E. Fears
/s/ Douglas E. Fears

By               
Douglas E. Fears, (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ Gordon K. Helm
By 
Gordon K. Helm, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: December 23, 2003

The Company filed two reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of fiscal 2003 as follows:

(cid:1) Form 8-K dated July 15, 2003, disclosing certain revisions to the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 

C E R T I F I C A T I O N

Employees Retirement Plan.

(cid:1) Form 8-K dated July 24, 2003, containing a Press Release with attached Unaudited Consolidated 

Condensed Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income and Financial Results – Lines of Business,
announcing the Company’s third quarter 2003 earnings.

S I G N A T U R E S

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has
duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.

/s/ Hans Helmerich

By
Hans Helmerich, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: December 23, 2003

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

/s/ William L. Armstrong

By 
William L. Armstrong, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ George S. Dotson

By 
George S. Dotson, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ W.H. Helmerich, III
By 
W. H. Helmerich, III, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ Glenn A. Cox
By 
Glenn A. Cox, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ Hans Helmerich

By              
Hans Helmerich, Director and CEO
Date: December 23, 2003

/s/ L. F. Rooney, III
By               
L. F. Rooney, III, Director
Date: December 23, 2003

I, Hans Helmerich, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual

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 annual report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officers 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)] 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 annual report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of 
the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

c) disclosed in this annual 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

20

21

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officers 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.

/s/ Hans Helmerich

Hans Helmerich, Chief Executive Officer
December 23, 2003

C E R T I F I C A T I O N

I, Douglas E. Fears, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual

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 annual report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officers 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)] 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 peri-
od in which this annual report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this

annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the
end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

c) disclosed in this annual 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 officers 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 finan-
cial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, sum-
marize 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.

/s/ Douglas E. Fears
Douglas E. Fears, Chief Financial Officer
December 23, 2003

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period
ending September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
“Report”), Hans Helmerich, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Douglas E. Fears, as Chief Financial
Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of his knowledge, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) 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

result of operations of the Company.

/s/ Hans Helmerich
Hans Helmerich
Chief Executive Officer
December 23, 2003

/s/ Douglas E. Fears
Douglas E. Fears
Chief Financial Officer
December 23, 2003

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23

Management’s Discussion & Analysis of
Management’s Discussion & Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Results of Operations and Financial Condition

R I S K   F A C T O R S   A N D   F O RWA R D - L O O K I N G   S TAT E M E N T S

S P I N - O F F   A N D   M E R G E R   T R A N S A C T I O N S

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the 
consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere
herein.  The Company’s future operating results may be affected by
various trends and factors, which are beyond the Company’s control.
These include, among other factors, fluctuations in oil and natural gas
prices, expiration or termination of drilling contracts, currency exchange
gains and losses, changes in general economic conditions, rapid or
unexpected changes in technologies, risks of foreign operations, uninsured
risks, and uncertain business conditions that affect the Company’s
businesses.  Accordingly, past results and trends should not be used by
investors to anticipate future results or trends.

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in
Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition include forward-looking statements.  These forward-
looking statements are based on various assumptions.  The Company
cautions that, while it believes such assumptions to be reasonable and
makes them in good faith, assumed facts almost always vary from actual
results.  The differences between assumed facts and actual results can
be material.  The Company is including this cautionary statement to
take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements
made by, or on behalf of, the Company.  The factors identified in this
cautionary statement and those factors discussed under Risk Factors
beginning on page 5 of the Company’s Annual Report are important
factors (but not necessarily all important factors) that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-
looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company.

On September 30, 2002, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. completed its 
distribution of 100 percent of the common stock of Cimarex Energy
Co. to the Company’s shareholders and the merger of Key Production
Company, Inc. into a subsidiary of Cimarex making Key a wholly owned
subsidiary of Cimarex.  The Cimarex Energy Co. stock distribution 
was recorded as a dividend and resulted in a decrease to consolidated
stockholders’ equity of approximately $152.2 million.  The Company
and its subsidiaries continue to own and operate contract drilling and
real estate businesses, while Cimarex Energy Co. is a separate, publicly
traded company that owns and operates an exploration and production
business.  The Company does not own any common stock of Cimarex
Energy Co. (See note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for
complete description of the transaction.)  As a result of the transaction,
the Company is reporting the results of its former exploration and 
production division (Cimarex Energy, Co.) as discontinued operations.

R E S U LT S   O F   O P E R AT I O N S

All per share amounts included in the Results of Operations discussion
are stated on a diluted basis.  Helmerich & Payne, Inc.’s net income for
2003 was $17,873,000 ($0.35 per share), compared with net income of
$63,517,000 ($1.26 per share) in 2002, and $144,254,000 ($2.84 per
share) in 2001.  Included in net income was income from discontinued
operations of $9,811,000 ($0.19 per share) in 2002, and $63,787,000
($1.26 per share) in 2001. Also included in the Company’s net income,
but not related to its operations, were after-tax gains from the sale 
of investment securities of $3,346,000 ($0.07 per share) in 2003,
$15,206,000 ($0.30 per share) in 2002, and $691,000 ($0.01 per share)

24

25

in 2001. Also included in net income is the Company’s portion of
income or loss from its equity affiliates, Atwood Oceanics, Inc. and a
50-50 joint venture with Atwood called Atwood Oceanics West Tuna
Pty. Ltd. (dissolved in 2003).  From equity affiliates, the Company
recorded a loss of $0.03 per share in 2003, and net income of $0.06
and $0.04 per share in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Consolidated revenues were $515,284,000 in 2003, $551,879,000 
in 2002, and $542,571,000 in 2001.  From 2001 to 2003 revenues
attributable to contract drilling operations fell slightly each year.  However,
total revenues increased from 2001 to 2002 due to a larger gain realized
on the sale of a portion of the Company’s equity portfolio.  U.S. land
revenues rose steadily from 2001 to 2003, while international drilling
revenues declined significantly during the same period.  Although U.S.
offshore platform revenues were relatively flat from 2001 to 2002, there
was a drop of approximately 15 percent in offshore platform revenues from
2002 to 2003. Revenue reductions in the offshore platform business
were mainly due to a drop in rig utilization to 51 percent in 2003, from
83 percent in 2002, and 98 percent in 2001.  The increase in U.S. land
revenues was fueled by the Company’s increasing rig fleet due to the
construction of FlexRigs over the three-year period.  The average number
of U.S. land rigs available was 76 in 2003, 57 in 2002, and 42 in 2001.
Although rig availability increased, rig utilizations fell for the Company’s
U.S. land rig fleet to 81 percent in 2003, compared with 84 percent in
2002, and 97 percent in 2001.  International rig revenues declined as rig
utilizations in that sector fell to 39 percent in 2003, from 51 percent in 2002,
and 56 percent in 2001.  The Company’s international rig utilization
was impacted by significant reductions in activity in Venezuela and
Colombia since 2001.  Cutbacks in drilling budgets for the government-

owned oil company, PDVSA, reduced drilling in Venezuela.  In Colombia,
completion of development of a customer’s major oilfield has dramatically
reduced drilling activity there.    

Revenues from investments were $7,953,000 in 2003, $28,076,000 in
2002, and $10,967,000 in 2001.  Included in revenues was the aggregate
of pre-tax gains, losses, and write-downs relating to the Company’s portfolio
of equity securities which were $5,529,000 in 2003, $24,820,000 in 2002,
and $1,189,000 in 2001.  Interest and dividend income fell in each year
due to reduced cash positions, lower interest rates, and a reduction in the
Company’s equity portfolio.  Total interest and dividend income was
$2,467,000 in 2003, $3,624,000 in 2002, and $9,128,000 in 2001.

Direct operating costs in 2003 were $345,537,000 or 68 percent of 
operating revenues, compared with $361,669,000 or 69 percent of operating
revenues in 2002, and $330,181,000 or 62 percent of operating revenues
in 2001.  Direct operating costs were lower as a percentage of revenues 
in 2001, primarily due to the higher average revenue per day and lower
daily direct operating costs per day during 2001 in the U.S. land rig 
segment.  Industry rig activity was relatively high in 2001, resulting in
higher dayrates for the Company.

Depreciation expense was $82,513,000 in 2003, $61,447,000 in 2002,
and $49,532,000 in 2001.  Depreciation rose significantly over the
two-year period as the Company placed into service 13 new rigs in 2002,
and 19 new rigs in 2003.  The Company anticipates depreciation
expense to increase again during 2004, as a full year of depreciation
expense is incurred on rigs placed into service in 2003, and as new
rigs are constructed and employed in the field.   

26

27

The Company’s methodology of reporting business segments and 
general and administrative expenses has been changed in 2003.  This
change was driven by last year’s spin-off of our Exploration and
Production Company and to better reflect the way the Company
manages its contract drilling businesses.

The number of contract drilling business segments reported have increased
to three to reflect the Company’s U.S. offshore platform operations 
separately from the U.S. land rig operations. Formerly, the combined
U.S. segments were reported as one segment.  It is important to note
that total operating profit for U.S. operations and the international
contract drilling segment has not changed.  U.S. Land and Offshore 
Platform segments have simply been separated.

Expenses within the Company’s contract drilling business segments have
been broken out to delineate direct operating costs from associated general
and administrative costs.  Formerly, both costs were included in operating
costs on the consolidated statements of income.  The associated general
and administrative costs of the contract drilling segments have been
reclassified to general and administrative expense on the consolidated
statements of income.  These general and administrative costs are still
included in the applicable contract drilling segment.  No other numbers
on the consolidated statements of income were changed or affected by
this reclassification.

With the reclassifications, general and administrative expenses totaled
$41,003,000 for 2003, $36,563,000 for 2002, and $28,180,000 for
2001.  The 30 percent increase from 2001 to 2002 was primarily the

result of increases in employee benefits relating to pension, medical
insurance, and 401(k) matching.  Employee salaries and bonuses also
contributed to the increase, as well as increases in property and casualty
insurance costs.  With the construction of the FlexRigs, training expenses
were also a contributor to the increase from 2001 to 2002.  General and
administrative expenses rose again from 2002 to 2003 due to additional
increases in pension and medical insurance expense, along with increases
in property and casualty insurance costs.  

Interest expense rose to $12,289,000 in 2003, compared with $980,000
in 2002, and $1,701,000 in 2001.  The Company issued a total of
$200,000,000 of intermediate-term debt, half of which was placed
just prior to the end of fiscal year 2002, and the other half placed at
the very beginning of fiscal year 2003.  Additionally, the Company
also drew on its bank line of credit during 2003, with $30,000,000
drawn at the end of the year.

