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Nabors Industries Ltd.

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FY2016 Annual Report · Nabors Industries Ltd.
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B U I L D I N G   T H E 
P I E C E S   F O R   A   N E W 
B U S I N E S S   M O D E L 

2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABOUT   NABORS

Since its founding in 1952, Nabors 
Industries (NYSE: NBR) has grown 
from a regional land drilling business  
in Canada to the world’s largest land 
drilling contractor. 

Through predecessors and acquired 
entities, Nabors has been continuously 
operating in the drilling sector since the 
early 1900s. 

Today, Nabors owns and operates 
the world’s largest onshore drilling 
rig fleet and is a leading provider of 
offshore platform drilling rigs in the 
United States and multiple international 
markets. Nabors also provides 
advanced wellbore placement services, 
drilling software and performance 
tools, drilling equipment and innovative 
technologies throughout the world’s 
most significant oil and gas markets. 

In today’s performance-driven 
environment, we believe we are 
uniquely positioned because of the 
steps we have taken to seamlessly 
integrate downhole hardware, surface 
equipment and software solutions 
into our AC rig designs. Leveraging 
our advanced drilling automation 
capabilities, Nabors’ highly skilled 
workforce continues to set new 
standards for operational excellence 
and transform our industry.

20 16 
PE R FORMANCE 
HIGH LIGHT S

During 2016, we accomplished 
significant business and safety results 
despite difficult market conditions. 

•	 Announced	the	signing	of	a	joint	
venture	agreement	with	Saudi	
Arabian	Development	Company,	
a	wholly-owned	subsidiary	of	
Saudi	Arabian	Oil	Company,	to	
form	a	50:50	joint	venture	that	
strengthens	our	position	in	Saudi	
Arabia;

•	 Capitalized	on	our	technological	

portfolio	by	augmenting	the	
provision	of	complementary	
services	to	our	traditional	rig	
offering	and	growing	our	non-rig	
drilling	services	revenues	on	a	
per	rig	year	basis;

•	 Increased	active	rig	count	

by	154%	since	the	industry	
bottomed	out	in	May	2016,	
compared	to	industry	rig	count	
increases	of	110%;

•	 Achieved	a	reduction	in	net	debt	
of	over	$100	million	through	
strong	cash	flow	generation	in	
our	International	segment	and	
disciplined	cost	control	with	
a	$104.4	million	reduction	in	
sales,	general	and	administrative	
expenses	(inclusive	of	research	
&	engineering	expenses)	in	2016	
compared	to	2015;

•	 Introduced	our	new	

PACE®-M800	rig,	designed	for	
optimal	well	construction	with	
minimal	time	spent	mobilizing	
between	well	pads,	with	each	
rig	receiving	a	contract	prior	to	
completion	of	construction	and	
achieving	100%	utilization	by	
December	31,	2016;

•	 Increased	market	penetration	

of	our	Nabors	Drilling	Solutions	
offering,	including	performance	
drilling	tools,	wellbore	placement	
technologies	and	other	value-
add	services,	and	unveiled	our	
new	iRacker™	automated	pipe	
handling	system;

•	 Enhanced	our	competitive	

•	 Introduced	our	fleet	of	

position	with	the	deployment	
of	our	new	Rigtelligent™	
modular-code	operating	system	
on	all	new-build	rigs	and	the	
introduction	of	advanced	rig	
designs	emphasizing	automation	
of	the	drilling	floor,	downhole	
measurement	and	sensing	tools,	
and	seamless	integration	with	rig	
operations;

SmartRig™	drilling	systems	
incorporating	MPD-ready®	
technologies,	and	upgraded	our	
U.S.	rig	fleet,	while	achieving	
a	year-end	Lower	48	active	rig	
count	of	75	rigs	(a	114%	increase	
over	our	trough	of	35	working	
rigs	in	May	2016),	with	a	67%	
increase	in	total	onshore	Lower	
48	rig	count	per	Baker	Hughes;

•	 Reduced	our	total	recordable	

incident	rate	from	0.82	in	2015	to	
0.73	in	2016,	moving	us	another	
step	closer	to	our	ultimate	goal	
of	zero	injuries.

1

CEO LET TER TO 
SHAR EHOLDERS

Anthony G. Petrello	
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear	Shareholders,

2016	marked	the	continuation	of	one	of	the	worst	market	
environments	in	the	history	of	our	industry;	however,	despite	these	
challenging	conditions,	we	generated	positive	cash	flow	and	took	
important	steps	to	advance	key	technology	initiatives.	

In	light	of	the	industry	downturn,	we	were	forced	to	make	difficult	
choices	during	the	past	two	years.	Our	financial	accomplishments	
throughout	this	period	demonstrate	the	benefits	of	these	actions.	
We	reduced	net	debt	by	more	than	$500	million,	preserved	our	
dividend	and,	most	importantly,	we	continued	to	prudently	invest	in	
groundbreaking	new	technology.	In	large	part,	these	successes	stem	
from	the	strategic	vision	developed	in	conjunction	with	our	leadership	
team	shortly	after	I	assumed	the	role	as	Nabors’	Chairman	and	CEO	
in	late	2011.	

