TMBR SHARP DRILLING INC
S-3, 1997-03-14
DRILLING OIL & GAS WELLS
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<PAGE>   1
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 1997
                                                              No. 333-_________
===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                 -------------

                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                   ----------

                           TMBR/SHARP DRILLING, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            TEXAS                                         75-1835108
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                        Identification Number)

           4607 W. INDUSTRIAL                        THOMAS C. BROWN
          MIDLAND, TEXAS 79703              CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
             (915) 699-5050                    AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
     (Address, including zip code, and              4607 W. INDUSTRIAL
  telephone number, including area code            MIDLAND, TEXAS 79703
of Registrant's principal executive offices)          (915) 699-5050
                                               (Name, Address, including zip
                                           code, and telephone number, including
                                               area code of agent for service)

                                   COPIES TO:
                            Thomas W. Ortloff, Esq.
                            Lynch, Chappell & Alsup
                          300 N. Marienfeld, Suite 700
                              Midland, Texas 79701
                                 (915) 683-3351

     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the
public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective.

     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plan, please check the following.
[ ]

     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following. [X]

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]

                               -----------------

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================================================================
                                                         Proposed                Proposed
       Title of Each Class               Amount           Maximum                Maximum
          of Securities                  to be         Offering Price            Aggregate                 Amount of
        to be Registered               Registered       Per Share (1)         Offering Price (1)        Registration Fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>                    <C>                       <C>
Common Stock, $.10 par value
   per share .....................      725,000          $    12.50             $9,062,500                $ 2,746.30
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant
     to Rule 457(c), based upon the average of the closing bid and ask prices
     of a share of Common Stock on March 11, 1997 as quoted on the Nasdaq
     National Market.

                               ------------------

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 9(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 9(a),
may determined.

================================================================================

<PAGE>   2
PROSPECTUS


                                 725,000 Shares


                           TMBR/SHARP DRILLING, INC.

                                  Common Stock
                                ($.10 Par Value)

     This prospectus ("Prospectus") relates to the offering and sale from time
to time by certain persons named in this Prospectus (the "Selling
Stockholders") of 725,000 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"), of TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc. (the "Company"). The Company will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock.

     The Selling Stockholders may offer and sell from time to time all or any
part of their respective shares of Common Stock through agents, dealers,
underwriters or market makers or directly to prospective purchasers. Such
shares will be offered at the market price or at prices that may be negotiated
by the Selling Stockholders at the time of sale. See "Plan of Distribution".

     The Company's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market tier of
The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "TBDI". As of March 11, 1997, the last
reported sales price of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National
Market was $12.50.

     The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Stockholders from the sale of the
Common Stock will be the purchase price of the Common Stock less the aggregate
brokerage commissions or underwriting discounts, if any. The Company has
agreed, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 13, 1997
between the Company and the Selling Stockholders, to register the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby and to pay all expenses incident to the
registration of the Common Stock, except for brokerage and underwriting
discounts and commissions associated with the sale of the Common Stock, the
fees and expenses of any attorneys and accountants employed by the Selling
Stockholders and any other costs directly incurred by the Selling Stockholders
in connection with the offering of the Common Stock, all of which will be paid
by the Selling Stockholders. The fees and expenses payable by the Company in
connection with the registration of the Common Stock are estimated to be
approximately $14,000.00. The Company intends to keep the registration
statement, of which this Prospectus is a part, effective for a period of
twenty-four months or, if earlier, until all of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby have been sold.

                                  ----------

     PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY SHOULD CAREFULLY
CONSIDER THE MATTERS SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS" HEREIN.

                                  -----------

 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
            COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
               PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
                              A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                                  -----------

             The date of this Prospectus is _________________, 1997


<PAGE>   3




     NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND ANY INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.







                               TABLE OF CONTENTS




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Page
                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                            <C>
Available Information ......................................................    3

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference ............................    4

Summary ....................................................................    5

Risk Factors ...............................................................    9

Capitalization .............................................................   14

Price Range of Common Stock ................................................   15

Dividends ..................................................................   15

Selected Financial Data ....................................................   16

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations ......................................................   17

Business and Properties ....................................................   23

Management .................................................................   37

Compensation of Executives and Related Matters .............................   38

Principal Stockholders .....................................................   44

Description of Capital Stock ...............................................   46

Selling Stockholders .......................................................   47

Plan of Distribution .......................................................   48

Legal Matters ..............................................................   48

Experts ....................................................................   48

Certain Definitions ........................................................   49
</TABLE>





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4



                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION





     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission may
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the Regional Offices of the Commission located at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. In addition, copies of such material can
be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.