The provision for income taxes totaled $14,649,000 in 2003, $40,573,000
in 2002, and $54,689,000 in 2001.  Effective income tax rates on income
from continuing operations were 43 percent in 2003, 44 percent in
2002, and 41 percent in 2001.  The increase in effective tax rates
from 2001 to 2002 was a result of currency fluctuations, primarily 
in Venezuela, resulting in additional taxes for inflationary gains and
monetary corrections in 2002.  There was less of such an effect in 2003,
but international income at higher effective tax rates combined with
the impact of state income taxes, kept the overall Company tax rate 
at a relatively high level.

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29

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 3   A N D   2 0 0 2

U.S. LAND OPERATIONS

Revenues

Intersegment elimination

Direct operating expenses

Intersegment elimination

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

2003

2002

% Change

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

$273,993

–

201,398 

–

9,304

44,726

$232,446

(809)

165,394 

(648)

10,087

26,311

$  18,565 

$ 30,493 

22,588

$  11,436

$  8,221

$  3,215

83

81%

17,478

$  12,397

$  8,561

$  3,836

66

84%

17.9%

–

21.8

–

(7.8)

70.0

(39.1)

29.2%

(7.8)

(4.0)

(16.2)

25.8

(3.6)

margins did not continue at those levels during 2003 after contracts
expired.  The Company’s increase in rig capacity was brought about by
its FlexRig3 construction program that began during 2002 and extended
through 2003.  During 2003, 19 FlexRig3s were completed and put
into service. Two first generation FlexRig’s were sent overseas for work
in Hungary and Chad.  As a result of the construction program, the
Company’s investment in drilling equipment rose significantly, thereby
resulting in an increase in depreciation expense.  Although the Company
will have more rigs available for service next year, and although industry
fundamentals are positive going in to 2004, a drop in dayrates or rig 
utilization could cause U.S. land rig operating profit to decrease next year.

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 3   A N D   2 0 0 2

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses.

2003

2002

% Change

The Company’s operating profit in its U.S. land rig operations fell by 
39 percent from 2002 to 2003, despite the fact that commodity prices
were very strong during the year.  Historically high crude oil and natural
gas prices, and an increasing industry rig count in the United States were
all strong signals for an up cycle that could benefit oil service and contract
drilling companies.  However, in spite of increasing rig activity, average
dayrates and margins per rig day fell during the year.  Even with higher
industry rig counts, the additional capacity added by companies like
Helmerich & Payne, along with intense rig-on-rig price competition,
delayed improvements in dayrates and margins.  More specifically with
Helmerich & Payne, 2002 dayrates were aided by the remaining term left
on some of the contracts for work relating to FlexRig2s that were completed
and commenced work during 2001.  Those relatively high dayrates and

U.S. OFFSHORE PLATFORM OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

Revenues

$112,633

$132,249

Direct operating expenses

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

60,589

2,939

12,799

79,301

3,451

10,809

$  36,306

$ 38,688

2,233

$  38,239

$  17,822

$  20,417

12

51%

3,286

$ 30,424

$ 16,263

$  14,161

12

83%

(14.8)%

(23.6)

(14.8)

18.4

(6.2)

(32.0)%

25.7

9.6

44.2

0.0

(38.6)

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses
and exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts.

30

31

During the year, the Company continued to experience a reduction in
activity days and rig utilization in its U.S. offshore platform rig operations.
Total revenue and revenue per day during 2003 were aided by the recognition
of revenue due to early termination of contracts.  During the fourth
quarter of 2003, one platform rig was stacked and two rigs that were
working at full dayrate were changed to standby status, thereby likely
causing a reduction of the first quarter 2004 operating profit for the U.S.
offshore rig segment of approximately 50 percent from that of the fourth
quarter of 2003.  Capital expenditures were reduced dramatically due to
the fact that there were no new platform rigs under construction during
2003, whereas two new platform rigs were completed during 2002.  It 
is anticipated that during 2004, the U.S. offshore platform market will
continue to be soft, unless and until commodity pricing or other circum-
stances significantly increase demand for platform rigs.

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 3   A N D   2 0 0 2

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Revenues

Direct operating expenses

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

2003

2002

% Change

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

$109,812

81,461

3,110

20,092

$    5,149

4,515

$ 19,603

$ 14,140

$ 5,463

32

39%

$151,392

115,294

2,634

20,336

$  13,128

5,956

$  21,161

$ 14,599

$ 6,562

33

51%

(27.5)%

(29.3)

18.1

(1.2)

(60.8)

(24.2)%

(7.4)

(3.1)

(16.7)

(3.0)

(23.5)

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses
and exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts.

Rig activity, revenues, and operating profit in the Company’s international
operations declined from 2002 to 2003.  The general softness in the
international markets was broad based and resulted in lower utilizations
in each of the countries in which the Company operated during the
2002-2003 period.  The Company’s Venezuelan operations, where the
largest number of Company international rigs are located, were also
hampered by an attempted coup, which resulted in a strike by workers
at PDVSA, the government-owned oil company.

During 2002, the Company recorded an estimated devaluation loss totaling
$1,200,000 in Argentina when that country experienced a dramatic
economic collapse. As a result of the collapse, the government stopped
the outflow of dollars from the country and required that former dollar
obligations be paid in Argentina pesos.  During 2003, the Company
was able to reduce its 2002 estimated loss by approximately $980,000
relating to the Argentina currency devaluation. 

In Venezuela, approximately 60 percent of the Company’s billings are
in U.S. dollars and 40 percent are in bolivars, the local currency.  As 
a result, the Company is exposed to risk of currency devaluation in
Venezuela.  Devaluation losses for Venezuelan operations totaled $624,000
in 2003 and $4,393,000 in 2002.  The Company anticipates devaluation
losses in Venezuela during 2004, but is unable to predict the extent 
of the devaluation.  If 2004 rig activity levels are similar to 2003, and
if a 25 percent to 50 percent devaluation would occur, the Company
could experience potential devaluation losses ranging from approximately
$3,200,000 to $5,100,000. (See MD&A section entitled Foreign
Currency Exchange Rate Risk for important details regarding potential
devaluation losses.)

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33

In addition to potential devaluation, next year’s average dayrate and profit
margin per rig, as well as rig utilizations are difficult to predict and, while
not expected to decline during 2004, are subject to unpredictable markets
that could produce significant volatility.

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 3   A N D   2 0 0 2

REAL ESTATE

Revenues

Direct operating expenses

Depreciation

Operating profit

2003

$10,893

1,789

2,535

$  6,569

2002

(in thousands)

$ 8,525

1,617

1,844

$ 5,064

% Change

27.8%

10.6

37.5

29.7

Operating profit increased by approximately 30 percent from 2002 to
2003 in the Company’s Real Estate division, primarily due to the sale
of approximately 15 acres of raw land from the Company’s Southpark
investment.  Pre-tax profit from the sale of land was approximately
$2.2 million.  Depreciation expense increased in 2003 due to the
accelleration of depreciation on the Company’s headquarters building,
which will be razed in 2004.  Overall combined occupancy and resulting
revenues generated from all the other real estate properties did not
materially fluctuate from 2002 to 2003. 

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 2   A N D   2 0 0 1

U.S. LAND OPERATIONS

Revenues

Intersegment elimination

Direct operating expenses

Intersegment elimination

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

2002

2001

% Change

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

$232,446

(809)

165,394 

(648)

10,087

26,311

$226,344

(4,487)

133,650

(2,553)

6,479

16,701

$  30,493 

$ 67,580 

17,478

$ 12,397

$ 8,561

$ 3,836

66

84%

15,098

$ 14,315

$ 8,175

$ 6,140

49

97%

2.7%

(82.0)

23.8

(74.6)

55.7

57.5

(54.9)

15.8%

(13.4)

4.7

(37.5)

34.7

(13.4)

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses.

U.S. land operating profit declined by 55 percent from 2001 to 2002 
as overall industry rig counts declined from a cyclical high brought on
by a spike in natural gas prices during 2001.  The significant reduction
in industry rig counts that followed during 2002 brought about lower
dayrates, rig margins, and rig utilizations compared with 2001 levels.
Although utilization rates declined during 2002, activity days increased
due to an additional 17 rigs put into service in the U.S. land rig market.
This increase was due to FlexRig construction and movement of land
rigs from South American operations to the U.S.  During 2002, the
Company completed the final five rigs of its 12-rig FlexRig2 program
commenced in 2001.  It also placed eight FlexRig3s into service and
added four more rigs to the U.S. fleet that were moved from South
American operations.  Capital spending in U.S. land rig operations

34

35

increased as the Company embarked on its FlexRig3, 25-rig construction
project.  As a result of capital expenditures for U.S. land operations 
of $236.3 million in 2002, compared with $136.7 million in 2001,
depreciation expense rose by approximately 58 percent during 2002.

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 2   A N D   2 0 0 1

U.S. OFFSHORE PLATFORM OPERATIONS

2002

2001
(in thousands, except operating statistics)

% Change

Revenues

$132,249

$128,459

Direct operating expenses

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

79,301

3,451

10,809

75,810

2,962

9,576

$  38,688

$ 40,111

3,286

$  30,424

$  16,263

$  14,161

12

83%

3,572

$  28,995

$  15,734

$  13,261

10

98%

3.0%

4.6

16.5

12.9

(3.5)

(8.0)%

4.9

3.4

6.8

20.0

(15.3)

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses
and exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts.

Two new offshore platform rigs were completed and placed in service
during 2002 at high dayrates, but with short-term contracts.  As a result,
average rig revenue per day and average margins per day improved from
2001 to 2002.  More than offsetting this improvement was a decline in
activity days of eight percent, the beginning signs of an overall reduction
in that market that continued into 2003.

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 2   A N D   2 0 0 1

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Revenues

Direct operating expenses

General and administrative expense

Depreciation

Operating profit

Operating Statistics:

Activity days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of owned rigs at end of period

Rig utilization

2002

2001

% Change

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

$151,392

115,294

2,634

20,336

$ 13,128

5,956

$  21,161

$  14,599

$  6,562

33

51%

$170,270

120,845

2,112

18,838

$  28,475

7,283

$  19,683

$  13,334

$  6,349

37

56%

(11.1)%

(4.6)

24.7

8.0

(53.9)

(18.2)%

7.5

9.5

3.4

(10.8)

(8.9)

Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses
and exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts.

Rig utilization, total activity days, and total revenues declined from 2001
to 2002, resulting in operating profit declining by approximately 54
percent.  The most significant declines in activity and profitability were
in Company operations located in Colombia and Argentina.  Colombia’s
rig utilizations fell from 69 percent during 2001 to 31 percent during
2002.  Additionally, the number of rigs available in Colombia fell from
seven during the first quarter of 2001 to three by the end of 2001.  Those
four rigs were moved to the United States.  Accordingly, profitability
in Colombia declined sharply during 2002.  Operating profit for Company
operations in Venezuela and Argentina also declined during 2002.
Devaluation losses in Venezuela were $4,393,000 in 2002, and $796,000
in 2001.  (See MD&A section entitled Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
for more detail regarding potential devaluation losses.) 

