Quarterlytics / Energy / Oil & Gas Exploration & Production / Helmerich & Payne

Helmerich & Payne

hp · NYSE Energy
Claim this profile
Ticker hp
Exchange NYSE
Sector Energy
Industry Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · Helmerich & Payne
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
ai158017465635_2019 Annual Report Cover--PRINT READY w-spine.pdf   1   1/27/20   8:24 PM

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   1

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   1

1/27/20   8:25 PM

1/27/20   8:25 PM

ai158017465635_2019 Annual Report Cover--PRINT READY w-spine.pdf   2   1/27/20   8:24 PM

1

2

3

4

5

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   2

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   2

1/27/20   8:25 PM

1/27/20   8:25 PM

1. Based on EnergyPoint Research 2018-19 Customer Satisfaction Survey.

2. For fiscal year 2019.

3. Since 1971.

4. Based on December 31, 2019 closing stock price.

5. From January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2019.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 
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
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

73-0679879
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1437 South Boulder Avenue, Suite 1400, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(918) 742-5531 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock ($0.10 par value)

HP

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes 

  No 

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 

  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 
(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging 
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b 2 of the 
Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company

Emerging Growth Company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised 
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b 2 of the Exchange Act). Yes 

  No 

At March 29, 2019, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common 
stock held by non affiliates was approximately $6.08 billion based on the closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date of $55.56.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at November 6, 2019: 108,446,592 

Portions of the Registrant’s 2019 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 3, 2020 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this 
Form 10 K. The 2019 Proxy Statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which 
this Form 10 K relates.

 
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10 K

PART I 

Item 1. 

Business  .................................................................................................................................................................................

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors ............................................................................................................................................................................

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments  ...................................................................................................................................................

Item 2. 

Properties  ...............................................................................................................................................................................

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings ..................................................................................................................................................................

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures  .........................................................................................................................................................

PART II 

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  ..............

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data ..........................................................................................................................................................

Item 7. 

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

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................................................................................

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  .....................................................................................................................

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..................................................

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................................

Item 9B. 

Other Information ....................................................................................................................................................................

PART III 

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ......................................................................................................

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation ........................................................................................................................................................

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ................................

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence  ......................................................................

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services  ................................................................................................................................

PART IV 

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ..........................................................................................................................

Item 16. 

Form 10 K Summary  ..............................................................................................................................................................

Signatures

Page

4

4

14

27

27

27

28

29

29

30

31

44

46

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

92

93

93

96

98

2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10 K (“Form 10 K”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of 

the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-K, including without 
limitation, statements regarding our 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,” 
“predict,” “project,” “target,” “continue,” or the negative thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon 
current plans, estimates, and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we believe that the 
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will 
prove to be correct. Actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The 
inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be 
achieved.

These forward-looking statements include, among others, such things as:

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

our business strategy;
the amount and nature of our future capital expenditures and how we expect to fund our capital expenditures, 
and the number of rigs we plan to construct or acquire;
the volatility of future oil and natural gas prices;
changes in future levels of drilling activity and capital expenditures by our customers, whether as a result of 
global capital markets and liquidity, changes in prices of oil and natural gas or otherwise, which may cause us to 
idle or stack additional rigs, or increase our capital expenditures and the construction or acquisition of rigs;
changes in worldwide rig supply and demand, competition, or technology;
possible cancellation, suspension, renegotiation or termination (with or without cause) of our contracts as a result 
of general or industry-specific economic conditions, mechanical difficulties, performance or other reasons;
expansion and growth of our business and operations;
our belief that the final outcome of our legal proceedings will not materially affect our financial results;
impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory actions affecting our costs and increasing operation 
restrictions or delay and other adverse impacts on our business;
environmental or other liabilities, risks, damages or losses, whether related to storms or hurricanes (including 
wreckage or debris removal), collisions, grounding, blowouts, fires, explosions, other accidents, terrorism or 
otherwise, for which insurance coverage and contractual indemnities may be insufficient, unenforceable or 
otherwise unavailable;
our financial condition and liquidity;
tax matters, including our effective tax rates, tax positions, results of audits, changes in tax laws, treaties and 
regulations, tax assessments and liabilities for taxes; and
potential long-lived asset impairments.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations or results discussed in the 

forward looking statements are disclosed in this Form 10 K under Item 1A— “Risk Factors,” as well as in Item 7— “Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All subsequent written and oral forward looking 
statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary 
statements. Because of the underlying risks and uncertainties, we caution you against placing undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements. We assume no duty to update or revise these forward looking statements based on changes in internal 
estimates, expectations or otherwise, except as required by law.

3

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS 

Overview

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. ("H&P," which, together with its subsidiaries, is identified as the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our,” 
except where stated or the context requires otherwise) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on February 3, 
1940 and is successor to a business originally organized in 1920. We provide performance-driven drilling services and 
technologies that are intended to make hydrocarbon recovery safer and more economical for oil and gas exploration and 
production companies. We are an important vendor for a number of oil and gas exploration and production companies, but we 
focus primarily on the drilling segment of the oil and gas production value chain.

Our global business is composed of four reportable business segments - three contract drilling business segments: U.S. 

Land, Offshore and International Land and one drilling technology-based business segment: Helmerich & Payne Technologies 
("H&P Technologies"). During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, our U.S. Land operations were located in Colorado, 
Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Our 
Offshore operations were conducted in U.S. federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Our International Land operations had rigs 
located in four international locations during fiscal year 2019: Argentina, Bahrain, Colombia and United Arab Emirates (“U.A.E.”). 
Our H&P Technologies operations focus on developing, promoting and commercializing technologies designed to improve the 
efficiency and accuracy of drilling operations, as well as wellbore quality and placement. Our research and development endeavors 
include both internal development and external acquisition of developing technologies. 

We also own, develop and operate limited commercial real estate properties. Our real estate investments, which are 
located exclusively within Tulsa, Oklahoma, include a shopping center containing approximately 389,000 leasable square feet, 
multi tenant industrial warehouse properties containing approximately one million leasable square feet and approximately 210 
acres of undeveloped real estate.

Drilling Fleet

The following map and table sets forth certain information concerning our U.S. land drilling rigs as of September 30, 2019:

2

16

Permian
Eagle Ford
Woodford
Bakken
Niobrara
Haynesville
Marcellus
Piceance
Utica
Other

18

9

9

142

36

50

1

15

1

4

AC (FlexRig3) (1)

AC (FlexRig4) (2)

AC (FlexRig5) (3)

SCR (4)

Total Fleet

Current
Location

Total
Available

Rigs
Contracted

Total 
Available (5)

Rigs
Contracted

Total
Available

Rigs
Contracted

Total
Available

Rigs
Contracted

Total
Available

Rigs
Contracted

U.S. Land Fleet

TX

OK

NM

ND

CO

PA

LA

OH

WY

UT

WV

Totals

144

100

22

29

11

—

6

5

1

3

—

2

223

8

28

5

—

2

5

—

2

—

2

152

1

—

—

4

10

4

—

—

—

1

—

20

—

—

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

1

—

6

28

13

1

3

2

2

—

2

2

—

1

54

20

8

1

2

1

—

—

1

2

—

1

36

1

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

174

35

30

18

12

12

6

3

5

1

3

120

16

29

7

6

2

5

1

4

1

3

299

194

(1) The FlexRig3 is equipped with a 750,000 lb. mast, Varco TDS-11HP top drive and Gardner Denver PZ-11 mud pumps. It can be equipped with
an optional skidding or walking system for pad work and 7,500 psi high pressure mud system. An optional third pump and 7,500 psi high
pressure mud system can also be used. This rig is capable of horizontal and vertical drilling.

(2) The FlexRig4 model has a small footprint and is designed to be highly mobile. The rig is equipped with a 500,000 lb. or 600,000 lb. mast,
400HP top drive and Gardner Denver HS-2250 or PZ-11 mud pumps. Range 3 drill pipe is used without setback. The rig is capable of
horizontal and vertical drilling.

(3) The FlexRig5 base configuration includes a 100-foot, bi-directional skidding system with an optional package that extends to 200 feet. It

includes a 750,000 lb. mast, Varco TDS-11HP top drive and Gardner Denver mud pumps. An optional third pump and 7,500 psi high pressure
mud system can also be used. This rig is capable of horizontal and vertical drilling.

(4) A silicon-controlled-rectifier (“SCR”) system converts alternate current (“AC”) produced by one or more AC generator sets into direct current

(5)

(“DC”). These two SCR rigs are equipped with 3,000 horsepower drawworks to drill deep conventional wells.
In total, seven Domestic FlexRig4's completed their conversions to Domestic FlexRig3's. Two conversions were completed in the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 2018, followed by five conversions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. In addition, the Domestic FlexRig4’s were
downsized by 51 rigs by the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. See Note 5—Property, Plant and Equipment to our Consolidated
Financial Statements.

We operate a large fleet of super-spec rigs, which are generally considered to include the following rig specifications: AC 
Drive, minimum of 1,500 horsepower drawworks, minimum of 750,000 lbs. hookload rating, 7,500 psi mud circulating system, and 
multiple-well pad capability.  The chart below depicts the states in which our super-spec rigs operate.  

5

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our offshore drilling rigs as of September 30, 2019:

Offshore Fleet

Current
Location

Louisiana (2)

Gulf of Mexico

Totals

Shallow Water (1)

Deep Water (1)

Total Fleet

Total Available

Rigs Contracted

Total Available

Rigs Contracted

Total Available

Rigs Contracted

2

3

5

—

3

3

—

3

3

—

3

3

2

6

8

—

6

6

(1)  Deep water rigs operate on floating facilities and shallow water rigs operate on fixed facilities.
(2)  Rigs are idle, stacked on land and not in state waters.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our international land drilling rigs as of September 30, 2019:

International Land Fleet

AC (FlexRig3)

AC (FlexRig4)

Other AC

SCR

Total Fleet

Current
Location

Argentina

Colombia

Bahrain
U.A.E.

Totals

Total
Available
12

Rigs
Contracted
12

Total 
Available (1)
4

Rigs
Contracted
4

Total
Available
—

Rigs
Contracted
—

Total
Available
4

Rigs
Contracted
—

2

—
2
16

—

—
—

12

2

2
—

8

—

2
—

6

1

—
—

1

—

—
—

—

2

—
—

6

—

—
—

—

Total
Available
20
7
2

2

31

Rigs
Contracted
16

—
2

—

18

(1)  At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the fleet was downsized by two rigs. See Note 5—Property, Plant and Equipment to our 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contract Drilling Services

General

We are the largest provider of advanced technology AC drive land rigs in the Western Hemisphere. Operating principally 
in North and South America, we specialize in shale and unconventional resource plays drilling challenging and complex wells in oil 
and gas producing basins in the United States and in international locations. In the United States, we have a diverse mix of 
customers consisting of large independent, major, mid-sized and small oil companies that are focused on unconventional shale 
basins. In South America, our customers primarily include major international and national oil companies. We do not operate any 
legacy mechanical rigs.

Revenue from individual customers that are approximately 10% or more of our total consolidated revenues are as follows:

(in thousands)

EOG Resources, Inc.

2018

2017

$

258,194

$

163,582

We did not have any individual customers that represented 10% or more of our total consolidated revenues in fiscal year 

2019. 

The following table presents our average active rigs per day (a measure of activity and utilization over the fiscal year) and 

average utilization for the fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017:

U.S. Land

Offshore

International Land

2019 (2)

     2018

     2017

     2019

2018

2017

    2019 (3)

2018

Year Ended September 30,

Average active rigs per day

224.1

213.6

156.5

Average utilization (1)

67%

61%

45%

5.9

74%

5.6

70%

6.2

74%

17.6

55%

18.3

49%

2017

13.6

36%

(1)  A rig is considered to be utilized when it is operating (or otherwise deployed for a customer) or being moved, assembled or dismantled 

pursuant to a drilling contract.

(2)  At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the fleet was downsized by 51 rigs. See Note 5—Property, Plant and Equipment to our 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)  At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the fleet was downsized by two rigs. See Note 5—Property, Plant and Equipment to our 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Segments

U.S. Land Segment

We believe we operate the largest technologically advanced AC drive drilling rig fleet in the United States and have a 

presence in most of the U.S. shale and unconventional basins. We have a leading market share in the three most active basins, 
which include the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and Woodford Shale. More than 95 percent of our active rigs are drilling 
horizontal or directional wells. As of September 30, 2019, we had over 20 percent of the total market share in U.S. land drilling and 
approximately 37 percent of the super-spec market share in U.S. land drilling.

As of September 30, 2019, 194 of our 299 marketed rigs were under contract, 128 were under fixed term contracts, and 

66 were working well-to-well. Over the past three fiscal years, we have reinvested in our fleet, upgrading 171 rigs to industry-
leading super-spec capabilities that are designed to drill the most complex unconventional wells.

Our U.S. Land segment contributed approximately 85 percent ($2.4 billion) of our consolidated operating revenues during 
fiscal year 2019, compared with approximately 83 percent ($2.1 billion) and 80 percent ($1.4 billion) of our consolidated operating 
revenues during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the United States, we draw our customers primarily from the major oil 
companies, large independent oil companies and small cap oil companies. Additionally, we have a growing customer base in 
private equity-backed companies. 

Offshore Segment

Our Offshore Drilling segment has been in operation since 1968 and currently consists of eight rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. 

We supply the rig equipment and crews and the operator who owns the platform will typically provide production equipment or 
other necessary facilities. Our offshore rig fleet operates on both conventional jackup style platforms and floating platforms 
attached to the sea floor with mooring lines, such as Spars and Tension Leg Platforms. Additionally, we provide management 
contract services to customer platforms where the customer owns the drilling rig.

As of September 30, 2019, six of the eight offshore rigs were under contract. Our Offshore operations contributed 

approximately 5 percent ($147.6 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal year 2019, compared to 
approximately 6 percent ($142.5 million) and 8 percent ($136.3 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal years 
2018 and 2017, respectively. Revenues from drilling services performed for our largest offshore drilling customer totaled 
approximately 65 percent ($96.0 million) of offshore revenues during fiscal year 2019.

International Land Segment

Our International Land segment operates primarily in Argentina and Colombia, in addition to smaller operations in Bahrain 

and U.A.E. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we ceased operations in Ecuador. As of September 30, 2019, we had 18 
land rigs contracted for work in locations outside of the United States. Our International Land operations contributed approximately 
8 percent ($211.7 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal year 2019, compared with approximately 10 percent 
($238.4 million) and 12 percent ($213.0 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, 
respectively.

Argentina As of September 30, 2019, we had 20 rigs in Argentina. Revenues generated by Argentine drilling operations 
contributed approximately 6 percent ($165.7 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal year 2019 compared to 
approximately 8 percent ($190.0 million) and 9 percent ($157.3 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal years 
2018 and 2017, respectively. Revenues from drilling services performed for our two largest customers in Argentina totaled 
approximately 6 percent of our consolidated operating revenues and approximately 74 percent of our international operating 
revenues during fiscal year 2019. The Argentine drilling contracts are primarily with large international or national oil companies. As 
of September 30, 2019, we believe we had over 15 percent of total market share and over 30 percent of the unconventional 
horizontal drilling market share in Argentina.

Colombia As of September 30, 2019, we had seven rigs in Colombia. Revenues generated by Colombian drilling 
operations contributed approximately 1 percent ($29.8 million) of our consolidated operating revenues in fiscal year 2019, 
compared to approximately 2 percent ($38.8 million) and 2 percent ($37.6 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during 
fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. Revenues from drilling services performed for our two largest customers in Colombia 
totaled approximately 1 percent of our consolidated operating revenues and approximately 13 percent of our international operating 
revenues during fiscal year 2019. The Colombian drilling contracts are primarily with large international or national oil companies.

Bahrain As of September 30, 2019, we had two rigs in Bahrain.  Revenues generated by Bahrain drilling operations 
contributed approximately 0.4 percent ($11.5 million) of our consolidated operating revenues in fiscal year 2019, compared to 
approximately 0.4 percent ($9.5 million) and 0.6 percent ($10.0 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during fiscal years 
2018 and 2017, respectively.  All of our revenues in Bahrain are from a partner of the local national oil company.

7

United Arab Emirates As of September 30, 2019, we had two rigs in the U.A.E.  Revenues generated by U.A.E. drilling 

operations contributed approximately 0.2 percent ($4.7 million) of our consolidated operating revenues in fiscal year 2019, 
compared to nominal amounts in fiscal year 2018 and 0.5 percent ($8.2 million) of our consolidated operating revenues during 
fiscal year 2017. 

H&P Technologies

Effective October 1, 2018 and during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we implemented organizational changes, 

consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. As a result 
of the reorganization of our operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, we identified a new reportable segment, H&P 
Technologies. This reportable segment is used to drive development of advanced digital drilling technologies and directional drilling 
automation solutions, designed to improve safety, reliability, drilling consistency, and well performance economics for our 
customers. Subsequent to the reorganizations, all of our technology companies are included within the H&P Technologies 
reportable segment. Combining drilling technology expertise within this new segment creates a holistic solution-based approach 
that includes products, services and capabilities. This approach provides performance-driven drilling services with greater levels of 
accuracy, consistency, optimization and a reduction of human error to create higher quality wellbores. This technology addresses 
our customers' unique challenges, resulting in less tortuosity and reducing positional uncertainty in the directional drilling process. 
Another key benefit is that many components of our digital technology, including MOTIVE bit guidance and MagVARTM survey 
correction, can be used on any rig, regardless of the drilling or service provider, allowing our customers to benefit from these 
technologies on all rigs. During fiscal year 2019, H&P Technologies released AutoSlideSM, which integrates the MOTIVE bit 
guidance system and several FlexApps to function within the FlexRig operating system and fully automates the control of mud 
motors while sliding during the vertical, the curve, and the lateral hole sections during horizontal drilling operations. Similar to our 
approach with FlexApps, H&P Technologies plans to market AutoSlide across the FlexRigTM fleet initially at a price point that 
improves cost-efficiency for our customers. Subsequently, there are also plans to integrate the software to make this offering 
compatible with non–H&P rigs for those customers with multi-vendor rig fleets. Currently, our AutoSlide application is commercially 
available in four regions including the Midland, Bakken, Eagle Ford and MidCon basins and we will be expanding into additional 
basins in the coming months. The adoption of our FlexApps continues as customers see the value of these technologies as 
demonstrated by their requests to use them on both H&P and non-H&P rigs. Our preparation to respond to this type of demand 
includes migrating our FlexApp offerings into our H&P Technologies business segment, which occurred in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2019 and developing rig-neutral solutions to operate the software on non-H&P rigs. 

Other Operations

Other Operations include additional non-reportable operating segments.  Revenues included in “Other” consist primarily of 

real estate rental income. We own, develop and operate limited commercial real estate properties. Our real estate investments, 
which are located exclusively within Tulsa, Oklahoma, include a shopping center, multi tenant industrial warehouse properties, and 
undeveloped real estate.

We have also established a wholly-owned captive insurance company to insure various risks of our operating 
subsidiaries. The amount of actual cash investments held by the captive insurance company varies, depending on the amount of 
premiums paid to the captive insurance company, the timing and amount of claims paid by the captive insurance company, and the 
amount of dividends paid by the captive insurance company.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company established an incubator program for new research and 

development projects, the results of which have been included in "Other" within our segment disclosures.

Internal Restructuring

During fiscal year 2019, we reorganized our active International Land drilling operations and our Offshore Drilling 
operations into separate, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. through an internal restructuring transaction. This 
reorganization is intended to foster operational efficiency, simplify our organizational structure and provide additional clarity in our 
internal reporting.  It had no impact on our segment reporting.

Rigs, Equipment, R&D, and Facilities

During the late 1990’s, we undertook a strategic initiative to develop a new generation drilling rig that would be the safest, 

fastest-moving and highest performing rig in the land drilling market. Our first “FlexRig®” entered the market in 1998. The original 
18 rigs were designated as FlexRig1 and FlexRig2 rigs and were designed to drill wells with a depth of between 8,000 and 18,000 
feet. From 2002 to 2004, we designed, built and delivered 32 of the next generation, AC drive rigs, known as “FlexRig3,” which 
incorporated new drilling technology and improved the safety and environmental design. The FlexRig3s found immediate success 
by delivering higher value wells to the customer and marked the beginning of the AC land rig revolution. We also changed our 
pricing and contracting strategy, and beginning in 2005, all new FlexRigs were built supported by a firm contract and attractive 
returns. To date, we have built 232 FlexRig3s and our strategy included building them under a multi-year term contract with 
substantial payback at attractive rates of return. An important part of our strategy was to design a rig that could support continuous 
improvement through upgrade capability of the hardware and software on the rigs to take advantage of technology improvements 
and lengthening the industry rig replacement cycle. These upgrades included, but were not limited to, enhanced drilling control 

8

 
 
 
systems and software, skid and walking systems for drilling multiple well pads, 7,500 psi mud systems, set back capacity to 
accommodate the pipe that the longer laterals demanded, and additional mud system capacity.

H&P has a strategic advantage due to our ability to utilize our AC rig design and operational and engineering expertise to 

exploit different well depths and designs that customers demand. In 2006, we introduced the FlexRig4, which was designed to 
efficiently drill shallower wells on multi-well pads. The FlexRig4 design offers two options that include trailerized or multi-well pad 
drilling capability, both of which incorporate additional environmental and safety by design improvements. While the trailerized 
FlexRig4 design provides for more efficient moves between individual well pads, the multi-well pad design uses a skidding 
capability that allows for drilling multiple wells from a single pad, which results in reduced environmental impact and increased 
production from a smaller footprint.

In 2011, we announced the introduction of the FlexRig5. The FlexRig5 was designed for deeper wells than the FlexRig4 

and long lateral drilling of multiple wells from a single location and is designed for drilling horizontally in unconventional shale 
reservoirs. The new design preserves the key performance features of the FlexRig3 design but adds a bi-directional skidding 
system and equipment capacities suitable for wells in excess of 25,000 feet of measured depth.  In 2017, we introduced our first 
walking rig by reconfiguring our skid designed FlexRig3s.  Since then we have reconfigured, converted and upgraded a total of 40 
FlexRigs to super-spec walking rigs.

H&P also has an important advantage in the super-spec space in that our FlexRig3s and FlexRig5s are ideally suited for 

super-spec upgrades, and we have more upgradeable rigs than our competitors. As of September 30, 2019, we held approximately 
37 percent of the super-spec market share in U.S. land drilling. Our competency in design and construction allows us to efficiently 
upgrade our rigs to super-spec, and our financial strength enables us to continue such upgrades as long as market demand for 
such rigs remains high and there remains a supply of economically viable super-spec upgradable rigs. We do these upgrades at 
our fabrication facility in Houston, Texas.

Years of designing and building our fleet of AC drive FlexRigs has given us many competitive benefits. One key 
advantage is fleet uniformity. We have overseen the design and assembly of all of our AC FlexRigs, and our different rig classes 
share many common components.  We co-designed the control systems for our rigs and have the right to make any changes or 
modifications to those systems that we desire. A uniform fleet creates an adaptive environment to reach maximum efficiency for 
employees, equipment and technology and is critical to our ability to provide consistent, safe and reliable operations in increasingly 
complex basins. In addition, our fleet has greater scale than any other competitor, which enables us to upgrade our existing 
FlexRigs to super-spec in a capital efficient way. High levels of uniformity in crew training and rotation, as well as parts and 
supplies improve our cost-effectiveness, and our ability to control and remove safety exposures across a more standard fleet 
allows us to deliver higher performance in a safer and more reliable manner for the customer. Further, our fleet is supported by a 
Company-owned supply chain that provides standardized materials directly to the rigs from our regional warehouses.

A long-standing challenge in our industry is providing high quality and consistent results. In addressing the challenge of 

providing safe, high quality and consistent results, we utilize process excellence techniques that are developed internally. We 
provide experienced drilling and maintenance support for our operations, which provides value by reducing nonproductive time in 
our operations and improving drilling performance through our Center of Excellence (“COE”). The COE is manned 24 hours a day, 
seven days a week, with the ability to monitor and detect trends in drilling and drilling services performance onboard our rigs. Our 
monitoring group within the COE provides real-time help and feedback to our wellsite employees, as well as our customers, to fully 
optimize our operational performance. Additionally, our COE has a staff of performance engineers that work with our customers to 
enhance drilling program execution and overall drilling performance. The monitoring group and our performance engineers capture 
our drilling work steps to ensure we provide high quality and reliable results for our customers.

We currently have two facilities that provide vertically integrated solutions for drilling rig manufacturing, upgrades, retrofits 
and modifications, as well as overhauling, recertification, and repairs as it relates to our rigs and equipment. These facilities utilize 
lean manufacturing processes to enhance quality and efficiency as well as provide important insights in the maintenance and wear 
of equipment on our rigs. Our fabrication and assembly facility is located near Houston, Texas. Additionally, our overhauling, 
recertification, and repairs facility is located near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

During fiscal year 2018, we commercialized our FlexApp services, which include several new software applications that 

layer on top of our FlexRig drilling control systems. These applications are enabled by our uniform digital fleet and are designed to 
provide additional value to our customers’ well programs by providing a platform for machine-human collaboration during the 
drilling process to improve efficiency. The FlexApps can help play an important role in deploying our strategy as we strive towards 
autonomous drilling. 

9

The FlexApps that are currently in use include the following:

Application Name

FlexTorque™

Flex-Oscillator 2.0™

FlexB2D™

FlexDrill 1.0™

FlexGuide™

Description

Hardware and software designed to decrease downhole drilling vibration and "slip-stick" during drilling. This helps with
drilling efficiency and extends bit and downhole tool life, which is expected to reduce costly nonproductive time.

Rig control software that automates drill string rotation during directional "slide" operations, which helps reduce
downhole drag and the potential for stuck pipe.  It also supports more effective directional drilling.

Software to engage and disengage the bit during connections in an established controlled and consistent manner
allowing for better bit and downhole tool life, better drilling parameters and less costly bit trips out of the hole.

Software licensed from ExxonMobil to maximize the bit's rate of penetration, which we have automated, allowing the
drilling control system to achieve the ideal mechanical specific energy at the bit.

Powered by both MOTIVE Drilling Technologies, Inc. ("MOTIVE") and MagVAR software that utilizes a drill bit guidance
system and geomagnetic survey correction, respectively, improving wellbore quality with a scalable, repeatable data
driven platform approach and helping to reduce surveying uncertainty, while increasing horizontal well economics and
helping to reduce risk.

We have historically offered ancillary services, which are now referred to as FlexServices™. These services include 

trucking, surface equipment, casing running services and pipe rental.

Markets and Competition

Our business largely depends on the level of capital spending by oil and gas companies for exploration and production 
activities.   The level of capital spending is correlated to oil and gas prices. Oil and gas prices can be volatile at times depending 
upon both near and long-term supply and demand factors. Sustained increases or decreases in the prices of oil and natural gas 
generally have a material impact on the exploration and production activities of our customers. As such, significant declines in the 
prices of oil and natural gas may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  As 
of September 30, 2019, we had 218 rigs under contract, compared to 259 and 218 rigs under contract as of September 30, 2018 
and 2017, respectively. For further information concerning risks associated with our business, including volatility surrounding oil 
and natural gas prices and the impact of low oil prices on our business, see Item 1A— “Risk Factors” and Item 7— “Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Form 10 K.

Our industry is highly competitive, and we strive to differentiate our services based upon the quality of our FlexRigs and 

our engineering design expertise, operational efficiency, software technologies, and safety and environmental awareness. The 
number of available rigs generally exceeds demand in many of our markets, resulting in significant price competition. We compete 
against many drilling companies, some of whom are present in more than one of our operating regions. In the United States, we 
compete with Nabors Industries Ltd., Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. and many other competitors with regional operations. 
Internationally, we compete directly with various contractors at each location where we operate. In the Gulf of Mexico platform rig 
market, we primarily compete with Nabors Industries Ltd. and Blake International Rigs, LLC.

Drilling Contracts

Our drilling contracts are obtained through competitive bidding or as a result of direct negotiations with customers. Our 
contracts vary in their terms and rates depending on the nature of the operations to be performed, the duration of the work, the 
amount and type of equipment and services provided, the geographic areas involved, market conditions and other variables. Our 
contracts often cover multi well and multi year projects. Except for a limited number of rigs operated under master agreements, 
each drilling rig operates under a separate drilling contract.

During fiscal year 2019, substantially all of our drilling services were performed on a “daywork” contract basis, under 

which we charged a 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. We may also enter into contracts where we 
charge a fixed rate per foot of hole drilled to a stated depth, with a fixed rate per day for the remainder of the hole. Contracts 
performed on a “footage” basis generally involve a greater element of risk to the contractor compared to contracts performed on a 
“daywork” basis. Also, we may enter into “turnkey” contracts under which we charge a fixed sum to deliver a hole to a stated depth 
and agree 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. We also actively pursue “performance 
daywork” contracts. These contracts typically have a lower dayrate portion and give us the opportunity to share in the well cost 
savings based on meeting or exceeding certain key performance indicators that are mutually agreed on by ourselves and our 
customers.

The duration of our drilling contracts are generally either “well to well” or for a fixed term. “Well to well” contracts can be 

terminated at the option of either party upon the completion of drilling of any one well. Fixed-term contracts generally have a 
minimum term of at least six months up to multiple years. These contracts customarily provide for termination at the election of the 
customer but may include an “early termination payment” to be paid to us if the contract is terminated prior to the expiration of the 
fixed term. However, under certain limited circumstances such as destruction of a drilling rig, bankruptcy, sustained unacceptable 
performance by us or delivery of a rig beyond certain grace and/or liquidated damage periods, no early termination payment would 
be paid to us.

10

Contracts generally contain renewal or extension provisions exercisable at the option of the customer at prices mutually 

agreeable to us and the customer. In most instances, contracts provide for additional payments for mobilization and demobilization 
of the rig.

Contract Backlog

As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, our drilling contract backlog, being the expected future dayrate revenue from 
executed contracts, was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Approximately 25 percent of the total September 30, 2019 
backlog is reasonably expected to be filled in fiscal year 2021 and thereafter. Included in backlog is early termination revenue 
expected to be recognized after the periods presented in which early termination notice was received prior to the end of the period. 

The following table sets forth the total backlog by reportable segment as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the 

percentage of the September 30, 2019 backlog reasonably expected to be filled in fiscal year 2021 and thereafter:

(in billions)

U.S. Land

Offshore

International Land

Total Backlog Revenue

September 30, 2019     September 30, 2018

$

$

1.0

$

—

0.2

1.2

$

0.9  

—  

0.2  

1.1  

Percentage Reasonably
Expected to be Filled in
Fiscal Year 2021 and
Thereafter

21.4%

—

47.5

We do not have material long-term contracts related to our H&P Technologies segment. As noted above, under certain 

limited circumstances a customer is not required to pay an early termination fee. There may also be instances where a customer is 
financially unable or refuses to pay an early termination fee. In addition, contract terms could be modified or extended after the 
initial contract is signed. Accordingly, the actual amount of revenue earned may vary from the backlog reported. For further 
information, see Item 1A— “Risk Factors — Our current backlog of contract drilling services revenue may continue to decline and 
may not be ultimately realized as fixed term contracts may in certain instances be terminated without an early termination 
payment.”

Employees

Our core values reflect who we are and the way our employees interact with one another, our customers, partners and 
shareholders. Our first core value of Actively C.A.R.E. means that we treat one another with respect.  We care about each other, 
and from a safety perspective, our employees are committed to Controlling and Removing Exposures for themselves and others.  
Our core value of Service Attitude means that we do our part and more for those around us.  We consider the needs of others and 
provide solutions to meet their needs.  Our third core value, Innovative Spirit means that we constantly work to improve and are 
willing to try new approaches. We make decisions with the long–term view in mind.  Finally, our core value of teamwork means that 
we listen to one another and work toward a common goal.  We collaborate to achieve results and focus on success for our 
customers and shareholders.

As of September 30, 2019, we had 7,767 employees within the United States (17 of whom were part time employees) and 

743 employees in international operations. The number of employees fluctuates depending on the current and expected demand 
for our services. We consider our employee relations to be robust. None of our U.S. employees are represented by a union. 
However, some of our international employees are unionized.

Insurance and Risk Management

Our operations are subject to a number of operational risks, including personal injury and death, environmental, and 

weather risks, which could expose us to significant losses and damage claims. We are not fully insured against all of these risks 
and our contractual indemnity provisions may not fully protect us. Furthermore, if a significant accident or other event occurs and is 
not fully covered by insurance or an enforceable or recoverable indemnity from a customer, it could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have indemnification agreements with many of our customers and we also maintain liability and other forms of 

insurance. In general, our drilling contracts contain provisions requiring our customers to indemnify us for, among other things, 
pollution and reservoir damage. However, our contractual rights to indemnification may be unenforceable or limited due to 
negligent or willful acts by us, or subcontractors and/or suppliers or by reason of state anti-indemnity laws. Our customers and 
other third parties may also dispute these indemnification provisions, or we may be unable to transfer these risks to our drilling 
customers or other third parties by contract or indemnification agreements.