     The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with
respect to the Common Stock offered hereby (including all exhibits, amendments
or supplements thereto, the "Registration Statement"). This Prospectus, which
forms a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which
have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or other document referred to herein or therein are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement contained herein is
qualified in its entirety by such reference.




                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5


                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE


     The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No.
0-12757) pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:

     (1)  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1996;

     (2)  The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1996;

     (3) The Company's Proxy Statement, dated July 29, 1996, in connection with
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on August 29, 1996;

     (4)  The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1996;

     (5)  The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 31, 1996;

     (6)  The Company's Report on Form 10-C, dated February 14, 1997; and

     (7) All other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Common Stock.

     Any statement contained herein or in a document or information
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Registration Statement and
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the Registration
Statement or this Prospectus or in any subsequently filed document which also
is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein, modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus.

     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request by such person, a copy of
any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus (not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by
reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into
the information that this Prospectus incorporates). These documents are
available upon request directed to Patricia R. Elledge, Assistant Secretary,
TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc., 4607 West Industrial, Midland, Texas 79703;
telephone number (915) 699-5050.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6




                                    SUMMARY

     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere herein and the Company's financial statements
and the notes thereto incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. See
"Certain Definitions" for definitions of certain oil and gas terms used in this
Prospectus. An investment in the Common Stock offered hereby involves a high
degree of risk. Investors should carefully consider the information set forth
in "Risk Factors".


                                  THE COMPANY

     TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc. (the "Company") provides domestic onshore
drilling services to major and independent oil and gas companies. Formed in
1982, the Company focuses its operations in the Permian Basin of west Texas and
eastern New Mexico. The Company provides the crews and most of the ancillary
equipment used in the operation of its drilling rigs. The Company is also
engaged in the development, exploration and production of oil and gas. The
Company is currently experiencing a substantial increase in demand for its
contract drilling services. Rig utilization for the three months ended December
31, 1996 was 58% compared to 44% for the three months ended September 30, 1996.
The Company is also experiencing a substantial increase in the rates it charges
for its contract drilling services.

     Through its predecessor, Tom Brown, Inc., the Company has been engaged in
contract drilling operations since 1955 and became an independent entity as a
result of a spin-off from Tom Brown, Inc. in 1984. As of March 3, 1997, the
Company owned 15 drilling rigs, 12 of which were operating for non-affiliated
oil producers, and three of which were inactive or "stacked". All of the
Company's rigs are operational and actively marketed in the Permian Basin of
west Texas and eastern New Mexico.

     The Company believes it has established a reputation for reliability, high
quality equipment and well-trained crews. The Company continually seeks to
modify and upgrade its equipment to maximize the performance and capabilities
of its drilling rig fleet, which the Company believes provides it with a
competitive advantage. The Company has the capability to design, repair and
modify its drilling rig fleet from its principal support and storage facilities
in Midland, Texas, and an additional storage yard in Odessa, Texas.

     The Company's oil and gas activities complement its onshore drilling
operations. These activities are focused in the mature producing regions in the
Permian Basin. Oil and gas operations comprised approximately 11% of the
Company's revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 1996. As of March 31,
1996, the Company's proved reserves, all of which were proved developed
producing, were 838 MBOE and had a present value of future net revenues of
approximately $4.9 million. Since March 31, 1992, the Company has increased its
proved reserve base at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 50%.

     The Company was incorporated under the laws of Texas in October, 1982
under the name TMBR Drilling, Inc. In August, 1986, the Company changed its
name to TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc.

     The executive offices of the Company are located at 4607 W. Industrial
Avenue, Midland, Texas, 79703 and its telephone number at that address is (915)
699-5050.

                              INDUSTRY CONDITIONS

     From 1982 until recently, the U.S. onshore drilling industry has been
characterized by an over-supply of drilling equipment as demand for drilling
services decreased. During the past 14 years, the available drilling rig fleet
declined from approximately 5,139 drilling rigs in 1982 to approximately 1,425
drilling rigs in 1996. Industry profitability suffered, and in many cases,
insufficient cash flow was generated to support proper drilling rig
maintenance.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7

To maintain operation of drilling equipment in that environment, drilling
contractors cannibalized parts and components from less desirable drilling
rigs. The available domestic drilling fleet has been further reduced through
the mobilization of drilling equipment to international markets.

     During the last two years, however, demand for domestic onshore drilling
services has increased as a result of stronger oil and gas prices and
technological advances that have reduced exploration, development and
production costs. Accordingly, the Baker Hughes rig count for New Mexico and
the Permian Basin of west Texas has increased to 128 at December 31, 1996,
compared to 122 and 108 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.