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37

C O M PA R I S O N   O F   T H E   Y E A R S   E N D E D   S E P T E M B E R   3 0 ,   2 0 0 2   A N D   2 0 0 1

REAL ESTATE

Revenues

Direct operating expenses

Depreciation

Operating profit

2002

$ 8,525

1,617

1,844

$ 5,064

2001

(in thousands)

$ 11,018

2,419

2,284

$ 6,315

% Change

(22.6)%

(33.2)

(19.3)

(19.8)

Revenues and operating profit declined from 2001 to 2002 in the
Company’s Real Estate division, due to a sale of raw land which 
resulted in approximately $2 million of operating profit during 2001.
Depreciation was higher in 2001 due to the acceleration of depreciation
for a building that was razed during 2002.  Earnings from ongoing 
leasing operations were up only slightly from 2001 to 2002.

C R I T I C A L   A C C O U N T I N G   P O L I C I E S

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are impacted by the
accounting policies used and the estimates and assumptions made by
management during their preparation. The following is a discussion of
the critical accounting policies related to property, plant and equipment,
impairment of long-lived assets, self-insurance accruals, and revenue
recognition.  Other significant accounting policies are summarized in
Note 1 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are
stated at cost, while maintenance and repairs are expensed currently.
Interest costs applicable to the construction of qualifying assets are
capitalized as a component of the cost of such assets. The Company 
provides for the depreciation of property, plant and equipment using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Upon retirement or other disposal of fixed assets, the cost and related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts
and any gains or losses are recorded in results of operations. 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment,
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  An impairment
loss exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from
the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying
amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the
asset’s carrying value as compared to its estimated fair value, which is
determined based on the present value of estimated cash flows from the
asset and appraisals or sales prices of comparable assets. There were no
long-lived asset impairment losses in the Company’s continuing operations
during the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001.  However,
should industry market conditions deteriorate from those existing currently,
impairment losses could be recorded in the future.  All of the Company’s
drilling rigs are transportable and are therefore not limited to one area 
or country.  Drilling rigs can be moved from countries where demand 
is low to countries experiencing high demand for drilling services.  
When making determinations of location for drilling rigs, the Company
considers both long and short-term views of demand and other 
reasonable business considerations.

The Company is self-insured or maintains high deductibles for certain
losses relating to worker’s compensation, general, product, and auto
liabilities.  Generally, deductibles are $2 million per occurrence on
claims that fall under these coverages.  Insurance is also purchased on
rig properties and generally deductibles are $1 million per occurrence.

38

39

Excess insurance is purchased over these coverages to limit the Company’s
exposure to catastrophic claims, but there can be no assurance that such
coverage will respond or be adequate in all circumstances.  Retained losses
are estimated and accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate
liability for claims incurred, and using the Company’s historical loss
experience and estimation methods that are believed to be reliable.

Revenues and costs on daywork contracts are recognized daily as the
work progresses. For certain contracts, we receive lump-sum payments
for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. Revenues
earned, net of direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and
recognized over the term of the related drilling contract. Other lump-sum
payments received from customers relating to specific contracts are deferred
and amortized to income as services are performed. Costs incurred to
relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract
has not been secured are expensed as incurred. 

L I Q U I D I T Y   A N D   C A P I TA L   R E S O U R C E S

The Company’s capital spending for continuing operations was
$246,301,000 for 2003, $312,064,000 in 2002, and $184,668,000 
in 2001. Net cash provided from operating activities for those same
time periods were $96,504,000 in 2003, $151,774,000 in 2002, 
and $127,435,000 in 2001.  In addition to the net cash provided by
operating activities, the Company also generated net proceeds from
the sale of portfolio securities of $18,215,000 in 2003, $47,146,000
in 2002, and $24,438,000 in 2001.

During 2000, the Company announced a program (FlexRig2 program)
under which it would construct 12 new FlexRigs at an approximate cost

of between $7.5 and $8.25 million each.  During 2001, the Company
completed construction on seven of those 12 rigs.  Additionally, 
the Company announced in 2001 that it would embark on another
construction project (FlexRig3 program) to build an additional 25
FlexRigs at an approximate cost of $11 million each.  During 2002,
the Company completed the remaining five rigs in the FlexRig2 program
and the first eight rigs in the FlexRig3 program.  During 2003, the remaining
17 rigs originally planned in the FlexRig3 program were completed.
Another seven FlexRig3s were scheduled for construction, two of which
were completed by the end of fiscal 2003, and five are scheduled to be
completed by March, 2004.

The Company expects to fund its 2004 capital spending of approximately
$100,000,000 with internally generated cash flows, its bank line of credit
and/or from funds generated by the sale of stock from its investment
portfolio. In August 2002, the Company entered into a $200 million
intermediate-term unsecured debt obligation with staged maturities
from five to 12 years and a weighted average interest rate of 6.31 percent.
Funding of the notes occurred on August 15, 2002, and October 15,
2002, in equal amounts of $100 million.  The terms of the debt obli-
gations require the Company to maintain a minimum ratio of debt 
to total capitalization.  Proceeds from the intermediate-term debt were
used to repay the balance of the Company’s outstanding debt of $50
million in September 2002, help fund the Company’s rig construction
program and for other general corporate purposes.

On September 30, 2003, the Company had a committed unsecured line
of credit totaling $125 million, with short-term loans totaling $30 million
and letters of credit totaling $13.7 million outstanding against the line.

40

41

The line of credit matures in July 2004 and bears interest of LIBOR +
.87 percent to 1.125 percent depending on certain financial ratios of
the Company.  The Company must maintain certain financial ratios 
including debt to total capitalization and debt to earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and maintain certain levels of
liquidity and tangible net worth.

The strength of the Company’s balance sheet is substantial, with current
ratios for September 30, 2003, and 2002 at 2.2 and 2.5, respectively,
and with debt to total capitalization of 18 percent and 10 percent,
respectively.  Additionally, the Company manages a large portfolio of
marketable securities that, at the close of 2003, had a market value of
$169,546,000. The Company’s investments in Atwood Oceanics, Inc.,
Schlumberger, Ltd., and ConocoPhillips made up almost 90 percent
of the portfolio’s market value on September 30, 2003.  The value of
the portfolio is subject to fluctuation in the market and may vary 
considerably over time. Excluding the Company’s equity-method
investments, the portfolio is recorded at fair value on the Company’s
balance sheet for each reporting period.  During 2003, the Company
paid a dividend of $0.32 per share, or a total of $16,015,268, 
representing the 31st consecutive year of dividend increases.

S T O C K   P O R T F O L I O   H E L D   B Y   T H E   C O M PA N Y

September 30, 2003

Number of Shares

Cost Basis

Market Value

( in thousands, except share amounts)

Atwood Oceanics, Inc.

Schlumberger, Ltd.

ConocoPhillips

Other

Total

3,000,000

1,480,000

140,000

$  56,655

23,511

3,486

6,303

$ 89,955

$   71,970

71,632

7,665

18,279

$169,546

M AT E R I A L   C O M M I T M E N T S

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements, as defined by SEC
rules. The Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2003,
including payments due by year are as follows (in thousands):

Total

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

After 2008

Short-term loans (a)

$ 30,000

$30,000

$    –

$    –

$    –

$     –

$     –

Long-term debt (a)

Operating leases (b)

Purchase obligations

200,000

8,146

36,415

–

1,285

35,530

–

1,048

530

–

1,311

355

25,000

1,385

–

–

1,385

–

175,000

1,732

–

Total Contractual Obligations

$274,561

$66,815

$ 1,578

$ 1,666

$26,385

$ 1,385

$176,732

(a) See Note 3 “Long-term Debt” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) See Note 14 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

An actuarial study of the Company’s pension plan projects that no
funding will be required in fiscal years 2004 or 2005.  After 2005,
funding requirements, if any, will be subject to returns on plan 
assets and other external factors.

Q UA N T I TAT I V E   A N D   Q UA L I TAT I V E   D I S C L O S U R E S   A B O U T   M A R K E T   R I S K

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. The Company has international
operations in Hungary, Chad, and in several South American countries,
as well as a labor contract for work off the coast of Equatorial Guinea.
With the exception of Venezuela, the Company’s exposure to currency
valuation losses is usually minimal due to the fact that virtually all billings
and receipts in other countries are in U.S. dollars. Even though the
Company’s contract with its customers in Argentina was in U.S. dollars,
the Company recorded a devaluation loss as Argentina experienced a
dramatic economic collapse during 2002.  As a result of the economic
collapse, the government stopped the outflow of dollars from the country
and required that former dollar obligations be paid in Argentina pesos,

42

43

resulting in the Company recording an estimated loss of $1,200,000 
in 2002.  The Company was able to reduce this estimated loss by
approximately $980,000 during 2003.  At the present time, the
Company has two rigs located in Argentina, one of which will begin
working during early 2004.

The Company is exposed to risks of currency devaluation in Venezuela
primarily as a result of bolivar receivable balances and bolivar cash 
balances. In Venezuela, while approximately 60 percent of the Company’s
invoice billings to the Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA, are in
U.S. dollars and 40 percent are in the local currency, the bolivar, PDVSA
typically pays all amounts owed in bolivars.  The Company, historically,
has usually been able to convert the bolivars received in payment of 
the dollar-based billings into dollars in a timely manner and thus avoid,
in large measure, devaluation losses pertaining to these dollar-based
invoices. In January 2003, the Venezuelan government put into effect
exchange controls that fixed the exchange rate at 1600 Bolivars to one
U.S. dollar and also prohibited the Company, as well as other companies,
from converting the bolivar into U.S. dollars through the central bank.
As a result of these exchange controls, the Company has been unable
since January 2003 to convert its bolivar cash balances into U.S. dollars.
As of September 30, 2003, the Company’s bolivar balance was approximately
14 billion bolivars or approximately $8.8 million. Historically, the
Company has kept bolivar cash balances at necessary minimum levels
to fund local operating costs.

As part of the exchange controls regulation, the Venezuelan government
provided a mechanism by which companies could request conversion 
of bolivars into U.S. dollars.  In compliance with such regulations, the

Company on October 1, 2003, submitted a request to the Venezuelan
government seeking permission to dividend earnings, which effectively
will convert 14 billion bolivars into approximately $8.8 million. The
Company is unable to predict if or when this request will be approved. 

From August of 2002 to August of 2003, there was a 13 percent devaluation
of the bolivar.  As a result, the Company experienced a $624,000 devaluation
loss for 2003.  This 13 percent devaluation loss may not be reflective of the
actual potential for future devaluation losses because of the exchange controls
that are currently in place. While the Company is unable to predict future
devaluation in Venezuela, if fiscal 2004 activity levels are similar to fiscal
2003 and if a 25 percent to 50 percent devaluation should occur, the
Company could experience potential currency devaluation losses ranging
from approximately $3,200,000 to $5,100,000. 