We insure working land rigs and related equipment at values that approximate the current replacement costs on the 

inception date of the policies. However, we self-insure large deductibles under these policies. We also carry insurance with varying 
deductibles and coverage limits with respect to stacked rigs, offshore platform rigs, and “named wind storm” risk in the Gulf of 
Mexico.

11

  
We have insurance coverage for comprehensive general liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation and 
employer’s liability, and certain other specific risks. Insurance is purchased over deductibles to reduce our exposure to catastrophic 
events. We retain a significant portion of our expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile 
liability programs. We self-insure a number of other risks including loss of earnings and business interruption and most cyber risks. 
We are unable to obtain significant amounts of insurance to cover risks of underground reservoir damage.

Our insurance may not in all situations provide sufficient funds to protect us from all liabilities that could result from our 

operations. Our coverage includes aggregate policy limits. As a result, we retain the risk for any loss in excess of these limits. No 
assurance can be given that all or a portion of our coverage will not be canceled, that insurance coverage will continue to be 
available at rates considered reasonable or that our coverage will respond to a specific loss. Further, we may experience difficulties 
in collecting from our insurers or our insurers may deny all or a portion of our claims for insurance coverage.

Government Regulations

Our operations are subject to a variety of national, state, local and international environmental, health and safety laws, 

regulations, treaties and conventions. We monitor our compliance with environmental regulations in each country of operation and 
generally have seen an increase in environmental regulation. We have made and will continue to make the required expenditures 
to comply with current and future environmental requirements. We do not anticipate that compliance with currently applicable 
environmental rules and regulations and required controls will significantly change our competitive position, capital spending or 
earnings during 2020, as these regulations are generally imposed on exploration and production companies instead of contract 
drilling services companies. We believe we are in material compliance with applicable environmental rules and regulations and that 
the cost of such compliance is not material to our business or financial condition. For a more detailed description of the 
environmental rules and regulations applicable to our operations, see Item 1A— “Risk Factors — Failure to comply with or changes 
to governmental and environmental laws could adversely affect our business.”

Sustainability

At the direction of the oil and gas exploration and production companies we work with, we contract to drill oil and gas 

wells. The exploration and production companies determine whether and when to extract those resources from the ground, 
following completion of the well. Below are summaries of what we do and what we do not do, the latter of which is provided 
because it is often incorrectly assumed that our operations overlap with exploration and production, midstream and downstream 
parts of the oil and gas sector in ways they do not.

What We Do

Strive to make drilling for oil and gas safer and more efficient
Build and renovate drilling rigs at two industrial facilities in Texas and Oklahoma

• 
• 
•  Oversee drilling operations on our rigs on customer sites
•  Drill predominantly on-shore in the U.S.

What We Do Not Do

•  Hydraulic fracturing
• 

Buy, lease, prepare, manage or restore land on which rigs are located, or have responsibility for the protection of 
wildlife or biodiversity of our customers’ properties
Pump or extract oil or gas from the ground
Procure, transport or pump water underground, or treat, store, manage or remove waste water from the drilling 
sites, or arrange for its disposal
Assume responsibility for the prevention of fugitive releases or emissions associated with the oil and gas 
exploration or production process
Engage in oil and gas transport, refining or storage
Engage in downstream operations

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

Thus, many of the environmental and safety risks associated with the oil and gas sector fall outside the scope of our 

operations and areas of responsibility. Our most critical responsibility is therefore the safety of our employees and the employees 
of our customers. To be successful, we strive to be leaders in innovation, technology, cost competitiveness, safety, customer 
service, relationship tending, and reputation management.  To maintain this leadership edge and generate shareholder value, we 
invest in our employees, customers, communities, and other stakeholders in the ways listed below.

Recruiting

Our recruiting practices and decisions on whom to hire are among our most important activities. In addition to traditional 

school recruiting events, we utilize social media and local job fairs across the U.S. to find diverse, motivated and responsible 
employees.

12

Education and Training

We strive to create a culture and work environment that enables us to attract, train, promote, and retain a diverse group of 

talented employees who together can help us gain a competitive advantage. We are dedicated to the continual training and 
development of our employees, especially of those in field operations, to ensure we can develop future managers and leaders from 
within our organization. Our organizational development team has responsibility for talent management as well ongoing training 
and development, including development and succession plans, mentoring and change management initiatives, and diversity and 
inclusion programs. Our training starts right at the beginning with good on–boarding procedures that focus on safety, responsibility, 
ethical conduct and inclusive teamwork.

In addition to on–boarding training, we provide extensive ongoing training and career development focused on:

• 

compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") and laws applicable to our business 
including: 

the importance of creating an inclusive environment that encourages the best out of all employees and 
avoids illegal discrimination 
the importance of individual responsibility in meeting our Code's requirements and taking action when 
needed, including reporting  

• 

• 
• 
• 

the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, trade controls and anti–boycott training for appropriate employees (the H&P 
FCPA Policy, which prohibits facilitation payments, can be found on our website)
skills and competencies directly related to employees' positions 
commitment to an incident–free work environment 
responsibility for personal safety and the safety of fellow employees, others on location and the environment   

Our Educational Assistance Plan offers reimbursement of tuition fees for any employee pursuing an undergraduate 

degree and, in some cases, post–graduate degrees.  

Health and Welfare

We support our employees’ and their families’ health with full medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and 

their families, life insurance and long-term disability plans, and health and dependent care flexible spending accounts. We foster 
teamwork and a sense of community amongst our employees through our H&P Way Fund that provides assistance to employees 
and their families experiencing emergencies.

Retirement

We provide a 401(k) plan with a company match.

Safety

All of our safety programs are designed to comply with applicable laws and industry standards as well as to benefit 

employees, customers and communities. We have a dedicated Health, Safety and Environmental (“HSE”) function overseen by 
senior executives and implemented at every H&P drilling rig and facility worldwide. Our safety-focused C.A.R.E. program promotes 
employee and customer safety and well-being. In addition, our H&P Technologies segment is investing in digital technology safety 
solutions for the purpose of controlling and removing exposures on FlexRigs. We incorporate safety features into our rig designs 
through our Safety by Design program. The success of our safety initiatives, including our C.A.R.E. and Safety by Design 
programs, and the Company’s performance with respect to safety metrics are important elements of the compensation of our 
executives, as discussed further in our proxy statement. 

Our Safety by Design program helps us:

Identify and work to eliminate hazards in the rig design phase

• 
•  Use leading-edge technology to enhance efficiency and thus reduce the number and severity of safety risks
• 

Standardize designs, which can reduce the variability in the types of rigs we use to allow our employees to have a 
greater familiarity with the rigs than would be achieved if they had to master a wider variety of rig types

•  Design and configure loads and interconnects with rig moves in mind. By striving to integrate equipment to the 

greatest extent possible, we minimize risks associated with moves and risks associated with double handling

Our COE promotes process excellence and safety by providing experienced drilling and maintenance real-time support 

around the clock to our operations.  Our COE Call Center and Real-Time Monitoring Groups are staffed with experienced systems 
technicians who work with field personnel to leverage each group’s knowledge in troubleshooting rig events.  In addition, 
experienced engineers monitor safety critical alarms and perform daily safety performance and data analysis throughout the fleet.

In the event that an operational incident does occur, we have developed and implemented a comprehensive Emergency 
Management and Crisis Response Plan to help ensure H&P has the ability to respond promptly and effectively to the most severe 
adverse situations or crises.

13

 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Management

H&P does not itself lease properties used for the operations of our customers.  However, many of our customers operate 
in regions that have stringent safety and environmental laws and regulations, with which we comply as applicable. The standards 
we employ include:

Applying industry-accepted environmental best practices

• 
•  Minimizing rig physical footprints, and using technology to configure drilling rigs, where appropriate, for space 
efficient multi-well pads, all to minimize the impact on the environment in which we and our customers operate
•  Conversion of many of our rigs to allow partial substitution of cleaner burning natural gas as a fuel source to reduce 

air emissions

•  Upgrading our drilling rig fleet to utilize AC drive power and control systems which are more energy efficient and 

have significantly lower noise levels as compared to SCR and mechanical drilling rigs

•  Using a variety of recycling and other initiatives in our facilities and operations to minimize waste

Ethics and Compliance

We expect corporate, professional and personal responsibility from each of our employees as well as compliance with 

high ethical standards to achieve operational excellence. In addition to the corporate governance oversight provided by the Board 
of Directors and its committees, management observes and enforces our Code described on our website. Our Code provides 
employees with the tools to make consistent, ethical decisions and emphasizes the duty to report any concerns or violations.

In addition to our Code, we have and enforce a Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officers and Senior Financial 
Officers and a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Compliance Policy. We foster a culture of trust and transparency and frequently 
remind our employees that they are encouraged to ask questions and report concerns. To empower every employee to promote 
responsible behavior, we have implemented an independent and anonymous reporting mechanism for employees to voice 
concerns pertaining to our Code, policies or compliance with law without fear of retaliation. Our Ethics Hotline, administered by a 
third–party, provides a convenient and confidential channel for employees and non-employees to report any suspected compliance 
concerns or complaints.

We believe this focus on finding and getting the best out of our people, our programs, our standards and our technology 

collectively support our operations, our reputation and our returns.

Available Information

Our website is located at www.hpinc.com. Annual reports on Form 10 K, quarterly reports on Form 10 Q, current reports 
on Form 8 K, and amendments to those reports, earnings releases, and financial statements are made available free of charge on 
the investor relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or 
furnish such materials to, the SEC. The information contained on our website, or accessible from our website, is not incorporated 
into, and should not be considered part of, this annual report on Form 10 K or any other documents we file with, or furnish to, the 
SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other 
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, amendments to 
those reports, earnings releases, financial statements and our various corporate governance documents are also available free of 
charge upon written request.

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor 

relations website (https://helmerichandpayneinc.gcs-web.com/), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. 
We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with our stockholders and the public about our company, our 
services and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. 
Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the 
social media channels listed on our investor relations website.

14

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS 

An investment in our securities involves a variety of risks. In addition to the other information included and incorporated 

by reference in this annual report and the risk factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the following risk factors should be 
carefully considered, as they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
There may be other additional risks, uncertainties and matters not presently known to us or that we believe to be immaterial that 
could nevertheless have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, which is significantly impacted by the 
volatility of oil and natural gas prices and other factors.

Our business depends on the conditions of the land and offshore oil and natural gas industry. Demand for our services 
and the rates we are able to charge for such services depend on oil and natural gas industry exploration and production activity 
and expenditure levels, which are directly affected by trends in oil and natural gas prices and market expectations regarding such 
prices.

In the event oil prices become depressed for a sustained period, or decline again, our U.S. Land, International Land and 
Offshore segments may again experience significant declines in both drilling activity and spot dayrate pricing, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

In the event that we are successful in developing new technologies for use in our business, there is no guarantee of 
future demand for those technologies.  Customers may be reluctant or unwilling to adopt our new technologies.  We may also 
have difficulty negotiating satisfactory terms for our technology services or may be unable to secure prices sufficient to obtain 
expected returns on our investment in the research and development of new technologies.

Oil and natural gas prices and production levels, as well as market expectations regarding such prices and production 

levels, can be volatile and are impacted by many factors beyond our control, including:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

the domestic and foreign supply of, and demand for, oil, natural gas and related products;
the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas;
uncertainty in capital and commodities markets and the ability of oil and natural gas producers to access capital;
the worldwide economy;
expectations about future oil and natural gas prices and production levels;
the availability of and constraints in pipeline, storage and other transportation capacity in the basins in which we 
operate, including, for example, takeaway constraints experienced in the Permian Basin;
actions of The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), its members and other oil producing 
nations, such as Russia, relating to oil price and production levels, including announcements of potential changes 
to such levels;
the levels of production of oil and natural gas of non-OPEC countries;
the continued development of shale plays which may influence worldwide supply and prices;
tax policies of the United States and other countries involved in global energy markets;
political and military conflicts in oil producing regions or other geographical areas or acts of terrorism in the United 
States or elsewhere;
technological advances that are related to oil and natural gas recovery or that affect the global demand for 
energy;
the development and exploitation of alternative energy sources;
legal and other limitations or restrictions on exportation and/or importation of oil and natural gas;
local and international political, economic and weather conditions, especially in oil and natural gas producing 
countries;
laws and governmental regulations affecting the use of oil and natural gas; and
the environmental and other laws and governmental regulations affecting exploration and development of oil and 
natural gas reserves.

The level of land and offshore exploration, development and production activity and the prices of oil and natural gas are 

volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Higher oil and natural gas prices do not necessarily translate into 
increased activity because demand for our services is typically driven by our customers’ expectations of future commodity prices. 
However, a sustained decline in worldwide demand for oil and natural gas or prolonged low oil or natural gas prices would likely 
result in reduced exploration and development of land and offshore areas and a decline in the demand for our services, which 
would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Global economic conditions and volatility in oil and gas prices may adversely affect our business.

An economic slowdown or recession in the United States or in any other country that significantly affects the supply of or 
demand for oil or natural gas could negatively impact our operations and therefore adversely affect our results.  Global economic 
conditions have a significant impact on oil and natural gas prices and any stagnation or deterioration in global economic 
conditions could result in less demand for our services.  Demand for energy and petrochemicals is highly sensitive to changing 

15

economic conditions; as a result, indications that economic growth is slowing may cause our customers to reduce their planned 
spending on exploration and development drilling.  Adverse global economic conditions may cause our customers, vendors and/or 
suppliers to lose access to the financing necessary to sustain or increase their current level of operations, fulfill their commitments 
and/or fund future operations and obligations.  Furthermore, challenging economic conditions may result in certain of our 
customers experiencing bankruptcy or otherwise becoming unable to pay vendors, including us. In the past, global economic 
conditions, and expectations for future global economic conditions, have sometimes experienced significant deterioration in a 
relatively short period of time and there can be no assurance that global economic conditions or expectations for future global 
economic conditions will not quickly deteriorate again due to one or more factors. These conditions could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The contract drilling services business is highly competitive, and a surplus of available drilling rigs may adversely affect 
our rig utilization and profit margins.

The contract drilling services business is highly competitive. Competition in contract drilling services involves such 

factors as price, efficiency, condition, type and operational capability of equipment, reputation, operating safety, environmental 
impact, customer relations, rig availability and excess rig capacity in the industry. 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, which could result in an oversupply of rigs in any region, leading to increased price 
competition.

Development of new drilling technology by competitors has increased in recent years and future improvements in 

operational efficiency and safety by our competitors could further negatively affect our ability to differentiate our services. 
Furthermore, in the event that commodity prices decline, the strategy of differentiation may be less effective if the lower demand 
for drilling and related technology services intensifies price competition and diminishes the importance of other factors.

We periodically seek to increase the prices on our services to offset rising costs and to generate higher returns for our 
stockholders. However, we operate in a very competitive industry and we are not always successful in raising or maintaining our 
existing prices. With the active rig count below the peak reached in 2014 and many rigs, including highly capable AC rigs, still idle, 
there is considerable pricing pressure in the industry. Even if we are able to increase our prices, we may not be able to do so at a 
rate that is sufficient to offset rising costs without adversely affecting our activity levels. The inability to maintain our pricing and to 
increase our pricing as costs increase could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of 
operations and cash flows.

The oil and natural gas services industry in the United States has experienced downturns in demand during the last 

decade, including a significant downturn that started in 2014 and bottomed out in 2016. Following such a downturn, there may be 
substantially more drilling rigs available than necessary to meet demand even as oil and natural gas prices, and drilling activity, 
rebound. In the event of a surplus of available and more competitive drilling rigs, we may continue to experience difficulty in 
replacing fixed term contracts, extending expiring contracts or obtaining new contracts in the spot market, and new contracts may 
contain lower dayrates and substantially less favorable terms. As such, we may have difficulty sustaining or increasing pricing, rig 
utilization and profit margins in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations. As of September 30, 2019, there were 120 of our available rigs not under contract. 

New technologies may cause our drilling methods and equipment to become less competitive and it may become 
necessary to incur higher levels of capital expenditures in order to keep pace with the disruptive trends in the drilling 
industry. Growth through the building of new drilling rigs and improvement of existing rigs is not assured.

The market for our services is characterized by continual technological developments that have resulted in, and will likely 

continue to result in, substantial improvements in the functionality and performance of rigs and equipment. Our customers 
increasingly demand the services of newer, higher specification drilling rigs. This results in a bifurcation of the drilling fleet and is 
evidenced by the higher specification drilling rigs (e.g., AC rigs) generally operating at higher overall utilization levels and dayrates 
than the lower specification drilling rigs (e.g., SCR rigs). In addition, a significant number of lower specification rigs are being 
stacked and/or removed from service. 

Although we take measures to ensure that we develop and use advanced oil and natural gas drilling technology, 
changes in technology or improvements by competitors could make our equipment less competitive. There can be no assurance 
that we will:

• 
• 

have sufficient capital resources to improve existing rigs or build new, technologically advanced drilling rigs;
avoid cost overruns inherent in large fabrication projects resulting from numerous factors such as shortages or 
unscheduled delays in delivery of equipment or materials, inadequate levels of skilled labor, unanticipated 
increases in costs of equipment, materials and labor, design and engineering problems, and financial or other 
difficulties;
successfully deploy idle, stacked, new or upgraded drilling rigs;
effectively manage the increased size or future growth of our organization and drilling fleet;

• 
• 
•  maintain crews necessary to operate existing or additional drilling rigs; or

16

• 

successfully improve our financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects as a result of improving 
existing drilling rigs or building new drilling rigs.

If we are not successful in upgrading existing rigs and equipment or building new rigs in a timely and cost effective manner 
suitable to customer needs, demand for our services could decline and we could lose market share. One or more technologies 
that we may implement in the future may not work as we expect and our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
reputation could be adversely affected as a result. Additionally, new technologies, services or standards could render some of our 
services, drilling rigs or equipment obsolete, which could reduce our competitiveness and have a material adverse impact on our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our drilling and technology related operations are subject to a number of operational risks, including environmental and 
weather risks, which could expose us to significant losses and damage claims. We are not fully insured against all of 
these risks and our contractual indemnity provisions may not fully protect us.

Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the business, including inclement weather, blowouts, 

explosions, well fires, loss of well control, pollution, and reservoir damage. These hazards could cause significant environmental 
damage, personal injury and death, suspension of operations, serious damage or destruction of equipment and property and 
substantial damage to producing formations and surrounding lands and waters. An accident or other event resulting in significant 
environmental or property damage, or injuries or fatalities involving our employees or other persons could also trigger 
investigations by federal, state or local authorities. Such an accident or other event and subsequent crisis management efforts 
could cause us to incur substantial expenses in connection with investigation and remediation as well as cause lasting damage to 
our reputation, loss of customers and an inability to obtain insurance. 

Our Offshore Drilling operations are also subject to potentially significant risks and liabilities attributable to or resulting 

from adverse environmental conditions, including pollution of offshore waters and related negative impact on wildlife and habitat, 
adverse sea conditions and platform damage or destruction due to collision with aircraft or marine vessels. Our Offshore Drilling 
operations may also be negatively affected by a blowout or an uncontrolled release of oil or hazardous substances by third parties 
whose offshore operations are unrelated to our operations. We operate several platform rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of 
Mexico experiences hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions on a frequent basis, which may increase with any climate 
change. See below “— The physical effects of climate change and the regulation of greenhouse gases and climate change could 
have a negative impact on our business.” Damage caused by high winds and turbulent seas could potentially curtail operations on 
our platform rigs for significant periods of time until the damage can be repaired. Moreover, even if our platform rigs are not 
directly damaged by such storms, we may experience disruptions in operations due to damage to customer platforms and other 
related facilities in the area. We also lease a facility located near the Houston, Texas ship channel where we upgrade and repair 
rigs and perform fabrication work, and our principal fabricator and other vendors are also located in the gulf coast region and 
could be exposed to damage or disruption by hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions, including coastal flooding, which 
in turn could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

It is customary in our business to have mutual indemnification agreements with customers on a “knock-for-knock” basis, 

which means that we and our customers assume liability for our respective personnel and property. In general, our drilling 
contracts contain provisions requiring our customers to indemnify us for, among other things, pollution and reservoir damage. 
However, our contractual rights to indemnification may be unenforceable or limited due to negligent or willful acts by us, our 
subcontractors and/or suppliers. Additionally, certain states, including Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Louisiana, have enacted 
statutes generally referred to as "oilfield anti-indemnity acts," which expressly limit certain indemnity agreements contained in or 
related to indemnification in contracts, and could expose the Company to financial loss. Furthermore, other states may enact 
similar oilfield anti-indemnity acts. 

Our customers and other third parties may also dispute, or be unable to meet, their contractual indemnification 

obligations to us. Accordingly, we may be unable to transfer these risks to our customers and other third parties by contract or 
indemnification agreements. Incurring a liability for which we are not fully indemnified or insured could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We insure working land rigs and related equipment at values that approximate the current replacement cost on the 
inception date of the policies. However, we self-insure large deductibles under these policies. We also carry insurance with 
varying deductibles and coverage limits with respect to stacked rigs, offshore platform rigs, and “named wind storm” risk in the 
Gulf of Mexico.

We have insurance coverage for comprehensive general liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation and 

employer’s liability, and certain other specific risks. Insurance is purchased over deductibles to reduce our exposure to 
catastrophic events. We retain a significant portion of our expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability and 
automobile liability programs. The Company self insures a number of other risks, including loss of earnings and business 
interruption, and most cyber risks. We are unable to obtain significant amounts of insurance to cover risks of underground 
reservoir damage.

If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or an enforceable or recoverable 

indemnity from a customer, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

17

Our insurance will not in all situations provide sufficient funds to protect us from all losses and liabilities that could result from our 
operations. Our coverage includes aggregate policy limits. As a result, we retain the risk for any loss in excess of these limits. No 
assurance can be given that all or a portion of our coverage will not be cancelled during fiscal year 2020, that insurance coverage 
will continue to be available at rates considered reasonable or that our coverage will respond to a specific loss. Further, we may 
experience difficulties in collecting from our insurers or our insurers may deny all or a portion of our claims for insurance 
coverage.

The physical effects of climate change and the regulation of greenhouse gases and climate change could have a 
negative impact on our business.

The physical and regulatory effects of climate change could have a negative impact on our operations, our customers’ 

operations and the overall demand for our products. Scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly 
referred to as “greenhouse gases” (“GHGs”) and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the 
earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. In response to such studies, the issue of climate change and the effect of GHG 
emissions, in particular emissions from fossil fuels, is attracting increasing attention worldwide.

We are aware of the increasing focus of local, state, regional, national and international regulatory bodies on GHG 

emissions and climate change issues. Legislation to regulate GHG emissions has periodically been introduced in the U.S. 
Congress and such legislation may be proposed or adopted in the future. In addition, in December 2015, the U.S. joined the 
international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
(the “UNFCCC”) in Paris, France in creating an agreement (the “Paris Agreement”) that requires member countries to review and 
“represent a progression” in their intended nationally determined GHG contributions, which set GHG emission reduction goals 
every five years beginning in 2020. The agreement entered into full force in November 2016. On June 1, 2017, the President of 
the United States announced that the U.S. planned to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and to seek negotiations to either 
reenter the Paris Agreement on different terms or establish a new framework agreement. The Paris Agreement provides for a 
four-year exit process beginning when it took effect in November 2016, which would result in an effective exit date of November 
2020. The United States’ adherence to the exit process is uncertain, and the terms on which the United States may reenter the 
Paris Agreement, or a separately negotiated agreement are unclear at this time.

The aim of the Paris Agreement was to hold the increase in the average global temperature to well below 2ºC (3.6ºF) 

above pre-industrial levels with efforts to limit the rise to 1.5ºC (2.7ºF) to protect against the more severe consequences of climate 
forecasted by scientific studies. These consequences include increased coastal flooding, droughts and associated wild fires, 
heavy precipitation events, stresses on water supply and agriculture, increased poverty, and negative impacts on health. In 
connection with the decision to adopt the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 
(the “IPCC”) to prepare a special report focused on the impacts of an increase in the average global temperature of 1.5ºC above 
pre-industrial levels and related GHG emission pathways. The 2018 IPCC Report concludes that the measures set forth in the 
Paris Agreement are insufficient and that more aggressive targets and measures will be needed. The 2018 IPCC Report indicates 
that GHGs must be reduced from 2010 levels by 45 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050 to prevent global warming of 1.5ºC 
above pre-industrial levels.

It is not possible at this time to predict the timing and effect of climate change or to predict the effect of the Paris 

Agreement or whether additional GHG legislation, regulations or other measures will be adopted at the federal, state or local 
levels. However, more aggressive efforts by governments and non-governmental organizations to reduce GHG emissions appear 
likely based on the findings set forth in the 2018 IPCC Report and any such future laws and regulations could result in increased 
compliance costs or additional operating restrictions. For example, several U.S. states and cities have committed to advance the 
objectives of the Paris Agreement at the state or local level despite the pending federal withdrawal. If we are unable to recover or 
pass through a significant level of our costs related to complying with climate change regulatory requirements imposed on us, it 
could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, to the extent financial 
markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a financial risk, this could negatively impact our cost of or access to capital. 
Climate change and GHG regulation could also negatively impact the drilling programs of our customers and, consequently, delay, 
limit or reduce the services we provide. An increased focus by the public on the reduction of GHG emissions as well as the results 
of the physical impacts of climate change could affect the demand for our customers’ products and have a negative effect on our 
business.

Beyond financial and regulatory impacts, the projected severe effects of climate change have the potential to directly 

affect our facilities and operations and those of our customers. See above “—Our drilling related operations are subject to a 
number of operational risks, including environmental and weather risks, which could expose us to significant losses and damage 
claims. We are not fully insured against all of these risks and our contractual indemnity provisions may not fully protect us.”

Our business is subject to cybersecurity risks.

Our operations, especially our H&P Technologies segment, depend on effective and secure information technology 

systems.  Threats to information technology systems, including as a result of cyber-attacks and cyber incidents, continue to grow. 
Cybersecurity risks could include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to our data and 
the unauthorized release, corruption or loss of our data and personal information, interruptions in communication, loss of our 

18

intellectual property or theft of our FlexRig and other sensitive or proprietary technology, loss or damage to our data delivery 
systems, or other electronic security, including with our property and equipment. 

These cybersecurity risks could:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

disrupt our operations and damage our information technology systems,
negatively impact our ability to compete,
enable the theft or misappropriation of funds,
cause the loss, corruption or misappropriation of proprietary or confidential information,
expose us to litigation and
result in injury to our reputation, downtime, loss of revenue, and increased costs to prevent, respond to or 
mitigate cybersecurity events. 

It is possible that our business, financial and other systems could be compromised, which could go unnoticed for a 

prolonged period of time. While various procedures and controls are being utilized to mitigate exposure to such risk, there can be 
no assurance that the actions and controls that we implement, or which we cause third party service providers to implement, will 
be sufficient to protect our systems, information or other property. Additionally, customers or third parties upon whom we rely face 
similar threats, which could directly or indirectly impact our business and operations. The occurrence of a cyber-incident or attack 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

New legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing or other aspects of the oil and gas industry 
could negatively impact the drilling programs of our customers and, consequently, delay, limit or reduce the services we 
provide.

Several political and regulatory authorities, governmental bodies, and environmental groups devote resources to 
campaigns aimed at eradicating hydraulic fracking. We do not engage in any hydraulic fracturing activities. However, it is a 
common practice in our industry for our customers to recover natural gas and oil from shale and other formations through the use 
of horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing is the process of creating or expanding cracks, or 
fractures, in formations using water, sand and other additives pumped under high pressure into the formation. The hydraulic 
fracturing process is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions. Several states have adopted or are considering 
adopting regulations that could impose more stringent permitting, public disclosure, waste disposal and/or well construction 
requirements on oil and gas development, including hydraulic fracturing operations, or otherwise seek to ban fracturing activities 
altogether. In addition to state laws, some local municipalities have adopted or are considering adopting land use restrictions, 
such as city ordinances, that may restrict or prohibit the performance of well drilling in general and/or hydraulic fracturing in 
particular. Members of the U.S. Congress and a number of federal agencies are analyzing, or have been requested to review, a 
variety of environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing and the possibility of more stringent regulation. Any new laws, 
regulations or permitting requirements regarding hydraulic fracturing could negatively impact the drilling programs of our 
customers and, consequently, delay, limit or reduce the services we provide. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency 
has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act over certain hydraulic fracturing activities 
involving the use of diesel fuels. Widespread regulation significantly restricting or prohibiting hydraulic fracturing or other drilling 
activity by our customers could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
Further, we conduct drilling activities in numerous states, including Oklahoma, where seismic activity may occur. In recent years, 
Oklahoma has experienced an increase in earthquakes. Although the extent of any correlation has been and remains the subject 
of studies of both federal and state agencies, some parties believe that there is a correlation between hydraulic fracturing related 
activities and the increased occurrence of seismic activity. As a result, federal and state legislatures and agencies may seek to 
further regulate, restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing activities. Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic 
fracturing process could lead to greater opposition to oil and gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques, 
operational delays or increased operating and compliance costs in the production of oil and natural gas from shale plays, added 
difficulty in performing hydraulic fracturing, and potentially a decline in the completion of new oil and gas wells, which could 
negatively impact the drilling programs of our customers and, consequently, delay, limit or reduce the services we provide.

Our acquisitions, dispositions and investments may not result in anticipated benefits and may present risks not 
originally contemplated, which may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations 
and consolidated financial condition.

We continually seek opportunities to maximize efficiency and value through various transactions, including purchases or 

sales of assets, businesses, investments, or joint venture interests. For example, in November 2018 and August 2019, 
we completed the acquisitions of Angus Jamieson Consulting and DrillScan Energy SAS, respectively. We also completed the 
acquisition of Magnetic Variation Services, LLC in December 2017. These strategic transactions, among others, are intended to 
(but may not) result in the realization of savings, the creation of efficiencies, the offering of new products or services, the 
generation of cash or income, or the reduction of risk. Acquisition transactions may use cash on hand or be financed by 
additional borrowings or by the issuance of our common stock. These transactions may also affect our liquidity, 
consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

19

 
These transactions also involve risks, and we cannot ensure that:

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

any acquisitions we attempt will be completed on the terms announced, or at all;
any acquisitions would result in an increase in income or provide an adequate return of capital or other anticipated 
benefits;
any acquisitions would be successfully integrated into our operations and internal controls;
the due diligence conducted prior to an acquisition would uncover situations that could result in financial or legal 
exposure, or that we will appropriately quantify the exposure from known risks;
any disposition would not result in decreased earnings, revenue, or cash flow;
use of cash for acquisitions would not adversely affect our cash available for capital expenditures and other uses; 
or
any dispositions, investments, or acquisitions, including integration efforts, would not divert management 
resources.

We have allocated a portion of the purchase price of certain acquisitions to goodwill and other intangible assets. 

Generally, the amount allocated to goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the net identifiable assets acquired. At 
September 30, 2019, we had goodwill of $82.8 million and other intangible assets, net of $86.7 million. If we experience future 
negative changes in our business climate or our results of operations such that we determine that goodwill or intangible assets 
are impaired, we will be required to record impairment charges with respect to such assets.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $5.6 million related to the 

TerraVici reporting unit, which is included in Asset Impairment Charge on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2018. Our goodwill impairment analysis performed on our remaining technology reporting units in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 did not result in an impairment charge.  

Beginning October 1, 2018, the goodwill associated with our technology reporting units were combined into one reporting 

unit, H&P Technologies. Our goodwill impairment analysis performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 did not result in an 
impairment charge.

Technology disputes could negatively impact our operations or increase our costs.

Drilling rigs use proprietary technology and equipment which can involve potential infringement of a third party’s rights, or 

a third party’s infringement of our rights, including patent rights. The majority of the intellectual property rights relating to our 
drilling rigs and technology services are owned by us or certain of our supplying vendors.  However, in the event that we or one of 
our customers or supplying vendors becomes involved in a dispute over infringement of intellectual property rights relating to 
equipment or technology owned or used by us, we may lose access to important equipment or technology, be required to cease 
use of some equipment or technology be forced to modify our drilling rigs or technology, or be required to pay license fees or 
royalties for the use of equipment or technology. In addition, we may lose a competitive advantage in the event we are 
unsuccessful in enforcing our rights against third parties. As a result, any technology disputes involving us or our customers or 
supplying vendors could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Unexpected events could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

Unexpected or unanticipated events, including, without limitation, computer system disruptions, unplanned power 

outages, fires or explosions at drilling rigs, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, war or terrorist activities, supply 
disruptions, failure of equipment, changes in laws and/or regulations impacting our businesses, pandemic illness and other 
unforeseeable circumstances that may arise from our increasingly connected world or otherwise, could adversely affect our 
business.  It is not possible for us to predict the occurrence or consequence of any such events. However, any such events could 
create unforeseen liabilities, reduce our ability to provide drilling and related technology services, reduce demand for our services, 
or make it more difficult or costly to provide services, any of which may ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or foreign anti bribery legislation could adversely affect 
our business.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and similar anti bribery laws in other jurisdictions, including the United 

Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign 
officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced 
governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti bribery laws may conflict with 
local customs and practices and impact our business. Although we have programs in place requiring compliance with anti bribery 
legislation, any failure to comply with the FCPA or other anti bribery legislation could subject us to civil and criminal penalties or 
other sanctions, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation. We 
could also face fines, sanctions and other penalties from authorities in the relevant foreign jurisdictions, including prohibition of our 
participating in or curtailment of business operations in those jurisdictions and the seizure of drilling rigs or other assets.