                               BUSINESS STRATEGY

     The Company's strategy is to increase cash flow and profitability by
utilizing the factors set forth below. As a result of its quality asset base,
strong reputation and customer relationships and experienced and dedicated
management and employees, the Company believes it receives premium rates for
its contract drilling services. The Company's oil and gas operations can
provide the opportunity for additional growth through its exposure to high
potential oil and gas drilling projects.

MAINTAIN QUALITY ASSET BASE. The Company's drilling rigs are maintained in good
operating condition. The Company believes that the quality and operating
condition of its drilling equipment allows it to maximize its utilization rates
and pricing. The drilling depth capability of the Company's fleet ranges from
8,500 to 30,000 feet with an average drilling depth capability of approximately
14,000 feet. For the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1996, the Company's
average well depth drilled was approximately 9,500 feet.

CAPITALIZE ON STRONG INDUSTRY REPUTATION. The Company, individually or through
its predecessor, has focused its operations in the Permian Basin for over 40
years. The Company believes that it has a strong reputation within such region
for providing well maintained equipment, quality service and experienced
personnel.

CONTINUE TO BUILD STRONG CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS. The Company seeks to maximize
customer satisfaction by maintaining high quality standards and continually
evaluating and seeking to improve its performance.

ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXPERIENCED AND DEDICATED MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES. The
Company believes that it offers its employees attractive compensation, benefits
and incentive programs that are competitive in its industry. The Company
believes that its compensation and training policies enhance its ability to
maintain a stable, productive workforce, which is essential to the efficient
operation and successful expansion of its business.

PURSUE COMPLEMENTARY OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS. The Company believes that its oil
and gas operations provide it with the additional financial flexibility to
generate cash flow during downturns in the drilling market. The Company's
ability to participate in the ownership of interests in oil and gas wells also
generates opportunities to serve as the drilling contractor for other operators
or on its own behalf.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8




        SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                           AND OTHER OPERATING DATA


     The following table sets forth summary financial and operating data as of
the dates and for the periods indicated. The following data should be read in
conjunction with " Selected Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's
financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference herein.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                              FISCAL YEAR ENDED  MARCH 31,                        
                                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------    
                                                           1992           1993           1994           1995           1996       
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                      (In thousands, except per share amounts)    
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            
Income Statement Data                                                                                                             
Operating revenues:                                                                                                               
Contract drilling                                      $    12,203    $    17,996    $    18,359    $    18,357    $    21,298    
Oil and gas                                                    487            557            621          1,042          1,683    
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
           Total operating revenues                         12,690         18,553         18,980         19,399         22,981    
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                                  
Operating costs and expenses:                                                                                                     
Contract drilling                                           13,154         15,570         14,989         14,630         17,252    
Oil and gas production                                         349            221            318            350            554    
Dry holes and abandonments                                     263            236            656            629            945    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                     1,390            702            746            876            907    
General and administrative                                   1,432          1,401          1,339          1,553          1,599    
Writedown of oil and gas properties                            938           --             --             --            2,624 (1)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                                  
          Total operating costs and expenses                17,526         18,130         18,048         18,038         23,881    
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
          Operating income (loss)                           (4,836)           423            932          1,361           (900)   
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                                  
Other income (expenses):                                                                                                          
Interest                                                      (927)          (424)           (89)          (154)          (139)   
Other                                                        3,256          5,118            258            359            117    
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
 Total other income (expense)                                2,329          4,694            169            205            (22)   
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                                  
Net income (loss) before income tax provision               (2,507)         5,117          1,101          1,566           (922)   
Provision for income taxes                                    --             (149)           (62)           (30)           (30)   
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items            $   (2,507)   $     4,968    $     1,039    $     1,536     $     (952)   
                                                        ==========    ===========    ===========    ===========     ==========    
                                                                                                                                  
Net income (loss) before extraordinary                                                                                            
items per share                                         $    (1.72)   $      1.09    $      0.23    $      0.38     $    (0.23)   
                                                        ==========    ===========    ===========    ===========     ==========    
                                                                                                                                  
Weighted average number of common                                                                                                 
shares outstanding                                       3,882,552      4,554,108      4,603,130      4,032,195      4,074,567    
                                                                                                                                  
Other Financial Data                                                                                                              
EBITDA (2)                                              $   (2,245)   $     1,361    $     2,334    $     2,866    $     3,576    