In	the	intervening	five	years,	we	have	realized	approximately	$1.6	
billion	in	cash	proceeds	from	non-core	asset	divestitures.	We	
consolidated	13	operating	entities	into	three,	and	five	engineering	
groups	into	two.	This	restructuring	yielded	significant	permanent	cost	
savings	through	the	monetization	of	low-return	assets,	elimination	
of	redundant	functions	and	pursuit	of	standardization.	We	also	
deployed	multiple	rigs	internationally	as	well	as	a	new	generation	of	
pad-optimal	rigs	for	the	U.S.	Lower	48	land	market.	We	commenced	
multiple	initiatives	that	integrate	the	surface	systems	of	our	rigs	with	
downhole	tools	and	technologies,	bringing	increased	automation	to	
our	drilling	rigs	and	processes.	

The	pieces	of	our	strategic	vision	are	now	coming	together	to	create	
a	new	contract	drilling	business	model	that,	we	believe,	will	maximize	
value	for	shareholders.	In	today’s	performance-driven	environment,	
we	believe	the	new	business	model	for	drilling	contractors	consists	
of	offering	the	best-performing	fleet	of	rigs	that	bring	next	generation	
solutions	to	the	oil	patch.		The	result	is	the	delivery	of	a	higher	quality	
and	more	productive	wellbore	in	fewer	days	and	at	a	lower	cost.		By	
leveraging	our	full	suite	of	current	and	developing	technologies,	we	
expect	to	reduce	the	number	of	third	parties	and	ensure	more	precise	
and	consistent	performance.	

During	2016,	we	continued	to	strengthen	our	technology	portfolio	by	
unveiling	our	new	proprietary	iRacker™	tubular	handling	system	that	
moves	us	one	step	closer	to	fully	automating	the	drilling	process.	
A	man-less	rig	floor	with	automated	drill	pipe	handling	and	casing	
running	functions	has	been	an	elusive	aspiration	in	our	industry	for	
many	years,	as	this	would	significantly	enhance	the	safety	of	our	
operations.	While	expensive	deepwater	rigs	have	these	features,	
there	are	many	challenges	to	designing	a	compact,	rugged,	relatively	
low-cost	system	for	land	rigs.	We	unveiled	a	working	prototype	of	our	
iRacker™	system	at	our	2016	Analyst	Day.	We	expect	to	have	the	first	
working	units	with	customers	by	late	2017.	

We	also	successfully	deployed	the	next-generation,	fast-moving	1500	
horsepower	PACE®-M800	land	rig,	which	was	the	first	to	feature	

2

growth	partnership	with	more	career	opportunities	within	Saudi	
Arabia.	This	partnership	between	a	drilling	contractor	and	customer	
creates	a	new	common	identity	of	interest	that	enables	us	to	jointly	
optimize	well	performance	and	further	advance	technology.	The	
joint	venture	is	committed	to	deploying	a	minimum	of	50	new	AC	
rigs	over	the	next	decade,	a	significant	driver	of	incremental	growth.	
The	formation	of	the	joint	venture	is	expected	to	be	complete	and	
commence	operations	in	the	second	half	of	2017.

In	summary,	all	of	the	pieces	of	the	strategies	we	formulated	are	
essentially	now	in	place	so	as	to	significantly	enhance	our	cash	flow	
generation	and	earnings	potential.	The	advances	derived	from	these	
efforts	uniquely	position	Nabors	to	meet	the	increasing	demand	for	
automated	drilling	and	integrated	drilling	data.	

By	continuing	to	pursue	our	strategy,	we	expect	our	adjusted	EBITDA	
growth	to	generate	sufficient	free	cash	flow	to	reduce	net	debt	to	
less	than	one-and-a-half	times	adjusted	2020	EBITDA	compared	to	
today’s	level	of	just	over	five.	We	also	expect	to	restore	our	returns	on	
capital	employed	to	an	attractive	spread	to	our	cost	of	capital.	

Of	course,	none	of	our	achievements	in	technology	or	operational	
excellence	would	be	possible	without	our	highly	skilled	and	talented	
workforce.	Our	people	are	the	real	brains	behind	our	success.	In	
2016,	for	the	fifth	consecutive	year,	we	moved	one	step	closer	to	
achieving	our	ultimate	goal	of	zero	injuries	as	employees	set	a	new	
record	for	the	Company’s	total	recordable	incidence	rate.	

Every	day,	our	team	is	helping	transform	our	company	and	our	
industry	as	they	demonstrate	our	core	values	of	safety,	teamwork,	
accountability,	excellence	and	innovation.	Through	their	dedication	
and	commitment,	I	am	confident	we	will	further	advance	our	strategic	
priorities	and	ultimately	achieve	our	vision	of	becoming	the	global	
performance	driller	of	choice.