20

Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection.

The regulatory environment surrounding data privacy and protection is constantly evolving and can be subject to 

significant change. New laws and regulations governing data privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information 
pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and potentially elevate our costs. For example, the EU has adopted EU 
General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 
April 2016), which imposes severe penalties of up to the greater of 4% of worldwide turnover or 20 million Euro. 

Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with applicable data protection laws could result in heightened risk of 

litigation, including private rights of action, and proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others, subject us to 
significant fines, penalties, judgments and negative publicity, require us to change our business practices, increase the costs and 
complexity of compliance, and adversely affect our business. As noted above, we are also subject to the possibility of cyber 
incidents or attacks, which themselves may result in a violation of these laws. Additionally, if we acquire a company that has 
violated or is not in compliance with applicable data protection laws, we may incur significant liabilities and penalties as a result.

Government policies, mandates, and regulations specifically affecting the energy sector and related industries, 
regulatory policies or matters that affect a variety of businesses, taxation polices, and political instability could 
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Energy production and trade flows are subject to government policies, mandates, regulations, and trade agreements. 
Governmental policies affecting the energy industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, price controls, subsidies, incentives, foreign 
exchange rates, economic sanctions and import and export restrictions, can influence the viability and volume of production of 
certain commodities, the volume and types of imports and exports, whether unprocessed or processed commodity products are 
traded, and industry profitability.  For example, the decision of the U.S. government to impose tariffs on certain Chinese imports 
and the resulting retaliation by the Chinese government imposing a 25 percent tariff on U.S. liquefied natural gas have disrupted 
aspects of the energy market. Disruptions of this sort can affect the price of oil and natural gas and may cause our customers to 
change their plans for exploration and production levels, in turn reducing the demand for our services. Future government policies 
may adversely affect the supply of, demand for, and prices of oil and natural gas, restrict our ability to do business in existing and 
target markets, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be affected by political instability and by changes in 

other governmental policies, mandates, regulations, and trade agreements, including monetary, fiscal and environmental policies, 
laws, regulations, acquisition approvals, and other activities of governments, agencies, and similar organizations.  These risks 
include, but are not limited to, changes in a country’s or region’s economic or political conditions, local labor conditions and 
regulations, safety and environmental regulations, reduced protection of intellectual property rights, changes in the regulatory or 
legal environment, restrictions on currency exchange activities, currency exchange fluctuations, burdensome taxes and tariffs, 
enforceability of legal agreements and judgments, adverse tax, administrative agency or judicial outcomes, and regulation or 
taxation of greenhouse gases.  International risks and uncertainties, including changing social and economic conditions as well as 
terrorism, political hostilities, and war, could limit our ability to transact business in these markets and could adversely affect our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

Legal claims and litigation could have a negative impact on our business.

The nature of our business makes us susceptible to legal proceedings and governmental investigations from time to 
time. We design much of our own equipment and fabricate and upgrade such equipment in facilities that we operate. We also 
design and develop our own technology. If such equipment or technology fails to perform as expected, or if we fail to maintain or 
operate the equipment properly, there could be personal injuries, property damage, and environmental contamination, which 
could result in claims against us. In addition, during periods of depressed market conditions we may be subject to an increased 
risk of our customers, vendors, former employees and others initiating legal proceedings against us. Lawsuits or claims against us 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any litigation or claims, even if 
fully indemnified or insured, could negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it more difficult 
for us to compete effectively or obtain adequate insurance in the future.

Reliance on management and competition for experienced personnel may negatively impact our operations or financial 
results.

We greatly depend on the efforts of our executive officers and other key employees to manage our operations. The loss 

of members of management could have a material effect on our business. Similarly, we utilize highly skilled personnel in operating 
and supporting our businesses. In times of high utilization, it can be difficult to retain, and in some cases find, qualified individuals, 
which may result in higher labor costs. During such periods, our labor costs could increase at a greater rate than our ability to 
raise prices for our services. Additionally, during the recent period of sustained declines in oil and natural gas prices, there was a 
significant decline in the oil field services workforce. This has reduced the available skilled labor force available to the energy 
industry, which could also result in higher labor costs. An inability to obtain or find a sufficient number of qualified personnel could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

21

 
 
The loss of one or a number of our large customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations.

In fiscal year 2019, we received approximately 45 percent of our consolidated operating revenues from our ten largest 
contract drilling services customers and approximately 20 percent of our consolidated operating revenues from our three largest 
customers (including their affiliates). If one or more of our larger customers terminated their contracts, failed to renew existing 
contracts with us, or refused to award us with new contracts, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations. Further, consolidation among oil and natural gas exploration and production companies may 
reduce the number of available customers.

Our current backlog of contract drilling services revenue may continue to decline and may not be ultimately realized as 
fixed term contracts may, in certain instances, be terminated without an early termination payment.

Fixed term drilling contracts customarily provide for termination at the election of the customer, with an “early termination 

payment” to be paid to us if a contract is terminated prior to the expiration of the fixed term. However, under certain limited 
circumstances, such as destruction of a drilling rig, our bankruptcy, sustained unacceptable performance by us or delivery of a rig 
beyond certain grace and/or liquidated damage periods, no early termination payment would be paid to us. Even if an early 
termination payment is owed to us, a customer may be unable or may refuse to pay the early termination payment. We also may 
not be able to perform under these contracts due to events beyond our control, and our customers may seek to cancel or 
renegotiate our contracts for various reasons, such as depressed market conditions. As of September 30, 2019, our contract 
drilling services backlog was approximately $1.2 billion for future revenues under firm commitments. Our contract drilling services 
backlog may decline over time as existing contract term coverage may not be offset by new term contracts or price modifications 
for existing contracts, as a result of any number of factors, such as low or declining oil prices and capital spending reductions by 
our customers. Our inability or the inability of our customers to perform under our or their contractual obligations may have a 
material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our contracts with national oil companies may expose us to greater risks than we normally assume in contracts with 
non-governmental customers.

We currently own and operate rigs and have deployed technology under contracts with foreign national oil 
companies.  In the future, we may expand our international land operations and enter into additional, significant contracts with 
national oil companies.  The terms of these contracts may contain non-negotiable provisions and may expose us to greater 
commercial, political, operational and other risks than we assume in other contracts.  Foreign contracts may expose us to 
materially greater environmental liability and other claims for damages (including consequential damages) and personal injury 
related to our operations, or the risk that the contract may be terminated by our customer without cause on short-term notice, 
contractually or by governmental action, or under certain conditions that may not provide us with an early termination 
payment.  We can provide no assurance that increased risk exposure will not have an adverse impact on our future operations or 
that we will not increase the number of rigs contracted, or the amount of technology deployed, to national oil companies with 
commensurate additional contractual risks.  Risks that accompany contracts with national oil companies could ultimately have a 
material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our contract drilling services expense includes fixed costs that may not decline in proportion to decreases in rig 
utilization and dayrates.

Our contract drilling services expense includes all direct and indirect costs associated with the operation, maintenance 

and support of our drilling equipment, which is often not affected by changes in dayrates and utilization.  During periods of 
reduced revenue and/or activity, certain of our fixed costs (such as depreciation) may not decline and often we may incur 
additional costs.  During times of reduced utilization, reductions in costs may not be immediate as we may incur additional costs 
associated with maintaining and cold stacking a rig, or we may not be able to fully reduce the cost of our support operations in a 
particular geographic region due to the need to support the remaining drilling rigs in that region. Accordingly, a decline in revenue 
due to lower dayrates and/or utilization may not be offset by a corresponding decrease in contract drilling services expense, which 
could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on a limited number of vendors, some of which are thinly capitalized, and the loss of any of which could 
disrupt our operations.

Certain key rig components, parts and equipment are either purchased from or fabricated by a single or limited number 

of vendors, and we have no long term contracts with many of these vendors. Shortages could occur in these essential 
components due to an interruption of supply, the acquisition of a vendor by a competitor, increased demands in the industry or 
other reasons beyond our control. Similarly, certain key rig components, parts and equipment are obtained from vendors that are, 
in some cases, thinly capitalized, independent companies that generate significant portions of their business from us or from a 
small group of companies in the energy industry. These vendors may be disproportionately affected by any loss of business, 
downturn in the energy industry or reduction or unavailability of credit. If we are unable to procure certain of such rig components, 
parts or equipment, our ability to maintain, improve, upgrade or construct drilling rigs could be impaired, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

22

Shortages of drilling equipment and supplies could adversely affect our operations.

The contract drilling services business is highly cyclical. During periods of increased demand for contract drilling 
services, delays in delivery and shortages of drilling equipment and supplies can occur. Suppliers may experience quality control 
issues as they seek to rapidly increase production of equipment and supplies necessary for our operations. Additionally, suppliers 
may seek to increase prices for equipment and supplies, which we are unable to pass through to our customers, either due to 
contractual obligations or market constraints in the contract drilling services business. These risks are intensified during periods 
when the industry experiences significant new drilling rig construction or refurbishment. Any such delays or shortages could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Unionization efforts and labor regulations in certain countries in which we operate could materially increase our costs or 
limit our flexibility.

Certain of our international employees are unionized, and efforts may be made from time to time to unionize other 

portions of our workforce.  We may in the future be subject to strikes or work stoppages and other labor disruptions in connection 
with unionization efforts or renegotiation of existing contracts with unions representing our international employees. Additional 
unionization efforts, if successful, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our labor 
costs, reduce our revenues or limit our operational flexibility.

In November 2019, six of our rigs operating in Argentina were impacted by a worker strike.  The duration of the 
November strike was approximately twenty-four hours, however, if such strike recurs, it could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, financial condition and results of operations.  During the year ended September 30, 2019, approximately 7.6 
percent of our consolidated revenue was generated from our international operations, of which approximately 6 percent was from 
our Argentine operations.  We currently have 16 rigs operating in Argentina.

We may be required to record impairment charges with respect to our drilling rigs and other assets.

We evaluate our drilling rigs and other assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 

the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Lower utilization and dayrates adversely affect our revenues and 
profitability. Prolonged periods of low utilization and dayrates may result in the recognition of impairment charges if future cash 
flow estimates, based upon information available to management at the time, indicate that the carrying value of an asset group 
may not be recoverable. Drilling rigs in our fleet may become impaired in the future if oil and gas prices remain low for a 
prolonged period of time, decline further or if market conditions deteriorate or if we restructured our drilling fleet. For example, in 
fiscal years 2019 and 2018, we recognized impairment charges of $224.3 million and $17.5 million, respectively, related to 
tangible assets and equipment.  If we experience future negative changes in our business climate such that we determine that 
one or more of our asset groups are impaired, we will be required to record additional impairment charges with respect to such 
asset groups.  

Any impairment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. The facts and 

circumstances included in our impairment assessments are described in Part II, Item 8— “Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data.”

We may have additional tax liabilities and/or be limited in our use of net operating losses and tax credits.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in 

determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are 
many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly audited by tax authorities. 
Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be 
materially different than what is reflected in income tax provisions and accruals. An audit or litigation could materially affect our 
financial position, income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods challenged. Tax rates in the various 
jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries are organized and conduct their operations may change significantly as a result of political 
or economic factors beyond our control. It is also possible that future changes to tax laws (including tax treaties in any of the 
jurisdictions that we operate in) could impact our ability to realize the tax savings recorded to date. Our ability to benefit from our 
deferred tax assets depends on us having sufficient future taxable income to utilize our net operating loss and tax credit 
carryforwards before they expire. In addition, Section 382 (“Section 382”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 
“IRC”), generally imposes an annual limitation on the amount of net operating losses and other pre-change tax attributes (such as 
tax credits) that may be used to offset taxable income by a corporation that has undergone an “ownership change” (as determined 
under Section 382). An ownership change generally occurs if one or more shareholders (or groups of shareholders) that are each 
deemed to own at least 5 percent of our stock change their ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest 
ownership percentage during a rolling three-year period. As of September 30, 2019, we have not experienced an ownership 
change and, therefore, our utilization of our net operating loss carryforwards was not subject to an annual limitation. However, if 
we were to experience ownership changes in the future as a result of subsequent shifts in our stock ownership, our ability to use 
our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to limitations, which could 
potentially result in increased future tax liability to us. Furthermore, our acquisition of MOTIVE caused MOTIVE to undergo an 
ownership change and, as a result, the pre-change net operating losses of MOTIVE are subject to limitation under Section 382; 

23

however, based on the amount of such net operating losses subject to the limitation, we do not expect the application of the 
Section 382 limitation will have a material impact on our overall future tax liabilities. In addition, at the state level, there may be 
periods during which the use of net operating loss carryforwards is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or 
permanently increase state taxes owed. In any case, our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are subject to review and 
potential disallowance upon audit by the tax authorities of the jurisdictions where these tax attributes are incurred. Additionally, our 
future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws (including tax treaties) or their interpretation.

Tax legislation enacted during 2017 (the "Tax Reform Act"), among other things, (i) permanently reduced the U.S. 

corporate income tax rate, (ii) repealed the corporate alternative minimum tax, (iii) eliminated the deduction for certain domestic 
production activities, (iv) imposed new limitations on the utilization of net operating losses, (v) imposed new limitations on the 
deductibility of interest expense, (vi) imposed a type of minimum tax designed to reduce the benefits derived from intercompany 
transactions and payments that result in base erosion, and (vii) provided for more general changes to the taxation of corporations, 
including changes to cost recovery rules. These tax law changes could have the effect of causing us to incur income tax liability 
sooner than we otherwise would have incurred such liability or, in certain cases, could cause us to incur income tax liability that 
we might otherwise not have incurred, in the absence of these tax law changes. Additionally, the Tax Reform Act is complex and 
subject to interpretation. The presentation of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our current 
interpretation of the provisions contained in the Tax Reform Act, as well as the regulations related to and interpretive guidance of 
such provisions released by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service. In the future, the Treasury Department 
and the Internal Revenue Service are expected to release additional regulations and interpretive guidance regarding the 
legislation contained in the Tax Reform Act. Any significant variance of our current interpretation of such legislation from any future 
regulations or interpretive guidance could adversely affect our financial position, income tax provision, net income, or cash flows.

We may reduce or suspend our dividend in the future.

We have paid a quarterly dividend for many years. Our most recent quarterly dividend was $0.71 per share. In the future, 

our Board of Directors may, without advance notice, determine to reduce or suspend our dividend in order to maintain our 
financial flexibility and best position the Company for long term success. The declaration and amount of future dividends is at the 
discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects, 
industry conditions, capital requirements and other factors and restrictions our Board of Directors deems relevant. The likelihood 
that dividends will be reduced or suspended is increased during periods of prolonged market weakness. In addition, our ability to 
pay dividends may be limited by agreements governing our indebtedness now or in the future. There can be no assurance that we 
will not reduce our dividend or that we will continue to pay a dividend in the future.

A downgrade in our credit ratings could negatively impact our cost of and ability to access capital.

Our ability to access capital markets or to otherwise obtain sufficient financing is enhanced by our senior unsecured debt 

ratings as provided by major U.S. credit rating agencies. Factors that may impact our credit ratings include debt levels, liquidity, 
asset quality, cost structure, commodity pricing levels, industry conditions and other considerations. A ratings downgrade could 
adversely impact our ability in the future to access debt markets, increase the cost of future debt, and potentially require us to 
post letters of credit for certain obligations.

Our ability to access capital markets could be limited.

From time to time, we may need to access capital markets to obtain financing. Our ability to access capital markets for 
financing could be limited by, among other things, oil and gas prices, our existing capital structure, our credit ratings, the state of 
the economy, the health of the drilling and overall oil and gas industry, and the liquidity of the capital markets. There have also 
been efforts in recent years aimed at the investment community, including investment advisors, sovereign wealth funds, public 
pension funds, universities and other groups, promoting the divestment of fossil fuel equities as well as to pressure lenders and 
other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities with companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. 
Many of the factors that affect our ability to access capital markets are outside of our control. No assurance can be given that we 
will be able to access capital markets on terms acceptable to us when required to do so, which could have a material adverse 
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our securities portfolio may lose significant value due to a decline in equity prices and other market related risks, thus 
impacting our debt ratio and financial strength.

At September 30, 2019, we had marketable securities with a total fair value of approximately $16.3 million, consisting of 

Schlumberger, Ltd. The total fair value of the portfolio of securities, consisting of Schlumberger, Ltd. and Ensco plc, now Valaris 
plc, was $82.5 million at September 30, 2018. In September 2019, we sold our remaining 1.6 million shares in Valaris, previously 
known as Ensco Rowan plc, for total proceeds of approximately $12.0 million.   

We adopted ASU No. 2016-01 on October 1, 2018, and as a result, we recognize our marketable equity securities that 

have readily determinable fair values at fair value, with changes in such values reflected in net income. Previously, we recognized 
changes in fair value of equity securities in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 

24

Income (Loss). There is no longer a requirement to consider whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. At 
November 6, 2019, the fair value of the portfolio increased to approximately $16.5 million. 

Improvements in or new discoveries of alternative energy technologies could have a material adverse effect on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

Since our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, any improvement in or new 

discoveries of alternative energy technologies that increase the use of alternative forms of energy and reduce the demand for oil 
and natural gas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by foreign political, economic and social instability 
risks, foreign currency restrictions and devaluation, and various local laws associated with doing business in certain 
foreign countries.

We currently have drilling operations in South America and the Middle East. In the future, we may further expand the 

geographic reach of our operations. As a result, we are exposed to certain political, economic and other uncertainties not 
encountered in U.S. operations, including increased risks of social unrest, strikes, terrorism, war, kidnapping of employees, 
nationalization, forced negotiation or modification of contracts, difficulty resolving disputes (including technology disputes) and 
enforcing contract provisions, expropriation of equipment as well as expropriation of oil and gas exploration and drilling rights, 
taxation policies, foreign exchange restrictions and restrictions on repatriation of income and capital, currency rate fluctuations, 
increased governmental ownership and regulation of the economy and industry in the markets in which we operate, economic and 
financial instability of national oil companies, and restrictive governmental regulation, bureaucratic delays and general hazards 
associated with foreign sovereignty over certain areas in which operations are conducted.

South American countries, in particular, have historically experienced uneven periods of economic growth, as well as 
recession, periods of high inflation and general economic and political instability.  From time to time, these risks have impacted 
our business.  For example, on June 30, 2010, the Venezuelan government expropriated 11 rigs and associated real and personal 
property owned by our Venezuelan subsidiary.  Prior thereto, we also experienced currency devaluation losses in Venezuela and 
difficulty repatriating U.S. dollars to the United States.  Today, our contracts for work in foreign countries generally provide for 
payment in U.S. dollars.  However, in Argentina, while our dayrate is denominated in U.S. dollars, we are paid in Argentine 
pesos.  The Argentine branch of one of our second-tier subsidiaries then remits U.S. dollars to its U.S. parent by converting the 
Argentine pesos into U.S. dollars through the Argentine Foreign Exchange Market and repatriating the U.S. dollars. Argentina also 
has a history of implementing currency controls, which restrict the conversion and repatriation of U.S. dollars, including controls 
which were implemented in September 2019 and are presently in effect. As a result of these currency controls, our ability to remit 
funds from our Argentine subsidiary to its U.S. parent has been limited.  Furthermore, the Argentine government has also 
instituted price controls on crude oil, diesel and gasoline prices and instituted an exchange rate freeze in connection with those 
prices.

Argentina’s economy is currently considered highly inflationary, which is defined as cumulative inflation rates exceeding 
100 percent in the most recent three-year period based on inflation data published by the respective governments.  Nonetheless, 
all of our foreign operations use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency and local currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
remeasured into U.S. dollars with gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in current results of 
operations.

For fiscal year 2019, we experienced aggregate foreign currency losses of $8.0 million in Argentina.  Our aggregate 

foreign currency losses across all of our operations for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 were $8.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively. 
However, in the future, we may incur larger currency devaluations, foreign exchange restrictions or other difficulties repatriating 
U.S. dollars from Argentina or elsewhere, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations.

Additionally, 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 our operations or on 
our ability to continue operations in certain areas. Because of the impact of local laws, our future operations in certain areas may 
be conducted through entities in which local citizens own interests and through entities (including joint ventures) in which we have 
limited control or hold only a minority interest or pursuant to arrangements under which we conduct operations under contract to 
local entities. While we believe that neither operating through such entities nor pursuant to such arrangements would have a 
material adverse effect on our operations or revenues, there can be no assurance that we will in all cases be able to structure or 
restructure our operations to conform to local law (or the administration thereof) on terms we find acceptable.

During fiscal year 2019, approximately 7.6 percent of our consolidated operating revenues were generated from the 

international contract drilling services business and approximately 91.6 percent of the international operating revenues were from 
operations in South America. Substantially all of the South American operating revenues were from Argentina and Colombia. The 
future occurrence of one or more international events arising from the types of risks described above could have a material 
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

25

Failure to comply with or changes to governmental and environmental laws could adversely affect our business.

Many aspects of our operations are subject to various laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate, 
including those relating to drilling practices and comprehensive and frequently changing laws and regulations relating to the safety 
and to the protection of human health and the environment. Environmental laws apply to the oil and gas industry including those 
regulating air emissions, discharges to water, and the transport, storage, use, treatment, disposal and remediation of, and 
exposure to, solid and hazardous wastes and materials. These laws can have a material adverse effect on the drilling industry, 
including our operations, and compliance with such laws may require us to make significant capital expenditures, such as the 
installation of costly equipment or operational changes, and may affect the resale values or useful lives of our drilling rigs. If we 
fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we could be exposed to substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties, 
delays in permitting or performance of projects and, in some cases, injunctive relief. Violations of environmental laws may also 
result in liabilities for personal injuries, property and natural resource damage and other costs and claims. In addition, 
environmental laws and regulations in the United States impose a variety of requirements on “responsible parties” related to the 
prevention of oil spills and liability for damages from such spills. As an owner and operator of drilling rigs, we may be deemed to 
be a responsible party under these laws and regulations.

Additional legislation or regulation and changes to existing legislation and regulation may reasonably be anticipated, and 

the effect thereof on our operations cannot be predicted. The expansion of the scope of laws or regulations protecting the 
environment has accelerated in recent years, particularly outside the United States, and we expect this trend to continue. To the 
extent new laws are enacted or other governmental actions are taken that prohibit or restrict drilling in areas where we operate or 
impose additional environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, in general, or 
the drilling industry, in particular, our business or prospects could be materially adversely affected.

We may not be able to generate cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to 
satisfy our obligations.

Our ability to make future scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations, including any future debt 

obligations, depends on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We may not be able to maintain a level of 
cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows 
and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investment 
decisions and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Furthermore, 
these alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our 
ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial position at such 
time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, 
which could further restrict our business operations. Any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding 
indebtedness on a timely basis would be a default (if not waived) and would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which 
could harm our ability to seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness.

Covenants in our debt agreements restrict our ability to engage in certain activities.

Our current debt agreements pertaining to certain long term unsecured debt and our unsecured revolving credit facility 

contain, and our future financing arrangements likely will contain, various covenants that may in certain instances restrict our 
ability to, among other things, incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness, incur liens, sell or otherwise dispose of all or 
substantially all of our assets, enter into new lines of business, and merge or consolidate. In addition, our credit facility requires us 
to maintain a funded leverage ratio (as defined therein) of less than or equal to 50 percent and certain priority debt (as defined 
therein) may not exceed 17.5 percent of our net worth (as defined therein). Such restrictions may limit our ability to successfully 
execute our business plans, which may have adverse consequences on our operations.

Changes in the method of determining the London Interbank Offered Rate, or the replacement of the London Interbank 
Offered Rate with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest expense related to outstanding debt.

Amounts drawn under our current debt agreements, including the 2018 Credit Facility, may bear interest at rates based 

on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom 
announced that it would phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating 
LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The 2018 Credit Facility provides for a mechanism to amend 
the facility to reflect the establishment of an alternative rate of interest upon the occurrence of certain events related to the phase-
out of LIBOR. However, we have not yet pursued any technical amendment or other contractual alternative to address this matter 
and are currently evaluating the impact of the potential replacement of the LIBOR interest rate. In addition, the overall financial 
markets may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential 
phase-out and alternative reference rates or disruption in the financial market could have a material adverse effect on our 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

26

Certain provisions of our corporate governing documents could make an acquisition of our company more difficult.

The following provisions of our charter documents, as currently in effect, and Delaware law could discourage potential 

proposals to acquire us, delay or prevent a change in control of us or limit the price that investors may be willing to pay in the 
future for shares of our common stock:

• 

• 

our certificate of incorporation permits our Board of Directors to issue and set the terms of preferred stock and to 
adopt amendments to our bylaws;
our bylaws contain restrictions regarding the right of stockholders to nominate directors and to submit proposals to 
be considered at stockholder meetings;
our bylaws restrict the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders; and 

• 
•  we are subject to provisions of Delaware law which restrict us from engaging in any of a broad range of business 
transactions with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date such stockholder 
became classified as an interested stockholder.

The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile, and investors may not be able to resell shares at or above 
the price paid.  

The trading price of our common stock may be volatile. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and 

volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as other general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the 
market price of our common stock in spite of our operating performance. The following factors, in addition to other factors 
described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, may have a significant impact on the market price of our 
common stock:

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

changes in customer needs, expectations or trends and our ability to maintain relationships with key customers;
our ability to implement our business strategy;
changes in our capital structure, including the issuance of additional debt;
public announcements (including the timing of these announcements) regarding our business, financial 
performance and prospects or new products or services, product enhancements, technological advances or 
strategic actions, such as acquisitions, restructurings or significant contracts, by our competitors or us;
trading activity in our stock, including portfolio transactions in our stock by us, our executive officers and directors, 
and significant stockholders or trading activity that results from the ordinary course rebalancing of stock indices in 
which we may be included, such as the S&P 500 Index;
short-interest in our common stock, which could be significant from time to time;
our inclusion in, or removal from, any stock indices;
investor perception of us and the industry and markets in which we operate;
changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by securities analysts; 

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  whether or not we meet earnings estimates of securities analysts who follow us;
• 
• 

regulatory or legal developments in the United States and foreign countries where we operate; and 
general financial, domestic, international, economic, and market conditions, including overall fluctuations in the 
U.S. equity markets.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We have received no written comments regarding our periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC that were 

issued 180 days or more preceding the end of fiscal year 2019 and that remain unresolved.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Contract Drilling Services Operations

Our property consists primarily of drilling rigs and ancillary equipment.  We own substantially all of the equipment used in 

our businesses.  For further information on the status of our drilling fleet, see Item 1— “Business.”

Real Property

We own or lease office and yard space to support our ongoing operations, including field and district offices in the United 
States and internationally. In addition, we have a fabrication and assembly facility near Houston, Texas as well as a maintenance 
and overhaul facility near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We also own several commercial real estate properties for investment purposes. Our real estate investments are located 
exclusively within Tulsa, Oklahoma, and include a shopping center, multi-tenant industrial warehouse properties, and undeveloped 
real estate.

27

 
Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Venezuela Expropriation

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. and Helmerich & Payne de Venezuela, C.A. 

filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 23, 2011 against the Bolivarian Republic 
of Venezuela, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. and PDVSA Petroleo, S.A.  We are seeking damages for the taking of our Venezuelan 
drilling business in violation of international law and for breach of contract. While there exists the possibility of realizing a recovery, 
we are currently unable to determine the timing or amounts we may receive, if any, or the likelihood of recovery.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

28

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Dividends

The principal market on which our common stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HP.”  As of 

November 6, 2019, there were 410 record holders of our common stock as listed by our transfer agent’s records.

We have paid quarterly cash dividends on our common stock during the past two fiscal years. Payment of future dividends 

will depend on earnings and other factors.

Stock Price Range and Dividends

$65.61

$50.02

$74.33

$62.64

$73.60

$61.85

$69.08

$58.82

$72.94

$58.05

$64.51

$44.95

$48.05

$48.40

$52.15

$36.36

$0.70

$0.70

$0.70

$0.70

$0.71

$0.71

$0.71

$0.71

1Q 18

2Q 18

3Q 18

4Q 18

1Q 19

2Q 19

3Q 19

4Q 19

Stock price low

Stock price high

Dividend

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below sets forth the information with respect to our repurchases of common shares during the three-month 

period ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands except per share amounts):

Period

July 1 - July 31

August 1 - August 31

September 1 - September 30

Total

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased (1)

Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

—

1,000   $

—  

1,000  

—

42.78  

—  

—

—  

—  

—  

—

—

—

(1)  The Company has an evergreen authorization from the Board of Directors for the repurchase of up to four million common shares in any fiscal 

year. The repurchases may be made using our cash and cash equivalents or other available sources. Shares of stock repurchased pursuant 
to such authorization are held as treasury shares. Following the repurchase in August 2019 disclosed in the table, the Company could 
repurchase up to three million common shares through the year ended September 30, 2019.

29

    
    
    
 
Performance Graph

The following performance graph reflects the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total stockholder return on 

common stock as compared with the cumulative total return on the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 1500 Oil and Gas Drilling Index. All 
cumulative returns assume an initial investment of $100, the reinvestment of dividends and are calculated on a fiscal year basis 
ending on September 30 of each year.

Company / Index

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

S&P 500 Index

S&P 1500 Oil & Gas Drilling Index

PHLX Oil Service Index

Base Period     

INDEXED RETURNS

Years Ending

Sep 2014

    Sep 2015     Sep 2016     Sep 2017     Sep 2018

Sep 2019

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

51.00

74.00

62.00

82.00

55.00

100.00  

114.00  

135.00  

157.00  

164.00

55.00  

61.00  

60.00  

65.00

56.00  

58.00  

57.00  

61.00  

30.00

31.00

Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Return

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0
Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

S&P 500 Index

Dow Jones U.S. Select Oil Equipment & Services Index

Philadelphia Stock Exchange Oil Service Sector Index

The above performance graph and related information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with 

the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and 
shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the 
extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.

Stock Portfolio

Information required by this item regarding our marketable securities may be found in, and is incorporated by reference to, 
Item 7— “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Stock Portfolio Held” included 
in this Form 10 K.

30

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table summarizes selected financial information and should be read in conjunction with Item 7— 

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8— “Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data” included in this Form 10 K.

Five year Summary of Selected Financial Data

(in thousands except per share amounts)

Statements of Operations Selected Data

Operating revenues

Depreciation and amortization

Selling, general and administrative

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

2019

     2018 (1)

     2017 (1)

2016 (1)

2015 (1)

$ 2,798,490

    $ 2,487,268

    $ 1,804,741

$ 1,624,332

$ 3,161,702

562,803

194,416

(32,510)

(1,146)

(33,656)

583,802

199,257

493,010

(10,338)

482,672

585,543

147,548

(127,863)

(349)

(128,212)

598,587

140,486

(52,990)

(3,838)

(56,828)

608,039

132,802

420,474

(47)

420,427

Per Share Data

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

Basic loss per share from discontinued operations

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Cash dividends declared per common share

Balance Sheet Data

$

$

$

$

$

(0.33)

(0.01)

(0.34)

(0.33)

(0.01)

(0.34)

2.84

$

$

$

$

$

4.49

(0.10)

4.39

4.47

(0.10)

4.37

2.82

$

$

$

$

$

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

2.80

$

$

$

$

$

(0.50)

  $

(0.04)

(0.54)

  $

(0.50)

  $

(0.04)

(0.54)

  $

3.88

—

3.88

3.85

—

3.85

2.78

  $

2.75

Property, plant and equipment, net

$ 4,502,084

$ 4,857,382

$ 5,001,051

$ 5,144,733

$ 5,563,170

Total assets (2)

Long term debt, net

Debt to capital ratio (3)

Net working capital (4)

$ 5,839,515

$ 6,214,867

$ 6,439,988

$ 6,832,019

  $ 7,147,242

$

$

479,356

10.8%

303,945

$

$

493,968

10.1%

412,566

$

$

492,902

10.6%

325,016

$

$

491,847

  $

492,443

9.7%   

9.1%

292,857

$

316,070

(1)  Adjusted for ASU No. 2017-07, adopted in fiscal year 2019. Refer to Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risks and 

Uncertainties for further details.

(2)  Total assets for all years include amounts related to discontinued operations. Our Venezuelan subsidiary was classified as discontinued 

operations on June 30, 2010, after the seizure of our drilling assets in that country by the Venezuelan government.

(3)  The debt to capital ratio is calculated by dividing total debt by total capitalization (total debt plus shareholders’ equity). The debt to capital ratio 

is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity defined by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures 
presented by other companies.  

(4)  Net working capital is calculated as current assets, excluding cash and short-term investments, less current liabilities, excluding short–term 

debt or the current portion of long–term debt.

31

 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Part I of this Form 10 K as well as the Consolidated 
Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8— “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this 
Form 10 K. Our future operating results may be affected by various trends and factors which are beyond our control. Our actual 
results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks and 
uncertainties, including those described in this Annual Report under “Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and 
Item 1A-- “Risk Factors.” Accordingly, past results and trends should not be used by investors to anticipate future results or trends.