<CAPTION>
                                                              NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                             1995           1996
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                     
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>        
Income Statement Data                                
Operating revenues:                                  
Contract drilling                                        $    16,194    $    11,820
Oil and gas                                                    1,096          1,439
                                                         -----------    -----------
           Total operating revenues                           17,290         13,259
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                     
Operating costs and expenses:                        
Contract drilling                                             13,372          9,052
Oil and gas production                                           374            589
Dry holes and abandonments                                       422            442
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                         898          1,071
General and administrative                                     1,174          1,143
Writedown of oil and gas properties                             --             --
                                                         -----------    -----------
          Total operating costs and expenses                  16,240         12,297
                                                         -----------    -----------
          Operating income (loss)                              1,050            962
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                     
Other income (expenses):                             
Interest                                                         (99)          (236)
Other                                                             95             94
                                                         -----------    -----------
 Total other income (expense)                                     (4)          (142)
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                     
Net income (loss) before income tax provision               1,046               820
Provision for income taxes                                       (30)           (16)
                                                         -----------    -----------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items             $     1,016    $       804
                                                         ===========    ===========
                                                     
Net income (loss) before extraordinary               
items per share                                          $      0.25    $      0.19
                                                         ===========    ===========
                                                     
Weighted average number of common                    
shares outstanding                                         4,083,980      4,181,834
                                                     
Other Financial Data                                 
EBITDA (2)                                               $     2,370    $     2,475
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31, 1996                   
                                       ---------------------------
                                       HISTORICAL  AS ADJUSTED (3)
                                       ----------  ---------------
Balance Sheet Data                          (In Thousands)
<S>                                     <C>           <C>    
Cash and cash equivalents               $   531       $ 3,507
Total assets                             14,655        17,883
Total long term debt                      4,500          --
Stockholders' equity                      5,851        13,579
</TABLE>



     (1)  During 1996, the Company recognized a non-cash charge of
          approximately $2.6 million due to a writedown of the carrying value
          of its oil and gas properties. This charge was a result of the
          adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121
          ("SFAS 121") "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
          for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of". SFAS 121 requires the
          Company to assess the need for an impairment of capitalized costs of
          oil and gas properties on a property-by-property basis in contrast to
          the Company's prior policy of evaluating the undiscounted future net
          revenues of its oil and gas properties in total. According to SFAS
          121, if an impairment is indicated based on undiscounted future cash
          flows, then it is recognized to the extent that net capitalized costs
          exceed discounted future cash flows.

     (2)  EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes and depreciation,
          depletion, amortization and dry hole and abandonment and writedown of
          oil and gas properties) is presented to provide additional
          information about the Company's operations. EBITDA should not be
          considered as an alternative to net income, as an indicator of the
          Company's operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow
          from operating activities under generally accepted accounting
          principles or as a better measure of liquidity.

     (3)  As adjusted to give effect to the completion of the Company's private
          placement in February, 1997 of 725,000 shares of Common Stock at a
          price of $11.00 per share, and the application of the net proceeds
          (approximately $7.47 million) therefrom. The number of outstanding
          shares of Common Stock, as adjusted, includes 25,100 shares of Common
          Stock issued subsequent to December 31, 1996 in connection with the
          Company's acquisition of additional working interests in four wells
          located in Lea County, New Mexico.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9




                 SUMMARY OPERATING AND OIL AND GAS RESERVE DATA

         The following table sets forth operating and oil and gas data for the
Company for each of the periods indicated. The reserve data set forth below
represent only estimates, which are based on various assumptions and,
therefore, are inherently imprecise. In addition, the reserve data may be
subject to upward or downward revisions depending upon, among other factors,
production history and prevailing oil and gas prices. See "Risk Factors --
Imprecise Nature of Reserve Estimates".




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                 
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                   1992          1993          1994          1995          1996     
                                                ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------  
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         
Contract Drilling Operating Data                                                                                    
                                                                                                                    
           Number of wells drilled                     128           173           163           114            87  
           Total footage drilled                   801,593     1,280,848     1,081,275       865,178       681,697  
           Average rigs available for service           51            13            15            15            15  
           Average rig utilization rate               11.1%         46.3%         47.6%         43.5%         45.1% 
                                                                                                                    
Oil and Gas Data                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                    
           Production:                                                                                              
           Oil (Bbl)                                21,400        23,300        28,600        51,300        70,941  
           Gas (Mcf)                                28,200        72,200        74,800       104,700       212,062  
           Total (BOE)                              26,100        35,333        41,067        68,750       106,285  
                                                                                                                    
           Average sales price per unit:                                                                            
           Oil (Bbl)                            $    19.77    $    20.36    $    16.13    $    17.13    $    17.67  
           Natural gas (Mcf)                    $     1.99    $     1.55    $     1.92    $     1.55    $     1.52  
                                                                                                                    
           Reserve data (end of period):                                                                            
           Proved developed reserves (MBOE)          164.0         167.2         172.7         463.8         837.9  
           Present value of future net                                                                              
          revenues (in thousands)               $    1,021    $    1,139    $      971    $    2,879    $    4,954  
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ------------------------
                                                    1995          1996
                                                 ----------    ----------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>       
Contract Drilling Operating Data               
                                               