Anthony G. Petrello	
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

our	new	Rigtelligent™	icon-based,	modular	controls	rig	operating	
system.	Considered	the	“brains”	of	our	rigs,	the	Rigtelligent™	
modular	operating	system	automates	routine	drilling	procedures	and	
enables	more	precise	and	consistent	operations.	The	system	also	
incorporates	directional	drilling	and	managed	pressure	applications.

Currently	we	are	retrofitting	a	large	portion	of	our	existing	PACE®	
series	global	rig	fleet	to	include	the	new	modular	control	system.	
By	the	end	of	2017,	we	will	have	a	fleet	of	100	highest-tier,	beyond	
pad	optimal	AC,	1500-horsepower	SmartRig™	drilling	units,	all	
fully	outfitted	for	the	most	demanding	customer	requirements.	
Seventy-five	of	these	rigs	will	include	our	proprietary	Side-Saddle™	
substructure	configuration,	which	is	another	advantage	for	high	
density	pad	operations.	Additional	information	about	our	new	
Rigtelligent™	control	system	and	SmartRig™	drilling	units	can	be	
found	within	the	narrative	section	of	this	report.

Utilization	of	both	our	PACE®-X800	and	PACE®-M800	rigs	continues	
to	outpace	the	competition	in	the	U.S.	Lower	48	market.	During	2016,	
all	six	new	PACE®-M800	rigs	received	a	contract	prior	to	completion	
of	construction.	We	will	soon	deploy	the	new	PACE®-M1000	rigs,	
most	of	which	are	already	under	contract	prior	to	completion.	The	
positive	feedback	and	ongoing	demand	for	our	newest	PACE®	rigs	
is	a	testimony	of	customer	acceptance	and	validates	our	strategy	to	
keep	improving	our	product	offering,	even	in	the	midst	of	a	downturn.	

We	continue	to	solidify	the	integration	between	the	rig	surface	
systems	and	downhole	tools	and	technologies.	Through	our	Nabors	
Drilling	Solutions	(NDS)	group,	we	are	continuing	to	develop	and	
implement	advanced	downhole	data	collection,	transmission	and	
analysis	capabilities.	This	provides	for	more	real-time	reservoir	
information	that,	ultimately,	improves	our	customers’	wellbore	
quality;	which	in	turn,	increases	returns	through	higher	productivity	
and	ultimate	reservoir	recovery.	Furthermore,	by	leveraging	these	
technologies	with	our	Rigtelligent™	control	system,	we	believe	
wellbore	placement,	managed	pressure	drilling,	mudlogging	and	other	
performance-enhancing	services	can	be	delivered	more	consistently,	
more	reliably	and	with	less	manpower	than	the	traditional	model	of	
separate	providers.	In	2016,	we	set	aggressive	customer	penetration	
targets	across	multiple	NDS	product	lines.	Customer	acceptance	of	
our	technology	solutions	continues	to	increase,	especially	as	market	
activity	continues	to	improve.	By	2020,	our	goal	is	to	exceed	$200	
million	of	EBITDA	from	NDS.	We	are	now	successfully	pursuing	
opportunities	for	placing	NDS	services	around	the	world.

Among	our	other	notable	accomplishments	in	2016	was	the	signing	
of	a	joint	venture	agreement	with	Saudi	Arabian	Development	
Company,	a	wholly-owned	subsidiary	of	Saudi	Aramco,	to	form	a	
50:50	joint	venture	that	is	expected	to	become	the	industry-leading	
onshore	drilling	contractor	in	Saudi	Arabia.	Nabors	has	a	long,	
mutually	beneficial	relationship	with	Saudi	Aramco.	We	believe	
this	strategic	opportunity	will	expand	that	relationship,	extend	our	
commitment	to	the	Kingdom	and	create	a	long-term,	profitable	

3

GL OBAL  PERFORM ANCE 
DRI LLE R OF CHOICE   

With a unique global infrastructure, our 
vast breadth and depth of operations 
allows us to participate in all phases of 
the growth cycle, wherever it occurs 
-- whether it is in Saudi Arabian natural 
gas today or South American crude 
tomorrow.

The	diversity	and	location	of	our	
assets	also	helps	mitigate	the	impact	
of	a	softening	in	any	one	market.	Our	
experience	and	expertise	enables	us	to	
take	advantage	of	strategic	business	
opportunities	with	other	global	operators	as	
they	strive	to	meet	the	world’s	demand	for	
oil	and	gas.

Our	vision	is	to	be	the	global	performance	
driller	of	choice.	As	the	world’s	largest	
land	drilling	contractor,	we	are	able	to	
build	and	deliver	new	rigs	more	rapidly	
than	most	of	our	competitors	and	to	keep	

our	rigs	operating	safely,	efficiently	and	
economically.