Executive Summary

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. provides performance-driven drilling services and technologies that are intended to make 

hydrocarbon recovery safer and more economical for oil and gas exploration and production companies. As of September 30, 
2019, our drilling rig fleet included a total of 338 drilling rigs. Our contract drilling services segments consist of the U.S. Land 
segment with 299 rigs, the Offshore segment with 8 offshore platform rigs and the International Land segment with 31 rigs as of 
September 30, 2019. At the close of fiscal year 2019, we had 218 contracted rigs, of which 137 were under a fixed term contract 
and 81 were working well-to-well, compared to 259 contracted rigs at the same time during the prior year. As the U.S. land drilling 
industry recovered from an all-time low of approximately 380 active rigs in the summer of 2016 to over 1,000 rigs in early fiscal 
2019, we led the way in reactivating rigs in the United States and gained significant market share in the process. We believe that 
our success during this time frame is validation of the capabilities of our land drilling fleet and our decisions during the downturn to 
prepare for an eventual improvement in the business, and our ability to deliver best-in-class field performance and customer 
satisfaction. Our long-term strategy remains focused on innovation, technology, safety, operational excellence and reliability.  As we 
move forward, we believe that our advanced uniform rig fleet, financial strength, long term contract backlog and strong customer 
and employee base position us very well to take advantage of future opportunities.

Market Outlook

Our revenues are derived from the capital expenditures of companies involved in the exploration, development and 

production of crude oil and natural gas (“E&Ps”). At the core, the level of capital expenditures is dictated by current and expected 
future prices of crude oil and natural gas, which are determined by various supply and demand factors. Both commodities have 
historically been, and we expect them to continue to be, cyclical and highly volatile.

With respect to U.S. Land Drilling, the resurgence of oil and natural gas production coming from the United States brought 

about by unconventional shale drilling for oil has significantly impacted the supply of oil and natural gas. The advent of 
unconventional drilling in the United States began in early 2009 and continues to evolve as E&Ps drill longer lateral wells with 
tighter well spacing. During this time, we designed, built and delivered new technology AC drive rigs (FlexRigs) to the market, 
substantially growing our fleet. The pace of progress of unconventional drilling over the years has been cyclical and volatile, 
dictated by crude oil and natural gas price fluctuations, which at times have proven to be dramatic. Throughout this time, the length 
of the lateral section of wells drilled in the U.S. has continued to grow. The progression of longer lateral wells has required many of 
the industry’s rigs to be upgraded to certain specifications in order to meet the technical challenges of drilling longer lateral wells. 
The upgraded rigs meeting those specifications are commonly referred to in the industry as super-spec rigs and have the following 
specific characteristics: AC Drive, minimum of 1,500 horsepower drawworks, minimum of 750,000 lbs. hookload rating, 7,500 psi 
mud circulating system, and multiple-well pad capability.

Beginning in early calendar 2018, we saw the demand for super-spec rigs increase and we benefited by gaining market 
share as a result of having the largest super-spec fleet in the industry and having the largest number of rigs that could readily and 
economically be upgraded to the super-spec classification.  Heading into calendar year 2019, many customers established their 
respective budgets based on crude oil price expectations of between $50 and $55 per barrel, which in hindsight proved reasonable 
given the average crude oil price of approximately $57 per barrel through September 30, 2019.  However, exiting calendar year 
2018, industry activity levels were too high relative to recently established 2019 E&P capital budgets.  Consequently, during the first 
six months of calendar year 2019, the industry experienced a gradual decline in activity, with the rig count falling by approximately 
115 rigs (11%).  Despite this decline, many of our customers had spent more than 50% of their planned capital expenditures 
through midyear. This resulted in a more rapid decline in activity with the rig count falling roughly 110 rigs (11%) in the subsequent, 
shorter three-month period. As a result, E&P spending for the remaining six months of 2019 became more austere due to our 
customers' emphasis on disciplined capital spending. Activity for the remainder of calendar year 2019 currently appears subdued 
and could be further negatively impacted by seasonal holidays and weather, as well as the conditions in the general economy.  
Given current crude oil price levels in the mid-$50 per barrel range, we anticipate our customers will set their 2020 capital budgets 
on that basis of between $50 and $55 per barrel, but that basis could change depending upon where crude oil prices move over 
the next several months, the time during which most customers will set their capital budgets.  We expect our customers to remain 
capital disciplined, which will ultimately impact their level of spending during 2020.

32

During fiscal year 2019, we upgraded 21 FlexRigs and converted 5 FlexRigs to super-spec capacity, bringing our total 

super-spec FlexRig fleet to 233 rigs.  At September 30, 2019, we had 55 idle super-spec FlexRigs, and we do not anticipate 
upgrading additional FlexRigs to super-spec capacity. Some customers may have a requirement or a preference for walking 
multiple-well pad capability, and we would convert certain idle super-spec skidding rigs to walking for multi-year term contracts.  
The lack of a sizable commitment to super-spec upgrades in fiscal year 2020 is the main driver of the decrease in our capital 
expenditure budget, which is initially set at between $275 million and $300 million for fiscal year 2020, down from $458.4 million in 
fiscal year 2019.

In our H&P Technologies segment, we expect further market penetration of our digital technology offerings as customers 

continue to appreciate the economic benefits of deploying these technologies in their well programs.  We continue to see the 
expansion for more pronounced industry adoption in a measured pace, though realizing the inherent challenges in adopting new 
and disruptive technologies in a flat oil price environment.  Similar to our other segments, H&P Technologies shares the same 
underlying drivers in terms of crude oil prices and E&Ps' capital expenditures, but is ultimately tied to rig count activity, both the 
Company's and the industry's.

In our International Land Drilling segment, we believe that our market leading position in the Neuquén basin of Argentina 

provides opportunities for us to either deploy additional AC rigs from the United States or upgrade rigs in country to super-spec.  
However, a recent political regime change in the country may impact the current contracting environment and possibly delay such 
opportunities further into calendar year 2020 or beyond.  We continue to believe that our international land operations are a 
potential area of growth over the next several years, including for idle U.S. AC rigs, but acknowledge that such growth may be 
more sporadic than what we have experienced in the U.S. market.  To that end, we have recently signed letters of intent in the 
U.A.E to put two FlexRigs back to work starting in fiscal year 2020.  Additionally, we have also recently signed two letters of intent 
to put two more rigs back to work, one in Bahrain and one in Colombia. 

As of September 30, 2019, our Offshore Drilling operations have reported relatively stable utilization and cash flows. We 

expect a relatively similar operating environment during fiscal year 2020.

Recent Developments

Liquidity

In December 2018, we settled an offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) any and all outstanding 4.65 percent 

unsecured senior notes due 2025 (the “HPIDC 2025 Notes”) issued by Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co., our wholly-
owned direct subsidiary (“HPIDC”), for (i) up to $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.65 percent unsecured senior 
notes due 2025 of the Company (the “Company 2025 Notes”), with registration rights, and (ii) cash. Concurrently with the 
Exchange Offer, we solicited consents to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indenture governing the HPIDC 2025 Notes. 
The HPIDC 2025 Notes tendered had a principal amount of $487.1 million which represents 97.42 percent of the HPIDC 2025 
Notes outstanding prior to the Exchange Offer. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” below. 

In March 2019, we settled a registered exchange offer (the “Registered Exchange Offer”) to exchange the Company 2025 

Notes for new SEC-registered notes that are substantially identical to the terms of the Company 2025 Notes, except that the offer 
and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights 
and additional interest provisions relating to the Company 2025 Notes do not apply to the new notes. Approximately 99.99% of the 
Company 2025 Notes were exchanged in the Registered Exchange Offer.

In September 2019, we redeemed the remaining approximately $12.9 million in aggregate principal amount of HPIDC 

2025 Notes for approximately $14.6 million, including accrued interest and a prepayment premium (the “HPIDC 2025 Notes 
Redemption”). Simultaneously with the HPIDC 2025 Notes Redemption, HPIDC was released as a guarantor under the Company 
2025 Notes and the 2018 Credit Facility (as defined herein). As a result of such release, H&P is the only obligor under the 
Company 2025 Notes and the 2018 Credit Facility.

On November 13, 2019, we entered into the first amendment to our 2018 Credit Facility by and among the Company, as 
borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “2018 Credit Facility 
Amendment”).  Amongst other things, the 2018 Credit Facility Amendment (i) extended the maturity date of the 2018 Credit Facility 
by one year to November 13, 2024, (ii) deleted certain negative covenants and (iii) refreshed the number of permissible extensions 
of the maturity date that require only the consent of extending lenders.

Business Segments

Effective October 1, 2018 and during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we implemented organizational changes, 

consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. As a result 
of the reorganization of our operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, we identified a new reportable segment, H&P 
Technologies. This reportable segment is used to drive development of advanced digital drilling technologies and directional drilling 
automation solutions, designed to improve safety, reliability, drilling consistency, and well performance economics for our 
customers. Subsequent to the reorganizations, all of our technology companies are included within the H&P Technologies 

33

 
 
 
 
 
reportable segment. Combining drilling technology expertise within this new segment creates a holistic solution-based approach 
that includes products, services and capabilities. This approach provides performance-driven drilling services with greater levels of 
accuracy, consistency, optimization and a reduction of human error to create higher quality wellbores. This technology addresses 
our customers' unique challenges, resulting in less tortuosity and reducing positional uncertainty in the directional drilling process. 
Another key benefit is that many components of our digital technology, including MOTIVE bit guidance and MagVARTM survey 
correction, can be used on any rig, regardless of the drilling or service provider, allowing our customers to benefit from these 
technologies on all rigs. During fiscal year 2019, H&P Technologies released AutoSlideSM, which integrates the MOTIVE bit 
guidance system and several FlexApps to function within the FlexRig operating system and fully automates the control of mud 
motors while sliding during the vertical, the curve, and the lateral hole sections during horizontal drilling operations. Similar to our 
approach with FlexApps, H&P Technologies plans to market AutoSlide across the FlexRigTM fleet initially at a price point that 
improves cost-efficiency for our customers. Subsequently, there are also plans to integrate the software to make this offering 
compatible with non–H&P rigs for those customers with multi-vendor rig fleets. Currently, our AutoSlide application is commercially 
available in four regions including the Midland, Bakken, Eagle Ford and MidCon basins and we will be expanding into additional 
basins in the coming months. The adoption of our FlexApps continues as customers see the value of these technologies as 
demonstrated by their requests to use them on both H&P and non-H&P rigs. Our preparation to respond to this type of demand 
includes migrating our FlexApp offerings into our H&P Technologies business segment, which occurred in the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2019 and developing rig-neutral solutions to operate the software on non-H&P rigs. 

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company established an incubator program for new research and 

development projects, the results of which have been included in "Other" within our segment disclosures. 

Business Combinations

In November 2018, we announced our acquisition of Angus Jamieson Consulting (“AJC”), a software-based training and 
consultancy company based in Inverness, Scotland. AJC is recognized as an industry leader in wellbore positioning and provides 
software and in-depth training for clients. The skills and talents of AJC will accelerate capabilities to deliver future, value-driven 
automation in H&P Technologies.

In August 2019, we completed an acquisition of an unaffiliated company, DrillScan Energy SAS and its subsidiaries 

("DrillScan"), a leading provider of proprietary drilling engineering software, well engineering services and training for the oil and 
gas industry. DrillScan brings a team of highly respected industry experts who will contribute to research, development and 
innovation efforts to advance H&P’s digital technology portfolio. DrillScan will maintain its headquarters in France and its other 
international locations. DrillScan will operate as part of the H&P Technologies reportable segment. 

Impairments

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company's management performed a detailed assessment, considering a 

number of approaches, to maximize the utilization and enhance the margins of the domestic and international FlexRig4 asset 
groups. In June 2019, this assessment concluded that marketing a smaller fleet of these two asset groups would provide the best 
economic outcome. As such, the decision was made to downsize the number of domestic and international FlexRig4 drilling rigs, to 
be marketed to our customers, from 71 rigs to 20 domestic rigs and from 10 rigs to 8 international rigs and utilize the major 
interchangeable components of the decommissioned drilling rigs within these asset groups as capital spares for all of our 
remaining rig fleet. This has reduced the aggregate net book values of the FlexRig4 asset groups as of June 30, 2019 from $317.8 
million to $107.5 million for domestic rigs and from $55.7 million to $47.8 million for international rigs. Following the downsizing 
process, we performed a detailed study to optimize the quantities of capital spares and drilling support equipment required to 
support the future operations of our rig fleet going forward. These decisions and analysis resulted in a write down of excess capital 
spares and drilling support equipment, which had an aggregate net book value of $235.3 million, to their estimated proceeds to 
ultimately be received on sale or disposal based on our historical experience with sales and disposals of similar assets, resulting in 
an impairment of $224.3 million ($195.0 million, net of tax, or $1.78 per diluted share), which was recorded in our Consolidated 
Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2019. Of the $224.3 million total impairment charge recorded, $216.9 
million ($188.6 million, net of tax, or $1.72 per diluted share) and $7.4 million ($6.4 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) 
was recorded in our U.S. Land and International Land segment, respectively, during the year ended September 30, 2019. The 
significant assumptions in the valuation are classified as Level 2 inputs by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, 
Fair Value Measurement.

Due to the downsizing of our domestic and international FlexRig4 asset groups, at June 30, 2019, we performed 
impairment testing on these two asset groups. We concluded that the net book values of the asset groups are recoverable through 
estimated undiscounted cash flows with a surplus. The most significant assumptions used in our undiscounted cash flow model 
include: timing on awards of future drilling contracts, operating dayrates, operating costs, rig reactivation costs, drilling rig 
utilization, estimated remaining useful life, and net proceeds received upon future sale/disposition. The assumptions are consistent 
with the Company's internal forecasts for future years. Although we believe the assumptions used in our analysis are reasonable 
and appropriate and the probability-weighted average of expected future undiscounted net cash flows exceed the net book value 
for each of the domestic and international FlexRig4 asset groups as of June 30, 2019, different assumptions and estimates could 
materially impact the analysis and our resulting conclusion.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 

Consolidated Results of Operations

All per share amounts included in the Results of Operations discussion are stated on a diluted basis. Except as 

specifically discussed, the following results of operations pertain only to our continuing operations.

Net Income (Loss) Our net loss for fiscal year 2019 was $32.5 million ($0.33 loss per share), compared with net income 

of $493.0 million ($4.49 earnings per share) for fiscal year 2018. Net loss in fiscal year 2019 and net income in fiscal year 2018 
include after-tax income from early termination revenue associated with drilling contracts terminated prior to the expiration of their 
fixed term of $7.1 million ($0.07 per diluted share) and $12.6 million ($0.12 per diluted share), respectively. Net loss in fiscal year 
2019 and net income in fiscal year 2018 include after tax gains from the sale of assets of $30.6 million ($0.28 per diluted share) 
and $16.7 million ($0.15 per diluted share), respectively. Additionally, net loss in fiscal year 2019 and net income in fiscal year 2018 
include after-tax income from a tax benefit of $18.7 million ($0.17 per diluted share) and a tax benefit of $477.2 million ($4.36 per 
diluted share), respectively.

Revenue Consolidated operating revenues were $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2019 and $2.5 billion in fiscal year 2018, 

including early termination revenue of $11.3 million and $17.1 million in each respective fiscal year. Excluding early termination 
revenue, operating revenue increased $317.1 million in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. The number of revenue 
days in our U.S. Land segment increased by approximately 4.9 percent. Our activity was primarily driven by the fluctuation in oil 
prices as the second half of fiscal year 2018 experienced oil prices in the $62 to $77 per barrel range followed by a peak during the 
first quarter of fiscal year 2019 with prices reaching $71 per barrel. This period of increased pricing was followed by nine months of 
decreasing oil prices ranging from $51 to $64 per barrel. 

Asset Impairment Management monitors industry market conditions impacting its long lived assets, intangible assets 
and goodwill. When required, an impairment analysis is performed to determine if any impairment exists. During the year ended 
September 30, 2019, and mainly driven by the downsizing of our fleet of FlexRig4 drilling rigs, we wrote down excess capital 
spares and drilling support equipment, which had an aggregate net book value of $235.3 million, and as a result, an impairment 
charge of $224.3 million ($195.0 million, net of tax, or $1.78 per diluted share) was recorded in our Consolidated Statement of 
Operations.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, and after ceasing operations in Ecuador, we entered into a sales negotiation 
with respect to the six conventional rigs present in the country, pursuant to which the rigs, together with associated equipment and 
machinery, were sold to a third party to be recycled. As a result, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $9.2 million ($7.0 
million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share). The remaining rig within the same asset group, not to be disposed of, was written 
down resulting in an additional impairment charge of $1.4 million ($1.0 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share). Additionally, 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, management committed to a plan to auction several previously decommissioned rigs 
during fiscal year 2019. As a result, we wrote them down to their estimated fair values and we recorded a non-cash impairment 
charge of $5.7 million ($4.2 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per diluted share). Furthermore, during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 
2018, we recorded goodwill and intangible assets impairment losses of $5.6 million ($4.1 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per diluted 
share) related to the TerraVici technology reporting unit. The fiscal year 2018 asset impairment charges are included in Asset 
Impairment Charge on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. 

Interest and Dividend Income Interest and dividend income was $9.5 million and $8.0 million in fiscal years 2019 and 

2018, respectively. The increase in interest and dividend income in fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to higher earnings on 
available cash equivalents and short-term investments.  

Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses in fiscal year 2019 were $1.8 billion, compared with $1.7 billion in 
fiscal year 2018. The increase in fiscal year 2019 from fiscal year 2018 was primarily attributable to a higher level of activity in fiscal 
year 2019.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $194.4 million in 

fiscal year 2019 and $199.3 million in fiscal year 2018. The $4.9 million decrease is primarily due to lower variable compensation 
and professional services expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense was $562.8 million in fiscal year 2019 and 

$583.8 million in fiscal year 2018. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of intangible assets of $5.8 million and $5.4 
million in fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively, and abandonments of equipment of $11.4 million and $27.7 million in fiscal 
years 2019 and 2018, respectively. In fiscal year 2019, depreciation expense also includes $4.7 million of accelerated depreciation 
for components on rigs that are planned for conversion in fiscal year 2020. 

35

Interest Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, totaled $25.2 million in fiscal year 2019 and $24.3 million in fiscal 
year 2018. Of the total $25.2 million interest expense incurred in fiscal year 2019, $1.7 million related to the prepayment premium 
paid for the HPIDC 2025 Notes Redemption in September 2019. Interest expense is primarily attributable to fixed rate debt 
outstanding. 

Income Taxes We had an income tax benefit of $18.7 million in fiscal year 2019 compared to an income tax benefit of 

$477.2 million in fiscal year 2018. The effective income tax rate was 36.5 percent in fiscal year 2019 compared to (3,012.3) percent 
in fiscal year 2018. The effective rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate (21.0 percent for fiscal year 2019 and 24.5 percent 
for fiscal year 2018) due to non-deductible permanent items, state and foreign income taxes, and adjustments to the deferred state 
income tax rate.  In addition, the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2018 was impacted by income tax adjustments related to the 
reduction of the federal statutory corporate income tax rate as part of the Tax Reform Act, which was enacted during 2017. 
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets 
and liabilities. Recoverability of any tax assets are evaluated, and necessary allowances are provided. The carrying values of the 
net deferred tax assets are based on management’s judgments using certain estimates and assumptions that we will be able to 
generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to realize the benefits of such assets. If these estimates and 
related assumptions change in the future, additional valuation allowances may be recorded against the deferred tax assets 
resulting in additional income tax expense in the future. See Note 8—Income Taxes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional income tax disclosures.

Research and Development During fiscal years 2019 and 2018, we incurred $27.5 million and $18.2 million, 

respectively, of research and development expenses. The increase in expense is primarily related to new initiatives that are 
conducted through H&P Technologies. We anticipate research and development expenses to continue during fiscal year 2020.

Discontinued Operations Expenses incurred within the country of Venezuela are reported as discontinued operations. In 

March 2016, the Venezuelan government implemented the previously announced plans for a new foreign currency exchange 
system. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. and Helmerich & Payne de Venezuela, C.A., 
filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 23, 2011 against the Bolivarian Republic 
of Venezuela, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. and PDVSA Petroleo, S.A. We are seeking damages for the taking of our Venezuelan 
drilling business in violation of international law and for breach of contract. While there exists the possibility of realizing a recovery, 
we are currently unable to determine the timing or amounts we may receive, if any, or the likelihood of recovery. Activity within 
discontinued operations for both fiscal years 2019 and 2018 is primarily a result of the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on 
remaining in country assets and liabilities.

U.S. Land Operations Segment

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

2019

2018 (2)

% Change

Operating revenues

Direct operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expense

Research and development

Depreciation

Asset impairment charge

Segment operating income

Operating Statistics (1):

Revenue days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of rigs at the end of period

Rig utilization

$

2,366,201

$

2,063,362

1,514,641

1,346,192

44,141

653

496,770

216,908

58,157

262

504,805

5,695

93,088

$

148,251

81,805

25,433

15,024

10,409

$

$

299

67%

77,980

23,349

14,152

9,197

350

61%

$

$

$

14.7%

12.5

(24.1)

149.2

(1.6)

3,708.7

(37.2)

4.9

8.9

6.2

13.2

(14.6)

9.8

(1)  Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out of pocket” expenses of $285,614 and 

$242,617 for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(2)  Fiscal year 2018 has been restated due to the migration of FlexApps from our U.S. Land segment to our H&P Technologies segment. 

Operating Income In fiscal year 2019, the U.S. Land segment had operating income of $93.1 million compared to 

operating income of $148.3 million in fiscal year 2018. Included in U.S. land revenues for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 is 
approximately $6.4 million and $17.1 million, respectively, from early termination of fixed term contracts. Fixed term contracts 
customarily provide for termination at the election of the customer, with an early termination payment to be paid to us if a contract is 
terminated prior to the expiration of the fixed term (except in limited circumstances including sustained unacceptable performance 
by us).

36

 
    
  
  
  
Revenue Excluding early termination revenue of $78 and $219 per day for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively, 

average revenue per day for fiscal year 2019 increased by $2,225 to $25,355 from $23,130 in fiscal year 2018. Our activity 
increased year-over-year due to increased customer demand, resulting in a 4.9 percent increase in revenue days when comparing 
fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2018.  

Direct Operating Expenses Average expense per day, excluding costs associated with a settled lawsuit of $336 per day 

for fiscal year 2019, increased $536 to $14,688 in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. The increase is primarily due to 
higher pass-through costs, including higher wages for field personnel in some regions and higher rig recommissioning expense 
during fiscal year 2019. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in average daily expenses for idle rig expenses. 

Asset Impairment Charge During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and mainly driven by the downsizing of our 

fleet of FlexRig4 drilling rigs, we wrote down excess capital spares and drilling support equipment and as a result, an impairment 
charge of $216.9 million ($188.6 million, net of tax, or $1.72 per diluted share), which is included in Asset Impairment Charge on 
the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Depreciation Depreciation includes charges for abandoned equipment of $10.6 million and $26.3 million in fiscal years 
2019 and 2018, respectively. In fiscal year 2019, depreciation expense also includes $4.7 million of accelerated depreciation for 
components on rigs that are scheduled for conversion in fiscal year 2020. As the drilling markets continued to recover during fiscal 
year 2017, we began abandoning older rig components as we upgrade rigs to meet customer demands for additional capabilities. 
This trend continued in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, although it has abated to some extent in fiscal year 2019 as our rig upgrade 
cadence has slowed. 

Utilization Rig utilization increased to 67 percent in fiscal year 2019 from 61 percent in fiscal year 2018. The total number 

of available rigs was 299 at September 30, 2019 compared to 350 at September 30, 2018. During the third quarter of fiscal year 
2019, domestic FlexRig4’s were downsized by 51 rigs.

At September 30, 2019, 194 out of 299 existing rigs in the U.S. Land segment were generating revenue. Of the 194 rigs 
generating revenue, 128 were under fixed term contracts, and 66 were working well-to-well. At November 6, 2019, the number of 
existing rigs under fixed term contracts in the segment was 129 and the number of rigs working in the well-to-well market was 63.

Offshore Operations Segment

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

Operating revenues

Direct operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expense

Depreciation

Segment operating income
Operating Statistics 
Revenue days

(1):

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of rigs at the end of period

Rig utilization

$

$

$

$

2019
147,635

114,306
3,725

10,010

19,594

2,163

37,478

28,663
8,815

8

74%

$

$

$

$

2018
142,500

101,477
4,507

10,392

26,124

2,036

35,331

26,009

9,322

8

70%

     % Change

3.6%

12.6

(17.4)

(3.7)

(25.0)

6.2

6.1

10.2

(5.4)

—

5.7

(1)  Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out of pocket” expenses of $26,433 and 
$20,279 for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. The operating statistics only include rigs owned by us and exclude offshore platform 
management and labor service contracts and currency revaluation expense.

Operating Income In fiscal year 2019, the Offshore segment had operating income of $19.6 million compared to 

operating income of $26.1 million in fiscal year 2018. This decrease is primarily attributable to a rate reduction that took place 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 as a long-term contract expired. These negative effects were partially offset by activity 
and cash flow from an additional rig that commenced operations during the third quarter of fiscal year 2018.

Revenue Average rig revenue per day increased 6.1 percent to $37,478 in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. 

This was primarily due to rigs returning from a standby rate to a full operating rate during fiscal year 2019. 

Direct Operating Expenses Average rig expense per day increased 10.2 percent in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal 

year 2018. This increase was primarily attributable to the factors mentioned above.

Utilization At September 30, 2019 and 2018, six of our eight platform rigs were contracted. Utilization increased year-

over-year as a previously idle rig returned to work in April 2018.

37

    
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
International Land Operations Segment

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

Operating revenues

Direct operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expense

Depreciation

Asset impairment charge

Segment operating income (loss)

Operating Statistics (1):

Revenue days

Average rig revenue per day

Average rig expense per day

Average rig margin per day

Number of rigs at the end of period

Rig utilization

2019

2018

     % Change

$

211,731

$

238,356

(11.2)%

157,856

177,938

5,624

35,466

7,419

5,366

6,426

31,269

21,626

9,643

31

55%

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,658

46,826

10,617

(11.3)

53.7

(24.3)

(30.1)

(683)

(885.7)

6,696

33,830

24,211

9,619

32

49%

(4.0)

(7.6)

(10.7)

0.2

(3.1)

12.2

(1)  Operating statistics for per day revenue, expense and margin do not include reimbursements of “out of pocket” expenses of $10,797 and 

$11,828 for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Also excluded are the effects of currency revaluation income and expense.

Operating Income (Loss) The International Land segment had operating income of $5.4 million for fiscal year 2019 

compared to operating loss of $0.7 million for fiscal year 2018. The increase was primarily driven by lower depreciation and 
impairment expense in 2019.

Revenue Our activity has decreased primarily in response to lower commodity prices. We experienced a 4.0 percent 

decrease in revenue days when comparing fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2018. The average number of active rigs was 17.6 during 
fiscal year 2019 compared to 18.2 during fiscal year 2018.

Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses decreased in fiscal year 2019 to $157.9 million from $177.9 

million in fiscal year 2018, the average rig expense per day decreased by $2,585, 10.7 percent, as compared to the fiscal year 
2018 average rig expense. This decrease was primarily attributable to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, which decreased our 
average daily expenses as a result of being translated from local currency to the U.S. dollar. Included in direct operating expenses 
are foreign currency transaction losses of $8.2 million and $4.0 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Asset Impairment Charge During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and mainly driven by the downsizing of our 

fleet of FlexRig4 drilling rigs, we wrote down excess capital spares and drilling support equipment and as a result, an impairment 
charge of $7.4 million ($6.4 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share), which is included in Asset Impairment Charge on the 
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, after ceasing operations in Ecuador, we entered into a sales negotiation with 

respect to six conventional rigs, with net book values of $20.8 million, present in the country, pursuant to which the rigs, together 
with associated equipment and machinery, were sold to a third party to be recycled. Certain components of these rigs with an $8.5 
million net book value, that were not subject to the sale agreement, were transferred to the United States to be utilized on other 
FlexRigs with high activity and demand. The sales transaction was completed in November 2018. We recorded a non-cash 
impairment charge of $9.2 million ($7.0 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share), which is included in Asset Impairment 
Charge on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 related to these rigs. As a 
result, the remaining rig within the same asset group, not to be disposed of, was written down resulting in an additional impairment 
charge of $1.4 million ($1.0 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share).

Utilization Utilization increased from 49 percent in fiscal year 2018 to 55 percent in fiscal year 2019 and was primarily 
driven by fewer available rig days as a result of the downsizing of six rigs in Ecuador in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018 and two 
International FlexRig4 rigs in the third fiscal quarter of 2019. 

H&P Technologies Operations Segment

(in thousands)

Operating revenues

Direct operating expenses

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative expense

Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charge

Segment operating loss

2019

2018

     % Change

$

59,990

$

17,935

24,511
22,038   
7,696   
—

30,239  
23,511

17,905
15,588  
7,153  
5,636

$

(12,190) $

(39,554)  

98.4%

(23.7)

36.9

41.4

7.6
(100.0)

(69.2)

38

    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
Operating Loss H&P Technologies had an operating loss of $12.2 million during fiscal year 2019 compared to an 
operating loss of $39.6 million during fiscal year 2018. The change was primarily driven by additional revenue growth during 2019 
and the commercialization of our FlexApp offerings during fiscal year 2018. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2019, we 
migrated our FlexApp offerings into our H&P Technologies segment.  The activity of our FlexApps was previously included in our 
U.S. Land segment.  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the transfer of FlexApps revenues and related costs from 
U.S. Land segment to H&P Technologies segment. This was partially offset by additional research and development initiatives 
during fiscal year 2019.

Other Operations

Results of our other operations, excluding corporate selling, general and administrative costs and corporate depreciation, 

are as follows:

(in thousands)

Operating revenues

Direct operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expense

Research and development

Depreciation and amortization

Operating income

2019

2018 (1)

     % Change

$

12,933

$

5,382

350

2,303
1,523   
3,375
$

$

12,811  
5,053

389

—
1,486  
5,883  

1.0%

6.5

(10.0)

—

2.5

(42.6)

(1)  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the change in reportable segments.

Operating Income Operating income from other operations declined due to higher research and development expense. 

During fiscal year 2019, other operations had operating income of $3.4 million compared to operating income of $5.9 million during 
fiscal year 2018.

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 

The results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are included in Part 2, Item 7
— "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 
10-K. 

39

    
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

Our sources of available liquidity include existing cash balances on hand, cash flows from operations, and availability 

under our credit facility. Our liquidity requirements include meeting ongoing working capital needs, funding our capital expenditure 
projects, paying dividends declared, and repaying our outstanding indebtedness. Historically, we have financed operations 
primarily through internally generated cash flows. During periods when internally generated cash flows are not sufficient to meet 
liquidity needs, we will borrow from available credit sources, access capital markets or sell our portfolio securities.  Likewise, if we 
are generating excess cash flows, we may invest in highly rated short term money market and debt securities. These investments 
can include U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency issued debt securities, corporate bonds, certificates of deposit and money 
market funds. We have continued to reinvest maturities and earnings during fiscal years 2019 and 2018. The securities are 
recorded at fair value.

We may seek to access the debt and equity capital markets from time to time to raise additional capital, increase liquidity 

as necessary, fund our additional purchases, exchange or redeem Senior Notes, or repay any amounts under our credit facility. Our 
ability to access the debt and equity capital markets depends on a number of factors, including our credit rating, market and 
industry conditions and market perceptions of our industry, general economic conditions, our revenue backlog and our capital 
expenditure commitments.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including, among others, the number of our drilling rigs under 

contract, the dayrates we receive under those contracts, the efficiency with which we operate our drilling units, the timing of 
collections on outstanding accounts receivable, the timing of payments to our vendors for operating costs, and capital 
expenditures. To date, general inflationary trends have not had a material effect on our operating margins.

As of September 30, 2019, we had $347.9 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $53.0 million of short-term 

investments. Our cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are presented below:

(in thousands)

Net cash provided (used) by:

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Operating Activities

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

As adjusted

$

$

855,751

$

557,852

$

371,199

(422,636)

(376,329)

(472,362)

(319,814)

(444,988)

(300,829)

56,786

$

(234,324) $

(374,618)

Net working capital excluding cash and short-term investments decreased $108.7 million to $303.9 million as of 
September 30, 2019 from $412.6 million as of September 30, 2018 due to lower activity coupled with ongoing efforts to improve 
our cash conversion cycle. Net cash provided from operating activities was $855.8 million in fiscal year 2019 compared to $557.9 
million in fiscal year 2018. The $297.9 increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to the decrease in net 
working capital. In fiscal year 2017, net cash provided from operating activities was $371.2 million. The $186.7 increase in cash 
provided by operating activities between fiscal years 2018 and 2017 was primarily due to higher activity and average daily margins 
in fiscal year 2018.