           Number of wells drilled                       73            75
           Total footage drilled                    545,822       490,984
           Average rigs available for service            15            15
           Average rig utilization rate                45.3%         45.5%
                                               
Oil and Gas Data                               
                                               
           Production:                         
           Oil (Bbl)                                 49,633        51,100
           Gas (Mcf)                                145,873       232,636
           Total (BOE)                               73,945        89,873
                                               
           Average sales price per unit:       
           Oil (Bbl)                             $    17.56    $    21.48
           Natural gas (Mcf)                     $     1.54    $     1.45
                                               
           Reserve data (end of period):       
           Proved developed reserves (MBOE)            --            --
           Present value of future net         
          revenues (in thousands)                      --            --
</TABLE>



                                  THE OFFERING


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>           
Common Stock offered by the Selling Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        725,000 shares
Common Stock outstanding as of March 3, 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4,428,086 shares (1)
Use of Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        The Company will not receive any of
                                                                                    the proceeds from the sale of the
                                                                                    Common Stock 
                                                                                    by the Selling Stockholders.
Nasdaq National Market Symbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        TBDI
</TABLE>

- -----------------

(1)  Excludes 939,800 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock
     options with a weighted average exercise price of $4.30 per share and a
     five - year warrant to purchase 36,250 shares of the Companys Common Stock
     at an exercise price of $13.20 per share.




                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10




                                  RISK FACTORS

    An investment in the Common Stock offered hereby involves a high degree of
risk. Prior to making an investment decision, prospective purchasers of shares
of the Common Stock offered hereby should consider carefully, together with the
other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus,
the following risk factors affecting the Company:

LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL

    The success of the Company's business is highly dependent upon the
services, efforts and abilities of Thomas C. Brown, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Joe G. Roper, the
President and a Director of the Company. The business of the Company could be
materially and adversely affected if Mr. Brown or Mr. Roper becomes unavailable
for any reason. The Company does not have employment agreements with any of its
officers or employees. See "Management."

VOLATILITY OF OIL AND GAS PRICES

    The Company's revenues, cash flows and profitability are substantially
dependent upon prevailing prices for oil and gas, both with respect to its
contract drilling operations and its oil and gas operations. In recent years,
oil and gas prices and, therefore, the level of drilling, exploration,
development and production, have been extremely volatile. Prices for oil and
gas are affected by market supply and demand factors as well as actions of
state and local agencies, the U.S. and foreign governments and international
cartels. All of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Any
significant or extended decline in oil and/or gas prices will have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations
and could impair access to future sources of capital.

MARKET CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

    The contract drilling business is currently experiencing increased demand
for drilling services primarily due to stronger oil and gas prices. However,
the market for onshore contract drilling services has generally been depressed
since 1982, when oil and gas prices began to weaken. A particularly sharp
decline in demand for contract drilling services occurred in 1986 because of
the world-wide collapse in oil prices. Since this time and except during
occasional upturns, there have been substantially more drilling rigs available
than necessary to meet demand in most operating and geographic segments of the
domestic drilling industry, including the Permian Basin. As a result, drilling
contractors have had difficulty sustaining profit margins. In addition to
adverse effects that future declines in demand could have on the Company,
ongoing movement or reactivation of onshore drilling rigs or new construction
of drilling rigs could adversely affect contract drilling rates and drilling
rig utilization levels, even in an environment of stronger oil and gas prices
and increased drilling activity. The Company cannot predict the future level of
demand for its contract drilling services, future conditions in the contract
drilling industry or future contract drilling rates.

SHORTAGE OF DRILL PIPE IN THE CONTRACT DRILLING INDUSTRY

    Currently, there is a growing shortage of drill pipe in the contract
drilling industry in the U.S. This shortage has caused the price of drill pipe
to increase significantly over the past 30 months and has required orders for
new drill pipe to be placed approximately 6 months in advance of expected use.
The price increase and the delay in delivery caused the Company to
substantially increase capital expenditures in its contract drilling segment
over the approximately 30-month period ending December 31, 1996, primarily with
respect to new drill pipe purchases. In the event of an extended shortage, the
Company may be unable to obtain the drill pipe required for its contract
drilling operations which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.