In late August 2003, the Venezuelan state petroleum company agreed,
on a prospective basis, to pay a portion of the Company’s dollar-based
invoices in U.S. dollars. While this is a positive development in light
of the existing exchange controls, there is no guarantee as to how 
long this arrangement will continue. Were this agreement to end, the
Company would revert back to receiving these payments in bolivars
and thus increase bolivar cash balances and exposure to devaluation.

Commodity Price Risk. The demand for contract drilling services is a
result of exploration and production companies spending money to
explore and develop drilling prospects in search for crude oil and 
natural gas.  Their appetite for such spending is driven by their cash
flow and financial strength, which is very dependent, among other
things, on crude oil and natural gas commodity prices.  Crude oil

44

45

prices are determined by a number of factors including supply and
demand, worldwide economic conditions, and geopolitical factors.
Crude oil and natural gas prices have been volatile and very difficult
to predict.  This difficulty has led many exploration and production
companies to base their capital spending on much more conservative
estimates of commodity prices.  As a result, demand for contract
drilling services is not always purely a function of the movement of
commodity prices.  

Interest Rate Risk. The Company’s interest rate risk exposure results
primarily from short-term rates, mainly LIBOR-based on borrowings
from its commercial banks.  To reduce the impact of fluctuations in
interest rates, the Company maintains a portion of its total debt portfolio
in fixed-rate debt.  On September 30, 2003, the amount of the Company’s
fixed-rate debt was approximately 87 percent of total debt.  In the past,
the Company has entered into financial instruments such as interest
rate swaps and may consider this and other financial instruments in
the future to manage the portfolio mix between fixed and floating 
rate debt and to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates based
on management’s assessment of future interest rates, volatility of the
yield curve, and the Company’s ability to access the capital markets 
in a timely manner.

Based on the outstanding borrowings under variable-rate debt instruments
on September 30, 2003, a change in the average interest rate of 100
basis points would result in a change in net income and cash flows
before income taxes on an annual basis of approximately $0.2 million
and $0.3 million, respectively.

The following tables provide information as of September 30, 2003
and 2002 about the Company’s interest rate risk sensitive instruments:

I N T E R E S T   R AT E   R I S K   (dollars in thousands)

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Fixed Rate Debt

Average Interest Rate

–

–

Variable Rate Debt

$ 30,000

Average Interest Rate (a)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 25,000

5.5%

–

–

–

–

–

–

After 
2008

Total

Fair Value
@ 9/30/03

$ 175,000

$ 200,000

$ 226,500

6.4%

6.4%

–

–

–

$  30,000

$   30,000

(a)

–

(a) LIBOR plus an increment of .875% to 1.25% depending on certain financial ratios.

I N T E R E S T   R AT E   R I S K   (dollars in thousands)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

After
2007

Total

Fair Value
@ 9/30/02

Long Term Debt

Fixed Rate

Average Interest Rate

Interest Rate Swap (b)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 12,500

$ 87,500

$ 100,000

$ 109,700

5.5%

–

6.4%

6.4%

–

–

(b)

(1,700)

(b) At September 30, 2002, the Company held an interest rate swap on $50 million face value debt to receive variable
interest payments based on 30-day LIBOR rates and pay fixed interest payments of 5.4% through October 27, 2003.

Equity Price Risk. On September 30, 2003, the Company owned stocks in
other publicly held companies with a total market value of $169,546,000.
These securities are subject to a wide variety and number of market-related
risks that could substantially reduce or increase the market value of the
Company’s holdings.  Except for the Company’s holdings in its equity
affiliate, Atwood Oceanics, Inc., the portfolio is recorded at fair value on
its balance sheet with changes in unrealized after-tax value reflected in the
equity section of its balance sheet.  Any reduction in market value would
have an impact on the Company’s debt ratio and financial strength.
The total market value of the portfolio of securities was $175,668,000
at September 30, 2002.  

46

47

Report of Independent Auditors

Consolidated Statements of Income

The Board of Directors and Shareholders 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. as of

September 30, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’

equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2003.  These

financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to

express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about

whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining,

Years Ended September 30,

2003

2002

2001

REVENUES

Operating revenues

Income from investments

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Direct operating costs

Depreciation

General and administrative

Interest

Income from continuing operations before income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

$507,331

$523,803

$531,604

7,953

28,076

10,967

515,284

551,879

542,571

345,537

361,669

330,181

82,513

41,003

,12,289

61,447

36,563

980

49,532

28,180

1,701

481,342

460,659

409,594

on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit

taxes and equity in income (loss) of affiliates

33,942

91,220

132,977

also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,

as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide

a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, 

the consolidated financial position of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. at September 30, 2003 and 2002,

and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the

period ended September 30, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted 

in the United States.

Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 19, 2003

E R N S T   &   Y O U N G   L L P

Provision for income taxes

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates

net of income taxes

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

14,649

40,573

54,689

(1,420)

17,873

–

3,059

53,706

9,811

2,179

80,467

63,787

NET INCOME

$ 17,873

$  63,517

$144,254

Basic earnings per common share:

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Net income

Diluted earnings per common share: 

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Net income

$    0.36

$    1.08

$   1.61

–

$    0.36

$

0.19

1.27

1.27

$   2.88

$    0.35

$    1.07

$   1.58

–

0.19

1.26

$    0.35

$    1.26

$   2.84

Average common shares outstanding (in thousands)

Basic

Diluted

50,039

50,596

49,825

50,345

50,096

50,772

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 

48

49

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:      

September 30, 

2003

2002  

(in thousands)

September 30,

2003

2002

(in thousands, except share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 38,189

$

46,883

Accounts receivable, less reserve of $1,319 in 2003 and $1,337 in 2002

Inventories 

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets 

91,088

22,533

45,721

92,604

22,511

16,753

197,531

178,751

INVESTMENTS 

158,770

150,175

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:    

Contract drilling equipment 

Construction in progress 

Real estate properties 

Other 

Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Net property, plant and equipment 

OTHER ASSETS 

TOTAL ASSETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

1,490,389

1,235,784

45,004

56,247

87,570

72,303

48,925

82,310

1,679,210

1,439,322

621,005

1,058,205

541,877

897,445

1,329

942

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Notes payable 

Accounts payable 

Accrued liabilities 

Total current liabilities

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:

Long-term notes payable 

Deferred income taxes 

Other 

Total noncurrent liabilities 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Common stock, $.10 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized,

53,528,952 shares issued 

Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued

Additional paid-in capital 

Retained earnings 

Unearned compensation

$     30,000

$      —

29,630

28,988

88,618

200,000

181,737

28,229

409,966

5,353

—

83,302

840,776

(10)

33,668

963,089

45,838

917,251

41,045

31,854

72,899

100,000

131,401

27,843

259,244

5,353

—

82,489 

838,929

(190)

16,180

942,761 

47,591

895,170

$1,415,835

$1,227,313

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Less treasury stock, 3,388,588 shares in 2003 and 

3,518,282 shares in 2002, at cost 

Total shareholders’ equity 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$1,415,835

$1,227,313

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

September 30,         2002 2001

2000

50

51

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Common Stock
Shares      Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Unearned
Compensation

Retained
Earnings

Treasury Stock

Shares    

Amount

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

Total

Balance, September 30, 2000

53,529

$5,353

$66,090

$(3,277)

$813,885

3,548

$(32,412)

$106,064

$955,703

Comprehensive Income:

Net Income
Other comprehensive loss: 

Unrealized losses on available-

for sale securities, net 

Derivatives instruments lossses, net

Total other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income
Cash dividends ($.30 per share)
Exercise of stock options
Purchase of stock for treasury
Tax benefit of stock-based awards
Amortization of deferred 

compensation

Balance, September 30, 2001

53,529

5,353

80,324

Comprehensive Income:

Net Income
Other comprehensive (loss): 

Unrealized losses on available-

for sale securities, net 

Derivatives instruments losses, net
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net

Total other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income
Distribution of Cimarex Energy Co. Stock
Cash dividends ($.31 per share)
Exercise of stock options
Forfeiture of Restricted Stock Award
Tax benefit of stock-based awards
Amortization of deferred 

compensation

1,099
88
978

Balance, September 30, 2002

53,529

5,353

82,489

Comprehensive Income:

Net Income
Other comprehensive income: 
Unrealized gains on available-

for sale securities, net 

Derivatives instruments amort., net
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net

Total other comprehensive gain

Comprehensive income
Cash dividends ($.32 per share)
Exercise of stock options
Tax benefit of stock-based awards
Amortization of deferred 

compensation

144,254

(55,769)
(986)

7,965

6,269

(15,047)

(646)
774

5,808
(23,198)

1,465
(1,812)

13
943,105

3,676

(49,802)

49,309

63,517

(152,201)
(15,492)

(25,449)
(68)
(7,612)

156

1,466
(190)

(181)
23

2,455
(244)

838,929

3,518

(47,591)

16,180

17,873

15,005
982
1,501

(16,026)

(129)

1,753

441
372

180

144,254

(55,769)
(986)
(56,755)
87,499
(15,047)
13,773
(23,198)
6,269

1,478
1,026,477

63,517

( 25,449)
(68)
(7,612)
(33,129)
30,388
(152,201)
(15,492)
3,554

978

1,466
895,170

17,873

15,005
982
1,501
17,488
35,361
(16,026)
2,194
372

180

Balance, September 30, 2003

53,529

$5,353

$83,302

$

(10)

$840,776

3,389

$ (45,838)

$ 33,668

$917,251

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 

Years Ended September 30,

2003

2002
(in thousands)

2001

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Income from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing

operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation
Equity in (income) loss of affiliates before income taxes
Amortization of deferred compensation
Gain on sales of securities and non-monetary investment loss, net
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Other – net
Change in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other noncurrent liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sale of securities

Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable
Payments on notes payable
Dividends paid
Purchases of stock for treasury
Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) investing activities
Cash of discontinued operations at spinoff

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

$ 17,873

$ 53,706

$  80,467 

82,513
2,290
180
(5,529)
(3,689)
336

1,516
251
(29,355)
(11,415)
(1,281)
41,225
1,589
78,631
96,504

(246,301)
—
6,720
—
18,215
(221,366)

151,331
(21,331)
(16,026)
—
2,194
116,168

—
—
—
—

61,447
(5,014)
1,122
(24,347)
(1,392)
791

24,148
1,042
24,381
(3,769)
955
24,133
(5,429)
98,068
151,774

(312,064)
—
4,135
(5,656)
47,146
(266,439)

100,000
(50,000)
(15,221)
—
3,554
38,333

62,792
(55,232)
(13,171)
(5,611)

49,532
(3,593)
1,135
(1,189)
(4,201)
876

(49,405) 
(68) 
(11,411) 
29,290 
18,435 
15,291 
2,276 
46,968 
127,435 

(184,668)
(2,279)
11,984
—
24,438
(150,525)

—
—
(15,047)
(23,198)
13,601
(24,644)

157,286
(88,813)
—
68,473

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

(8,694)
46,883
$ 38,189

(81,943)
128,826
$ 46,883

20,739
108,087
$ 128,826

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

52

53

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the Company), and 

all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Fiscal years of the Company’s foreign consolidated operations end on

August 31 to facilitate reporting of consolidated results.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

On September 30, 2002, the Company distributed 100 percent of the common stock of Cimarex Energy Co.

to the Company’s shareholders.  Cimarex Energy Co. held the Company’s exploration and production business

and has been accounted for as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to consolidated financial statements relates to the

continuing operations of the Company (see Note 2).