Investing Activities

Capital Expenditures Our investing activities are primarily related to capital expenditures for our fleet. Our capital 

expenditures were $458.4 million in 2019, $466.6 million in fiscal year 2018 and $397.6 million in fiscal year 2017. Our fiscal year 
2020 capital spending is currently estimated to be between $275 million and $300 million. This estimate includes normal capital 
maintenance requirements, information technology spending and a limited number of upgrades primarily related to augmenting the 
capabilities of our existing rig fleet.

Acquisition of Business During fiscal years 2019 and 2018, we paid $16.2 million and $47.9 million, respectively, net of 

cash acquired, for the acquisition of drilling technology companies.

Sale of Assets Our proceeds from asset sales totaled $50.8 million in fiscal year 2019, $44.4 million in fiscal year 2018 

and $23.4 million in fiscal year 2017. 

40

    
Stock Portfolio Held We manage marketable securities consisting of common shares of Schlumberger, Ltd. that, at the 
close of fiscal year 2019, had a fair value of $16.0 million. The value of the portfolio is subject to fluctuation in the market and may 
vary considerably over time. The portfolio is recorded at fair value on our balance sheet.

In September 2019, we sold our remaining 1.6 million shares in Valaris, previously known as Ensco Rowan plc, for total 

proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. 

Our marketable securities held as of September 30, 2019 are presented below:

(in thousands, except for share amounts)

Number of Shares

Cost Basis

     Market Value

Schlumberger, Ltd.

Financing Activities

467,500

3,713

15,974

The increase of $56.5 million in net cash used by financing activities in fiscal year 2019 from fiscal year 2018 was 

primarily due to payments made for the early extinguishment of long-term debt and the repurchase of shares. 

Dividends We paid dividends of $2.84, $2.82, and $2.80 per share during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Total dividends paid were $313.4 million, $308.4 million and $305.5 million in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
Adjusting for stock splits accordingly, we have increased the effective annual dividend per share every fiscal year for the past 47 
years. The declaration and amount of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and subject to our financial 
condition, results of operations, cash flows, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.

Credit Facilities

On November 13, 2018, we entered into a credit agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, providing for an unsecured revolving credit facility (the 
“2018 Credit Facility”), which was originally set to mature on November 13, 2023. Pursuant to the 2018 Credit Facility Amendment 
entered into on November 13, 2019, among other things, the maturity date was extended by one year to November 13, 2024. The 
2018 Credit Facility has $750 million in aggregate availability with a maximum of $75 million available for use as letters of credit. 
The 2018 Credit Facility also permits aggregate commitments under the facility to be increased by $300 million, subject to the 
satisfaction of certain conditions and the procurement of additional commitments from new or existing lenders. The 2018 Credit 
Facility was originally guaranteed by HPIDC, but such guarantee was released simultaneously with the redemption of the HPIDC 
2025 Notes and the release of HPIDC as a guarantor under the Company 2025 Notes. The borrowings under the 2018 Credit 
Facility accrue interest at a spread over either the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Base Rate. We also pay a 
commitment fee on the unused balance of the facility. Borrowing spreads as well as commitment fees are determined based on the 
debt rating for senior unsecured debt of the Company, as determined by Moody’s and Standard & Poor's ("S&P"). The spread over 
LIBOR ranges from 0.875 percent to 1.500 percent per annum and commitment fees range from 0.075 percent to 0.200 percent 
per annum. Based on the unsecured debt rating of the Company on September 30, 2019, the spread over LIBOR would have 
been 1.125 percent had borrowings been outstanding under the facility and commitment fees are 0.125 percent. There is a 
financial covenant in the 2018 Credit Facility that requires us to maintain a total debt to total capitalization ratio of less than or equal 
to 50 percent. The 2018 Credit Facility contains additional terms, conditions, restrictions and covenants that we believe are usual 
and customary in unsecured debt arrangements for companies of similar size and credit quality, including a limitation that priority 
debt (as defined in the credit agreement) may not exceed 17.5 percent of the net worth of the Company. As of September 30, 
2019, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding, leaving $750.0 million available to borrow under the 2018 Credit 
Facility. See Note 7—Debt to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the 2018 Credit Facility.

In connection with entering into the 2018 Credit Facility, we terminated our $300.0 million unsecured credit facility under 

the credit agreement dated as of July 13, 2016 by and among HPIDC, as borrower, the Company, as guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. As of September 30, 2019, we had two outstanding 
letters of credit with banks under bilateral line of credit agreements, in the amounts of $25.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. 
Subsequent to our fiscal year end, in October 2019, the balance of the $25.5 million outstanding letter of credit was reduced to 
$24.8 million. As of September 30, 2019, we also had a $20.0 million unsecured standalone line of credit facility, for the purpose of 
obtaining the issuance of bid and performance bonds, as well as other miscellaneous international needs. $11.5 million was 
outstanding under the $20.0 million facility as of September 30, 2019. The applicable agreements for all unsecured debt contain 
additional terms, conditions and restrictions that we believe are usual and customary in unsecured debt arrangements for 
companies that are similar in size and credit quality. At September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all debt covenants, and 
we anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance during the next quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Repurchase and Retirement of Common Shares

We have an evergreen authorization to purchase up to four million common shares per fiscal year. During fiscal 2019, we 

purchased one million common shares at an aggregate cost of $42.8 million, which are held as treasury shares. We had no 
purchases of common shares during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

41

 
 
 
Future Cash Requirements

Our operating cash requirements, scheduled debt repayments, interest payments, any declared dividends, and estimated 

capital expenditures for fiscal year 2020 are expected to be funded through current cash and cash to be provided from operating 
activities. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at current levels.

The long term debt to total capitalization ratio was 10.8 percent at September 30, 2019 compared to 10.1 percent at 

September 30, 2018.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as that term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K. For information 

regarding our drilling contract backlog, see Item 1— “Business — Contract Backlog”.

Material Commitments

Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below:

(in thousands)

Long-term debt

Interest (1)

Operating leases (2)

Purchase obligations (2)

Payments due by year

Total

     2020

     2021

     2022

     2023

     2024

    Thereafter

$ 487,148

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

487,148

124,586

85,761

13,666

22,652

27,396

13,666

22,652

13,969

—

22,652

11,343

—

22,652

10,556

—

22,652

10,124

—

11,326

12,373

—

Total contractual obligations

$ 711,161

$

63,714

$

36,621

$

33,995

$

33,208

$

32,776

$

510,847

Interest on fixed rate debt was estimated based on principal maturities. See Note 7—Debt to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(1) 
(2)  See Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The above table does not include obligations for our pension plan or amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions. In 

fiscal years 2019 and 2018, we did not make any contributions to the pension plan. Contributions may be made in fiscal year 2020 
to fund unexpected distributions in lieu of liquidating pension assets. Future contributions beyond fiscal year 2020 are difficult to 
estimate due to multiple variables involved.

At September 30, 2019, we had $17.9 million recorded for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties. 

However, the timing of such payments to the respective taxing authorities cannot be estimated at this time. Income taxes are more 
fully described in Note 8—Income Taxes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Accounting policies that we consider significant are summarized in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, 

Risks and Uncertainties to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 – Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data of this report. The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 
to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates are based on historical experience 
and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for 
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These 
estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different 
assumptions or conditions. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies and estimates used in our financial 
statements.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are capitalized at cost, while maintenance and repairs 
are expensed as incurred. The interest expense applicable to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized as a component of 
the cost of such assets. We account for the depreciation of property, plant and equipment using the straight line method over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets considering the estimated salvage value of the property, plant and equipment. Both the 
estimated useful lives and salvage values require the use of management estimates. Certain events, such as unforeseen changes 
in operations, technology or market conditions, could materially affect our estimates and assumptions related to depreciation or 
result in abandonments. For the fiscal years presented in this report, no significant changes were made to the determinations of 
useful lives or salvage values. 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 the results of operations.

42

Impairment of Long lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Management assesses the potential impairment of our long lived assets and finite-lived intangibles whenever events or 

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Changes that could prompt such an 
assessment may include equipment obsolescence, changes in the market demand, periods of relatively low rig utilization, declining 
revenue per day, declining cash margin per day, completion of specific contracts, change in technology and/or overall changes in 
general market conditions. If a review of the long lived assets and finite-lived intangibles indicates that the carrying value of certain 
of these assets or asset groups is more than the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is made, as 
required, to adjust the carrying value to the estimated fair value. Cash flows are estimated by management considering factors 
such as prospective market demand, recent changes in rig technology and its effect on each rig’s marketability, any cash 
investment required to make a rig marketable, suitability of rig size and makeup to existing platforms, and competitive dynamics 
including utilization. The fair value of drilling rigs is determined based upon either an income approach using estimated discounted 
future cash flows, a market approach considering factors such as recent market sales of rigs of other companies and our own sales 
of rigs, appraisals and other factors, a cost approach utilizing reproduction costs new as adjusted for the asset age and condition, 
and/or a combination of multiple approaches. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value 
of assets and could therefore affect any impairment measurement.

We review goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the reporting unit holding such goodwill may exceed its 
fair value. We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or 
circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of one of our reporting units is greater than 
its carrying amount.

If further testing is necessary or a quantitative test is elected, we quantitatively compare the fair value of a reporting unit 

with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge will be recognized 
in an amount equal to the excess; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that 
reporting unit.

Self Insurance Accruals

We self insure a significant portion of expected losses relating to workers’ compensation, general liability, employer’s 

liability and automobile liability. Generally, deductibles range from $1 million to $5 million per occurrence depending on the 
coverage and whether a claim occurs outside or inside of the United States. Insurance is purchased over deductibles to reduce our 
exposure to catastrophic events but there can be no assurance that such coverage will apply or be adequate in all circumstances. 
Estimates are recorded for incurred outstanding liabilities for workers’ compensation and other casualty claims. Retained losses 
are estimated and accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred. Estimates for liabilities and 
retained losses are based on adjusters’ estimates, our historical loss experience and statistical methods commonly used within the 
insurance industry that we believe are reliable. We also engage a third-party actuary to perform a periodic review of our domestic 
casualty losses. Nonetheless, insurance estimates include certain assumptions and management judgments regarding the 
frequency and severity of claims, claim development and settlement practices. Unanticipated changes in these factors may 
produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these programs.

Our wholly owned captive insurance company finances a significant portion of the physical damage risk on 
company owned drilling rigs as well as international casualty deductibles. An actuary reviews our captive losses on an annual 
basis.

We insure working land rigs and related equipment at values that approximate the current replacement costs on the 

inception date of the policies. However, we self-insure large deductibles under these policies. We also carry insurance with varying 
deductibles and coverage limits with respect to stacked rigs, offshore platform rigs, and “named wind storm” risk in the Gulf of 
Mexico. We self insure a number of other risks, including loss of earnings and business interruption, and most cyber risks.

Revenue Recognition

Contract drilling services revenues are comprised of daywork drilling contracts for which the related revenues and 
expenses are recognized as services are performed and collection is reasonably assured. For certain contracts, we receive 
payments contractually designated for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment. Mobilization payments received, and 
direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized as the drilling service is provided. Costs incurred to relocate 
rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. Reimbursements 
received for out of pocket expenses are recorded as both revenues and direct costs. For contracts that are terminated prior to the 
specified term, early termination payments received by us are recognized as revenues when all contractual requirements are met.

43

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the liability method, which takes into account the differences between the 

basis of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts recognized for income tax purposes. Our net 
deferred tax liability balance at year-end reflects the application of our income tax accounting policies and is based on 
management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions. Included in our net deferred tax liability balance are deferred tax assets 
that are assessed for realizability.  If it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future 
period, the deferred tax assets will be reduced by a valuation allowance based on management’s estimates.

In addition, we operate in several countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject 

to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. We recognize uncertain tax positions we believe have a 
greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any 
existing or future assessments. 

New Accounting Standards

See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risks and Uncertainties to our Consolidated Financial 

Statements for recently adopted accounting standards and new accounting standards not yet adopted.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Our drilling contracts in foreign countries generally provide for payment in U.S. dollars. However, in Argentina, while the 

contracts are denominated in the U.S. dollar, we are paid in Argentine pesos. The Argentine branch of one of our second tier 
subsidiaries then converts the Argentine pesos to U.S. dollars through the Argentine Foreign Exchange Market and then remits the 
dollars to its U.S. parent. In the future, other contracts or applicable law may require payments to be made in foreign currencies. As 
such, there can be no assurance that we will not experience in Argentina or elsewhere a devaluation of foreign currency, foreign 
exchange restrictions or other difficulties repatriating U.S. dollars even if we are able to negotiate the contract provisions designed 
to mitigate such risks. At September 30, 2019, a hypothetical decrease in value of 10 percent would result in an insignificant 
decrease in value of our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Argentine pesos by approximately $57,094.

Argentina’s economy is currently considered highly inflationary, which is defined as cumulative inflation rates exceeding 

100 percent in the most recent three year period based on inflation data published by the respective governments. Nonetheless, all 
of our foreign operations use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency and local currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
remeasured into U.S. dollars with gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in current results of 
operations.

Commodity Price Risk

The demand for contract drilling services is derived from exploration and production companies spending money to 
explore and develop drilling prospects in search of crude oil and natural gas. Their spending is driven by their cash flow and 
financial strength, which is affected by trends in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices. Crude oil prices are determined by a 
number of factors including global supply and demand, the establishment of and compliance with production quotas by oil 
exporting countries, worldwide economic conditions and geopolitical factors. Crude oil and natural gas prices have historically been 
volatile and very difficult to predict with any degree of certainty. While current energy prices are important contributors to positive 
cash flow for customers, expectations about future prices and price volatility are generally more important for determining future 
spending levels. This volatility can lead 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.

Credit and Capital Market Risk

Customers may finance their exploration activities through cash flow from operations, the incurrence of debt or the 
issuance of equity. Any deterioration in the credit and capital markets, as experienced in the past, can make it difficult for customers 
to obtain funding for their capital needs. A reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in commodity prices or a reduction of 
available financing may result in customer credit defaults or reduced demand for our services, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, we may need to access capital markets to obtain 
financing. Our ability to access capital markets for financing could be limited by, among other things, oil and gas prices, our existing 
capital structure, our credit ratings, the state of the economy, the health of the drilling and overall oil and gas industry, and the 
liquidity of the capital markets. Many of the factors that affect our ability to access capital markets are outside of our control. No 
assurance can be given that we will be able to access capital markets on terms acceptable to us when required to do so, which 
could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

44

 
 
Further, we attempt to secure favorable prices through advanced ordering and purchasing for drilling rig components. 

While these materials have generally been available at acceptable prices, there is no assurance the prices will not vary significantly 
in the future. Any fluctuations in market conditions causing increased prices in materials and supplies could have a material 
adverse effect on future operating costs.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk exposure results primarily from short term rates, mainly LIBOR based, on any borrowings from our 
revolving credit facility. There were no outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2019, and our outstanding debt 
consisted of $487.1 million in a senior unsecured note, which has a fixed rate of 4.65 percent. The fair value of the fixed-rate debt 
was estimated to be $526.4 million and $509.3 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Equity Price Risk

On September 30, 2019, we had marketable securities with a total fair value of $16.3 million. The total fair value of our 

marketable securities was $82.5 million at September 30, 2018. A hypothetical 10 percent decrease in the market price for our 
marketable securities as of September 30, 2019 would decrease the fair value of our marketable securities by $1.6 million. In 
September 2019, we sold our remaining 1.6 million shares in Valaris, previously known as Ensco Rowan plc, for total proceeds of 
approximately $12.0 million. We make no specific plans to sell securities, but rather sell securities based on market conditions and 
other circumstances. These securities are subject to a wide variety and number of market related risks that could substantially 
reduce or increase the fair value of our holdings. 

At November 6, 2019, the total fair value of our securities increased to approximately $16.5 million. We continually 

monitor the fair value of the investments but are unable to predict future market volatility and any potential impact to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

45

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 
2017 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page

47

48

51

52

53

54

55

56

46

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 
financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a 15(f) or 15d 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over 
financial reporting was designed under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and includes those policies 
and procedures that:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of our assets;

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and the Board of Directors; and

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition 
of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 

2019. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the criteria in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control 
over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019.

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the 

Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, as stated in their report which appears herein.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

by

/s/ John W. Lindsay

John W. Lindsay
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Mark W. Smith

Mark W. Smith
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

47

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the Company) as of September 30, 
2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the 
“consolidated financial statements”).  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of the Company at September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 
framework) and our report dated November 15, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required 
to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to 
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a 
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that 
were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are 
material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The 
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a 
whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters 
or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Description of the Matter 

  Self-Insurance Accruals

The Company's self-insurance liability for workers’ compensation and other casualty claims was 
$74.2 million at September 30, 2019. As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements, this liability is based on a third-party actuarial analysis, which includes an estimate for 
incurred but not reported ("IBNR") claims. The actuarial analysis considers a variety of factors, 
including third-party adjusters’ estimates, historic experience, and statistical methods commonly 
used within the insurance industry. 

Auditing the Company's reserve for self-insured risks for worker’s compensation and other casualty 
claims is complex and required us to use our actuarial specialists due to the significant 
measurement uncertainty associated with the estimate, management’s application of significant 
judgment, and the use of various actuarial methods.

48

 
How We Addressed the 
Matter in Our Audit 

We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the 
workers’ compensation and other casualty claims accrual process. For example, we tested controls 
over management’s determination of the appropriateness of the significant assumptions used in the 
calculation and the completeness and accuracy of the data underlying the reserve.  

Description of the Matter 

How We Addressed the 
Matter in Our Audit 

To evaluate the self-insurance liability for worker’s compensation and other casualty claims, we 
performed audit procedures that included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of 
the underlying claims data provided to management’s actuary and obtaining legal confirmation 
letters to evaluate the reserves recorded on significant litigated matters. Furthermore, we involved 
our actuarial specialists to assist in our evaluation of the methodologies applied by management’s 
actuary in establishing the actuarially determined reserve. We compared the Company’s 
assumptions to ranges of assumptions independently developed by our actuarial specialists.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 
As more fully described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized 
a $224.3 million charge in 2019 following the decommissioning of certain drilling rigs within the 
Domestic and International FlexRig4 asset groups. Also during 2019, the Company evaluated the 
Domestic and International FlexRig4 asset groups for recoverability, ultimately determining the net 
book values were recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. As a result, no impairment of 
these asset groups was recognized; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially 
impact management's analysis and resulting conclusion. 

Auditing the Company's impairment analysis involved a high degree of subjectivity as the 
determination of undiscounted cash flows was based on assumptions about future market and 
economic conditions. Significant assumptions used in the Company’s undiscounted cash flow 
estimate included drilling rig utilization, period of operation and net proceeds received upon future 
sale/disposition.  
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of 
controls over the Company's process to estimate the undiscounted cash flows of the asset groups 
that were tested for recoverability. For example, we tested controls over management's assessment 
of the appropriateness of the significant assumptions underlying the undiscounted cash flows.  

Our testing of the Company’s undiscounted cash flows included, among other procedures, 
evaluating the significant assumptions used and testing the completeness and accuracy of the 
underlying data. For example, we compared the projected drilling rig utilization assumption to 
current and forecasted industry and market information and any ongoing bid and contracting activity 
and compared the estimated net proceeds received upon future sale/disposition to industry ranges, 
market quotes and the Company’s historical experience. We also compared the projected period of 
operation to peer averages, the Company’s historical experience and market activity. Furthermore, 
we searched for and evaluated information that corroborates or contradicts the Company’s 
assumptions, performed retrospective reviews of projected cash flows to historical actuals, 
and performed a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the change in the projected cash flows that would 
result from changes in the underlying assumptions.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1994.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

November 15, 2019

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

49

 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Helmerich & Payne, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended September 30, 2019, and the related notes and our report dated November 15, 2019 expressed an 
unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be 
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 15, 2019

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

50

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands except share data and per share amounts)

Assets

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $9,927 and $6,217, respectively

Inventories of materials and supplies, net

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

Investments

Property, plant and equipment, net

Other Noncurrent Assets:

Goodwill

Intangible assets, net

Other assets

Total other noncurrent assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent Liabilities:

Long-term debt, net

Deferred income taxes

Other

Noncurrent liabilities - discontinued operations

Total noncurrent liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)

Shareholders' Equity:

Common stock, $.10 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized, 112,080,262 and 112,008,961 shares
issued as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 108,437,904 and 108,993,718 shares
outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively

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

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,642,358 shares and 3,015,243 shares as of September 30, 2019 and 2018,
respectively

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

September 30,

2019

2018

$

347,943

$

284,355

52,960

495,602

149,653

68,928

41,461

565,202

158,134

66,398

1,115,086

1,115,550

31,991

98,696

4,502,084

4,857,382

82,786

86,716

20,852

64,777

73,207

5,255

190,354

143,239

$

5,839,515

$

6,214,867

$

123,146

$

287,092

410,238

479,356

806,611

115,746

15,341

132,664

244,504

377,168

493,968

853,136

93,606

14,254

1,417,054

1,454,964

11,208

—

510,305

3,714,307

(28,635)

11,201

—

500,393

4,027,779

16,550

(194,962)

(173,188)

4,012,223

4,382,735

$

5,839,515

$

6,214,867

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

51

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating revenues

Contract drilling services

Other

Operating costs and expenses

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

As adjusted (Note 2)

$

2,785,557

$

2,474,458

$

1,792,476

12,933

12,810

12,265

2,798,490

2,487,268

1,804,741

Contract drilling services operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization

1,803,204

1,647,557

1,244,735

Operating expenses applicable to other revenues

Depreciation and amortization

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Asset impairment charge

Gain on sale of assets

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

Other income (expense)

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense

Gain (loss) on investment securities

Other

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax benefit

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

Income tax provision

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,382

562,803

27,467

194,416

224,327

5,053

583,802

18,167

199,257

23,128

4,582

585,543

12,047

147,548

—

(39,691)

(22,660)

(20,627)

2,777,908

2,454,304

1,973,828

20,582

32,964

(169,087)

9,468

(25,188)

(54,488)

(1,596)

(71,804)

(51,222)

(18,712)

(32,510)

32,848

33,994

(1,146)

8,017

(24,265)

1

(876)

(17,123)

15,841

(477,169)

493,010

23,389

33,727

(10,338)

(33,656) $

482,672

$

$

4.49

(0.10) $

4.39

$

4.47

$

(0.10) $

4.37

$

(0.33) $

(0.01) $

(0.34) $

(0.33) $

(0.01) $

(0.34) $

5,915

(19,747)

—

(1,679)

(15,511)

(184,598)

(56,735)

(127,863)

3,285

3,634

(349)

(128,212)

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

109,216

109,216

108,851

109,387

108,500

108,500

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

52

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands)

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:

September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

(33,656) $

482,672

$

(128,212)

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities, net of income taxes of $3.3 million
at September 30, 2018 and ($0.5) million at September 30, 2017

—

9,001

(829)

Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes of ($3.5) million at
September 30, 2019, $1.9 million at September 30, 2018 and $1.9 million at
September 30, 2017

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

(11,875)

(11,875)

5,249

14,250

3,333

2,504

$

(45,531) $

496,922

$

(125,708)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

53

    
    
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except per share
amounts)

Shares

Amount

Common Stock

Additional
 Paid-In
 Capital

Retained
Earnings

Balance at September 30, 2016

111,400

$ 11,140

$

448,452

$ 4,289,807

Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Income (Loss)
$

(204)  

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Total

3,322

$ (188,270) $ 4,560,925

Comprehensive income (loss):

Net loss

Other comprehensive income

Dividends declared ($2.80 per
share)

Exercise of employee stock
options, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Tax benefit of stock-based
awards

Vesting of restricted stock
awards, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

415

—

142

—

—

—

—

42

—

14

—

—

—

—

(128,212)

—

(305,909)

15,738

4,414

(7,539)

26,183

—

—

—

—

—

2,504

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

88

—

—

—

—

(128,212)

2,504

(305,909)

(5,246)

10,534

—

4,414

(57)

—

1,677

—

(5,848)

26,183

Balance at September 30, 2017

111,957

11,196

487,248

3,855,686

2,300  

3,353

(191,839)

4,164,591

Comprehensive income:

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Dividends declared ($2.82 per
share)

Exercise of employee stock
options, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Vesting of restricted stock
awards, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Stock-based compensation

Adoption of ASU 2016-09

—

—

—

1

51

—

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

—

482,672

—

(310,024)

(7,557)

(11,857)

31,687

872

—

—

—

(555)

—

14,250

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

482,672

14,250

(310,024)

(202)

10,992

3,435

(136)

7,659

—

—

—

—

(4,193)

31,687

317

Balance at September 30, 2018

112,009

11,201

500,393

4,027,779

16,550  

3,015

(173,188)

4,382,735

Comprehensive loss:

Net loss

Other comprehensive loss

Dividends declared ($2.84 per
share)

Exercise of employee stock
options, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Vesting of restricted stock
awards, net of shares withheld
for employee taxes

Stock-based compensation

Share repurchases

Cumulative effect adjustment for
adoption of ASU No. 2014-09
(Note 10)

Cumulative effect adjustment for
adoption of ASU No. 2016-01
(Note 2)

Reclassification of stranded tax
effect for adoption of ASU No.
2018-02 (Note 2)

—

—

—

—

71

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33,656)

—

(313,088)

—

—

—

—

(38)

(7,153)

(17,227)

34,292

—

—

—

—

—

(11,875)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33,656)

(11,875)

(313,088)

(151)

8,474

1,321

(222)

12,531

—

—

(4,689)

34,292

1,000

(42,779)

(42,779)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(38)

—

—

29,071

(29,071)

4,239

(4,239)

Balance at September 30, 2019

112,080

$ 11,208

$

510,305

$ 3,714,307

$

(28,635)  

3,642

$ (194,962) $ 4,012,223

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

54

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)
Adjustment for loss from discontinued operations
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

2019

Year Ended September 30,
2018
2017
As adjusted (Note 2)

$

(33,656) $
1,146
(32,510)

$

482,672
10,338
493,010

(128,212)
349
(127,863)

Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charge
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs
Provision for bad debt
Stock-based compensation
Pension settlement charge
Loss (gain) on investment securities
Gain on sale of assets
Deferred income tax benefit
Other
Change in assets and liabilities increasing (decreasing) cash:

Accounts receivable
Inventories of materials and supplies
Prepaid expenses and other
Other noncurrent assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Deferred income tax liability
Other noncurrent liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures
Purchase of short-term investments
Payment for acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
Proceeds from asset sales

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid
Debt issuance costs
Proceeds from stock option exercises
Payments for employee taxes on net settlement of equity awards
Payment of contingent consideration from acquisition of business
Payments for early extinguishment of long term debt
Share repurchase

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period:

Interest paid
Income tax paid (refund), net

Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to purchases of property,
plant and equipment

562,803
224,327
1,732
2,321

34,292
1,953
54,488
(39,691)
(44,554)
(5,248)

70,323
1,821
(176)
(10,430)
(9,147)
40,887
371
2,251
855,813
(62)
855,751

(458,402)
(97,652)
(16,163)
86,765
11,999
50,817
(422,636)

(313,421)
(3,912)
3,053
(6,418)
—
(12,852)
(42,779)
(376,329)
56,786
326,185
382,971

26,739
16,218

17,771

$

$
$

$

583,802
23,128
1,067
2,193

31,687
913
(1)
(22,660)
(486,758)
6,710

(85,202)
(22,427)
(3,827)
5,568
(4,461)
43,798
2,268
(10,787)
558,021
(169)
557,852

(466,584)
(71,049)
(47,886)
68,776
—
44,381
(472,362)

(308,430)
—
6,355
(7,114)
(10,625)
—
—
(319,814)
(234,324)
560,509
326,185

$

585,543
—
1,055
2,016
26,183
1,640
—
(20,627)
(24,111)
543

(97,114)
(10,607)
29,452
11,550
39,412
(36,120)
3,472
(13,075)
371,349
(150)
371,199

(397,567)
(69,866)
(70,416)
69,449
—
23,412
(444,988)

(305,515)
—
11,285
(6,599)
—
—
—
(300,829)
(374,618)
935,127
560,509

20,502
$
(38,400) $

22,936
(23,463)

(2,245) $

(10,539)

$

$
$

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

55

NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS 

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (“H&P,” which, together with its subsidiaries, is identified as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” 

except where stated or the context requires otherwise) through its operating subsidiaries provides performance-driven drilling 
solutions and technologies that are intended to make hydrocarbon recovery safer and more economical for oil and gas exploration 
and production companies.

Effective October 1, 2018 and during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we implemented organizational changes, 

consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. Effective 
October 1, 2018, certain operations previously reported in “Other” within our segment disclosures are now managed and presented 
within the new H&P Technologies reportable segment. As a result, beginning with the reporting of first quarter 2019, our operations 
are organized into the following reportable segments: U.S. Land, Offshore, International Land and H&P Technologies. Additionally, 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we migrated our FlexApp offerings into our H&P Technologies business segment. The 
activity of our FlexApps was previously included in our U.S. Land segment.  Certain other corporate activities, our real estate 
operations and our incubator program for new research and development projects are included in "Other". All segment disclosures 
have been restated for these segment changes. Refer to Note 17—Business Segments and Geographic Information for further 
details on H&P Technologies, our new reportable segment.

Our U.S. Land operations are primarily located in Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Montana, New Mexico, North 
Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Additionally, Offshore operations are conducted in the Gulf of 
Mexico and our International Land operations have rigs primarily located in four international locations: Argentina, Bahrain, 
Colombia and United Arab Emirates (“U.A.E.”). 

We also own, develop and operate limited commercial real estate properties. Our real estate investments, which are 

located exclusively within Tulsa, Oklahoma, include a shopping center, multi-tenant industrial warehouse properties, and 
undeveloped real estate.

NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 

accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

We classified our former Venezuelan operation as a discontinued operation in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, as 

more fully described in Note 4—Discontinued Operations. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements relates only to our continuing operations.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and its domestic and foreign 

subsidiaries. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the 
Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the 
fiscal year are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income from the date the Company 
gains control until the date when the Company ceases to control the subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Foreign Currencies

Our functional currency, together with all our foreign subsidiaries, is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities 

denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and the 
resulting gains and losses are recorded on our statement of operations. Aggregate foreign currency losses of $8.2 million, $4.0 
million and $7.1 million in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are included in direct operating costs.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the 
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ 
from those estimates.

56

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with 

original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit 
risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits.

We had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $35.0 million and $41.8 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively. Of the total at September 30, 2019 and 2018, $3.0 million and $11.3 million, respectively, is related to the acquisition 
of drilling technology companies described in Note 3—Business Combinations, $2.0 million as of both fiscal year ends is from the 
initial capitalization of the captive insurance company, and $30.0 million and $28.5 million, respectively, represents an additional 
amount management has elected to restrict for the purpose of potential insurance claims in our wholly-owned captive insurance 
company. The restricted amounts are primarily invested in short-term money market securities. See "—Recently Issued Accounting 
Updates" below for changes to the presentation of restricted cash effective October 1, 2018 as a result of adopting Accounting 
Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.

The restricted cash and cash equivalents are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

(in thousands)

Cash

Restricted Cash

Prepaid expenses and other

Other assets

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

Inventories of Materials and Supplies

September 30,

2019

2018

     2017

$

347,943

$

284,355

$

521,375

31,291

3,737

39,830

2,000

32,439

6,695

$

382,971

$

326,185

$

560,509

Inventories are primarily replacement parts and supplies held for consumption in our drilling operations. Inventories are 

valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis and includes the cost of 
materials, shipping, duties and labor. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of 
business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The reserves for excess and obsolete 
inventory were $11.5 million and $9.9 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Investments

We maintain investments in equity securities of certain publicly traded companies. We recognize our marketable equity 

securities that have readily determinable fair values at fair value, with changes in such values reflected in net income. We adopted 
ASU No. 2016-01 on October 1, 2018, and as a result, we recognize our marketable equity securities that have readily 
determinable fair values at fair value, with changes in such values reflected in net income. Previously, we recognized changes in 
fair value of equity securities in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 
There is no longer a requirement to consider whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. 

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 after deducting their 
salvage values. The amount of depreciation expense we record is dependent upon certain assumptions, including an asset’s 
estimated useful life, rate of consumption, and corresponding salvage value. We periodically review these assumptions and may 
change one or more of these assumptions. Changes in our assumptions may require us to recognize, on a prospective basis, 
increased or decreased depreciation expense.

We capitalize interest on major projects during construction. Interest is capitalized based on the average interest rate on 

related debt. We had no capitalized interest for fiscal year 2019 and $0.4 million and $0.3 million of capitalized interest for 2018 
and 2017, respectively.

57

 
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Changes that could prompt such an assessment include a significant decline in 
revenue or cash margin per day, extended periods of low rig asset group utilization, changes in market demand for a specific asset, 
obsolescence, completion of specific contracts, restructuring of our drilling fleet, and/or overall general market conditions.  If the 
review of the long-lived assets indicates that the carrying value of these assets/asset groups is more than the estimated 
undiscounted future cash flows projected to be realized from the use of the asset and its eventual disposal an impairment charge is 
made, as required, to adjust the carrying value down to the estimated fair value of the asset.  The estimated fair value is 
determined based upon either an income approach using estimated discounted future cash flows, a market approach considering 
factors such as recent market sales of rigs of other companies and our own sales of rigs, appraisals and other factors, a cost 
approach utilizing reproduction costs new as adjusted for the asset age and condition, and/or a combination of multiple 
approaches.