Nabors’	first	AC	land	rig	was	built	during	
2002.	Since	then,	the	industry	and	the	
technology	has	significantly	evolved	as	
more	than	900	AC	rigs	have	been	added	
to	the	U.S.	land	market.	As	technology	
continues	to	help	operators	benefit	from	
higher	levels	of	efficiency,	faster	move	
times	and	greater	racking	capacities,	
the	bar	of	excellence	continues	to	rise.	
Customers	seek	higher	levels	of	precision,	
more	optimal	wellbore	placement	and	
reduced	time	to	total	depth.	

4

Nabors’	surface	tools	and	equipment	
integrate	with	our	downhole	technologies	
to	track	key	performance	metrics	and	to	
deliver	increased	levels	of	accuracy	and	
consistency.	

Through	this	integration,	our	highly	skilled	
work	crews	are	now	able	to	execute	tasks	
typically	performed	by	third	parties.	In	
addition	to	optimizing	the	labor	required	
on	site,	our	rig	controls	help	to	eliminate	
variance,	maximize	efficiencies	and	deliver	
exceptional	performance.	

While	the	industry	lacks	universally	
accepted	benchmarks,	Nabors	created	its	
own	system	to	compare	rig	performance	to	
records	previously	set	within	the	Company.	
The	system	incorporates	quality,	time	and	
cost	dimensions,	as	well	as	safety	and	
operational	data.	Proprietary	algorithms	
automatically	detect	rig	activities	to	help	
us	understand	what	is	occurring	at	all	
times.	Daily	and	end-of-well	reports	are	
automatically	generated	and	provided	to	rig	
crews	and	office	personnel.	These	reports	
provide	a	breakdown	by	driller	and	overall	
averages	for	the	well.	

Since	the	launch	of	this	new	system,	
we	have	found	that	overall	performance	

has	improved	approximately	20	percent	
across	U.S.	operations.	In	December	
2014,	average	tripping	connection	times	
were	approximately	1.7	minutes.	Today,	
the	average	has	improved	21	percent	
to	approximately	1.4	minutes.	This	
improvement	alone	has	helped	operators	in	
the	U.S.	save	345	days	during	the	past	18	
months.	While	this	improvement	has	been	
achieved	through	monitoring	and	tracking	
alone,	we	believe	there	is	an	opportunity	to	
further	enhance	average	tripping	times	by	
an	additional	20	percent	through	the	use	of	
automation.

Quantifying	overall	performance	and	
efficiency	of	drilling	and	other	related	
activities	on	the	well	site	provides	greater	
transparency	and	allows	us	to	identify	
improvement	opportunities	and	reward	our	
highest	performing	rig	crews.	

Additionally,	by	providing	remote	access	
to	real-time	data,	our	drillers,	engineers	
and	clients	can	make	better	decisions	
and	collaborate	to	quickly	resolve	issues	
through	our	RIGLINE	24/7™	Command	
Center.	Better	technology	means	better	
support,	monitoring,	connectivity	and	
performance.

IMPROVING 
CONNECTION 
TIMES BY ~20%

COST SAVINGS

EQUATES TO 
DRILLING ONE 
ADDITIONAL WELL 
PER RIG, PER YEAR, 
IN U.S. LOWER 48

With operations in 20 countries, Nabors 
is helping customers conquer the world’s 
toughest drilling challenges. Our rigs 
are designed for the most technically 
challenging conditions from Arctic climates 
to desert sands, and from deepwater 
locations to multi-pad well sites. 

5

DEPLOYING  RIGS OF THE 
FUTU RE – T ODAY 

Nabors continues 
to design and 
upgrade rigs that 
meet or exceed 
our customers’ 
requirements. 

As	the	industry	shifted	to	multi-well	pad	
drilling,	we	anticipated	the	longer-term	
needs	of	our	customers	and	focused	on	
designing	rigs	for	the	future.	We	have	
benefitted	from	high	utilization	of	our	pad-
optimal	rigs	as	operators	demanded	greater	
efficiencies	and	adaptability	through	batch	
drilling.

Similar	to	an	assembly	line,	batch	drilling	
saves	time,	reduces	costs	and	increases	
efficiencies	when	executed	with	the	right	
technology,	teamwork	and	planning.	

While	our	competitors	invested	in	pad-
suitable	conventional	rig	designs	that	are	
limited	as	currently	configured,	we	designed	
rigs	ideal	for	batch	drilling,	with	pad-
optimal	features,	such	as	increased	racking	
capacities,	our	unique	Side-Saddle™	design	
and	advanced	walking	capabilities.

Similar	to	a	train	on	tracks,	many	competitor	
rigs	travel	on	skids	or	rails.	While	skid	
system	rigs	can	slowly	move	in	reverse,	they	
were	primarily	designed	to	travel	only	in	one	
direction.	This	limits	the	operator’s	flexibility	
when	batch	drilling,	or	while	drilling	complex	
multi-well	pad	configurations.	

Additionally,	many	conventional	and	walking	
AC	rigs	require	special	handling	when	
moving	over	adjacent	well	heads	due	to	the	
placement	of	ancillary	components	on	the	
ground.	