                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11


SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED LABOR

    Increases in domestic drilling demand since mid-1995 and recent increases
in contract drilling activity have resulted in a shortage of qualified drilling
rig personnel in the industry. As a result, and rather than hiring unqualified
or inexperienced crews, the Company has intentionally restricted the number of
drilling rigs it has in active operation at any one time. At March 3, 1997, the
Company had twelve rigs operating. If the Company is unable to attract and
retain additional qualified personnel, its ability to market and operate more
drilling rigs will continue to be restricted. In addition, labor shortages
could result in wage increases, which could reduce the Company's operating
margins and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIQUIDITY

    The oil and gas industry is capital intensive. The Company's cash flow from
operations and the continued availability of credit are subject to a number of
variables, including the level of oil and gas the Company is able to produce
from existing wells, the prices at which oil and gas are sold and the Company's
ability to locate and produce new reserves. The Company can provide no
assurance that its cash flow from operations and present borrowing capacity
will be sufficient to fund its anticipated capital expenditures and working
capital requirements. The Company may from time to time seek additional
financing, either in the form of bank borrowings, sales of the Company's
securities or other forms of financing. Except for the Company's loan
agreements with its bank lender, the Company has no agreements for any such
financing and there can be no assurance as to the availability or terms of any
such financing. To the extent the Company's capital resources and earnings are
at any time insufficient to fund its activities or repay its indebtedness as
due, the Company will need to raise additional funds through public or private
financings or additional borrowings. No assurance can be given as to the
Company's ability to obtain any such capital resources. If the Company is at
any time not able to obtain then necessary capital resources, its financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If,
however, additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities,
the percentage ownership of the Company's stockholders at that time could be
diluted and, in addition, such equity securities may have rights, preferences
or privileges senior to those of the Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and
Capital Resources."

REPLACEMENT OF RESERVES; RISKS OF OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND
PRODUCTION

    The Company's reserves are depleted as it produces oil and gas. Therefore,
the Company's future success will depend, in part, upon its ability to find,
develop or acquire additional oil and gas reserves that are economically
recoverable. Without successful exploration, development or acquisition
activities, the proved reserves of the Company will decline. No assurance can
be given that the Company will be able to acquire or find and develop
additional reserves on an economical basis.

    The search for oil and gas often results in unprofitable efforts, not only
from dry holes, but also from wells which, though productive, do not produce
oil or gas in sufficient quantities to be economically viable. No assurance can
be given that any oil or gas reserves located by the Company in the future will
result in commercial production. In addition, the cost of drilling, completing
and operating wells is often uncertain, and drilling may be delayed or canceled
as a result of many factors, including unacceptably low oil and gas prices, oil
and gas property title problems, inclement weather conditions and financial
instability of well operators and working interest owners. Furthermore, the
availability of a ready market for the Company's oil and gas depends on
numerous factors beyond its control, including demand for and supply of oil and
gas, general economic conditions, proximity of gas reserves to pipelines,
shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment, weather conditions and
government regulations.



                                     -10-
<PAGE>   12


IMPRECISE NATURE OF RESERVE ESTIMATES

    Information relating to the Company's proved oil and gas reserves is based
upon engineering estimates. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of
estimating the recovery from underground accumulations of oil and gas that
cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate
is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and
geological interpretation and judgment. Estimates of economically recoverable
oil and gas reserves and of future net cash flows necessarily depend upon a
number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from
the area compared with production from other producing areas, the assumed
effects of regulations by governmental agencies and assumptions concerning
future oil and gas prices, future operating costs, severance and excise taxes,
development costs and workover and remedial costs, all of which may in fact
vary considerably from actual results. Because all reserve estimates are to
some degree speculative, the actual quantities of oil and gas that are
ultimately recovered, production and operation costs, the amount and timing of
future development expenditures and future oil and gas sales prices may all
vary from those assumed in these estimates and such variances may be material.
In addition, different reserve engineers may make different estimates of
reserve quantities and cash flows based upon the same available data. See
"Business and Properties -- Oil and Gas Operations Oil and Gas Reserves."

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    As of March 3, 1997, the Company had outstanding 4,428,086 shares of Common
Stock, of which 725,000 shares are eligible for resale in the public market
pursuant to this Prospectus. Additionally, and at that same date, 861,413
shares of Common Stock were held by directors and officers of the Company, and
stock options to purchase an aggregate of 939,800 shares of Common Stock, all
of which are currently exercisable or become exercisable in 1997, were held by
directors, officers and employees of the Company. The shares issuable upon
exercise of such options granted under the Company's stock option plans are
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") and, upon
exercise of the options, such shares will be eligible for resale in the public
market, except that any such shares issued to affiliates are subject to certain
volume limitations and other restrictions of Rule 144 under the Act. Sales of
substantial amounts of the Common Stock of the Company could adversely affect
the market price for the Common Stock.