Cash flows are estimated by management considering factors such as prospective market demand, margins, recent 

changes in rig technology and its effect on each rig’s marketability, any investment required to make a rig operational, suitability of 
rig size and make up to existing platforms, and competitive dynamics including industry utilization. Long-lived assets that are held 
for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or the fair value less costs to sell.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination, at 

the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for potential impairment at the reporting unit level at a minimum on 
an annual basis in the fourth fiscal quarter of each fiscal year or when it is more likely than not that the carrying value may exceed 
fair value. If an impairment is determined to exist, an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the 
reporting unit’s fair value is recognized, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.  The reporting unit 
level is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the period in which these assets contribute 

to our cash flows, generally estimated to be 5 to 20 years and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policies for 
valuation of long-lived assets. 

Drilling Revenues

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

expenses are recognized as services are performed and collection is reasonably assured.  For certain contracts, we receive 
payments contractually designated for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment.  Mobilization payments received, and 
direct costs incurred for the mobilization, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis as the drilling service is 
provided.  Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other drilling equipment to areas in which a contract has not been secured are 
expensed as incurred.  Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as both revenues and direct 
costs. Reimbursements for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $322.8 million, $274.7 million and $179.9 million, 
respectively. For contracts that are terminated by customers prior to the expirations of their fixed terms, contractual provisions 
customarily require early termination amounts to be paid to us.  Revenues from early terminated contracts are recognized when all 
contractual requirements have been met. Early termination revenue for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $11.3 
million, $17.1 million and $29.4 million, respectively.

Rent Revenues

We enter into leases with tenants in our rental properties consisting primarily of retail and multi-tenant warehouse 
space. The lease terms of tenants occupying space in the retail centers and warehouse buildings generally range from three to ten 
years. Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases.  Overage and percentage rents 
are based on tenants’ sales volume.  Recoveries from tenants for property taxes and operating expenses are recognized in other 
operating revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our rent revenues are as follows:

(in thousands)

Minimum rents

Overage and percentage rents

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

10,168

$

9,950

$

932

1,040

9,735

936

58

    
    
At September 30, 2019, minimum future rental income to be received on noncancelable operating leases was as follows 

(in thousands):

Fiscal Year

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Total

$

Amount

8,204

6,239

3,983

2,858

2,142

5,990

$

29,416

Leasehold improvement allowances are capitalized and amortized over the lease term.

At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the cost and accumulated depreciation for real estate properties were as follows:

(in thousands)

Real estate properties

Accumulated depreciation

Income Taxes

September 30,

2019

2018

$

$

72,507

$

(43,570)

28,937

$

69,133

(42,272)

26,861

Current income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the current fiscal year.  Deferred 
income taxes are computed using the liability method and are provided on all temporary differences between the financial basis 
and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities.

We provide for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet the recognition thresholds or measurement 
standards prescribed in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes, which is more fully discussed in Note 8—
Income Taxes.  Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in periods when new information becomes available or when 
positions are effectively settled.  We recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and 
penalties in other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average 

number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock 
options and nonvested restricted stock. We have granted and expect to continue to grant to employees restricted stock grants that 
contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Such grants are considered participating securities under ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. 
As such, we have included these grants in the calculation of our basic earnings per share.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is determined using a fair-value-based measurement method for all awards 

granted. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, there were no new non-qualified stock options granted, as we have, 
prospectively and for fiscal year 2019, replaced stock options with performance share units as a component of our executives’ 
long-term equity incentive compensation. We have also eliminated stock options as an element of our director compensation 
program. The Board has determined to award stock-based compensation to directors solely in the form of restricted stock. 

The fair value of each option granted in prior years was estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes 

options-pricing model utilizing assumptions for a risk-free interest rate, volatility, dividend yield and expected remaining term of the 
awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management’s best 
estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. 

The grant date fair value of performance share units is determined through use of the Monte Carlo simulation method. 

The Monte Carlo simulation method requires the use of highly subjective assumptions. Our key assumptions in the method include 
the price and the expected volatility of our stock and our self-determined peer group of companies’ (the "Peer Group") stock, risk 
free rate of return, dividend yields and cross-correlations between the Company and our Peer Group.

59

    
Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the stock awards, 
which is generally the vesting period. Compensation expense is recorded as a component of contract drilling services operating 
expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 11—Stock-
based Compensation for additional discussion on stock-based compensation. 

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the 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. The stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an award under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 
Omnibus Incentive Plan may be authorized as treasury shares.

Comprehensive Income or Loss

Other comprehensive income or loss refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in comprehensive 
income or loss but excluded from net income or loss. We report the components of other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, 
by their nature and disclose the tax effect allocated to each component in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(Loss). 

Leases

We lease office space and equipment for use in operations. Leases are evaluated at inception or upon any subsequent 

material modification and, depending on the lease terms, are classified as either capital leases or operating leases as appropriate 
under ASC 840, Leases. For operating leases that contain built-in pre-determined rent escalations, rent expense is recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lease term. We do not 
have significant capital leases.

Recently Issued Accounting Updates

Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of ASUs to the 

FASB ASC. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be 
either not applicable or clarifications of ASUs listed below.

The following tables provide a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements and our analysis of the effects on 

Date of
Adoption

Effect on the Financial Statements
or Other Significant Matters

October
1, 2018

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required. There was no impact to our
consolidated financial statements and
disclosures.

October
1, 2018

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required, on a retrospective basis. The
retrospective impact was not material
to our consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.

our financial statements:

Standard

Description

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

ASU No.
2017-09,
Compensation
– Stock
Compensation
(Topic 718):
Scope of
Modification
Accounting

ASU No.
2017-07,
Compensation
– Retirement
Benefits (Topic
715): Improving
the
Presentation of
Net Periodic
Pension Cost
and Net
Periodic
Postretirement
Benefit Cost

Under the new guidance, modification accounting is
required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or
the classification of the award (as equity or liability)
changes as a result of the change in terms or
conditions. Regardless of whether the change to the
terms or conditions of the award requires modification
accounting, the existing disclosure requirements and
other aspects of U.S. GAAP associated with
modification, such as earnings per share, continue to
apply.

The ASU changes how employers that sponsor defined
benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit
plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the
income statement. Employers should present the
service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in
the same income statement line item(s) as other
employee compensation costs arising from services
rendered during the period. Employers should present
the other components of the net periodic benefit cost
separately from the line item(s) that includes the
service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating
income, if one is presented. The amendments are
applied retrospectively for the presentation of the
service cost component and other components of net
periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement
benefit cost in the income statement.

60

Standard

Description

ASU No.
2016-18,
Statement of
Cash Flows
(Topic 230):
Restricted Cash

The ASU requires amounts generally described as
restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be
included with cash and cash equivalents when
reconciling the total beginning and ending cash
amounts for the periods shown on the statement of
cash flows.

Under prior U.S. GAAP, the tax effects of intra-entity
asset transfers (intercompany sales) were deferred
until the transferred asset was sold to a third party or
otherwise recovered through use. This was an
exception to the principle in ASC 740, Income Taxes,
that generally requires comprehensive recognition of
current and deferred income taxes. The new guidance
eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of
assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting
entity recognizes the tax expense from the sale of the
asset in the seller's tax jurisdiction when the transfer
occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that
transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any
deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer's jurisdiction
is also recognized at the time of the transfer. The new
guidance does not apply to intra-entity transfers of
inventory. The income tax consequences from the sale
of inventory from one member of a consolidated entity
to another will continue to be deferred until the
inventory is sold to a third party.

The ASU was intended to reduce diversity in practice in
presentation and classification of certain cash receipts
and cash payments by providing guidance on eight
specific cash flow issues. One of the key changes is
related to contingent consideration payments made
after a business combination. Cash payments not
made soon after the acquisition date of a business
combination by an acquirer to settle a contingent
consideration liability should be separated and
classified as cash outflows for financing activities and
operating activities. Cash payments up to the amount
of the contingent consideration liability recognized at
the acquisition date (including measurement-period
adjustments) should be classified as financing
activities; any excess should be classified as operating
activities.

The standard requires entities to measure equity
investments that do not result in consolidation and are
not accounted for under the equity method at fair value
and recognize any changes in fair value in net income.
At adoption, a cumulative-effect adjustment to
beginning retained earnings is recorded to reflect the
fair value of such investments at the date of adoption in
retained earnings rather than accumulated other
comprehensive income. 

ASU No.
2016-16,
Income Taxes
(Topic 740):
Intra-Entity
Transfers of
Assets Other
Than Inventory

ASU No.
2016-15,
Statement of
Cash Flows
(Topic 230):
Classification of
Certain Cash
Receipts and
Cash Payments

ASU No.
2016-01,
Financial
Instruments –
Overall
(Subtopic
825-10):
Recognition
and
Measurement
of Financial
Assets and
Financial
Liabilities

Date of
Adoption

October
1, 2018

October
1, 2018

Effect on the Financial Statements
or Other Significant Matters

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required, on a retrospective basis. The
retrospective impact on the
consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended September 30,
2018 and 2017 was an increase of
$2.7 million and $9.6 million in net
cash provided by operating activities,
respectively.

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required. There was no material
impact to our consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.

October
1, 2018

October
1, 2018

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required, on a retrospective basis. The
retrospective impact on the
consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended September 30,
2018 was a reclassification of $10.6
million from net cash provided by
operating activities to net cash used in
financing activities. There was no
impact in fiscal year 2017.

We adopted this ASU during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2019, as
required. As a result, changes in the
fair value of our equity investments
have been recognized in net income
since the date of adoption, and our
future results of operations will
continue to be subject to stock market
fluctuations for these investments. The
cumulative catch up impact that was
recorded to the beginning balance of
retained earnings at October 1, 2018
was a reclassification of $44.0 million
($29.1 million after-tax) of cumulative
gains from the beginning balance of
accumulated other comprehensive
income.

61

Standard

Description

ASU No.
2014-09,
Revenue from
Contracts with
Customers
(Topic 606)

ASU No.
2018-13, Fair
Value
Measurement
(Topic 820):
Disclosure
Framework –
 Changes to the
Disclosure
Requirements
for Fair Value
Measurement

ASU No.
2018-02,
Income
Statement –
Reporting
Comprehensive
Income (Topic
220)
Reclassification
of Certain Tax
Effects From
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
(“ASC 606”). The update outlined a single
comprehensive model for companies to use in
accounting for revenue arising from contracts with
customers and superseded other revenue recognition
guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The
core principle of the guidance is that an entity should
recognize revenue when promised goods or services
are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects
the consideration to which the entity expects to be
entitled for those goods or services. The update also
required disclosures enabling users of financial
statements to understand the nature, amount, timing
and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from
contracts with customers. Furthermore, as part of Topic
606, the FASB introduced ASC 340-40, Other Assets
and Deferred Costs, which provides guidance on the
capitalization of contract related costs that are not
within the scope of other authoritative literature.
Companies could use either a full retrospective or a
modified retrospective approach to adopt the updates.

This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain
disclosure requirements for fair value measurements
as part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project,
where entities will no longer be required to disclose the
amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1
and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but public
companies will be required to disclose the range and
weighted average used to develop significant
unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value
measurements. This update is effective for annual and
interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019.
Early adoption is permitted.

This ASU relates to the impacts of the Tax Reform Act.
The guidance permits the reclassification of certain
income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to
Retained Earnings. The guidance also requires certain
new disclosures. This update is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim
periods within those fiscal periods and early adoption is
permitted. Entities may adopt the guidance using one
of two transition methods, retrospective to each period
(or periods) in which the income tax effects of the Tax
Reform Act related to the items remaining in Other
Comprehensive Income are recognized or at the
beginning of the period of adoption.

Standards that are not yet adopted as of September 30, 2019

This ASU aims to reduce complexity in the accounting
for costs of implementing a cloud computing service
arrangement. ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the
requirements for capitalizing implementation costs
incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service
contract with the requirements for capitalizing
implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain
internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that
include an internal-use software license). This update
is effective for annual and interim periods beginning
after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

ASU No.
2018-15,
Intangibles -
Goodwill and
Other - Internal
Use Software
(Subtopic
350-40):
Customer's
Accounting for
Implementation
Costs Incurred
in a Cloud
Computing
Arrangement
That is a
Service
Contract

Date of
Adoption

October
1, 2018

Effect on the Financial Statements
or Other Significant Matters

We adopted this topic, using the
modified retrospective transitional
approach, during the first quarter of
fiscal year 2019, as required. We
recognized the cumulative effect by
initially applying the revenue standard
as an adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings during
the period (October 1, 2018). Refer to
Note 10—Revenue from Contracts
with Customers for the impact of the
adoption.

June 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

October
1, 2019

We early adopted this ASU during the
third quarter of fiscal year 2019. The
adoption did not have a material
impact to our consolidated financial
statements and disclosures. Refer to
Note 13—Fair Value Measurement of
Financial Instruments.

We early adopted this ASU during the 
third quarter of fiscal year 2019. We 
reclassified $4.2 million from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) to retained earnings for 
stranded income tax effects resulting 
from the Tax Reform Act. The adoption 
did not have a material impact to our 
consolidated financial statements and 
disclosures. 

We plan to early adopt this ASU in the 
first quarter of fiscal year 2020. At this 
time, we are currently evaluating the 
impact the new guidance may have on 
our consolidated financial statements 
and disclosures; however, we do not 
believe the adoption of this ASU will 
have a material effect on the 
consolidated financial statements and 
disclosures.

62

 
ASU No.
2018-14,
Compensation
– Retirement
Benefits –
Defined Benefit
Plans—General
(Topic 715-20):
Disclosure
Framework –
Changes to the
Disclosure
Requirements
for Defined
Benefit Plans

ASU No.
2016-13,
Financial
Instruments –
Credit Losses
(Topic 326) and
related ASUs
issued
subsequent

ASU No.
2016-02,
Leases (Topic
842) and
related ASUs
issued
subsequent

Standard

Description

This ASU amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and clarify
disclosure requirements related to defined benefit,
pension and other postretirement plans. This update is
effective for annual and interim periods ending after
December 15, 2020.

Date of
Adoption

October
1, 2021

Effect on the Financial Statements
or Other Significant Matters

We are currently evaluating the impact
the new guidance may have on our
consolidated financial statements and
disclosures.

This ASU introduces a new model for recognizing
credit losses on financial instruments based on an
estimate of current expected credit losses. The new
model will apply to: (1) loans, accounts receivable,
trade receivables, and other financial assets measured
at amortized cost, (2) loan commitments and certain
other off-balance sheet credit exposures, (3) debt
securities and other financial assets measured at fair
value through other comprehensive income(loss), and
(4) beneficial interests in securitized financial assets.
This update is effective for annual and interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2019.    

ASU No. 2016-02 will require organizations that lease
assets — referred to as “lessees” — to recognize on
the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the
rights and obligations created by those leases with
lease terms of more than 12 months. Lessor
accounting remains substantially similar to current U.S.
GAAP. In addition, disclosures of leasing activities are
to be expanded to include qualitative along with
specific quantitative information. ASU No. 2016-02 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2018, including interim periods within those fiscal
years. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified
retrospective transition method of adoption with an
option to use certain practical expedients.  

October
1, 2020

We are currently evaluating the impact
the new guidance may have on our
consolidated financial statements and
disclosures.

October
1, 2019

We adopted the new lease guidance
on October 1, 2019, using the
transition method that allows us to
initially apply Topic 842 as of October
1, 2019 and recognize a cumulative-
effect adjustment in the period of
adoption, without restating prior years'
financial statements. Refer to the
paragraph below for additional
disclosure.

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases

As stated in the table above, we adopted ASU No. 2016-02 on October 1, 2019. Additionally, we have elected most of the 

standard’s available practical expedients upon adoption, including the package of practical expedients that allows us to not 
reassess expired or existing contracts for: (1) embedded leases, (2) lease classification and (3) initial direct costs. 

In addition, we are expecting to elect the Topic 842 practical expedient available to lessors to not separate lease and 

non-lease components and account for the combined component under Topic 606 when the non-lease component is the 
predominant element of the combined component. The lessor practical expedient is limited to circumstances in which the lease, 
if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease under Topic 842. 

For existing contracts that do not require reassessment due to the practical expedient package we have elected, those 
contracts will continue to be classified in our financial statements according to our accounting policies in place at September 30, 
2019. New contracts entered into or any contract in existence at September 30, 2019 modified on or after October 1, 2019 will be 
assessed in accordance with Topic 842 and Topic 606, as applicable. 

We are analyzing and updating data previously collected to evaluate the impact the adoption will have on our financial 

statements and implementing a system to capture the increased reporting and disclosure requirements. Currently, we tentatively 
estimate that, as a lessee, our assets and liabilities will increase by no more than $100 million upon adoption of the new lease 
guidance. Based upon the transition method and practical expedients we have elected, we do not believe the adoption of this 
standard will have a material effect on our statements of operations and cash flows.

63

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows

The following is a summary of the retrospective impact of our adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18:

(in thousands)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Change in prepaid expenses and other

Change in noncurrent assets

Change in accrued liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

Payment of contingent consideration from acquisition of business

Net cash used in financing activities

(in thousands)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Change in prepaid expenses and other

Change in noncurrent assets

Net cash provided by operating activities

Concentration of Credit Risk

Historical
Accounting
Method

Year Ended September 30, 2018

Effect of
Adoption of
ASU No.
2016-15

Effect of
Adoption of
ASU No.
2016-18

     As Adjusted

$

(11,218) $

10,263

33,173

544,531

—

(309,189)

— $

—

10,625

10,625

(10,625)

(10,625)

7,391

$

(4,695)

—

2,696

—

—

(3,827)

5,568

43,798

557,852

(10,625)

(319,814)

Historical
Accounting
Method

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Effect of
Adoption of
ASU No.
2016-15

Effect of
Adoption of
ASU No.
2016-18

$

24,579

$

— $

4,873

$

6,855

361,631

—

—

4,695

9,568

As Adjusted

29,452

11,550

371,199

Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of temporary cash 
investments, short-term investments and trade receivables.  The industry concentration has the potential to impact our overall 
exposure to market and credit risks, either positively or negatively, in that our customers could be affected by similar changes in 
economic, industry or other conditions. However, we believe that the credit risk posed by this industry concentration is offset by the 
creditworthiness of our customer base.

We had revenues from individual customers that constituted 10 percent or more of our total revenues as follows:

(in thousands)

EOG Resources, Inc.

2018

2017

$

258,194

$

163,582

In fiscal year 2019, no individual customers constituted 10 percent or more of our total revenues.

We place temporary cash investments in the U.S. with established financial institutions and invest in a diversified portfolio 

of highly rated, short-term money market instruments.  Our trade receivables, primarily with established companies in the oil and 
gas industry, may impact credit risk as customers may be similarly affected by prolonged changes in economic and industry 
conditions.  International sales also present various risks including governmental activities that may limit or disrupt markets and 
restrict the movement of funds.  Most of our international sales, however, are to large international or government-owned national 
oil companies.  We perform credit evaluations of customers and do not typically require collateral in support for trade 
receivables.  We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts, when necessary, to cover estimated credit losses.  Such an 
allowance is based on management’s knowledge of customer accounts.

Volatility of Market

Our operations can be materially affected by oil and gas prices.  Oil and natural gas prices have been historically volatile 
and difficult to predict with any degree of certainty.  While current energy prices are important contributors to positive cash flow for 
customers, expectations about future prices and price volatility are generally more important for determining a customer’s future 
spending levels.  This volatility, along with the difficulty in predicting future prices, can lead many exploration and production 
companies to base their capital spending on 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.

64

 
    
In addition, customers may finance their exploration activities through cash flow from operations, the incurrence of debt or 

the issuance of equity.  Any deterioration in the credit and capital markets may cause difficulty for customers to obtain funding for 
their capital needs.  A reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in commodity prices or a reduction of available financing may 
result in a reduction in customer spending and the demand for our services.  This reduction in spending could have a material 
adverse effect on our operations.

Self-Insurance

We have accrued a liability for estimated workers’ compensation and other casualty claims incurred based upon cash 

reserves plus an estimate of loss development and incurred but not reported claims.  The estimate is based upon historical 
trends.  Insurance recoveries related to such liability are recorded when considered probable.

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses relating to workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile 
liability. Generally, deductibles range from $1 million to $5 million per occurrence depending on the coverage and whether a claim 
occurs outside or inside of the United States. Insurance is purchased over deductibles to reduce our exposure to catastrophic 
events. Estimates are recorded for incurred outstanding liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability claims and claims that 
are incurred but not reported. Estimates are based on adjusters’ estimates, historical experience and statistical methods commonly 
used within the insurance industry that we believe are reliable. We have also engaged a third-party actuary to perform a review of 
our domestic casualty losses.  Nonetheless, insurance estimates include certain assumptions and management judgments 
regarding the frequency and severity of claims, claim development and settlement practices. Unanticipated changes in these 
factors may produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these programs.

International Land Drilling Operations

International Land drilling operations may significantly contribute to our revenues and net operating income. There can be 

no assurance that we will be able to successfully conduct such operations, and a failure to do so may have an adverse effect on 
our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Also, the success of our international land operations will be subject to 
numerous contingencies, some of which are beyond management’s control.  These contingencies include general and regional 
economic conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, modified exchange controls, changes in international regulatory 
requirements and international employment issues, risk of expropriation of real and personal property and the burden of complying 
with foreign laws.  Additionally, in the event that extended labor strikes occur or a country experiences significant political, 
economic or social instability, we could experience shortages in labor and/or material and supplies necessary to operate some of 
our drilling rigs, thereby potentially causing an adverse material effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations. In Argentina, while our dayrate is denominated in U.S. dollars, we are paid in Argentine pesos.  The Argentine branch 
of one of our second-tier subsidiaries remits U.S. dollars to its U.S. parent by converting the Argentine pesos into U.S. dollars 
through the Argentine Foreign Exchange Market and repatriating the U.S. dollars. Argentina also has a history of implementing 
currency controls, which restrict the conversion and repatriation of U.S. dollars, including controls which were implemented in 
September 2019 and are presently in effect. As a result of these currency controls, our ability to remit funds from our Argentine 
subsidiary to its U.S. parent has been limited.  Furthermore, the Argentine government has also instituted price controls on crude 
oil, diesel and gasoline prices and instituted an exchange rate freeze in connection with those prices.

Argentina’s economy is considered highly inflationary, which is defined as cumulative inflation rates exceeding 100 

percent in the most recent three-year period based on inflation data published by the respective governments.  Nonetheless, all of 
our foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency and local currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
remeasured into U.S. dollars with gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in current results of 
operations.

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

Although we attempt to minimize the potential impact of such risks by operating in more than one geographical area, 

during the year ended September 30, 2019, approximately 7.6 percent of our operating revenues were generated from 
international locations in our contract drilling services business compared to 9.6 percent during the year ended September 30, 
2018. During the year ended September 30, 2019, approximately 91.6 percent of operating revenues from international locations 
were from operations in South America compared to 96.0 percent during the year ended September 30, 2018. Substantially all of 
the South American operating revenues were from Argentina and Colombia. The future occurrence of one or more international 
events arising from the types of risks described above could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition 
and results of operations.

65

 
NOTE 3 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Fiscal Year 2019 Acquisitions

On August 21, 2019, we completed an acquisition of an unaffiliated company, DrillScan Energy SAS and its subsidiaries 
("DrillScan"), which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, a total consideration of approximately $32.7 million, which 
includes $17.7 million of contingent consideration. The fair value of total assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, as of the 
acquisition date, were $36.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively, including goodwill of $14.9 million. Of the total assets acquired, 
$19.1 million was allocated to identifiable intangible assets. DrillScan is a leading provider of proprietary drilling engineering 
software, well engineering services and training for the oil and gas industry. The operations of DrillScan are included in the H&P 
Technologies reportable business segment. The acquisition of DrillScan was accounted for as a business combination in 
accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, which requires the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be 
recorded at their acquisition date fair values. In accordance with GAAP, an entity is allowed a reasonable period of time (not to 
exceed one year) to obtain the information necessary to identify and measure the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in a business combination. This acquisition is still within this measurement period, and as a result, the acquisition date 
fair values we have recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to change.

On November 1, 2018, we completed an acquisition of an unaffiliated company, Angus Jamieson Consulting (“AJC”), 

which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for total consideration of approximately $3.4 million. AJC is a software-
based training and consultancy company based in Inverness, Scotland and is widely recognized as an industry leader in wellbore 
positioning. The operations of AJC are included in the H&P Technologies reportable segment. The acquisition of AJC has been 
accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, which requires the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The allocation of the purchase price includes 
goodwill of $3.1 million.

Fiscal Year 2018 Acquisition

On December 8, 2017, we completed an acquisition (“MagVAR Acquisition”) of an unaffiliated company, Magnetic 
Variation Services, LLC (“MagVAR”), which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  At the effective time of the MagVAR 
Acquisition, MagVAR shareholders received aggregate cash consideration of $47.9 million, net of customary closing adjustments, 
and certain management members received restricted stock awards covering 213,904 shares of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. common 
stock. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock of $13.1 million is being amortized to expense over the three-year vesting 
period. At closing, $6.0 million of the cash consideration was placed in escrow, to be released to the sellers twelve months after the 
acquisition closing date.  The amount placed in escrow is classified as restricted cash and is included in prepaid expenses and 
other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2018. The amounts placed in escrow as of September 30, 2018 were 
released to the sellers during the year ended September 30, 2019. Of the $48.5 million total consideration, $28.7 million was 
allocated to identifiable intangible assets and $17.8 million was recorded as goodwill.

NOTE 4 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

Current and noncurrent liabilities consist of municipal and income taxes payable and social obligations due within the 

country in Venezuela. Expenses incurred for in-country obligations are reported as discontinued operations.

The activity for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was primarily due to the remeasurement of uncertain tax 

liabilities as a result of the devaluation of the Venezuela Bolivar. Early in 2018, the Venezuelan government announced that it 
changed the existing dual-rate foreign currency exchange system by eliminating its heavily subsidized foreign exchange rate, 
which was 10 Bolivars per United States dollar, and relaunched an exchange system known as DICOM. The Venezuela 
government also established a new currency called the “Sovereign Bolivar,” which was determined by the elimination of five zeros 
from the old currency. The DICOM floating rate was approximately 21,028 Bolivars per United States dollar at September 30, 2019. 
The DICOM floating rate might not reflect the barter market exchange rates.

66

NOTE 5 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following:

(in thousands)

Contract drilling services equipment

Tubulars

Real estate properties

Other

Construction in progress

Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

Impairments

Estimated Useful Lives

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

4 - 15 years

$

7,881,323

7,829,038

4 years

10 - 45 years

2 - 23 years

618,310

72,507

471,803

117,761

9,161,704

(4,659,620)

$

4,502,084

$

613,043

68,888

471,310

163,968

9,146,247

(4,288,865)

4,857,382

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company's management performed a detailed assessment, considering a 

number of approaches, to maximize the utilization and enhance the margins of the domestic and international FlexRig4 asset 
groups. In June 2019, this assessment concluded that marketing a smaller fleet of these two asset groups would provide the best 
economic outcome. As such, the decision was made to downsize the number of domestic and international FlexRig4 drilling rigs, to 
be marketed to our customers, from 71 rigs to 20 domestic rigs and from 10 rigs to 8 international rigs and utilize the major 
interchangeable components of the decommissioned drilling rigs within these asset groups as capital spares for all of our 
remaining rig fleet. This has reduced the aggregate net book values of the FlexRig4 asset groups as of June 30, 2019 from $317.8 
million to $107.5 million for domestic rigs and from $55.7 million to $47.8 million for international rigs. Following the downsizing 
process, we performed a detailed study to optimize the quantities of capital spares and drilling support equipment required to 
support the future operations of our rig fleet going forward. These decisions and analysis resulted in a write down of excess capital 
spares and drilling support equipment, which had an aggregate net book value of $235.3 million, to their estimated proceeds to 
ultimately be received on sale or disposal based on our historical experience with sales and disposals of similar assets, resulting in 
an impairment of $224.3 million ($195.0 million, net of tax, or $1.78 per diluted share), which was recorded in our Consolidated 
Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2019. Of the $224.3 million total impairment charge recorded, $216.9 
million ($188.6 million, net of tax, or $1.72 per diluted share) and $7.4 million ($6.4 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) 
was recorded in our U.S. Land and International Land segment, respectively. The significant assumptions in the valuation are 
classified as Level 2 inputs by ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures.

Due to the downsizing of our domestic and international FlexRig4 asset groups, at June 30, 2019, we performed 
impairment testing on these two asset groups. We concluded that the net book values of the asset groups are recoverable through 
estimated undiscounted cash flows with a surplus. The most significant assumptions used in our undiscounted cash flow model 
include: timing on awards of future drilling contracts, operating dayrates, operating costs, rig reactivation costs, drilling rig 
utilization, estimated remaining useful life, and net proceeds received upon future sale/disposition. The assumptions are consistent 
with the Company's internal forecasts for future years. Although we believe the assumptions used in our analysis are reasonable 
and appropriate and the probability-weighted average of expected future undiscounted net cash flows exceed the net book value 
for each of the domestic and international FlexRig4 asset groups as of June 30, 2019, different assumptions and estimates could 
materially impact the analysis and our resulting conclusion.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, after ceasing operations in Ecuador, we entered into a sales negotiation with 

respect to the six conventional rigs, within a separate international conventional rigs’ asset group, with net book values of $20.8 
million, present in the country, pursuant to which the rigs, together with associated equipment and machinery, were sold to a third 
party to be recycled. Certain components of these rigs, with an $8.5 million net book value, that were not subject to the sale 
agreement were transferred to the United States to be utilized on other FlexRigs with high activity and demand. The sales 
transaction was completed in November 2018. We recorded a non-cash impairment charge within our International Land segment 
of $9.2 million ($7.0 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share), which is included in Asset Impairment Charge on the 
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. As a result, the remaining rig within the same 
asset group, not to be disposed of, was written down resulting in an additional impairment charge of $1.4 million ($1.0 million, net 
of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share). The assets were recorded at fair value based on the sales agreement and as such are classified 
as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Furthermore, during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, within our U.S. Land segment, management committed to a 

plan to auction several previously decommissioned rigs during fiscal year 2019. As a result, we wrote them down to their estimated 
fair values. We recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5.7 million ($4.2 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per diluted share), which is 
included in Asset Impairment Charge on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. 
The assets were recorded at fair value based on the auction price and as such are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Depreciation

67

 
 
 
Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations of $556.9 million, $578.4 million and $584.4 million includes 

abandonments of $11.4 million, $27.7 million and $42.6 million for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  During fiscal 
year 2019, we have shortened the estimated useful lives of certain components of rigs planned for conversion, resulting in an 
increase in depreciation expense during fiscal year 2019 of approximately $4.7 million. This will decrease the depreciation expense 
for fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by $0.8 million, $0.8 million, $0.6 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million, 
respectively, and thereafter by $0.5 million.

Gain on Sale of Assets

We had a gain on sales of assets of $39.7 million, $22.7 million and $20.6 million in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, 

respectively. These gains were primarily related to customer reimbursement for the replacement value of drill pipe damaged or lost 
in drilling operations.

NOTE 6 GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill

All of our goodwill is within our H&P Technologies reportable segment. The following is a summary of changes in goodwill 

(in thousands):

September 30, 2017

Additions

Impairment

September 30, 2018

Additions

September 30, 2019

Intangible Assets

$

$

51,705

17,791

(4,719)

64,777

18,009

82,786

Intangible assets arising from business acquisitions consisted of the following:

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

Weighted
Average
Estimated
Useful Lives

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

(in thousands)

Finite-lived intangible asset:

Developed technology

15 years

$

89,096

$

10,256

$

78,840

$

70,000

$

5,589

$

64,411

Trade name

Customer relationships

20 years

5 years

5,865

4,000

522

1,467

5,343

2,533

5,700

4,000

237

667

5,463

3,333

$

98,961

$

12,245

$

86,716

$

79,700

$

6,493

$

73,207

Amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was $5.8 million, $5.4 million and $1.1 million for 
fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is estimated to be $7.0 million for each of the next three succeeding fiscal 
years, approximately $6.4 million for fiscal year 2023 and approximately $6.2 million for fiscal year 2024.

Impairments

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, and as part of our annual goodwill impairment test, we performed a detailed 

assessment of the TerraVici reporting unit, where $4.7 million of goodwill was allocated. We determined that the estimated fair 
value of this reporting unit was less than its carrying amount and we recorded goodwill impairment losses of $4.7 million ($3.5 
million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share).  In addition, we recorded an intangible assets impairment loss of $0.9 million ($0.7 
million net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share). These impairment losses are included in Asset Impairment Charge on the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Our goodwill impairment analysis performed 
on our remaining technology reporting units in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 did not result in an impairment charge. 

Beginning October 1, 2018, the goodwill associated with our technology reporting units were combined into one reporting 
unit, H&P Technologies.  Our goodwill impairment analysis performed in the fourth quarter fiscal year of 2019 indicated that the fair 
value of the H&P Technologies reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Therefore, no goodwill impairment was recognized.