Our	newest	rigs	were	designed	to	overcome	
these	limitations.	In	2013,	we	introduced	our	
PACE®-X800	rig	with	an	advanced	walking	
system	that	enables	the	rig	to	move	quickly	
over	existing	wells,	along	the	X	and	Y	axes.	
Since	then,	53	PACE®-X800	rigs	have	
been	deployed	in	the	U.S.	Lower	48	and	
Colombia.	Like	a	car,	it	can	move	forward,	
backward,	and	turn	left	or	right.	Most	of	
the	ancillary	equipment	moves	with	the	rig,	
enabling	it	to	move	easily	between	adjacent	
rows	of	wells.	

The	PACE®-X800	rig	was	the	first	to	feature	
our	proprietary	Side-Saddle™	design,	
which	includes	a	15-foot	wide	by	26-foot	tall	
clearance	that	allows	the	rig	to	easily	walk	
over	existing	wellheads.	The	perpendicular	
placement	of	the	catwalk	prevents	
interference	with	simultaneous	operations	
on	adjacent	wells.	

NABORS RIG FLEET OF SMARTRIG™ UNITS BY YEAR-END 2017 

PACE®-S	and	PACE®-B	Rigs	Selected		
for	Upgrade	during	Q3	2016

47

29

14

10

SmartRig™	Units,	
Q4	2017
100

27

PACE®-M

73

PACE®-X

PACE®-X

PACE®-B

PACE®-S

PACE®-M

SMARTRIG™ UNITS

NABORS PROPRIETARY SIDE-SADDLE™ DESIGN

6

A	Side-Saddle™	rig	is	ideal	for	batch	drilling	
because	it	can	drill	the	surface	along	one	
row	of	wells,	walk	to	the	adjacent	row	and	
repeat	the	same	tasks	using	the	same	
drilling	mud.	As	the	rig	moves	along	the	
line	of	wells,	the	catwalk	and	pipe	do	not	
interfere	with	wells	in	the	same	line	or	on	
adjacent	rows,	enabling	simultaneous	
operations	such	as	coiled	tubing,	offline	
cementing	or	casing	running.	Minimal	
flowline	handling	is	required	because	the	
ancillary	equipment	moves	with	the	rig,	
which	allows	the	substructure	to	move	
more	efficiently	and	across	longer	distances	
without	issue.

In	2016,	we	expanded	our	PACE®	rig	fleet	
to	include	an	upsized	PACE®-M800	rig	
designed	for	high-density	multi-well	pads.	
Featuring	the	same	advanced	walking	
capabilities	as	the	PACE®-X800	rig,	the	
PACE®-M800	can	quickly	move	over	short	
distances,	with	minimal	rig-up	and	rig-down	
components.

We	are	currently	converting	our	existing	
PACE®-B	and	PACE®-S	rigs	to	a	platform	
equal	in	capacity	and	functionality	to	our	
PACE®-X800	and	PACE®-M800	rigs,	for	a	
fraction	of	replacement	or	rebuild	costs.	By	
mid-2017,	Nabors	will	have	approximately	
100	pad	optimal	SmartRig™	drilling	systems	
powered	by	our	new	Rigtelligent™	controls.	

With	a	minimum	of	1500	horsepower,	
22,000	feet	of	five-inch	drill	pipe	racking	
capacity,	a	hookload	capacity	of	750,000	
tons,	three	1600-horsepower	7500	psi	mud	
pumps,	four	engines	and	advanced	walking	
capabilities,	our	smart	rigs	will	feature	
integrated	technologies	to	enable	a	step	
change	in	downhole	automation.	Our	unique	
combination	of	integrated	surface	and	
downhole	technologies,	proprietary	software	
and	pad-optimal	features	will	create	more	
value	for	customers	as	our	SmartRig™	
drilling	systems	significantly	reduce	hidden	
flat	time	and	provide	unrivaled	performance.	
The	vast	majority	of	the	SmartRig™	
drilling	systems	will	feature	Side-Saddle™	
substructures.	

Looking	ahead,	we	will	continue	to	
anticipate	market	trends,	deliver	innovative	
rig	designs	and	help	our	customers	meet	
their	toughest	drilling	challenges	by	
designing	the	rigs	of	the	future	–	today.

During 2016, our initial tranche of six 
PACE®-M800 rigs were contracted 
prior to completion of construction. 
The positive feedback from customers 
and ongoing demand for our new 
PACE®-M800 rigs validates our strategy 
to keep improving our product offering, 
even in the midst of a downturn.

7

INTEGRATED  SURFA CE 
SYSTE MS AND  DOWNHOLE 
TECHNOL OGY 

As we continue to advance today’s drilling technology and 
move closer to complete drilling automation, we believe 
it is critical to create a holistic environment of integrated 
hardware and software – much like you have seen with the 
evolution of smart phone devices.