    No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that the sale of shares
or the availability of shares for sale in the public market will have on the
market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless,
sales of substantial amounts of the Common Stock in the public market could
adversely affect prevailing market prices.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION MATTERS

    General. The Company's operations are affected from time to time in varying
degrees by political developments and federal and state laws and regulations.
In particular, oil and gas production, operations and economics are or have
been affected by price controls, taxes and other laws relating to the oil and
gas industry, by changes in such laws and by changes in administrative
regulations. The Company cannot predict how existing laws and regulations may
be interpreted by enforcement agencies or court rulings, whether additional
laws and regulations will be adopted, or the effect such changes may have on
its business, financial condition or results of operations. See "Business and
Properties -- Regulation."

    Environmental. The Company's operations are subject to numerous laws and
regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or
otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations
require the acquisition of a permit before drilling commences, restrict the
types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released
into the environment in connection with drilling and production activities,
limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness,
wetlands and other protected areas, and impose substantial liabilities for
pollution which might result from the Company's operations. Moreover, the
recent trend toward stricter standards in environmental legislation and
regulation is likely to continue. For instance, legislation has 




                                     -11-
<PAGE>   13

been proposed in Congress from time to time that would reclassify certain oil
and gas exploration and production wastes as "hazardous wastes" which would
make the reclassified wastes subject to much more stringent handling, disposal
and clean-up requirements. If such legislation were to be enacted, it could
have a significant impact on the operating costs of the Company, as well as the
oil and gas industry in general. Initiatives to further regulate the disposal
of oil and gas wastes are also pending in certain states, and these various
initiatives could have a similar impact on the Company. The Company could incur
substantial costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations. In
addition to compliance costs, government entities and other third parties may
assert substantial liabilities against owners and operators of oil and gas
properties for oil spills, discharge of hazardous materials, remediation and
clean-up costs and other environmental damages, including damages caused by
previous property owners. The imposition of any such liabilities on the Company
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and
results of operations.

OPERATING RISKS AND INSURANCE

    Contract drilling and oil and gas activities are subject to a number of
risks and hazards which could cause serious injury or death to persons,
suspension of drilling operations and serious damage to equipment or property
of others, environmental damage, and substantial damage to producing formations
and surrounding areas. The occurrence of a significant event, including any of
the above-mentioned risks and hazards, could subject the Company to significant
liability and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations. Although the Company believes that it is
adequately insured against risks in its operations resulting in injury or death
to persons in accordance with industry standards, the Company's drilling rigs
and related equipment are not covered by insurance, and the insurance
maintained by the Company does not cover all of the above-mentioned risks and
hazards and may not be adequate to protect the Company against liability from
all consequences of well disasters, extensive fire damage or damage to the
environment. The Company maintains general liability insurance, and obtains
insurance against pollution risks and blowouts on a well-by-well basis, but it
has not obtained insurance against all operating hazards. Should the Company
sustain an uninsured loss or liability, its ability to operate may be
materially adversely affected. No assurance can be given that the Company will
be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers
reasonable or that any particular types of coverage will be available.
Furthermore, a portion of the Company's contract drilling is done on a turnkey
basis, which requires the Company to complete the drilling of a particular well
for a flat fee negotiated in advance and, accordingly, involves substantial
economic risks.

COMPETITION

    The Company encounters intense competition in its contract drilling
operations from other drilling contractors. The competitive environment for
contract drilling services involves such factors as drilling rates,
availability and condition of drilling rigs and equipment, reputation and
customer relations. The Company faces strong competition from major oil
companies, independent oil and gas companies and individual producers and
operators in acquiring oil and gas leases for exploration and development. Many
of the competitors in each of the Company's lines of business have
substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company.

RECENT LOSS; WRITEDOWNS

    For the year ended March 31, 1996, the Company incurred a loss of
approximately $952,000, primarily due to a non-cash charge of approximately
$2.6 million resulting from the writedown of the carrying value of certain of
the Company's oil and gas properties. This charge was a result of the adoption
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121") "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of". SFAS 121 requires the Company to assess the need for an
impairment of capitalized costs of oil and gas properties on a
property-by-property basis in contrast to the Company's prior policy of
evaluating the undiscounted future net revenues of its oil and gas properties
in total. According to SFAS 121, if an impairment as indicated based on
undiscounted future cash flows, then it is recognized to the extent that net
capitalized costs exceed discounted future cash flows. Although the Company had
earnings of approximately $804,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 1996,
and although the Company believes that drilling activity has begun to increase
in recent 



                                     -12-
<PAGE>   14

months, there can be no assurance that such rise in activity will continue or
that the Company will be profitable in the current or subsequent years, nor can
there be any assurance that the Company will not incur additional writedowns in
the value of its oil and gas properties in the future.