68

NOTE 7 DEBT 

We had the following unsecured long-term debt outstanding at rates and maturities shown in the following table:

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

Unamortized
Discount and
Debt Issuance
Cost

Face
Amount

Book
Value

Face
Amount

Unamortized
Discount and
Debt Issuance
Cost

Book
Value

$ 487,148

$

(7,792) $ 479,356

$ 500,000

$

(6,032) $ 493,968

487,148

—

(7,792)

479,356

500,000

(6,032)

493,968

—

—

—

—

—

$ 487,148

$

(7,792) $ 479,356

$ 500,000

$

(6,032) $ 493,968

(in thousands)

Unsecured senior notes:

Due March 19, 2025

Less long-term debt due within one year

Long-term debt

Senior Notes

HPIDC 2025 Notes

On March 19, 2015, we issued $500 million of 4.65 percent unsecured senior notes due 2025, which were redeemed in 

full on September 27, 2019 as described under "––Private Exchange Offer, Consent Solicitation and Redemption." Interest on such 
notes was payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15. The debt discount was being amortized to interest expense 
using the effective interest method. The debt issuance costs were being amortized straight-line over the stated life of the obligation, 
which approximated the effective interest method.

Private Exchange Offer, Consent Solicitation and Redemption

On November 19, 2018, we commenced an offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) any and all outstanding HPIDC 2025 

Notes for (i) up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.65 percent unsecured senior notes due 2025 of the Company 
(the “Company 2025 Notes”), with registration rights, and (ii) cash. Concurrently with the Exchange Offer, we solicited consents 
(the “Consent Solicitation”) to adopt certain proposed amendments (the “Proposed Amendments”) to the indenture governing the 
HPIDC 2025 Notes, which include eliminating substantially all of the restrictive covenants in such indenture and limiting the 
reporting covenant under such indenture. On December 20, 2018, we settled the Exchange Offer, pursuant to which we issued 
approximately $487.1 million in aggregate principal amount of Company 2025 Notes. Interest on the Company 2025 Notes is 
payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing March 15, 2019. The debt issuance costs are 
being amortized straight-line over the stated life of the obligation, which approximates the effective interest method. The terms of 
the Company 2025 Notes are governed by an indenture, dated December 20, 2018, as amended and supplemented by the first 
supplemental indenture thereto, dated December 20, 2018, each among the Company, HPIDC and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as trustee. 

Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, HPIDC had outstanding approximately $12.9 million in aggregate 

principal amount of HPIDC 2025 Notes. In connection with the Consent Solicitation, the requisite number of consents to adopt the 
Proposed Amendments was received. Accordingly, on December 20, 2018, HPIDC, the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as trustee, entered into a supplemental indenture to the indenture governing the HPIDC 2025 Notes to adopt the 
Proposed Amendments.

On September 27, 2019, we redeemed the remaining approximately $12.9 million in aggregate principal amount of HPIDC 

2025 Notes for approximately $14.6 million, including accrued interest and a prepayment premium. Simultaneously with the 
redemption of the HPIDC 2025 Notes, HPIDC was released as a guarantor under the Company 2025 Notes and the 2018 Credit 
Facility (as defined herein). As a result of such release, H&P is the only obligor under the Company 2025 Notes and the 2018 
Credit Facility.

Registered Exchange Offer

On February 15, 2019, we commenced a registered exchange offer (the “Registered Exchange Offer”) to exchange the 

Company 2025 Notes for new SEC-registered notes that are substantially identical to the terms of the Company 2025 Notes, 
except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 
“Securities Act”), and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the Company 2025 
Notes do not apply to the new notes. The Registered Exchange Offer expired on March 18, 2019, and approximately 99.99% of the 
Company 2025 Notes were exchanged. 

The Company 2025 Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer have not been registered 

under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an 
applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities 
Act or any state securities law.

69

    
    
    
    
    
 
 
Credit Facilities

On November 13, 2018, we entered into a credit agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, providing for an unsecured revolving credit facility (the 
“2018 Credit Facility”), which was originally set to mature on November 13, 2023. Pursuant to the 2018 Credit Facility Amendment 
entered into on November 13, 2018, among other things, the maturity date was extended by one year to November 13, 2024. The 
2018 Credit Facility has $750 million in aggregate availability with a maximum of $75 million available for use as letters of credit. 
The 2018 Credit Facility also permits aggregate commitments under the facility to be increased by $300 million, subject to the 
satisfaction of certain conditions and the procurement of additional commitments from new or existing lenders. The 2018 Credit 
Facility was originally guaranteed by HPIDC, but such guarantee was released simultaneously with the redemption of the HPIDC 
2025 Notes and the release of HPIDC as a guarantor under the Company 2025 Notes. The borrowings under the 2018 Credit 
Facility accrue interest at a spread over either the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Base Rate. We also pay a 
commitment fee on the unused balance of the facility. Borrowing spreads as well as commitment fees are determined based on the 
debt rating for senior unsecured debt of the Company, as determined by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”). The spread over 
LIBOR ranges from 0.875 percent to 1.500 percent per annum and commitment fees range from 0.075 percent to 0.200 percent 
per annum. Based on the unsecured debt rating of the Company on September 30, 2019, the spread over LIBOR would have been 
1.125 percent had borrowings been outstanding under the facility and commitment fees are 0.125 percent. There is a financial 
covenant in the 2018 Credit Facility that requires us to maintain a total debt to total capitalization ratio of less than or equal to 50 
percent. The 2018 Credit Facility contains additional terms, conditions, restrictions and covenants that we believe are usual and 
customary in unsecured debt arrangements for companies of similar size and credit quality, including a limitation that priority debt 
(as defined in the credit agreement) may not exceed 17.5 percent of the net worth of the Company. As of September 30, 2019, 
there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding, leaving $750.0 million available to borrow under the 2018 Credit Facility. 

In connection with entering into the 2018 Credit Facility, we terminated our $300.0 million unsecured credit facility under 

the credit agreement dated as of July 13, 2016 by and among HPIDC, as borrower, the Company, as guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

At September 30, 2019, we had two outstanding letters of credit with banks under bilateral line of credit agreements, in 

the amounts of $25.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Subsequent to our fiscal year end, in October 2019, the balance of the 
$25.5 million outstanding letter of credit was reduced to $24.8 million.

At September 30, 2019, we also had a $20.0 million unsecured standalone line of credit facility, for the purpose of 

obtaining the issuance of bid and performance bonds, as well as other miscellaneous international needs. Of the $20.0 million, 
$11.5 million of letters of credit was outstanding as of September 30, 2019. 

The applicable agreements for all unsecured debt contain additional terms, conditions and restrictions that we believe are 

usual and customary in unsecured debt arrangements for companies that are similar in size and credit quality. At September 30, 
2019, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

At September 30, 2019, aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

Year ending September 30,
2020

2021

2022
2023
2024

Thereafter

$

$

—

—

—
—
—
487,148

487,148

70

    
NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES 

Income Tax Provision and Rate

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

(in thousands)
Current:

Federal
Foreign
State

Deferred:

Federal
Foreign
State

Total benefit

Year Ended September 30,
2018

2017

2019

$

$

$

21,745
732
3,365
25,842

(35,809)
2,804
(11,549)
(44,554)
(18,712) $

$

757
6,492
2,340
9,589

(508,256)
7,415
14,083
(486,758)
(477,169) $

(36,260)
4,108
(472)
(32,624)

(14,953)
(7,827)
(1,331)
(24,111)
(56,735)

The amounts of domestic and foreign income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

(in thousands)

Domestic

Foreign

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

$

(45,118) $

27,436

$

(173,157)

(6,104)

(11,595)

(11,441)

(51,222) $

15,841

$

(184,598)

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

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

24.5 %

35.0%

U.S. Federal income tax rate

Effect of foreign taxes

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

U.S. domestic production activities

Remeasurement of deferred tax related to Tax Reform Act

Other impact of foreign operations

Non-deductible meals and entertainment (1)

Equity compensation (1)

Excess officer's compensation (1)

Contingent consideration adjustment (1)

Other (1)

Effective income tax rate

21.0%

(0.6)

17.2

—

—

0.9

(2.5)

2.7

(1.9)

4.5

(4.8)

87.8

68.8

—

(3,169.4)

(43.4)

8.2

(5.3)

1.7

10.7

4.1

36.5%

(3,012.3)%

1.8

0.6

(2.1)

—

(2.9)

—

—

—

—

(1.7)

30.7%

(1)  For fiscal year 2017, “Other” reflects adjustments for non-deductible meals and entertainment, equity compensation, excess officer’s 

compensation and contingent consideration.

Effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent due to state and foreign income taxes and the 

tax effect of non-deductible expenditures (primarily related to certain meals and entertainment, excess officer’s compensation 
limited pursuant to Section 162(m) of the IRC, and adjustments to the contingent consideration related to our acquisition of 
MOTIVE Drilling Technologies, Inc.

Deferred Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis 
of our assets and liabilities. Recoverability of any tax assets are evaluated, and necessary valuation allowances are provided. The 
carrying value of the net deferred tax assets is based on management’s judgments using certain estimates and assumptions that 
we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to realize the benefits of such assets. If these 
estimates and related assumptions change in the future, additional valuation allowances may be recorded against the deferred tax 
assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the future.

71

The components of our net deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

(in thousands)

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Marketable securities

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets:

Marketable securities

Pension reserves

Self-insurance reserves

Net operating loss, foreign tax credit, and other federal tax credit carryforwards

Financial accruals

Other

Total deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax liabilities

September 30,

2019

2018

$

867,909

$

904,734

—

15,681

883,590

771

7,324

14,294

41,126

54,511

2,531

120,557

(43,578)

76,979

10,464

12,787

927,985

—

3,477

13,100

55,889

45,708

4,888

123,062

(48,213)

74,849

$

806,611

$

853,136

The change in our net deferred tax assets and liabilities is impacted by foreign currency remeasurement.

As of September 30, 2019, we had federal, state and foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards of $8.9 million, $14.5 

million and $62.0 million, respectively, and foreign tax credit carryforwards of approximately $24.9 million (of which $20.1 million is 
reflected as a deferred tax asset in our Consolidated Financial Statements prior to consideration of our valuation allowance) which 
will expire in fiscal years 2020 through 2039. The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to foreign and certain state net 
operating loss carryforwards of $16.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and foreign tax credit carryforwards of $20.1 million, 
equity compensation of $4.1 million, and foreign minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1.9 million which more likely than not will not 
be utilized.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

We recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense, and penalties in other expense in 

the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, we had accrued interest and penalties of $2.1 
million and $2.2 million, respectively.

A reconciliation of the change in our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 

2018 is as follows:

(in thousands)

Unrecognized tax benefits at October 1,

Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods

Gross decreases - current period effect of tax positions

Gross increases - current period effect of tax positions

Expiration of statute of limitations for assessments

Unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 

2019

2018

$

14,905

$

—

(28)

1,067

(185)

4,773

3

(280)

10,537

(128)

$

15,759

$

14,905

As of September 30, 2019, and 2018, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits includes $15.3 million and $14.3 million, 
respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations that, if recognized, would not affect the effective tax 
rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The liabilities for unrecognized tax 
benefits and related interest and penalties are included in other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

For the next 12 months, we cannot predict with certainty whether we will achieve ultimate resolution of any uncertain tax 
position associated with our U.S. and international land operations that could result in increases or decreases of our unrecognized 
tax benefits. However, we do not expect the increases or decreases to have a material effect on our results of operations or 
financial position.

72

Tax Returns

We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as income tax returns in various states and foreign 

jurisdictions.  The tax years that remain open to examination by U.S. federal and state jurisdictions include fiscal years 2015 
through 2018, with exception of certain state jurisdictions currently under audit. The tax years remaining open to examination by 
foreign jurisdictions include 2003 through 2019.

NOTE 9 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

The Company has authorization from the Board of Directors for the repurchase of up to four million common shares in any 

calendar year. The repurchases may be made using our cash and cash equivalents or other available sources. During fiscal 2019, 
we purchased one million common shares at an aggregate cost of $42.8 million, which are held as treasury shares. We had no 
purchases of common shares during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

(in thousands)

Pre-tax amounts:

Unrealized appreciation on securities (1)

Unrealized actuarial loss

After-tax amounts:

Unrealized appreciation on securities (1)

Unrealized actuarial loss

September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

— $

44,023

$

(37,084)

(21,693)

(37,084) $

22,330

$

— $

29,071

$

(28,635)

(12,521)

(28,635) $

16,550

$

31,700

(28,873)

2,827

20,070

(17,770)

2,300

(1)  As disclosed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risks and Uncertainties, we adopted ASU No. 2016-01 on October 1, 

2018. The standard requires that changes in the fair value of our equity investments must be recognized in net income.

The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component 

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019:

(in thousands)

Balance at September 30, 2018

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 (1)

Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (2)

Activity during the period

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

Balance at September 30, 2019

Unrealized
Appreciation on
Equity Securities

Defined
Benefit

Pension Plan     

Total

$

$

29,071

$

(12,521) $

(29,071)

—

—

—

—

—

(4,239)

(16,760)

(11,875)

(11,875)

— $

(28,635) $

16,550

(29,071)

(4,239)

(16,760)

(11,875)

(11,875)

(28,635)

(1)  As disclosed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risks and Uncertainties, we adopted ASU No. 2016-01 on October 1, 

2018. The transition provisions enforced upon adoption require any unrealized gains or losses as of October 1, 2018 to be recognized in the 
beginning balance of equity.

(2)  As disclosed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risks and Uncertainties, we adopted ASU No. 2018-02 as of June 30, 
2019. The standard permits the reclassification of certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act from Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) to Retained Earnings.  

NOTE 10 REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS 

Impact of Adoption

Effective October 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and ASC 340-40, 

“Contracts with Customers.” ASC 606 introduced a five step approach to revenue recognition and ASC 340-40 introduced detailed 
rules for contract revenue related costs. Details of the new requirements as well as the impact on our Consolidated Financial 
Statements are described below.

73

    
We have applied ASC 606 in accordance with the modified retrospective transitional approach recognizing the cumulative 

effect of initially applying the revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during this period 
(October 1, 2018). Comparative prior year periods were not adjusted. In applying the modified retrospective approach, we elected 
practical expedients for (a) completed contracts as described in ASC 606-10-65-c2, and (b) contract modifications as described in 
ASC 606-10-65-1-f(4), allowing the application of the revenue standard only to contracts that were not completed as of the date of 
initial application  and to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the adoption date in accordance with the 
new standard when: (i) identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, (ii) determining the transaction price, and 
(iii) allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. We believe that the impact on the 
opening balance of retained earnings during the period (October 1, 2018) would not have been significantly different had we not 
elected to use the practical expedients. Apart from providing more extensive disclosures for our revenue transactions, the 
application of ASC 606 has not had a significant impact on our financial position and/or financial performance.

Contract Drilling Services Revenue

Substantially all of our drilling services are performed on a “daywork” contract basis, under which we charge a 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. These contract drilling services represent a series of distinct daily services 
that are substantially the same, with the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Because our customers benefit equally 
throughout the service period and our efforts in providing contract drilling services are incurred relatively evenly over the period of 
performance, revenue is recognized over time using a time-based input measure as we provide services to the customer.

Contracts generally contain renewal or extension provisions exercisable at the option of the customer at prices mutually 

agreeable to us and the customer. For contracts that are terminated by customers prior to the expirations of their fixed terms, 
contractual provisions customarily require early termination amounts to be paid to us. Revenues from early terminated contracts 
are recognized when all contractual requirements have been met. During the year ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, early 
termination revenue was approximately $11.3 million and $17.1 million, respectively.   

We also act as a principal for certain reimbursable services and auxiliary equipment provided by us to our clients, for 

which we incur costs and earn revenues. Many of these costs are variable, or dependent upon the activity that is performed each 
day under the related contract. Accordingly, reimbursements that we receive for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenues 
and the out-of-pocket expenses for which they relate are recorded as operating costs during the period to which they relate within 
the series of distinct time increments. All of our revenues are recognized net of sales taxes, when applicable.

With most drilling contracts, we also receive payments contractually designated for the mobilization and demobilization of 
drilling rigs and other equipment to and from the client’s drill site. Revenues associated with the mobilization and demobilization of 
our drilling rigs to and from the client’s drill site do not relate to a distinct good or service.  These revenues are deferred and 
recognized ratably over the related contract term that drilling services are provided.

Demobilization fees expected to be received upon contract completion are estimated at contract inception and recognized 

on a straight-line basis over the contract term. The amount of demobilization revenue that we ultimately collect is dependent upon 
the specific contractual terms, most of which include provisions for reduced or no payment for demobilization when, among other 
things, the contract is renewed or extended with the same client, or when the rig is subsequently contracted with another client 
prior to the termination of the current contract. Since revenues associated with demobilization activity are typically variable, at each 
period end, they are estimated at the most likely amount, and constrained when the likelihood of a significant reversal is probable. 
Any change in the expected amount of demobilization revenue is accounted for with the net cumulative impact of the change in 
estimate recognized in the period during which the revenue estimate is revised.

Contract Costs

Mobilization costs include certain direct costs incurred for mobilization of contracted rigs. These costs relate directly to a 
contract, enhance resources that will be used in satisfying the future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. 
These costs are capitalized when incurred and recorded as current or noncurrent contract fulfillment cost assets (depending on the 
length of the initial contract term), and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of the goods 
or services to which the asset relates which typically includes the initial term of the related drilling contract or a period longer than 
the initial contract term if management anticipates a customer will renew or extend a contract, which we expect to benefit from the 
cost of mobilizing the rig. Abnormal mobilization costs are fulfillment costs that are incurred from excessive resources, wasted or 
spoiled materials, and unproductive labor costs that are not otherwise anticipated in the contract price and are expensed as 
incurred. As of September 30, 2019, we had capitalized fulfillment costs of $13.9 million.

If  capital  modification costs  are  incurred  for  rig  modifications  or  if  upgrades  are  required  for  a  contract,  these  costs  are 
considered  to  be  capital  improvements. These  costs  are  capitalized  as  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  depreciated  over  the 
estimated useful life of the improvement.

74

Remaining Performance Obligations

The total aggregate transaction price allocated to the unsatisfied performance obligations, commonly referred to as 

backlog, as of September 30, 2019 was approximately $1.2 billion, of which $0.9 billion is expected to be recognized during fiscal 
year 2020, and approximately $0.3 billion in fiscal year 2021 and thereafter. These amounts do not include anticipated contract 
renewals. Additionally, contracts that currently contain month-to-month terms are represented in our backlog as one month of 
unsatisfied performance obligations. Our contracts are subject to cancellation or modification at the election of the customer; 
however, due to the level of capital deployed by our customers on underlying projects, we have not been materially adversely 
affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past. We do not have material long-term contracts related to our H&P 
Technologies segment.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Amounts owed from our customers under our revenue contracts are typically billed on a monthly basis as the service is 

being provided and are due within 30 days of billing. Such amounts are classified as accounts receivable on our Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. Under certain of our contracts, we recognize revenues in excess of billings, referred to as contract assets, within 
prepaid expenses and other current assets within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Under certain of our contracts, we may be entitled to receive payments in advance of satisfying our performance 
obligations under the contract. We recognize a liability for these payments in excess of revenue recognized, referred to as deferred 
revenue or contract liabilities, within accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract 
balances are presented at the net amount at a contract level.

The following table summarizes the balances of our contract assets and liabilities at the dates indicated:

(in thousands)

Contract assets

(in thousands)

Contract liabilities balance at October 1, 2018

Payment received/accrued and deferred

Revenue recognized during the period

September 30, 2019

NOTE 11 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

September 30, 2019

October 1, 2018

$

2,151

$

2,600

September 30, 2019

$

$

38,472

30,863

(45,981)

23,354

On March 2, 2016, the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) was approved by our 

stockholders.  The 2016 Plan, among other things, authorizes the Human Resources Committee of the Board to grant non-
qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and performance share units to selected employees and to non-employee 
directors.  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 10 
years after the grant date.  Awards outstanding under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan remain subject to the terms and conditions of those plans. During the 
fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, there were no new non-qualified stock options granted, as we have, prospectively and for 
fiscal year 2019, replaced stock options with performance share units as a component of our executives’ long-term equity 
incentive compensation. We have also eliminated stock options as an element of our director compensation program. The Board 
has determined to award stock-based compensation to directors solely in the form of restricted stock. During the fiscal year ended 
September 30, 2019, 474,775 shares of restricted stock awards and 145,153 performance share units were granted under the 
2016 Plan.

75

A summary of compensation cost for stock-based payment arrangements recognized in contract drilling services 

operating expense and selling, general and administrative expense in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

(in thousands)

Stock-based compensation expense

Stock options

Restricted stock

Performance share units

September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

$

3,721

$

7,913

$

26,149

4,422

23,774

—

7,439

18,744

—

34,292

$

31,687

$

26,183

Of the total stock-based compensation expense, $7.5 million was recorded in contract drilling services operating 
expense and $26.8 million in selling, general and administrative expense for fiscal year 2019 on our Consolidated Statements of 
Operations. 

Stock Options

Vesting requirements for stock options are determined by the Human Resources Committee of our Board of Directors. 

Options currently outstanding began vesting one year after the grant date with 25 percent of the options vesting for four 
consecutive years.

We use the Black-Scholes formula to estimate the fair value of stock options granted to employees.  The fair value of the 

options is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the stock awards, 
which are generally the vesting periods.

Risk-free interest rate (1)

Expected stock volatility (2)

Dividend yield (3)

Expected term (in years) (4)

2018

2017

2.2%

36.1%

4.7%

6.0

2.0%

38.9%

3.7%

5.5

(1)  The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities for the expected term of the option.
(2)  Expected volatilities are based on the daily closing price of our stock based upon historical experience over a period which approximates 

the expected term of the option.

(3)  The dividend yield is based on our current dividend yield.
(4)  The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. We estimate term of 

option granted based on historical experience with grants and exercise.

Based on these calculations, the weighted-average fair value per option granted to acquire a share of common stock 

was $13.17 and $20.48 per share for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following summary reflects the stock option activity for our common stock and related information for fiscal years 

2019, 2018 and 2017:

2019

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

2018

2017

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

(shares in thousands)

Outstanding at October 1,

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding on September 30, 

Exercisable on September 30, 

Shares available to grant

Shares     
3,499
$

—
(217)
(44)
3,238

2,482

2,999

$

$

58.62  
—  
24.46  
62.14  
60.86  
60.38  

    Shares     
$
3,278

694

(375)

(98)

3,499

2,193

5,140

$

$

56.41  
59.03  
36.88  
70.77  
58.62  
56.31  

    Shares     
$
3,312

396

(415)

(15)

3,278

2,167

5,624

$

$

51.74

76.61

38.04

68.32

56.41

50.87

76

 
 
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options at September 30, 2019 (shares in thousands):

Range of Exercise Prices

Shares

Weighted-Average
Remaining Life

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

    Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding Stock Options

Exercisable Stock Options

$0.00 to $40.00

$40.00 to $55.00

$55.00 to $70.00

$70.00 to $85.00

209

493

2,032

504

3,238

$

0.17

2.93

6.09

5.95

38.02

51.85

60.53

80.49

$

209

468

1,432

373

2,482

38.02

51.78

61.26

80.34

At September 30, 2019, the weighted-average remaining life of exercisable stock options was 4.47 years and the 

aggregate intrinsic value was $0.4 million with a weighted-average exercise price of $60.38 per share.

The number of options vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2019 was 755,761 with an aggregate intrinsic value 

of zero and a weighted-average exercise price of $62.42 per share.

As of September 30, 2019, the unrecognized compensation cost related to the stock options was $3.2 million. That cost 

is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $7.9 million, $9.9 million and 

$13.1 million, respectively.

The grant date fair value of shares vested during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $8.0 million, $8.8 million and 

$6.7 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards consist of our common stock and are time-vested over four years. Non-forfeitable dividends are 

paid on non-vested shares of restricted stock. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting 
period. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the closing price of our shares on the grant date. As of 
September 30, 2019, there was $34.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock 
awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.

A summary of the status of our restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2019, and of changes in restricted stock 

outstanding during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, is as follows:

(shares in thousands)

Outstanding at October 1,

Granted
Vested 

(1)

Forfeited

2019

2018

2017

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Shares

1,001

$

475

(371)

(20)

63.74  

58.45  

64.32  

60.85  

$

659

626

(258)

(26)

70.76  

59.53  

70.60  

66.73  

63.74  

$

648

292

(271)

(10)

659

$

64.24

78.69

63.81

68.09

70.76

Outstanding on September 30, 

1,085

$

61.28  

1,001

$

(1)  The number of restricted stock awards vested includes shares that we withheld on behalf of our employees to satisfy the statutory tax 

withholding requirements.

Performance Share Units

We have made awards to certain employees that are subject to market-based performance conditions ("performance 
share units"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable performance share unit award agreements and the 
2016 Plan, grants of performance share units are subject to a vesting period of three years (the “Vesting Period”) that is 
dependent on the achievement of certain performance goals. Such performance share unit awards consist of two separate 
components. Performance share units that comprise the first component are subject to a three-year performance 
cycle. Performance share units that comprise the second component are further divided into three separate tranches, each of 
which is subject to a separate one-year performance cycle within the full three-year performance cycle.  The vesting of the 
performance share units is generally dependent on (i) the achievement of the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) 
performance goals relative to the TSR achievement of a peer group of companies (the “Peer Group”) over the applicable 
performance cycle, and (ii) the continued employment of the recipient of the performance share unit award throughout the Vesting 
Period.

77

    
    
    
 
At the end of the Vesting Period, recipients receive dividend equivalents, if any, with respect to the number of vested 

performance share units. The vesting of units ranges from zero to 200% of the units granted depending on the Company’s TSR 
relative to the TSR of the Peer Group on the vesting date.

The grant date fair value of performance share units was determined through use of the Monte Carlo simulation method. 

The Monte Carlo simulation method requires the use of highly subjective assumptions. Our key assumptions in the method 
include the price and the expected volatility of our stock and our self-determined Peer Group's stock, risk free rate of return and 
cross-correlations between the Company and our Peer Group. The valuation model assumes dividends are immediately 
reinvested. As of September 30, 2019, there was $4.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested 
performance share units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

A summary of the status of our performance share units as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 is presented 

below:

Outstanding at October 1,

Granted

Outstanding on September 30, 

Shares

Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
per Share

— $

145

145

$

—

62.66

62.66

The weighted-average fair value calculations for performance share units granted within the fiscal period are based on 

the following weighted-average assumptions set forth in the table below. 

Risk-free interest rate (1)

Expected stock volatility (2) 

Expected term (in years)

2019

2.7%

35.9%

3.0

(1)  The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities for the expected term of the performance share units.
(2)  Expected volatilities are based on the daily closing price of our stock based upon historical experience over a period which approximates 

the expected term of the performance share units.

NOTE 12 EARNINGS (LOSSES) PER COMMON SHARE 

ASC 260, Earnings per Share, requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-
forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents as a separate class of securities in calculating earnings per share.  We have 
granted and expect to continue to grant to employees restricted stock grants that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Such 
grants are considered participating securities under ASC 260.  As such, we are required to include these grants in the calculation of 
our basic earnings per share and calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of 
computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock 
and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

Basic earnings per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average 

number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.

Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares 
outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock options, nonvested restricted stock and performance share 
units.

Under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share, dividends paid and a portion of undistributed net income, 

but not losses, are allocated to unvested restricted stock grants that receive dividends, which are considered participating 
securities.

78

 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Numerator:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Adjustment for basic earnings per share

Earnings allocated to unvested shareholders

Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share:

From continuing operations

From discontinued operations

Adjustment for diluted earnings (loss) per share:

September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

(32,510) $

493,010

$

(127,863)

(1,146)

(33,656)

(10,338)

482,672

(349)

(128,212)

(3,102)

(4,346)

(1,811)

(35,612)

(1,146)

(36,758)

488,664

(10,338)

478,326

(129,674)

(349)

(130,023)

Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of unvested shareholders

—

7

—

Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:

From continuing operations

From discontinued operations

Denominator:

(35,612)

(1,146)

488,671

(10,338)

(129,674)

(349)

$

(36,758) $

478,340

$

(130,023)

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares

Effect of dilutive shares from stock options, restricted stock and performance share units

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares

109,216

—

109,216

108,851

536

109,387

108,500

—

108,500

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

$

$

$

$

(0.33) $

(0.01)

(0.34) $

(0.33) $

(0.01)

(0.34) $

4.49

$

(0.10)

4.39

$

4.47

$

(0.10)

4.37

$

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

(1.20)

—

(1.20)

We had a net loss for fiscal years 2019 and 2017. Accordingly, our diluted earnings per share calculation for those years 

were equivalent to our basic earnings per share calculation since diluted earnings per share excluded any assumed exercise of 
equity awards. These were excluded because they were deemed to be anti-dilutive, meaning their inclusion would have reduced 
the reported net loss per share in the applicable period.

The following average shares attributable to outstanding equity awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted 

earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2019

2018

2017

Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share

3,031

1,559

Weighted-average price per share

$

63.33

$

68.28

$

1,008

74.38

79

    
    
    
    
NOTE 13 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

We have certain assets and liabilities that are required to be measured and disclosed at fair value. Fair value is defined as 

the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most 
advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  We 
use the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820-10 to measure fair value to prioritize the inputs:

• 

• 

• 

Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity 
can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar 
assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; 
or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair 
value of the assets or liabilities.  This includes pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar 
techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

The assets held in a Non-Qualified Supplemental Savings Plan are carried at fair value and totaled $15.7 million and 

$16.2 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The assets are comprised of mutual funds that are measured using 
Level 1 inputs.

Short-term investments include securities classified as trading securities.  Both realized and unrealized gains and losses 

on trading securities are included in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The securities are 
recorded at fair value.

Our non-financial assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are recorded at fair value 

when acquired in a business combination or when an impairment charge is recognized. If measured at fair value in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, these would generally be classified within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

The majority of cash equivalents are invested in highly-liquid money-market mutual funds invested primarily in direct or 

indirect obligations of the U.S. Government. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the 
short maturity of those investments.

The carrying value of other current assets, accrued liabilities and other liabilities approximated fair value at September 30, 

2019 and 2018. 

The following table summarizes our assets measured at fair value presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheet:

(in thousands)

Recurring fair value measurements:

Short-term investments:

Certificates of deposit

Corporate and municipal debt securities

U.S. government and federal agency securities

Total short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Investments

Other current assets

Other assets

September 30, 2019

Fair Value

     Level 1

     Level 2

     Level 3

$

6,590

$

— $

6,590

$

17,984

28,386

52,960

—

28,386

28,386

347,943

347,943

16,267

31,291

3,737

15,974

31,291

3,737

17,984

—

24,574

—

293

—

—

Total assets measured at fair value

$

452,198

$

427,331

$

24,867

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Liabilities:

Contingent earnout liability

$

18,373

$

— $

— $

18,373

At September 30, 2019, our financial instruments measured at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs include cash equivalents, 
U.S. Agency issued debt securities, equity securities with active markets, and money market funds that are classified as restricted 
assets. The current portion of restricted amounts are included in prepaid expenses and other, and the noncurrent portion is 
included in other assets. For these items, quoted current market prices are readily available.

At September 30, 2019, assets measured at fair value using Level 2 inputs include certificates of deposit, municipal bonds 

and corporate bonds measured using broker quotations that utilize observable market inputs.

80

Our financial instruments measured using Level 3 unobservable inputs consist of potential earnout payments associated 

with the acquisition of DrillScan and AJC in fiscal year 2019 and MOTIVE Drilling Technologies, Inc. in fiscal year 2017. As of 
September 30, 2019, the fair value of the MOTIVE contingent consideration is zero. The fair value of the potential earnout 
payments were calculated using either a Monte Carlo simulation, which evaluates numerous potential earnings and pay out 
scenarios, or a probability analysis.

The following table presents a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities classified as 

Level 3 fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy for the indicated periods:

(in thousands)

Net liabilities at beginning of period

Additions

Total gains or losses:

Included in earnings

Settlements (1)

Net liabilities at end of period

2019

2018

$

11,160

$

14,879

18,373

—

(11,160)

—

$

18,373

$

6,906

(10,625)

11,160

(1)  Settlements represent earnout payments that have been earned or paid during the period.

The following table provides quantitative information (in thousands) about our Level 3 unobservable inputs at 

September 30, 2019:

Fair Value

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Input

Unobservable Input

Range

Weighted Average (1)

$6,000

Monte Carlo simulation

Discount rate

$12,373

Probability Analysis

Revenue Volatility

Risk free rate

Discount rate

Payment amounts

Probabilities

2.8%

24.4%

1.9%

3.0%

$3,000 - $7,000

$

40% - 54%

4,800

47%

(1)  The weighted average of the payment amounts and the probabilities (Level 3 unobservable inputs), associated with the contingent 

consideration valued using probability analysis, were weighted by the relative undiscounted fair value of payment amounts and of probability 
payment amounts, respectively. 

The above significant unobservable inputs are subject to change based on changes in economic and market conditions. 