Powered	by	one	control	system,	the	all-in-one	smart	phone	changed	
the	way	we	live	and	work	by	combining	a	phone,	music	player,	GPS	
and	digital	camera	in	one	handheld	device.	We	are	implementing	
this	same	approach	on	our	drilling	rigs	as	we	leverage	our	new	
Rigtelligent™	modular	control	system	to	seamlessly	integrate	
hardware	and	software	at	the	rig	site.	

Our	Rigtelligent™	control	systems	automate	many	repetitive	
tasks	while	integrating	data	from	both	downhole	tools	and	surface	
systems.	Automating	these	functions	allows	the	driller	to	follow	the	
customer’s	well	plan	with	a	higher	level	of	precision	and	operational	
excellence,	without	the	need	for	third	party	contractors.

In	the	past,	our	rig	crews	performed	many	manual,	repetitive	tasks,	
such	as,	opening	and	closing	valves	and	connecting	pipe,	while	
exposed	to	extreme	weather	conditions	on	the	rig	floor.	These	
tasks	can	now	be	performed	from	inside	the	climate-controlled	
driller’s	cabin	using	an	icon-based	interface	that	is	very	similar	to	
apps	on	a	smartphone.	Automating	these	tasks	enables	consistent,	
more	accurate,	top-tier	performance,	based	on	customizable	input	
parameters	or	“recipes	to	drill.”

Each	icon	on	our	Rigtelligent™	control	system	interface	represents	
a	different	drilling	function.	Selecting	the	top	drive	icon	displays	
all	information	related	to	rotating	pipe,	including	any	alerts	or	
notifications	the	driller	should	be	aware	of.	The	system’s	modular	
design	allows	more	icons	to	be	added	in	the	future.

Our	drillers	can	now	utilize	the	new	automated	Rigtelligent™	control	
system	to	perform	simultaneous	routine	tasks	that	previously	
required	manual	effort	and	had	to	be	completed	in	sequence.	
Executing	these	tasks	in	parallel	streamlines	work	processes	and	
reduces	invisible	flat	time	for	our	customers.

The	system	incorporates	its	own	pit	volume	totalizer	(PVT)	well	
control	monitoring	system	and	electronic	drilling	recorder	(EDR),	
which	creates	a	log	of	drilling	parameters.	It	also	includes	predictive	
maintenance	features,	including	equipment	condition	monitoring	
(ECM)	and	fuel	usage	monitoring	systems.	These	features	create	
additional	efficiencies	and	eliminate	the	need	for	third-party	
instrumentation	companies.

As	the	driller	manages	more	advanced	wellbore	placement	tasks,	the	
system	automates	the	process	and	seamlessly	integrates	with	the	
built-in	wiring,	sensing	and	decoding	devices	on	Nabors’	SmartRig™	
drilling	units	and	downhole	directional	drilling	tools.	The	interface	
also	accepts	directional	telemetry	from	downhole	systems	of	other	
directional	drilling	companies.

While	the	PACE®-M800	and	PACE®-X800	rigs	are	the	first	to	
feature	our	new	Rigtelligent™	controls,	this	system	will	soon	
be	implemented	on	all	PACE®	series	SmartRig™	drilling	units.	
Extending	standardized	controls	across	our	AC	rig	fleet	not	only	
increases	efficiencies,	but	also	simplifies	the	training	process	and	
allows	greater	mobility	for	our	rig	crews.

Other	companies	offer	similar	operating	systems	that	control	various	
rig	components,	but	we	believe	Nabors	has	a	unique	advantage	
because	we	have	full	access	to	modify	the	coding	of	our	proprietary	
Rigtelligent™	control	system,	without	third-party	assistance.	We	also	
manufacture	most	of	the	equipment	on	our	rigs	and	design	many	
proprietary	directional	drilling	and	performance	tools	that	integrate	
with	our	Rigtelligent™	control	system.	Our	drillers	are	currently	being	
trained	to	operate	our	Rigtelligent™	controls	to	perform	directional	
drilling,	managed	pressure	drilling	and	casing	running	services	
without	the	need	for	additional	crews	or	service	providers.

As	we	make	updates	and	add	new	rig	components,	the	
standardization	of	equipment	and	controls	across	our	global	fleet	
eliminates	the	need	for	special	reconfiguration	and	programming.	
While	other	providers	sell	rig	control	systems	that	require	
customization,	frequent	maintenance	and	upgrades,	Nabors	is	
focused	on	eliminating	variances	across	our	rig	fleet	so	that	we	can	
consistently	deliver	flawless	execution	to	our	customers.

8

“Our Rigtelligent™ control 
systems automate many 
repetitive tasks while integrating 
data from both downhole tools 
and surface systems. ”

9

AD VANCED WELLBORE 
PL ACEME NT TECHNOLOGIES

Recently, unconventional wells in the United States have 
become much more complex as denser, closer well 
spacing requires a higher level of downhole precision 
and control. Medium-radius build and turn horizontal 
trajectories have seen frequent unplanned trips due to poor 
motor yields or poor downhole reliability. 