As described below, the Company increased the number of business segments it is reporting and how it classifies

certain general and administrative expenses in 2003.  These changes were driven by the new organization of

the Company as a result of last year’s spin-off of the exploration and production business and to better reflect

the way the Company now manages its contract drilling businesses.  All prior periods reflect these changes.

The number of contract drilling business segments reported have increased to three to reflect the Company’s

U.S. Offshore Platform operations separately from the U.S. Land operations.  Formerly, the combined U.S. 

segments were reported as one segment.  Total operating profit for U.S. operations and the International 

contract drilling segment has not changed.  Prior year segment disclosures have been changed to reflect 

the increased number of reported segments for all periods presented (see Note 15).

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The Company has determined that the functional currency for its foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.  Foreign

currency transaction gain (losses) were $422,000, ($5,473,000) and ($494,000), for 2003, 2002 and 2001,

respectively.  These amounts are included in direct operating costs.  

USE OF ESTIMATES 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires

management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial

statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Substantially all property, plant

and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets

(contract drilling equipment, 4-15 years; real estate buildings and equipment, 10-50 years; and other, 3-33

years).  The Company charges the cost of maintenance and repairs to direct operating cost, while betterments

and refurbishments are capitalized.  

VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, including intangible

assets, when events or circumstances warrant such a review.  The Company recognizes impairment losses

for long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash

flows expected to be generated by the asset are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset.

On October 1, 2002 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 144

“Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which did not impact the Company’s results

General and administrative expenses within the Company’s contract drilling business segments have been reclassified

of operations or financial position.

to delineate direct operating costs from associated general and administrative costs.  Formerly, both costs were

included in operating costs on the consolidated statements of income.  The associated general and administrative

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

costs of the contract drilling segments of $15,353,000, $16,172,000, and $11,553,000 for 2003, 2002 and

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and investments readily convertible into cash which mature

2001, respectively have been reclassified to general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements

within three months from the date of purchase.

of income for all periods presented.  General and administrative costs within the contract drilling segments 

continue to be included in segement operating profit.  No other amounts on the consolidated statements of

income were changed or affected by this reclassification.

Prior year amounts for Investments and Other Assets have been reclassified to conform to current year classification.

Included in the Company’s operating revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 are reimbursements

for “out-of-pocket” expenses of $31.0 million.  Previously, the Company recognized reimbursements received as

a reduction to the related operating costs.  Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 01-14, “Income Statement

Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out of Pocket Expenses Incurred” requires that reimbursements

received for “out-of-pocket” expenses be included in operating revenues.  The effect of EITF 01-14 resulted in

a reclassification to fiscal year 2002 and 2001, that increased operating revenues and direct operating costs

by $41.0 million and $33.3 million, respectively.  These reclassifications had no impact on net income.

Currently, the Company is unable to convert bolivar cash balances in Venezuela into U.S. dollars or to transfer

any such funds out of Venezuela as a result of exchange controls put in place by the Venezuelan government.

(See Note 12 for further discussion)

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES

Inventory and supplies are primarily replacement parts and supplies held for use in our drilling operations.

Inventory and supplies are valued at the lower of cost (moving average or actual) or market value.

54

55

DRILLING REVENUES

INCOME TAXES

Contract drilling revenues are comprised primarily of daywork drilling contracts for which the related revenues and

Deferred income taxes are computed using the liability method and are provided on all temporary differences

expenses are recognized as work progresses.  For certain contracts, the Company receives lump-sum payments

between the financial basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment.  Revenues earned, net of direct costs incurred for the

mobilization, are deferred and recognized over the term of the related drilling contract.  Costs incurred to relocate

OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred.

The Company sponsors a health care plan that provides post retirement medical benefits to retired employees.

Employees who retire after November 1, 1992 and elect to participate in the plan pay the entire estimated

INVESTMENTS

cost of such benefits.

The cost of securities used in determining realized gains and losses is based on the average cost basis of the

security sold.  Net income in 2002 and 2001 includes a loss of approximately $0.5 million, $0.01 per share on

a diluted basis, and $1.4 million, $0.03 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, resulting from the Company’s
assessment that the decline in market value of certain available-for-sale securities below their financial cost

basis was other than temporary.  There were no losses in 2003 as the result of  a decline in market values

that were considered other than temporary by the Company. 

Investments in companies owned from 20 to 50 percent are accounted for using the equity method with the

The Company has accrued a liability for estimated workers compensation claims incurred.  The liability for other

benefits to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement is not material.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the

period.  Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock.  

Company recognizing its proportionate share of the income or loss of each investee.  The Company owned

EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED AWARDS

approximately 21.7% of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (Atwood) at both September 30, 2003 and 2002. The quoted

Employee stock-based awards are accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting

market value of the Company’s investment was $71,970,000 and $87,750,000 at September 30, 2003 and

for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations.  Fixed plan common stock options generally do

2002, respectively.  Retained earnings at September 30, 2003 includes approximately $28,306,000 of 

not result in compensation expense, because the exercise price of the options issued by the Company equals

undistributed earnings of Atwood.

Summarized financial information of Atwood is as follows:

September 30

Gross revenues

Costs and expenses 

Net income (loss)

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.’s equity in 

2003

$ 144,766

157,568 

$  (12,802) 

2002
(in thousands)

$ 149,157

120,872

$   28,285 

2001

$ 147,541 

120,195

$  27,346

the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  The plans under which the Company issues

stock based awards are described more fully in Note 5.  The following table illustrates the effect on net

income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS

No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

September 30

Net income, as reported 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation 

expense included in the Consolidated Statements 

2003

$ 17,873

2002
(in thousands)

$ 63,517

2001

$144,254

net income (loss), net of income taxes

$    (1,414)

$     4,206

$    3,596

of Income, net of related tax effects

112

909

908

Current assets 

Noncurrent assets 

Current liabilities 

Noncurrent liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

$   72,182 

$   71,813 

447,464 

40,504 

215,757 

263,385 

372,717

24,416 

143,981 

276,133 

$   45,891

304,857

19,144 

85,948

245,656

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.’s investment

$   56,655 

$   58,937 

$   52,153

56

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation 

expense determined under fair value based 

method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(4,387)

(3,354)

(5,951)

Pro forma net income 

$ 13,598

$ 61,072

$139,211

Earnings per share:

Basic-as reported

Basic-pro forma

Diluted-as reported

Diluted-pro forma

$    0.36

$    0.27

$    0.35

$    0.27

57

$    1.27

$    1.23

$    1.26

$    1.21

$    2.88

$    2.78

$    2.84

$    2.74

These pro forma amounts may not be representative of future disclosures since the estimated fair value of stock

NOTE 2 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

options is amortized to expense over the vesting period, and additional options may be granted in future years.

TREASURY STOCK

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired

stock is recorded as treasury stock.  Gains and losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited

or charged to additional paid-in-capital using the average-cost method.

CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST

The Company capitalizes interest on major projects during construction.  Interest is capitalized on borrowed

funds, with the rate based on the average interest rate on related debt.  Capitalized interest for 2003, 2002
and 2001 was $1.8 million, $2.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT

On September 30, 2002, the Company’s distribution of 100 percent of the common stock of Cimarex Energy Co.

and the merger of Key Production Company, Inc. with Cimarex was completed.  In connection with the distribution,

approximately 26.6 million shares of the Cimarex Energy Co. common stock on a diluted basis were distributed

to shareholders of the Company of record on September 27, 2002.  The Cimarex Energy Co. stock distribution

was recorded as a dividend and resulted in a decrease to consolidated shareholders’ equity of approximately

$152.2 million.  The Company does not own any common stock of Cimarex Energy Co.

Under terms of a tax sharing agreement, each party has agreed to indemnify the other in respect of all taxes

for which it is responsible under the tax sharing agreement.  Cimarex is responsible for all taxes related to the
exploration and production business for all of past and future periods, including all taxes arising from the Cimarex

business prior to the time that Cimarex was formed, and agrees to hold the Company harmless in respect of

those taxes.  Cimarex is entitled to receive all refunds and credits of taxes previously paid with respect to the

The Company uses derivatives as part of an overall operating strategy to moderate certain financial market risks

exploration and production business.  Cimarex will not receive the benefit of any loss or similar tax attribute

and is exposed to interest rate risk from long-term debt.  To manage this risk, in October 1998, the Company

arising during the time that losses from the Cimarex business are included in the Company’s consolidated federal

entered into an interest rate swap to exchange floating rate for fixed rate interest payments through October

2003, the remaining life of the debt.  The difference to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an

income tax return.  The Company remains responsible for all taxes related to the business of the Company

other than the exploration and production business and has agreed to indemnify Cimarex in respect of any 

adjustment of interest expense.  As of September 30, 2003, the Company’s interest rate swap had a notional

liability for any such taxes. 

principal amount of $50 million.  

The Company’s accounting policy for these instruments is based on its designation of such instruments as hedging

transactions.  An instrument is designated as a hedge based in part on its effectiveness in risk reduction and

one-to-one matching of derivative instruments to underlying transactions.  The Company records all derivatives

on the balance sheet at fair value.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure of

variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain

or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’

Summarized results of discontinued operations for the years ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, 

are as follows:

September 30

Revenues

Income from operations:

Income before income taxes

Tax provision

2002

2001

(in thousands)

$172,827

$317,580

15,138

5,327

$   9,811

102,125

38,338

$  63,787

equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction

Income from discontinued operations

affects earnings.  The change in value of the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the

present value of the future cash flows of the risk being hedged, if any, is recognized in the current earnings

during the period of change.

Gains and losses from termination of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and amortized as an adjustment

to interest expense over the original term of the terminated swap agreement.

The Company has one derivative, an interest rate swap, that is discussed further in Note 3.