The use of significant unobservable inputs creates uncertainty in the measurement of fair value as of the reporting date. The 
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration using Monte Carlo simulation 
are (i) discount rate, (ii) revenue volatility and (iii) risk-free rate. Significant increases or decreases in the discount rate and risk-free 
rate in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. Significant changes in revenue volatility in 
isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair 
value measurement of the contingent consideration using probability analysis are (i) discount rate, (ii) payment amounts and (iii) 
probabilities. Significant increases or decreases in the discount rate in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair 
value measurement. On the contrary, significant increases or decreases in the payment amounts or probabilities in isolation would 
result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. It is not possible for us to predict the effect of future economic or 
market conditions on our estimated fair values. 

The following information presents the supplemental fair value information about long-term fixed-rate debt at 

September 30, 2019 and 2018.

(in millions)

Carrying value of long-term fixed-rate debt

Fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt

September 30,

2019

2018

$

$

479.4

526.4

$

$

494.0

509.3

The fair value for the $487.1 million fixed-rate debt was based on broker quotes at September 30, 2019.  The notes are 

classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as they are not actively traded in markets.

We adopted ASU No. 2016-01 on October 1, 2018, and as a result, we recognize our marketable equity securities that 

have readily determinable fair values at fair value, with changes in such values reflected in net income. Previously, we recognized 
changes in fair value of equity securities in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 
Income (Loss). There is no longer a requirement to consider whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. 

81

 
    
 
 
    
 
The estimated fair value of our investments, reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as Investments, is based on 

Level 1 inputs. In September 2019, we sold our remaining 1.6 million shares in Valaris, previously known as Ensco Rowan plc, for 
total proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. 

NOTE 14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

We maintain a domestic noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain U.S. employees who meet certain 

age and service requirements. In July 2003, we revised the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Employee Retirement Plan (“Pension Plan”) to 
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 were discontinued and the Pension Plan was frozen.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the pension benefit obligations and fair value of Pension 

Plan assets over the two-year period ended September 30, 2019 and a statement of the funded status as of September 30, 2019 
and 2018:

(in thousands)

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

Changes in projected benefit obligations

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain) loss

Benefits paid

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

Change in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contribution

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status of the plan at end of year

2019

2018

119,845

$

106,205

106,205

$

109,976

4,389

16,914

(7,663)

4,077

(2,143)

(5,705)

119,845

$

106,205

94,897

$

3,865

43

(7,663)

91,142

$

92,816

7,754

32

(5,705)

94,897

(28,703) $

(11,308)

$

$

$

$

$

$

The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in 

thousands):

Accrued liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities-other

Net amount recognized

$

$

(50)     $

(28,653)

(28,703) $

(58)

(11,250)

(11,308)

The amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at September 30, 2019 and 2018, and not 

yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost, are as follows (in thousands):

Net actuarial loss

$

(37,084)     $

(21,693)

The amount recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and not yet reflected in periodic benefit cost 

expected to be amortized in next year’s periodic benefit cost is a net actuarial loss of $2.7 million.

The weighted average assumptions used for the pension calculations were as follows:

Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs

Discount rate for year-end obligations

Expected return on plan assets

September 30,

2019

2018

2017

4.27%

3.16%

5.60%

3.79%

4.27%

6.06%

3.64%

3.79%

6.17%

The mortality table issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2018 was used for the September 30, 2019 pension 

calculation. 

We did not make any contributions to the Pension Plan in fiscal year 2019. In fiscal year 2020, we do not expect minimum 
contributions required by law to be needed. However, we may make contributions in fiscal year 2020 if needed to fund unexpected 
distributions in lieu of liquidating pension assets.

82

    
    
Components of the net periodic pension expense (benefit) were as follows:

(in thousands)

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Recognized net actuarial loss

Settlement

Net pension expense

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

$

4,389

$

4,077

$

(5,523)

1,229

1,953

(5,555)

1,926

913

2,048

$

1,361

$

4,053

(5,130)

2,891

1,640

3,454

We record settlement expense when benefit payments exceed the total annual service and interest costs.

The following table reflects the expected benefits to be paid from the Pension Plan in each of the next five fiscal years, 

and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter (in thousands).

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025 – 2029

Total

$

7,958

$

6,164

$

6,698

$

6,745

$

7,121

$

32,313

$

66,999

Year Ended September 30,

Included in the Pension Plan is an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan.

Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation

Our investment policy and strategies are established with a long-term view in mind. The investment strategy is intended to 
help pay the cost of the Pension Plan while providing adequate security to meet the benefits promised under the Pension Plan. We 
maintain a diversified asset mix to minimize the risk of a material loss to the portfolio value that might occur from devaluation of any 
single investment. In determining the appropriate asset mix, our financial strength and ability to fund potential shortfalls are 
considered. Pension Plan assets are invested in portfolios of diversified public-market equity securities and fixed income 
securities. The Pension Plan does not directly hold securities of the Company.

The expected long-term rate of return on Pension Plan assets is based on historical and projected rates of return for 

current and planned asset classes in the Pension Plan’s investment portfolio after analyzing historical experience and future 
expectations of the return and volatility of various asset classes.

The target allocation for 2020 and the asset allocation for the Pension Plan at the end of fiscal years 2019 and 2018, by 

asset category, follows:

Asset Category

U.S. equities

International equities

Fixed income

Total

Target Allocation

September 30,

2020

2019

2018

45%

20

35

100%

47%

16

37

100%

52%

15

33

100%

83

    
    
Plan Assets

The fair value of Pension Plan assets at September 30, 2019 and 2018, summarized by level within the fair value hierarchy 
described in Note 13—Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments, are as follows:

(in thousands)

Short-term investments

Mutual funds:

Domestic stock funds

Bond funds

Balanced funds

International stock funds

Total mutual funds

Domestic common stock

Oil and gas properties

Total

(in thousands)

Short-term investments

Mutual funds:

Domestic stock funds

Bond funds

Balanced funds

International stock funds

Total mutual funds

Domestic common stock

Oil and gas properties

Total

September 30, 2019

Total

     Level 1

     Level 2

     Level 3

$

3,072

$

3,072

$

— $

17,555

18,034

17,878

14,181

67,648

20,261

161

17,555

18,034

17,878

14,181

67,648

17,748

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,513

—

$

91,142

$

88,468

$

2,513

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

161

161

September 30, 2018

Total

     Level 1

     Level 2

     Level 3

$

2,745

$

2,745

$

— $

18,361

17,918

17,977

14,548

68,804

23,232

116

18,361

17,918

17,977

14,548

68,804

20,771

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,461

—

$

94,897

$

92,320

$

2,461

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

116

116

The Pension Plan’s financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for 
identical securities. The Pension Plan’s Level 2 financial assets include domestic common stock. The Pension Plan’s assets 
utilizing Level 3 inputs consist of oil and gas properties. The fair value of oil and gas properties is determined by Wells Fargo Bank, 
N.A., based upon actual revenue received for the previous twelve-month period and experience with similar assets.

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plan’s Level 3 assets for the fiscal 

years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

(in thousands)

Balance, beginning of year

Unrealized gains (losses) relating to property still held at the reporting date

Balance, end of year

Defined Contribution Plan

Oil and Gas Properties

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

$

$

116

$

45

161

$

97

19

116

Substantially all employees on the U.S. payroll may elect to participate in our 401(k)/Thrift Plan by contributing a portion of 

their earnings. We contribute an amount equal to 100 percent of the first five percent of the participant’s compensation subject to 
certain limitations. The annual expense incurred for this defined contribution plan was $30.5 million, $26.6 million and $16.6 million 
in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

84

    
NOTE 15 SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 

The following reflects the activity in our reserve for bad debt for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017:

(in thousands)

Reserve for bad debt:

Balance at October 1,

Provision for bad debt

(Write-off) recovery of bad debt

Balance at September 30, 

2019

2018

2017

$

$

6,217

$

5,721

$

2,321

1,389

2,193

(1,697)

9,927

$

6,217

$

2,696

2,016

1,009

5,721

Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accrued liabilities and long-term liabilities at 

September 30, 2019 and 2018 consist of the following:

(in thousands)

Accounts receivable, net of reserve:

Trade receivables

Income tax receivable

Total accounts receivable, net of reserve

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Restricted cash

Deferred mobilization

Prepaid insurance

Prepaid value added tax

Prepaid maintenance and rent

Prepaid multi-flex rig fabrication

Accrued demobilization

Other

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accrued liabilities:

Accrued operating costs

Payroll and employee benefits

Taxes payable, other than income tax

Self-insurance liabilities

Deferred income

Deferred revenue

Accrued income taxes

Escrow

Litigation and claims

Contingent earnout liability

Other

Total accrued liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities — Other:

Pension and other non-qualified retirement plans

Self-insurance liabilities

Contingent earnout liability

Deferred revenue

Uncertain tax positions including interest and penalties

Other

Total noncurrent liabilities — other

85

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

September 30, 

2019

2018

461,774

$

530,859

33,828

34,343

495,602

$

565,202

31,291

$

39,830

10,571

5,556

5,209

9,113

—

2,151

5,037

68,928

$

34,992

$

79,465

50,566

37,117

25,426

14,737

19,277

1,388

9,990

5,535

8,599

6,484

6,149

1,931

8,526

1,327

—

2,151

66,398

37,528

80,915

50,683

15,887

20,527

9,662

7,375

11,258

1,749

—

8,920

287,092

$

244,504

51,768

$

37,118

12,838

9,471

2,544

2,007

35,051

39,380

11,160

2,738

2,870

2,407

$

115,746

$

93,606

    
    
    
NOTE 16 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Purchase Commitments

Equipment, parts and supplies are ordered in advance to promote efficient construction and capital improvement 
progress. At September 30, 2019, we had purchase commitments for equipment, parts and supplies of approximately $13.7 million.

Guarantee Arrangements

In the normal course of our business, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to provide letters of credit and 

surety bonds in connection with certain commitments entered into by us. We are contingently liable to these financial institutions in 
respect of such letters of credit and bonds and have agreed to indemnify the financial institutions for any payments made by them 
in respect of such letters of credit and bonds. None of these off-balance sheet arrangements either has, or is likely to have, a 
material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Lease Obligations

At September 30, 2019, we were leasing our corporate office headquarters near downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma.  We also 

lease other office space and equipment for use in operations.

Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms 

in excess of a year at September 30, 2019 (in thousands) are as follows:

Fiscal Year

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Total

Amount

27,396

13,969

11,343

10,556

10,124

12,373

85,761

$

$

Total rent expense was $15.5 million, $13.7 million and $14.0 million for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
The future minimum lease payments for our Tulsa corporate office is a material portion of the amounts shown in the table above. 
This lease agreement commenced on May 30, 2003 and has subsequently been amended, most recently on March 12, 2018. The 
agreement will expire on January 31, 2025; however, we have two three-year renewal options.

Contingencies

We are party to legal proceedings and regulatory actions from time to time, including a number of cases which are 

currently pending. We maintain insurance against certain business risks subject to certain deductibles.  With the exception of the 
matters discussed below, none of these legal actions are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, 
cash flows or results of operations.

During the ordinary course of our business, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation or set of 

circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible gain or loss contingency.  We account for gain 
contingencies in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, Contingencies, and, therefore, we do not record gain contingencies or 
recognize income until realized.  The property and equipment of our Venezuelan subsidiary was seized by the Venezuelan 
government on June 30, 2010.  HPIDC, our wholly-owned subsidiary and the parent company of our Venezuelan subsidiary, has a 
lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 
Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. and PDVSA Petroleo, S.A., seeking damages for the taking of their Venezuelan drilling business in 
violation of international law.  While there exists the possibility of realizing a recovery, we are currently unable to determine the 
timing or amounts we may receive, if any, or the likelihood of recovery. No contingent gains were recognized in our Consolidated 
Financial Statements during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

In January 2018, an employee of HPIDC suffered personal injury and subsequently brought a lawsuit against the 
operator and H&P.  Pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract between HPIDC and the operator, HPIDC indemnified the operator 
in the lawsuit, subject to certain limitations.  H&P has settled this matter on behalf of itself and the operator with $21.0 million of the 
settlement amount to be paid by the Company.  The settlement was paid out during the year ended September 30, 2019. While we 
believe we had meritorious defenses to the matter, we determined that settlement was a reasonable alternative to the uncertainty 
and expense associated with a jury trial.

86

 
In October 2017, an employee of HPIDC suffered personal injury and subsequently brought a lawsuit against the 

operator.  Pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract between HPIDC and the operator, HPIDC indemnified the operator in the 
lawsuit, subject to certain limitations. Settlement discussions related to this lawsuit remain ongoing.  As of September 30, 2019, we 
have accrued $9.5 million for this lawsuit. Although no assurance can be given, we believe, based on our experiences to date and 
taking into account established reserves and insurance, that the ultimate resolution of such items will not have a material adverse 
impact on our financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations. 

NOTE 17 BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 

Description of the Business

We are a global contract drilling services company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma with operations in all major U.S. onshore 

basins as well as South America and the Middle East. Our contract drilling services operations consist mainly of contracting 
Company-owned drilling equipment primarily to large oil and gas exploration companies. We are the recognized industry leader in 
drilling as well as technological innovation.

Effective October 1, 2018, and during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we implemented organizational changes, 

consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. Effective 
October 1, 2018, technology reporting units previously reported in “Other” within our segment disclosures are now managed and 
presented within the new H&P Technologies reportable segment. As a result, beginning with the reporting of first quarter of fiscal 
year 2019, our operations are organized into the following reportable business segments: U.S. Land, Offshore, International Land 
and H&P Technologies. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, we migrated our FlexApp offerings into our H&P 
Technologies segment. The activity of our FlexApps was previously included in our U.S. Land segment. Our real estate operations 
and our incubator program for new research and development projects are included in "Other". All segment disclosures have been 
restated, as practicable, for these segment changes.  Consolidated revenues and expenses reflect the elimination of intercompany 
transactions.

At September 30, 2019, our contract drilling services business includes the following reportable operating segments:

•  U.S. Land
•  Offshore
• 
International Land
•  H&P Technologies

Each reportable operating segment is a strategic business unit that is managed separately, and consolidated revenues 

and expenses reflect the elimination of all material intercompany transactions. Other includes additional non-reportable operating 
segments. Revenues included in “Other” primarily consist of rental income. 

Segment Performance

We evaluate segment performance based on income or loss from continuing operations (segment operating income) 

before income taxes which includes:

•  Revenues from external and internal customers
•  Direct operating costs
•  Depreciation and amortization
•  Allocated general and administrative costs
•  Asset impairment charges

but excludes corporate costs for other depreciation, income from asset sales, other corporate income and expense, and corporate 
assets.

87

 
General and administrative costs are allocated to the segments based primarily on specific identification and, to the extent 
that such identification is not practical, on other methods which we believe to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services 
provided.

(in thousands)

External Sales

Intersegment

Total Sales

U.S. Land

Offshore

International
Land

H&P Technologies

Other

Eliminations

Total

$ 2,366,201

$

147,635

$

211,731

$

59,990

$ 12,933

$

— $2,798,490

September 30, 2019

—

—

—

2,366,201

147,635

211,731

—

—

59,990

12,933

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Depreciation and Amortization

Total Assets

93,088

496,770

19,594

10,010

5,099,583

102,442

5,366

35,466

217,094

(12,190)

7,696

3,375

1,523

184,558

32,532

—

—

— 2,798,490

—

—

109,233

551,465

— 5,636,209

(in thousands)

External Sales

Intersegment

Total Sales

September 30, 2018

U.S. Land 
(2)

Offshore

International
Land

H&P Technologies 
(1) (2)

Other (1)

Eliminations

Total

$ 2,063,362

$ 142,500

$

238,356

$

30,239

$ 12,811

— 2,487,268

—

—

—

—

—

—

$ 2,063,362

$ 142,500

$

238,356

$

30,239

$ 12,811

— 2,487,268

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Depreciation and Amortization

Total Assets

148,251

504,805

26,124

10,392

5,007,548

105,439

(683)

46,826

362,033

(39,554)

7,153

5,883

1,486

—

—

140,021

570,662

151,787

29,525

— 5,656,332

(1)  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the change in operating segments structure.
(2)  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the transfer of FlexApp revenue and the related costs from U.S. Land to H&P 

Technologies. Certain FlexApp revenue not separately priced in drilling contracts, and recorded in the U.S. Land segment, was impracticable 
to retrospectively quantify, and as such was not restated. 

(in thousands)

External Sales

Intersegment

Total Sales

September 30, 2017

U.S. Land 
(2)

Offshore

International
Land

H&P Technologies 
(1) (2)

Other (1)

Eliminations

Total

$ 1,437,427

$ 136,263

$

212,972

$

5,815

$ 12,264

—

—

—

—

—

$ 1,437,427

$ 136,263

$

212,972

$

5,815

$ 12,264

— 1,804,741

—

—

— 1,804,741

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Depreciation and Amortization

Total Assets

(97,231)

499,272

4,962,808

24,201

11,764

99,533

(7,224)

53,622

413,392

(13,356)

3,915

6,065

1,424

—

—

(87,545)

569,997

110,468

26,883

— 5,613,084

(1)  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the change in operating segments structure.
(2)  Prior period information has been restated to reflect the transfer of FlexApp revenues and the related costs from U.S. Land to H&P 

Technologies. Certain FlexApp revenue not separately priced in a drilling contract, and recorded in the U.S. Land segment, was impracticable 
to retrospectively quantify, and as such was not restated.

88

The following table reconciles segment operating income (loss) to income from continuing operations before income taxes 

as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

(in thousands)

Segment operating income (loss)

Gain on sale of assets

Corporate depreciation

Corporate selling, general and administrative costs

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

Other income (expense)

Interest and dividend income

Interest expense

Gain (loss) on investment securities

Other

Total unallocated amounts

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

As adjusted, Note 2

109,233

39,691

140,021

22,660

(11,338)

(13,140)

(117,004)

(116,577)

(87,545)

20,627

(15,546)

(86,623)

20,582

32,964

(169,087)

9,468

(25,188)

(54,488)

(1,596)

(71,804)

8,017

(24,265)

1

(876)

(17,123)

5,915

(19,747)

—

(1,679)

(15,511)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

$

(51,222) $

15,841

$

(184,598)

The following table reconciles segment total assets to total assets as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(in thousands)

Segment assets

Corporate assets

Total consolidated assets

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

$ 5,636,209

$ 5,656,332

203,306

558,535

$ 5,839,515

$ 6,214,867

The following table presents revenues from external customers and long-lived assets by country based on the location of 

service provided:

(in thousands)

Operating revenues

United States

Argentina

Colombia

Ecuador

Other Foreign

Total

Property, plant and equipment, net

United States

Argentina

Colombia

Ecuador

Other Foreign

Total

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2018

2017

$

2,585,008

$

2,247,400

$

1,591,769

165,718

29,757

—

18,007

190,038

38,793

—

11,037

157,257

37,554

6

18,155

$

2,798,490

$

2,487,268

$

1,804,741

$

4,269,405

$

4,591,913

$

4,686,235

132,321

61,757

12

38,589

133,617

155,978

74,042

10,781

47,029

81,798

22,298

54,742

$

4,502,084

$

4,857,382

$

5,001,051

89

 
 
NOTE 18 SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

First Quarter

    Second Quarter

     Third Quarter

     Fourth Quarter

Total (1)

Fiscal Year 2019 Quarters Ended

Operating revenues

Operating income (loss)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

$

740,598

$

720,868

$

687,974

$

649,050

$

2,798,490

54,289

8,364

18,959

0.07

0.17

0.07

0.17

95,146

71,857

60,891

0.65

0.55

0.65

0.55

(167,874)

(154,621)

(154,683)

(1.42)

(1.42)

(1.42)

(1.42)

39,021

41,890

41,177

0.38

0.37

0.38

0.37

20,582

(32,510)

(33,656)

(0.33)

(0.34)

(0.33)

(0.34)

(1)  The sum of earnings per share for the four quarters may not equal the total earnings per share for the fiscal year due to changes in the 

average number of common shares outstanding.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, net income includes an after-tax gain from the sale of assets of approximately $4.2 
million, or $0.04 per share on a diluted basis. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, net income includes an after-tax gain from 
the sale of assets of $8.9 million, or $0.08 per share on a diluted basis. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, net loss includes an 
after-tax gain from the sale of assets of $7.7 million, or $0.07 per share on a diluted basis and an after-tax loss from asset 
impairments of approximately $173.2 million, or $1.58 per share on a diluted basis. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, net 
income includes an after-tax gain from the sale of assets of $9.8 million, or $0.09 per share on a diluted basis.

Fiscal Year 2018 Quarters Ended

As adjusted, Note 2

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

First Quarter

    Second Quarter

     Third Quarter

     Fourth Quarter

Total (1)

Operating revenues

Operating income (loss)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

$

564,087

$

577,484

$

648,872

$

696,825

$

2,487,268

3,609

500,642

500,106

4.57

4.57

4.55

4.55

(1,164)

(1,633)

(11,879)

(0.03)

(0.12)

(0.03)

(0.12)

6,306

(8,174)

(8,008)

(0.08)

(0.08)

(0.08)

(0.08)

24,213

2,175

2,453

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

32,964

493,010

482,672

4.49

4.39

4.47

4.37

(1)  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.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, net income includes a tax benefit of approximately $502.1 million, or $4.59 per 
share on a diluted basis, an after-tax gain from the sale of assets of $4.2 million, or $0.04 per share on a diluted basis. In the 
second quarter of fiscal year 2018, net loss includes an after-tax gain from the sale of assets of $3.8 million, or $0.04 per share on 
a diluted basis. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, net loss includes an after-tax gain from the sale of assets of $3.1 million, or 
$0.02 per share on a diluted basis. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, net income includes an after-tax gain from the sale of 
assets of $5.5 million, or $0.05 per share on a diluted basis and an after-tax loss from asset impairments of approximately $17.2 
million, or $0.16 per share on a diluted basis.

NOTE 19 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

On November 13, 2019, we entered into the first amendment to our 2018 Credit Facility by and among the Company, as 
borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “2018 Credit Facility 
Amendment”). Amongst other things, the 2018 Credit Facility Amendment (i) extended the maturity date of the 2018 Credit Facility 
by one year to November 13, 2024, (ii) deleted certain negative covenants and (iii) refreshed the number of permissible 
extensions of the maturity date that require only the consent of extending lenders.

90

 
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the 
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that 
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures 
as of the end of the period covered by this report have been designed and are effective at the reasonable assurance level 
so that the information required to be disclosed by us in our periodic SEC filings, is recorded, processed, summarized and 
reported within the time periods specific in the SEC’s rules, regulations, and forms and is communicated to management. 
We believe that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that 
the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all 
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

A copy of our Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

c)  Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

A copy of the report of Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, is included in Item 8 of this 
Form 10-K.

d)  Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

None.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the captions “Proposal 1—

Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I and “Section 16(a) Beneficial 
Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 
2020, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after September 30, 2019.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. The text of this code is 

located on our website under “Corporate Governance.” Our Internet address is www.hpinc.com. We intend to disclose any 
amendments to or waivers from this code on our website.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item regarding executive compensation, as well as director compensation and 
compensation committee interlocks and insider participation is incorporated herein by reference to the material beginning with the 
caption “Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and ending with the caption “Potential Payments Upon 
Change in Control”, as well as under the captions “Director Compensation in Fiscal 2019” and “Corporate Governance—
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders to be held March 3, 2020, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after September 30, 2019.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the captions “Summary of 

All Existing Equity Compensation Plans,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of 
Management” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2020, to be filed with 
the SEC not later than 120 days after September 30, 2019.

91

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the captions “Corporate 

Governance—Transactions With Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons” and “Corporate Governance—Director 
Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 3, 2020, to be filed with 
the SEC not later than 120 days after September 30, 2019.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the caption “Proposal 2—

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors—Audit Fees” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders to be held March 3, 2020, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after September 30, 2019.

92

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

1.   Financial Statements:  Our consolidated financial statements, together with the notes thereto and the report of Ernst & 
Young LLP dated November 15, 2019, are listed below and included in Item 8— “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of 
this Form 10 K.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

48
51
52
53
54
55
56

2.   Financial Statement Schedules:  All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or required 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 are 

duly noted as such.

2.1

3.1

3.2

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 22, 2017, by and among Helmerich & Payne, Inc., MOTIVE Drilling 
Technologies, Inc., Spring Merger Sub, Inc., and Shareholder Representative Services LLC (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, SEC 
File No. 001-04221).

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to 
Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8 K filed on March 14, 2012, SEC File No. 001 04221).

Amended and Restated By laws of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the 
Company’s Form 8 K filed on December 5, 2017, SEC File No. 001 04221).

4.1

Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

Indenture, dated March 19, 2015, among Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s 
Form 8 K filed on March 19, 2015, SEC File No. 001 04221).

First Supplemental Indenture, dated March 19, 2015, to the Indenture, dated March 19, 2015, among Helmerich & 
Payne International Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee 
(including the form of 4.65% Senior Note due 2025) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the 
Company’s Form 8 K filed on March 19, 2015, SEC File No. 001 04221).

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated December 20, 2018, to the Indenture, dated March 19, 2015, among 
Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, 
as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Form 8 K filed on December 20, 2018, 
SEC File No. 001 04221).

Indenture, dated December 20, 2018, among Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. 
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the 
Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2018, SEC File No. 001-04221).

First Supplemental Indenture, dated December 20, 2018, to the Indenture, dated December 20, 2018, among 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, 
as trustee (including the forms of 4.65% Senior Note due 2025) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of 
the Company’s Form 8 K filed on December 20, 2018, SEC File No. 001 04221).

93

 
4.7

Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 20, 2018, among Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Helmerich & Payne 
International Drilling Co., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. 
LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2018, SEC 
File No. 001-04221).

10.1

Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2018, among Helmerich & Payne, Inc., the lenders from time to time party 
thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, SEC File No. 001-04221).

10.2

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated November 13, 2019, among Helmerich & Payne, Inc., the lenders 
party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

*10.3

*10.4

*10.5

*10.6

*10.7

*10.8

*10.9

Change of Control Agreement applicable to Chief Executive Officer of Helmerich & Payne, Inc., dated June 1, 2016 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2016, SEC File No. 001-04221).

Change of Control Agreement applicable to certain other officers (other than CEO) and employees of Helmerich & 
Payne, Inc., dated June 1, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, SEC File No. 001-04221).

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix “A” of the 
Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 26, 2006, SEC File No. 001-04221).

2012-1 Amendment to Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to 
Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, SEC File No. 
001-04221).

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to certain executives: 
(i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, (ii) Incentive Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) Restricted Stock Award 
Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2009, 
SEC File No. 001-04221).

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to participants other 
than certain executives: (i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, (ii) Inventive Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) 
Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed 
on December 7, 2009, SEC File No. 001-04221).

Form of Amendment to Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreements and Amendment to Restricted Stock Award 
Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to certain executive officers 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2009, SEC File 
No. 001-04221).

*10.10

Form of Amendment to Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreements and Amendment to Restricted Stock Award 
Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to participants other than 
certain executive officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on 
December 7, 2009, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.11 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix “A” of the 

Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 26, 2011, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.12

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to certain executives: 
(i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2012, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.13

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to participants other 
than certain executives: (i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2012, SEC File No. 
001-04221).

94

*10.14

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
applicable to certain executives (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.15

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
applicable to participants other than certain executives (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.16

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to Directors: (i) 
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2012, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.17 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix “A” of the 

Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 19, 2016, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.18

*10.19

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan applicable to certain executives: 
(i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 
2016, SEC File No. 001-04221).

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan applicable to participants other 
than certain executives: (i) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2016, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.20

Form of Agreements for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan applicable to Directors: (i) 
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and (ii) Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference 
to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, SEC 
File No. 001-04221).

*10.21

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan for Salaried Employees of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 
2008, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.22

Supplemental Savings Plan for Salaried Employees of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, SEC File 
No. 001-04221).

*10.23

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Director Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of 
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, SEC File No. 001-04221).

*10.24

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2016 Omnibus 
Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 18, 
2018 SEC File No. 001-04221).

21

List of Subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, 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.

95

101

Financial statements from this Form 10 K formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, 
(ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Date File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

* 

Management or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

None.

96

 
 
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)

97

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:

SIGNATURES

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.

By:

/s/ John W. Lindsay

John W. Lindsay,

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 15, 2019

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:

Signature

/s/ John W. Lindsay
John W. Lindsay

/s/ Mark W. Smith
Mark W. Smith

/s/ Sara M. Momper
Sara M. Momper

/s/ Hans Helmerich
Hans Helmerich

/s/ Delaney Bellinger
Delaney Bellinger

/s/ Kevin G. Cramton
Kevin G. Cramton

/s/ Randy A. Foutch
Randy A. Foutch

/s/ Jose R. Mas
Jose R. Mas

/s/ Thomas A. Petrie
Thomas A. Petrie

/s/ Donald F. Robillard, Jr.
Donald F. Robillard, Jr.

/s/ Edward B. Rust, Jr.
Edward B. Rust, Jr.

/s/ Mary M. VanDeWeghe
Mary M. VanDeWeghe

/s/ John D. Zeglis
John D. Zeglis

Title

Date

Director, President and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

Director and Chairman of the Board

November 15, 2019

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

98

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

 
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)

    TOPPAN MERRILL CHE109576//28-JAN-20  09:59  DISK108:[20ZAH2.20ZAH71102]MD71102A.;10  
    mrll_0119.fmt  Free:         28DM/0D  Foot:          0D/         0D  VJ RSeq: 1 Clr: 0
    DISK024:[PAGER.PSTYLES]UNIVERSAL.BST;141 

 2  C Cs:  18843

Directors

Officers

27JAN202014084706

John  W.  Lindsay
President  and Chief Executive  Officer Helmerich  &  Payne shareholders are  invited to attend our annual

Stockholders’ Meeting

meeting which will be held on March 3, 2020.

Hans Helmerich
Chairman of the Board
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Kevin G. Cramton*(***)
Operating Partner
HCI Equity Partners
Washington, D.C.

Mark W.  Smith
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial  Officer

Robert  L.  Stauder
Senior Vice President and  Chief
Engineer

Randy  A. Foutch**(***)
Chairman and Retired Chief Executive Helmerich & Payne International
Officer
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Drilling Co. (subsidiary)

Cara  M.  Hair
Vice President, Corporate  Services  and
Chief  Legal  and  Compliance Officer

John W. Lindsay
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tulsa, Oklahoma

John  R.  Bell
Vice President
Delaney Bellinger*(***)
Helmerich & Payne  International
Vice President and Chief Information Holdings and Helmerich & Payne
Officer, Retired
Huntsman Corporation
Woodlands, Texas

Offshore  (subsidiaries)

Stock  Exchange  Listing
New  York Stock  Exchange
Symbol: HP

Stock  Transfer Agent  and  Registrar
Computershare  Trust  Company, N.A.
Investor Services
P.O.  Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Telephone: (800) 884-4225
(781)  575-4706

Independent Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm
Ernst &  Young  LLP
Tulsa,  Oklahoma

Direct Inquiries To:
David T. Wilson
Investor Relations  Director
Helmerich &  Payne,  Inc.
1437  South Boulder  Avenue
Tulsa,  Oklahoma 74119
Telephone:  (918) 742-5531
Website: http://www.hpinc.com

Todd  W.  Benson
President
Helmerich &  Payne Technologies
(subsidiary)

Wade W. Clark
Vice President U.S. Land
Helmerich  & Payne  International
Drilling  Co.  (subsidiary)

Michael  P.  Lennox
Vice President U.S. Land
Helmerich  & Payne  International
Drilling Co. (subsidiary)

Jos´e R. Mas**(***)
Chief Executive Officer
MasTec, Inc.
Coral Gables, Florida

Thomas A.  Petrie**(***)
Chairman
Petrie Partners, LLC
Denver, Colorado

Donald F. Robillard, Jr.*(***)
Chief Financial Officer, Retired
Hunt Consolidated, Inc.
Dallas, Texas

Edward B. Rust, Jr.*(***)
Chairman and Chief Executive  Officer,
Retired
State Farm Mutual Automobile
Insurance Company
Bloomington, Illinois

Mary M. VanDeWeghe**(***)
Chief Executive Officer  and President
Forte Consulting, Inc.
Bethesda, Maryland

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

Member, Audit Committee

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

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 10-K

Proj: P3311DFW20 Job: 20ZAH71102 (20-3311-2)

Page Dim: 8.250(cid:1) X 10.750(cid:1) Copy Dim: 39.6 X 59.3

File: MD71102A.;10

v6.8

ai158017465635_2019 Annual Report Cover--PRINT READY w-spine.pdf   2   1/27/20   8:24 PM

1

2

3

4

5

1. Based on EnergyPoint Research 2018-19 Customer Satisfaction Survey.
2. For fiscal year 2019.
3. Since 1971.
4. Based on December 31, 2019 closing stock price.
5. From January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2019.

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   3

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   3

1/27/20   8:25 PM

1/27/20   8:25 PM

ai158017465635_2019 Annual Report Cover--PRINT READY w-spine.pdf   1   1/27/20   8:24 PM

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   4

20_48280_Merrill Crop.indd   4

1/27/20   8:25 PM

1/27/20   8:25 PM