10

Our	goal	is	to	help	operators	reach	the	
sweet	spot	quickly,	efficiently	and	at	a	
reasonable	cost,	so	that	wells	are	more	
reliably	drilled	and	productive.	As	drilling	
targets	have	become	more	complex,	
the	need	for	measurement	while	drilling	
solutions	has	led	to	the	design	of	several	
downhole	measurement	tools	to	address	
specific	applications.	

For	example,	Nabors’	proprietary	
AccuSteer®	MWD	system	combines	
sensing	of	several	relevant	drilling	dynamics	
with	a	true,	at-bit	location.	Its	distinctive	
features	include	near-bit	continuous	
inclination,	weight-,	torque-	and	bend-on-
bit,	resistivity	and	azimuthal	gamma.	At	
thirty	feet	in	length,	the	AccuSteer®	system	
is	one	of	the	shortest	directional	drilling	and	
geosteering	systems	in	the	industry.	The	
data	from	the	AccuSteer®	tool	integrates	
within	our	new	Rigtelligence™	control	
system	and	with	our	other	directional	
drilling	software	programs,	to	improve	
overall	performance	and	penetration	rates.	
Specifically	designed	for	land-based,	multi-
well	pad	drilling	operations,	our	tools	can	be	
run	unmanned	with	very	little	time	required	
for	rig	up	and	rig	down.		

As	the	drilling	process	becomes	more	
automated	and	drillers	are	tasked	to	
manage	more	downhole	technology,	the	
Rigtelligent™	control	systems	streamline	
directional	drilling	operations	with	

automated	sequences	that	close	the	loop	
between	downhole	tools,	surface	controls	
and	the	driller.		

In	basins	with	unique	geological	challenges,	
drillers	often	encounter	high	doglegs,	
high	friction	factors	or	challenges	with	
running	casing.	Our	Rigtelligent™	control	
system	integrates	geosteering	feedback	
and	automated	rig	instructions,	so	we	can	
reduce	sidetracks	and	overcome	challenges	
associated	with	geological	changes.	

Specifically,	our	ROCKit®	and	ROCKit®	
Pilot	software	systems	help	control	sliding	
while	directional	drilling.	These	applications	
use	downhole	data	to	rotate	the	top	drive	
quill	position	to	automatically	steer	the	
bottom	hole	assembly.	Our	REVit®	software	
program	uses	patented	control	applications	
to	mitigate	drill	string	vibration.	Working	
together	within	our	new	Rigtelligent™	
control	system,	the	software	alerts	the	
driller	of	excessive	stick	slip	and	provide	
automated	controls	to	eliminate	it.	

Using	an	interface	similar	to	a	video	game,	
it	is	relatively	easy	for	the	driller	to	know	
his	downhole	location	and	to	create	a	plan	
for	the	next	section	of	wellbore,	including	
geosteering	and	avoiding	collisions	with	
nearby	wells.	The	control	system	will	also	
work	in	tandem	with	our	ROCKit®	Pilot	
software	to	calculate	how	to	quickly	return	
to	the	desired	wellbore	path	automatically,	

much	like	a	GPS	system	or	today’s	
smartphone	traffic	navigation	apps.		It	will	
also	allow	the	driller	to	utilize	the	ROCKit®	
Pilot,	REVit®,	DrillSmart®	and	CruiseControl™	
software	programs	to	steer	the	system	back	
on	the	correct	path	if	deviation	from	the	well	
plan	is	encountered.

By	automating	the	drilling	process	through	
our	unique	integration	of	downhole	
hardware,	surface	equipment	and	
proprietary	software	tools,	our	drillers	are	
now	able	to	maximize	payzone	contact	
and	position	the	wellbore	in	the	optimal	
downhole	window,	without	the	assistance	
of	third	parties.	Furthermore,	our	unique	
integration	of	pressure	control	equipment	
enables	managed	pressure	drilling	and	
continuous	circulation	during	connections,	
as	well	as	casing	running	services.	This	
automation	saves	time	and	money,	while	
also	improving	well	quality	and	increasing	
the	safety	of	our	operations.	

While	Nabors	is	already	at	the	forefront	of	
collecting	and	providing	historical	and	real-
time	drilling	data	to	enhance	our	customer’s	
efficiency	programs,	we	will	continue	to	
develop	additional	integrated	surface	and	
downhole	capabilities	that	provide	more	
robust	data	and	improve	overall	productivity	
and	returns.

11

MOVING  TOWARD FULLY 
AU TOMAT ED DRILLING 

Nabors has a long history of 
innovation. Among our industry firsts, 
we pioneered pad drilling in the early 
1970s and constructed the first 
walking system in the mid 1990s. 

The	iRacker™	system	allows	for	offline	stand	
building.	It	can	also	run	casing	in	upper,	
intermediate	and	production	sizes	–	all	
hands	free	and	automatically.	

Featuring	our	proprietary	and	innovative	
tubular	management	system,	the	iRacker™	
system	calculates	the	weight	and	length	of	
each	drill	pipe	and	automatically	adjusts	the	
other	components	of	the	tubular	handling	
system	to	adapt	to	the	adjusted	parameters.	