58

59

NOTE 3  NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT

NOTE 4 INCOME TAXES 

At September 30, 2003, the Company had $200 million in long-term debt outstanding at fixed rates and

maturities as summarized in the following table.  Funding of the notes occurred on August 15, 2002 and

October 15, 2002 in equal amounts of $100 million.

(In thousands)

Issue Amount

$ 25,000

$ 25,000

$ 75,000

$ 75,000

Maturity Date

August 15, 2007

August 15, 2009

August 15, 2012

August 15, 2014

Interest Rate

5.51%

5.91%

6.46%

6.56%

The terms of the debt obligations require the Company to maintain a minimum ratio of debt to total capitalization.

The proceeds of the debt issuances were used to repay $50 million of outstanding debt, fund the Company’s

rig construction program and for other general corporate purposes.

At September 30, 2003, the Company had a committed unsecured line of credit totaling $125 million.  Short-term

loans totaling $30 million and letters of credit totaling $13.7 million were outstanding against the line, leaving

$81.3 million available to borrow.  The weighted average interest rate on short-term loans at September 30,

2003 was 2.0 percent.  Under terms of the line of credit, the Company must maintain certain financial ratios

including debt to total capitalization and debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization,

and maintain certain levels of liquidity and tangible net worth.  A non-use fee of 0.15 percent per annum is 

calculated on the average daily unused amount, payable quarterly.  The interest rate varies based on LIBOR 

plus .875 to 1.125 percent depending on ratios described above.  The line of credit matures in July, 2004.

Subsequent to September 30, 2003, the Company has paid $10 million of short-term debt.

At September 30, 2003, the Company held an unassociated interest rate swap tied to 30-day LIBOR in the

amount of $50 million which matured on October 27, 2003.  The swap instrument was originally designated

as a hedge of a $50 million loan that was paid off in September 2002.  The swap liability was valued at

approximately $0.1 million on September 30, 2003.

The interest rate swap liability was valued at approximately $1.7 million on the date the $50 million debt was

paid off.  The $1.7 million is being amortized over the remaining life of the swap as interest expense.  In fiscal

2003, $1.6 million was amortized and included in interest expense.  Changes to the value of the interest rate

swap subsequent to the date the $50 million debt was paid are recorded to income.

CURRENT:

Federal

Foreign 

State 

DEFERRED:   

Federal 

Foreign 

State 

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:

Years Ended September 30,

2003 

2002 
(In thousands)

2001

$  (34,495)

$  13,324

$  28,911 

6,870

883

(26,742)

42,835

(3,383)

1,939

41,391

5,080 

1,022 

19,426 

16,019 

3,732 

1,396 

21,147 

8,870 

2,651 

40,432 

8,850 

4,701 

706 

14,257 

$ 54,689 

2001

$106,163 

26,814 

$132,977

TOTAL PROVISION: 

$  14,649

$ 40,573 

The amounts of domestic and foreign income from continuing operations are as follows: 
2003 

Years Ended September 30,

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

and equity in income (loss) of affiliates:

Domestic 

Foreign 

$ 31,164 

2,778

$ 33,942

2002 
(In thousands)

$ 82,012 

9,208 

$ 91,220 

Effective income tax rates on income from continuing operations as compared to the U.S. Federal income tax rate are as follows:

Years Ended September 30,

2003 

2002 

2001

U.S. Federal income tax rate

Effect of foreign taxes

State income taxes

Effective income tax rate 

35%

4

4

43% 

35%

7

2

44% 

35% 

4

2

41%

The components of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

September 30,

2003 

2002 

2000

(In thousands)

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment 

Available-for-sale securities 

Equity investments 

Total deferred tax liabilities 

Deferred tax assets:

Financial accruals 

Pension reserve

Other 

Total deferred tax assets 

Net deferred tax liabilities

$ 153,736

25,106

17,349

196,191 

6,079 

4,917 

3,458 

14,454 

$ 181,737 

$111,822

18,170 

18,216 

148,208

7,196

2,802

6,809

16,807

$131,401

60

61

NOTE 5  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

In December 2001, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares per calendar year

of the Company’s common stock in the open market or private transactions.  The repurchased shares will be

held in treasury and used for general corporate purposes including use in the Company’s benefit plans.  During

fiscal 2001 the Company purchased 773,800 shares at a cost of approximately $23,198,000 under previous

Outstanding at October 1, 

authorizations from the board of directors.  The Company did not purchase any shares in fiscal 2003 or 2002.

The Company has several plans providing for common-stock based awards to employees and to non-employee

directors.  The plans permit the granting of various types of awards including stock options and restricted stock.

Restricted stock may be granted for no consideration other than prior and future services.  The purchase price
per share for stock options may not be less than market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

Stock options expire ten years after grant.

Granted 

Exercised 

Adjustment for Cimarex spinoff

Forfeited/Expired 

Outstanding on September 30, 
Exercisable on September 30, 

Shares available to grant 

2003

2002

2001

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Options

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Options

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$20.28

3,136 

$25.78 

2,955 

$22.94

27.74

16.93

—

23.85

$21.41
19.34

820 

(181) 

926

(826) 

3,875 
1,935 

2,195  

29.89 

19.61 

—

28.15 

$20.28 
$19.07 

844 

(644) 

—

(19) 

3,136 
1,078 

3,000  

32.36 

21.34 

—

25.57 

$25.78 
$23.82 

Options

3,875

611

(130)

—

(29)

4,327
2,575

1,597

The following summary reflects the stock option activity for the Company’s common stock and related information for

2003, 2002, and 2001. (shares in thousands):

In March 2001, the Company adopted the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”).  The Stock

The following table summarizes information about stock options at September 30, 2003 (shares in thousands):

Incentive Plan was effective December 6, 2000 and will terminate December 6, 2010.  Under this plan, the

Company is authorized to grant options for up to 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an

exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.  Up to 450,000

shares of the total authorized may be granted to participants as restricted stock awards.  In fiscal 2003 and 2002,

610,700 and 819,800 options, respectively, were granted under the 2000 plan.  There were no restricted

stock grants in fiscal 2003 or 2002.  There was no activity under this plan during fiscal 2001.

On September 30, 2002, the Company distributed 100 percent of the common stock of Cimarex Energy Co. to the

Outstanding Stock Options

Exercisable Stock Options

Range of
Exercise Prices 

$10.22 to $12.78 

$12.79 to $19.84 

$19.85 to $28.04 

$10.22 to $28.04 

Options

380 

1,376 

2,571 

4,327 

Weighted-Average
Remaining Life

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

1.9

5.2

7.5

6.3

$10.58

$17.03

$25.35

$21.41

Options

380

1,195

1,000

2,575

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$10.58

$16.76

$25.74

$19.34

Company’s shareholders.  The distribution was recorded as a dividend and resulted in a decrease to consolidated

The weighted-average fair values of options at their grant date during 2003, 2002, and 2001 was $10.72, $12.47,

shareholders equity of approximately $152.2 million.  Any options held by Cimarex employees at the distribution

and $13.01, respectively.  The estimated fair value of each option granted is calculated using the Black-Scholes

date were automatically forfeited per the terms of the Company’s stock incentive plans.  Both vested and unvested

option-pricing model.  The following summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used in the model:

options held by remaining participants at September 30, 2002 were adjusted (the number of options and exercise

price) to reflect the change in the value of Company common stock as the result of the spin-off of Cimarex.  The

adjustment was made in such a way that the aggregate intrinsic value of the options and the ratio of the exercise

price per share to the market value per share remained the same.

Expected years until exercise

Expected stock volatility

Dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

2003 

2002 

2001

4.5

45%

.75%

3.1%

4.5

48%

.8%

4.0%

4.5

43%

.8% 

5.2% 

On September 30, 2003, the Company had 50,140,364 outstanding common stock purchase rights (“Rights”) pursuant

to terms of the Rights Agreement dated January 8, 1996.  Under the terms of the Rights Agreement each Right entitled

the holder thereof to purchase from the Company one half of one unit consisting of one one-thousandth of a share of

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), without par value, at a price of $90 per unit.  The exercise

price and the number of units of Preferred Stock issuable on exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment in certain

cases to prevent dilution.  The Rights will be attached to the common stock certificates and are not exercisable or

transferrable apart from the common stock, until ten business days after a person acquires 15 percent or more of

62

63

the outstanding common stock or ten business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange

NOTE 7  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

offer that would result in a person owning 15 percent or more of the outstanding common stock.  In the event

the Company is acquired in a merger or certain other business combination transactions (including one in which

The Company had $200 million of long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2003, which had an estimated

the Company is the surviving corporation), or more than 50 percent of the Company’s assets or earning power

is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right shall have the right to receive, upon exercise of the Right, common

stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.  The Rights

are redeemable under certain circumstances at $0.01 per Right and will expire, unless earlier redeemed, on

January 31, 2006.  As long as the Rights are not separately transferrable, the Company will issue one half of

one Right with each new share of common stock issued.

NOTE 6  EARNINGS PER SHARE

fair value of $226.5 million.  The debt was valued based on the prices of similar securities with similar terms

and credit ratings.  The Company used the expertise of an outside investment banking firm to assist with the

estimate of the fair value of the long-term debt.  The Company’s line of credit and notes payable bear interest

at market rates and are carried at cost which approximates fair value.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s

interest rate swap is a liability of $0.1 million at September 30, 2003, based on forward-interest rates derived from

the year-end yield curve as calculated by the financial institution that is a counterparty to the swap.  The estimated

fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities is primarily based on market quotes.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, which excludes those accounted for under the equity

A reconciliation of the weighted-average common shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis is as follows:

method of accounting (see Note 1):

Basic weighted-average shares

Effect of dilutive shares:

Stock options

Restricted stock 

2003 

50,039

555

2 

557 

2002 

(in thousands)

49,825 

508 

12 

520 

Diluted weighted-average shares 

50,596 

50,345 

2001

50,096

644

32

676

50,772

At September 30, 2003, options to purchase 1,030,791 shares of common stock at a weighted-average

price of $27.86 were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common

share.  Inclusion of these shares would be antidilutive.

Restricted stock of 44,675 shares at a weighted-average price of $30.38 and options to purchase 451,421

shares of common stock at a weighted-average price of $27.98 were outstanding at September 30, 2002,

but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share.  Inclusion of these shares

would be antidilutive.

At September 30, 2001, restricted stock of 120,018 shares at a weighted-average price of $37.73 and options

to purchase 1,250,750 shares of common stock at a price of $33.84 were outstanding, but were not included

in the computation of diluted earnings per common share.  Inclusion of these shares would be antidilutive.

Equity Securities:

September 30, 2003

September 30, 2002

Cost

Gross Unrealized
Gains

Gross Unrealized 
Losses

Estimated Fair
Value

(in thousands)

$  33,300

$  46,325

$  64,276

$  43,846

$        0

$ 3,772

$  97,576

$  86,399

During the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001, marketable equity available-for-sale securities

with a fair value at the date of sale of $18,215,000, $46,692,000, and $24,438,000, respectively, were sold.