Due	to	its	modular	design,	the	iRacker™	
system	can	be	easily	installed	on	any	of	our	
AC	rigs.	It	seamlessly	integrates	with	our	
new	Rigtelligent™	control	system,	allowing	
the	driller	to	control	all	rig	floor	operations	
from	within	the	driller’s	cabin.

Today,	our	smart	rig	designs	and	
performance	tools	make	us	a	leader	in	the	
industry	as	we	deliver	best-in-class	drilling	
performance	through	our	exceptional	
people,	flawless	execution,	teamwork	and	
technologies.	

As	operators	seek	higher	levels	of	efficiency	
and	performance,	we	rise	to	the	challenge	
–	creating	new	innovations	that	continue	to	
transform	our	global	industry.	

During	late	2016,	we	proudly	unveiled	our	
new	iRacker™	autonomous	tubular	handling	
system.	This	new	technology	is	the	missing	
piece	to	enabling	fully	automated	drilling	a	
reality	on	land.	

In	our	industry,	dropped	objects	and	pipe	
handling	are	two	of	the	most	common	
causes	of	incidents,	typically	resulting	in	
serious	injuries.	Our	new	iRacker™	system	
will	make	our	operations	safer	by	enabling	
completely	hands-free	pipe	handling.	
Workers	are	no	longer	required	on	the	rig	
floor	to	trip	pipe.	

12

“Our new iRacker™ system 
will make our operations safer 
by enabling completely hands-
free pipe handling.”

13

14

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

LE ADER SHIP  TEA M

Anthony G. Petrello 
Chairman, President & Chief Executive  
Officer–Nabors Industries, Inc.

John Yearwood 
Lead Director, Retired President,  
CEO & COO of Smith International, Inc.

James R. Crane 
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, 
Crane Capital Group, Inc.

John P. Kotts 
CEO of J.P. Kotts & Co.

Michael C. Linn 
President & CEO, MCL Ventures, LLC

Dag Skattum 
Vice Chairman, Europe, the 
Middle East & Africa, JPMorgan

Howard Wolf 
Attorney 

Anthony G. Petrello 
Chairman, President & 
Chief Executive Officer

William Restrepo 
Chief Financial Officer

Jose Nogales 
Vice President, Tax

Edgar Rincon 
Chief Procurement Officer &  
Vice President, Supply Chain

Siggi Meissner 
President, Global Drilling & Engineering

Bob Supopin 
Vice President, Corporate Treasurer

Sri Valleru 
Vice President & 
Chief Information Officer

Steve Williams 
Vice President, Risk Management & HSE

Clark Wood 
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer

Julia Wright 
Vice President, General Counsel

Christopher Papouras 
President, Nabors Drilling Solutions

John Sanchez 
Chief Operations Officer, 
Canrig Drilling Technology 

Dennis A. Smith 
Vice President, Corporate Development  
& Investor Relations

Mark D. Andrews 
Corporate Secretary

Joe Bruce 
President, Canada

Carina Lovato Gillenwater 
Vice President, Human Resources

SHAR EHOLDER  INF ORM ATION

Corporate Address 
Crown House 
Second Floor 
4 Par-la-Ville Road 
Hamilton, Bermuda HM 08 
Telephone: (441) 292-1510 
FAX: (441) 292-1334

Mailing Address 
P.O. Box HM3349 
Hamilton, HMPX-Bermuda

Form 10-K 
Our Form 10-K is available on our website at 
www.nabors.com within the “Investor Relations” 
section. Copies may be obtained at no charge 
by writing to our Corporate Secretary at Nabors’ 
corporate office.

Transfer Agent 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 
www.computershare.com/investor

Shareholder correspondence should be mailed 
to: 
Computershare 
P.O. Box 30170 
College Station, TX 77842-3170

Overnight correspondence should be sent to:  
Computershare 
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210 
College Station, TX 77845

Shareholder online inquiries: https://www-us.
computershare.com/investor/Contact

Investor Relations Contact: 
Dennis A. Smith 
Vice President, Corporate Development & 
Investor Relations

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Houston, Texas

As of April 7, 2017, there were approximately 1,797 shareholders of record of our common shares.

The common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NBR.” The 
following table sets forth the reported high and low sales prices of the common shares as reported 
on the New York Stock Exchange for the calendar quarters indicated.

CALENDAR YEAR

STOCK PRICE

2015

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

2016

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

HIGH

$14.09

$16.99

$14.43

$12.33

$9.84

$11.21

$12.33

$17.68

LOW

$9.96

$13.70

$8.94

$7.47

$4.93

$7.61

$8.46

$11.01

For additional information regarding corporate governance, historical financial data, investor 
presentations and global rig fleet, please visit www.nabors.com. 

The annual report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 
1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to 
certain risks with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of those factors, Nabors’ 
actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking 
statements. 

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Crown House
Second Floor
4 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton, Bermuda HM 08

W W W . N A B O R S . C O M