The gross realized gains on such sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $8,582,000, $25,893,000, and

$3,314,000,  respectively, and the gross realized losses totaled $3,053,000, $232,000, and $0, respectively. 

64

65

NOTE 8  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

NOTE 9  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The table below presents changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

In July 2003, the Company revised the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Employee Retirement Plan (“Pension Plan”) to

Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
on Securities

Interest 
Rate 
Swap

Minimum
Pension 
Liability

Total

(in thousands)

close the Pension Plan to new participants effective October 1, 2003, and reduce benefit accruals for current

participants through September 30, 2006, at which time benefit accruals will be discontinued and the plan

frozen.  These revisions to the Pension Plan had no effect upon pension expense accruals for fiscal 2003.

Balance at September 30, 2000 

$106,064 

$   — 

$   —

$106,064

The following tables set forth the Company’s disclosures required by SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures

2001 Change:

Pre-income tax amount 

Income tax provision 
Realized gains in net income

(net of $452 income tax)

Balance at September 30, 2001 

2002 Change:

Pre-income tax amount 

Income tax provision 

Amortization of swap

(88,762)

33,730

(737)

(55,769) 

50,295 

(16,228) 

6,167 

(net of $7 income tax benefit)

—

Realized gains in net income

(net of $9,431 income tax)

Balance at September 30, 2002 

2003 Change:

Pre-income tax amount

Income tax provision 

Amortization of swap

(15,388)

(25,449) 

24,846 

29,731

(11,298) 

(net of $602 income tax benefit)

—

Realized gains in net income

(net of $2,101 income tax)

(3,428)

15,005

(1,590)

604

—

(986)

(986)

(127) 

48 

11

—

(68) 

(1,054) 

—

—

982

—

982

—

—

—

—

—

(12,277)

4,665 

—

—

(7,612) 

(7,612) 

2,421

(920) 

—

—

1,501

(90,352)

34,334

(737)

(56,755)

49,309

(28,632)

10,880

11

(15,388)

(33,129)

16,180 

32,152

(12,218)

982

(3,428)

17,488

Balance at September 30, 2003 

$ 39,851 

$     (72) 

$ (6,111) 

$ 33,668

About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.”

Change in benefit obligation:

Years Ended September 30,          2003 

2002

(in thousands)

Benefit obligation at beginning of year 

$ 68,134 

$ 51,733

Service cost 

Interest cost 

Curtailments 

Actuarial loss 

Benefits paid

5,401 

4,423 

(8,444)

6,269

(4,609)

4,769

3,835

(1,232)

11,036

(2,007)

Benefit obligation at end of year 

$ 71,174

$ 68,134

Change in plan assets:

Years Ended September 30,          2003 

(in thousands)

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Actual gain (loss) on plan assets

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

Funded status of the plan

Unrecognized net actuarial loss 

Unrecognized prior service cost 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

(before tax)

Accrued benefit cost

$ 48,286 

9,958

(4,609)

$ 53,635

$ (17,539)

15,052

20

(9,856)

$ (12,323)

2002

$ 53,987

(3,694)

(2,007)

$ 48,286

$ (19,848)

24,929

284

(12,277)

$ (6,912)

Weighted-average assumptions:

Discount rate 

Years Ended September 30,          2003 
6.25% 

Expected return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase 

8.00% 

5.00% 

2002 
6.75% 

8.00% 

5.00% 

2001
7.50%

9.00%

5.00% 

66

67

COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC PENSION EXPENSE:

Years Ended September 30,                  2003 

Service cost 

Interest cost 

Expected return on plan assets 

Amortization of prior service cost 

Amortization of transition asset 

Curtailment gain

Recognized net actuarial loss 

Net pension expense 

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

$ 5,401 

4,423 

(3,807) 

180 

—

1,550 

84 

2002 

(in thousands)

$ 4,769

3,835

(4,804)

238

(540)

120

—

2001

$ 3,851

3,330

(5,415)

238

(540)

17

—

$ 7,831

$ 3,618

$ 1,481

Substantially all employees on the United States payroll of the Company may elect to participate in the

Company sponsored Thrift/401(k) Plan by contributing a portion of their earnings.  The Company contributes

amounts equal to 100 percent of the first five percent of the participant’s compensation subject to certain 

limitations.  Expensed Company contributions were $5,568,000, $5,226,000, and $4,499,000 in 2003,

2002, and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 10  OTHER CURRENT ASSETS AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES  

Prepaid expenses and other consist of the following:

Time deposits 

Income tax receivable

Deferred mobilization

Other 

September 30,                  2003 

2002

(in thousands)

$    322 

32,619

2,993

9,787 

$ 45,721 

$

337

9,304

—

7,112

$ 16,753

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

Taxes payable – operations 

Workers compensation claims 

Payroll and employee benefits 

Deferred income 

Other 

September 30,                  2003

2002

(in thousands)

$ 8,386 

$ 7,660

2,820 

6,768 

1,535 

9,479 

2,506

7,032

6,016

8,640

$ 28,988 

$ 31,854

NOTE 11  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

Years Ended September 30,                  2003

2002

(in thousands)

2001  

Cash payments:

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized

Income taxes paid 

$ 11,375 

$ 5,838  

$

477 

$  9,779 

$   1,546

$ 42,523

68

69

NOTE 12 RISK FACTORS

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily

of temporary cash investments and trade receivables.  The Company places temporary cash investments with

established financial institutions and invests in a diversified portfolio of highly rated, short-term money market

instruments.   The Company’s trade receivables are primarily with companies in the oil and gas industry and are

typically not secured by collateral.  The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts, when necessary, to

cover estimated credit losses.  Such an allowance is based on managements knowledge of customer accounts.

No significant credit losses have been experienced by the Company.  

SELF-INSURANCE

regulations the Company on October 1, 2003, submitted a request to the Venezuelan government seeking

permission to convert existing bolivar balances into U.S. dollars. The Company is unable to predict if or when

this request will be approved. 

As stated above, the Company is exposed to risks of currency devaluation in Venezuela primarily as a result of

bolivar receivable balances and bolivar cash balances.  From August of 2002 to August of 2003, there was 

a 13 percent devaluation of the bolivar.  As a result, the Company experienced a $624,000 devaluation loss.  This

13 percent devaluation loss may not be reflective of the actual potential for future devaluation losses because of

the exchange controls that are currently in place. While the Company is unable to predict future devaluation in

Venezuela, if fiscal 2004 activity levels are similar to fiscal 2003 and if a 25 to 50 percent devaluation would

occur, the Company could experience potential currency devaluation losses ranging from approximately

$3,200,000 to $5,100,000.

The Company self-insures a significant portion of its expected losses under its worker’s compensation, general,

In late August 2003, the Venezuelan state petroleum company agreed, on a go-forward basis, to pay a portion

and automobile liability programs in the United States.  Insurance coverage has been purchased for individual

of the Company’s dollar-based invoices in U.S. dollars. While this is a positive development in light of the existing

claims that exceed $2 million.  The Company records estimates for incurred outstanding liabilities for unresolved

exchange controls, there is no guarantee as to how long this arrangement will continue. Were this agreement

worker’s compensation, general liability claims and for claims that are incurred but not reported.  Estimates are

to end, The Company would revert back to receiving these payments in Bolivars and thus increase Bolivar cash

based on historic experience and statistical methods that the Company believes are reliable.  Nonetheless,

balances and exposure to devaluation.

insurance estimates include certain assumptions and management judgments regarding the frequency and

severity of claims, claims development, and settlement practices.  Unanticipated changes in these factors

may produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these programs.

CONTRACT DRILLING OPERATIONS

International drilling operations are significant contributors to the Company’s revenues and net profit.  It is possible

that operating results could be affected by the risks of such activities, including economic conditions in the

international markets in which the Company operates, political and economic instability, fluctuations in currency

exchange rates, changes in international regulatory requirements, international employment issues, and the

burden of complying with foreign laws.  These risks may adversely affect the Company’s future operating

results and financial position.

Recent events in Venezuela have created greater governmental instability.  In the event that extended labor strikes

occur or turmoil increases, the Company could experience shortages in material and supplies necessary to

operate some or all of its Venezuelan drilling rigs. 

The Company believes that its rig fleet is not currently impaired based on an assessment of future cash flows

of the assets in question.  However, it is possible that the Company’s assessment that it will recover the carrying

amount of its rig fleet from future operations may change in the near term.

NOTE 13  NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”  This Statement

The Company is exposed to risks of currency devaluation in Venezuela primarily as a result of bolivar receivable

addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-

balances and bolivar cash balances. In Venezuela, while approximately 60 percent of the Company’s billings 

lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs.  The Statement requires that the fair value of a liability

to the Venezuelan oil company, PDVSA, are in U.S. dollars and 40 percent are in the local currency, the bolivar,

for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate

PDVSA typically pays all amounts owed in bolivars.  The Company, historically, has usually been able to convert

of fair value can be made, and that the associated asset retirement costs be capitalized as part of the carry-

the bolivars received in payment of the dollar-based billings into U.S. dollars in a timely manner. In January

ing amount of the long-lived asset.  The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years

2003, the Venezuelan government put into effect exchange controls that fixed the exchange rate at 1600

beginning after June 15, 2002.  There was no impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial

bolivars to one U.S. dollar and also prohibited the Company, as well as other companies, from converting the

position upon adopting SFAS No. 143 on October 1, 2002.

bolivar into U.S. dollars. As a result of these exchange controls, the Company has been unable since January

2003 to convert its bolivar cash balances into U.S. dollars. As of September 30, 2003, the Company’s bolivar

balance was approximately 14 billion bolivars or approximately $8.8 million. Historically, the Company has kept

bolivar cash balances at necessary minimum levels to fund local operating costs. In compliance with applicable

70

71

NOTE 14 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS 

COMMITMENTS

The Company, on a regular basis, makes commitments for the purchase of contract drilling equipment.  At

September 30, 2003, the Company has commitments of approximately $35 million for the purchase of

drilling equipment.

LEASES

depreciation; and allocated general and administrative costs; but excludes corporate costs for other depreciation

and other income and expense.  General and administrative costs are allocated to the segments based primarily

on specific identification, and to the extent that such identification was not practical, on other methods which the

Company believes to be a reasonable refelction of the utilization of services provided.  The accounting policies of

the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Accounting Policies.  Intersegment sales

are accounted for in the same manner as sales to unaffiliated customers.

Summarized financial information of the Company’s reportable segments for each of the years ended

In May 2003, the Company signed a six-year lease for approximately 114,000 square feet of office space near

September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001 is shown in the following table:

downtown Tulsa.  The lease will be effective as the Company moves during the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

Future annual minimum lease payments under this noncancelable lease and other noncancelable leases as of
September 30, 2003 were as follows: (in thousands)

Fiscal Year

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Thereafter

Total

Amount

$ 1,285

1,048

1,311

1,385

1,385

1,732

$ 8,146

Total rent expense was $1,108,000, $1,027,000 and $736,000 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 15  SEGMENT INFORMATION 

The Company operates principally in the contract drilling industry.  The Company’s contract drilling business

includes the following operating segments: U.S. Land, U.S. Offshore Platform, and International.  The contract

drilling operations consist primarily of contracting Company-owned drilling equipment primarily to major oil and gas

exploration companies.  The Company’s primary international areas of operation include Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,

Argentina and Bolivia.  The Company also has a Real Estate segment whose operations are conducted exclusively

in the metropolitan area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The primary areas of operations include a major shopping center

and several multi-tenant warehouses. Each reportable segment is a strategic business unit which is managed

separately. Other includes Investments and corporate operations.  As described in Note 2 the Company’s oil

and gas operations were distributed to Company shareholders on September 30, 2002.  Such operations have

been treated as discontinued operations and have been excluded from these segment disclosures.

The Company evaluates performance of its segments based upon operating profit or loss from operations

before income taxes which includes revenues from external and internal customers; direct operating costs;

72

External
Sales 

Inter-
Segment

Total
Sales

Operating
Profit

Depreciation

Total
Assets

(in thousands)

2003:
Contract Drilling

U.S. Land 
U.S. Offshore Platform 
International Services 

Real Estate 
Other 
Eliminations 

Total 

2002:
Contract Drilling

$ 273,993
112,633
109,812 
496,438 
10,893 
7,953 
—

$ 515,284

$ 231,637
U.S. Land 
U.S. Offshore Platform   132,249
151,392 
International Services 
515,278 
8,525 
28,076 
—
$ 551,879  

Real Estate 
Other 
Eliminations 
Total 

2001:
Contract Drilling

$ 221,857
U.S. Land 
U.S. Offshore Platform   128,459
170,270 
International Services 
520,586 
11,018 
10,967 
—

Real Estate 
Other 
Eliminations 
Total 

$ —
—
—
—
1,439
—
(1,439)

$ —

$ 809 
— 
—
809 
1,491 
—
(2,300) 

$ —

$ 4,487
—
—
4,487
1,545
—
(6,032)

$ 542,571

$    —

$ 273,993
112,633
109,812
496,438
12,332
7,953
(1,439)
$ 515,284

$ 18,565
36,306
5,149 
60,020 
6,569 
—
—
$ 66,589 

$ 44,726
12,799
20,092
77,617
2,535
2,361
—

$  728,707
170,580
243,918
1,143,205
31,472
241,158
—

$ 82,513 

$1,415,835

$ 232,446
132,249
151,392 
516,087 
10,016 
28,076 
(2,300) 
$ 551,879 

$ 30,493
38,688
13,128
82,309
5,064
—
—
$ 87,373

$ 26,311
10,809
20,336
57,456
1,844
2,147
—

$   555,137
173,474
254,940 
983,551 
26,562 
217,200 
—

$ 61,447 

$1,227,313

Additions
to Long-Lived
Assets

$ 216,590
7,191
12,733
236,514
7,628
2,159
—

$ 246,301

$ 236,254
48,273
23,157
307,684
3,181
1,199
— 

$ 312,064

$ 67,580
40,111
28,475
136,166
6,315
—
—
$142,481 

$ 16,701
9,576
18,838 
45,115 
2,284 
2,133 
—

$   366,193
139,980
268,947 
775,120 
22,621 
367,123 
—

$ 136,740
7,323
38,022
182,085
1,190
1,393
—

$ 49,532   $1,164,864

$ 184,668 

$ 226,344
128,459
170,270 
525,073 
12,563 
10,967 
(6,032) 

$ 542,571

73

The following table reconciles segment operating profit per the table on page 72 to income before taxes and

NOTE 16  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

equity in income (loss) of affiliates as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands).

Years Ended September 30,

2003 

2002 

2001

Segment operating profit 
Unallocated amounts:

Income from investments 
Corporate and administrative expense 
Interest expense 
Corporate depreciation 
Other corporate expense

Total unallocated amounts 

Income before income taxes and equity in

income (loss) of affiliates 

$ 66,589 

$ 87,373 

$ 142,481

7,953 
(25,650)
(12,289) 
(2,361) 
(300) 
(32,647) 

28,076
(20,391) 
(980) 
(2,147) 
(711) 

3,847

10,967
(16,627)
(1,701)
(2,133)
(10)
(9,504)

$ 33,942 

$ 91,220 

$ 132,977

The following tables present revenues from external customers and long-lived assets by country based on the
location of service provided (in thousands).

Years Ended September 30,

2003 

2002 

2001

Revenues

United States 
Venezuela 
Ecuador 
Colombia 
Other Foreign

Total 

Long-Lived Assets
United States 
Venezuela 
Ecuador 
Colombia 
Other Foreign

Total 

$   405,472 
31,763 
50,783 
6,081 
21,185 
$ 515,284 

$   867,365 
75,179 
46,778 
12,984 
55,899 
$1,058,205 

$ 400,487 
50,763 
47,501 
11,612 
41,516 
$ 551,879 

$ 698,316 
72,630 
49,353 
14,339 
62,807 
$ 897,445 

$ 372,301
49,163
37,839
28,886
54,382
$ 542,571

$ 448,119
84,856
33,520
16,195
67,361
$ 650,051

Long-lived assets are comprised of property, plant and equipment.

Revenues from one company doing business with the contract drilling segment accounted for approximately

15.7 percent, 16.3 percent, and 23.9 percent of the total consolidated revenues during the years ended

September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.  Revenues from another company doing business with

the contract drilling segment accounted for approximately 14.6 percent, 14.7 percent, and 12.8 percent of

total consolidated revenues in the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.  Revenues

from another company doing business with the contract drilling segment accounted for approximately 11.5

percent, 12.3 percent, and 8.4 percent of total consolidated revenues in the years ended September 30,

2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.  Collectively, the receivables from these customers were approximately

$36.0 million and $35.0 million at September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

2003

Revenues

Gross profit 

Net income 

Basic net income per common share:

Diluted net income per common share:

2002

Revenues 

Gross profit 

Income from continuing operations 

Net income 

Basic earnings per common share:

Income from continuing operations 

Net income 

Diluted earnings per common share:  

Income from continuing operations 

Net income 

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

$ 113,313 

$ 126,320 

$ 137,025 

$ 138,626

14,021 

607 

.01 

.01 

19,024 

2,574 

.05 

.05 

26,788 

8,162 

.16 

.16 

27,401 

6,530 

.13 

.13

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

$ 143,883 

$ 132,344 

$ 152,049 

$ 123,603

37,378 

18,127 

15,604 

24,093 

8,129 

10,872 

47,477 

22,551 

28,218 

19,815 

4,899 

8,823 

.36 

.31

.36 

.31 

.16 

.22 

.16 

.22 

.46 

.57

.45 

.56 

.10

.18 

.10

.17 

Gross profit represents total revenues less operating costs and depreciation.

The sum of earnings per share for the four quarters may not equal the total earnings per share for the year

due to changes in the average number of common shares outstanding.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2003 includes after-tax gains on sale of available-for-sale securities of

$3.2 million, $0.06 per share, on a diluted basis.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2003 includes an after-tax equity loss in loss of affiliates of $2 million,

$0.04 per share, on a diluted basis.

Net income in the third quarter of 2002 includes after-tax gains on sale of available-for-sale securities of

$15.2 million, $0.30 per share, on a diluted basis.

74

75

Directors

Officers

W. H. Helmerich, III
Chairman of the Board

Hans Helmerich
President and Chief Executive Officer

George S. Dotson
Vice President,
President of Helmerich & Payne
International Drilling Co.

Douglas E. Fears
Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Steven R. Mackey
Vice President, Secretary,
and General Counsel

Gordon K. Helm
Controller 

W. H. Helmerich, III
Chairman of the Board
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Hans Helmerich
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tulsa, Oklahoma

William L. Armstrong **(***)
Chairman
Transland Financial Services, Inc.
Denver, Colorado

Glenn A. Cox *(***)
President and Chief Operating Officer, Retired
Phillips Petroleum Company
Bartlesville, Oklahoma

George S. Dotson
Vice President,
President of Helmerich & Payne
International Drilling Co.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Paula Marshall-Chapman**(***)
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Bama Companies, Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

L. F. Rooney, III*(***)
Chief Executive Officer
Manhattan Construction Company
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Edward B. Rust, Jr.*(***)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
State Farm Insurance Companies
Bloomington, Illinois

John D. Zeglis**(***)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
AT&T Wireless Services
Basking Ridge, New Jersey

* Member, Audit Committee
** Member, Human Resources Committee
*** Member, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

76

Stockholders’ Meeting
The annual meeting of stockholders will be held
on March 3, 2004. A formal notice of the
meeting, together with a proxy statement and
form of proxy will be mailed to shareholders
on or about January 27, 2004.

Stock Exchange Listing
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Common Stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange with
the ticker symbol “HP.” The newspaper abbre-
viation most commonly used for financial
reporting is “HelmP.” Options on the Company’s
stock are also traded on the New York 
Stock Exchange.

Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar
As of December 15, 2003, there were 1,017
record holders of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
common stock as listed by the transfer
agent’s records.

Our Transfer Agent is responsible for our
shareholder records, issuance of stock 
certificates, and distribution of our dividends
and the IRS Form 1099. Your requests, as
shareholders, concerning these matters are
most efficiently answered by corresponding
directly with The Transfer Agent at the 
following address:

UMB Bank
Security Transfer Division
928 Grand Blvd., 13th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64106
Telephone: (800) 884-4225
(816) 860-5000

Additional Information
Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, earnings
releases, and financial statements are made
available on the investor relations section of
the Company’s Web site. Also located on the
investor relations section of the Company’s
Web site are certain corporate governance
documents, including the following: the charters
of the committees of the Board of Directors;
the Company’s Corporate Governance
Guidelines; the Code of Ethics for Principal
Executive Officer and Senior Financial
Officers; certain Audit Committee Practices
and a description of the means by which
employees and other interested persons 
may communicate certain concerns to the
Company’s Board of Directors, including the
communication of such concerns confiden-
tially and anonymously via the Company’s
ethics hotline at 1-800-205-4913. Quarterly
reports, earnings releases, financial statements
and the various corporate governance 
documents are also available free of charge
upon written request.

Direct Inquiries To:
Investor Relations
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
1437 South Boulder Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
Telephone: (918) 742-5531

Internet Address: http://www.hpinc.com