EFFECT OF CHANGE IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP ON NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARD

    The Company had a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward approximating
$71.4 million for tax purposes at March 31, 1996. The Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), limits the utilization of NOL carryforwards
under certain circumstances, including upon the occurrence of certain ownership
changes. The amount of such limitation is calculated pursuant to the Code and
is based on specified interest rates and other variables at the time of such
ownership change. To the extent such a carryforward is not utilized in a year,
it may be utilized in subsequent years. Based upon a review of relevant
transactions in the Common Stock, the Company believes that it has not
undergone an ownership change. However, transfers of Common Stock, over which
the Company may have no control, or subsequent issuances by the Company of
Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock, may result in an
ownership change, which could limit the use of the Company's NOL carryforward.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance of the continuing availability of full
utilization of the NOL carryforward of the Company.




                                     -13-
<PAGE>   15




                                 CAPITALIZATION

    The following table sets forth as of December 13, 1996 the historical
capitalization of the Company and the capitalization of the Company as adjusted
to give effect to the Company's issuance and sale of 725,000 shares of Common
Stock in February, 1997 upon consummation of the Company's private placement
and the application of the net proceeds (approximately $7.47 million)
therefrom. This table should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the Company's financial statements, including the notes thereto, incorporated
by reference herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                          ----------------------
                                                           ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                          --------   -----------
                                                             (In thousands)
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>     
Long-term debt ........................................   $  4,500        --


Stockholders' equity:

   Preferred Stock, $.10 par
     value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
     none issued and outstanding ......................       --          --

   Common Stock, $.10 par value,
     50,000,000 shares authorized;
     3,677,986 shares issued and outstanding;
     (4,428,086 shares issued and outstanding as
     adjusted) (1) ....................................        494         570

   Additional paid-in capital .........................     60,709      68,361

   Accumulated deficit ................................    (55,202)    (55,202)
                                                          --------    --------
   Treasury stock - common, 1,268,739
     shares at December 31, at cost ...................       (150)       (150)
      Total stockholders' equity ......................      5,851      13,579
                                                          --------    --------
         Total capitalization .........................   $ 10,351    $ 13,579
                                                          ========    ========
</TABLE>


- ------------------

(1)  The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding excludes (i) 939,800
     shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding
     stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $4.30 per share
     held by Directors, officers and employees of the Company and (ii) a
     five-year warrant to purchase 36,250 shares of the Company's Common Stock
     at an exercise price of $13.20 per share. See "Description of Capital
     Stock - Warrants." The number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, as
     adjusted, includes 25,100 shares of Common Stock issued subsequent to
     December 31, 1996 in connection with the Company's acquisition of
     additional working interests in four oil wells located in Lea County, New
     Mexico.




                                     -14-
<PAGE>   16




                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK


      During the period from November 22, 1993 to December 13, 1994, the
Company's Common Stock was traded on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market and on
December 15, 1994 the Company's Common Stock began trading on the Nasdaq
National Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market. The following table sets
forth, on a per share basis for the period indicated, the range of high and low
closing bid quotations of the Common Stock prior to December 15, 1994 and the
high and low last reported sales prices thereafter as reported by Nasdaq. The
quotations are inter-dealer prices without retail mark-ups, mark-downs or
commissions and may not represent actual transactions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Price
                                             -----------------------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995               HIGH          LOW
                                             ----------   ----------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>    
 First quarter                                $ 4 3/4     $ 4  5/8
 Second quarter                                 5 7/8       4  3/4
 Third quarter                                  7           6  3/8
 Fourth quarter                                 7 1/8       6  5/16

FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996

 First quarter                                  7 3/4       6  1/2
 Second quarter                                10 1/2       9  1/4
 Third quarter                                  9 1/4       8
 Fourth quarter                                 8 1/4       6  3/4
                                                              
FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1997                             
                                                              
 First quarter                                  8 1/4       6  3/4
 Second quarter                                12           7
 Third quarter                                 12           9
 Fourth quarter (through March 11)             13 3/4      10  3/4
</TABLE>


    The last sale price of the Company's Common Stock as of March 11, 1997 was
$12.50 per share, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. As of March 11,
1997, there were approximately 3,454 shareholders of record of the Company's
Common Stock.


                                   DIVIDENDS

    The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of its
Common Stock and has no plans to do so in the foreseeable future. The Company
presently intends to retain all earnings to fund its operations and future
growth.




                                     -15-
<PAGE>   17




                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table sets forth selected financial data for the Company as
of the dates and for the periods indicated. The financial data for the five
years ended March 31, 1996 were derived from the financial statements of the
Company which have been audited by Arthur Anderson LLP, independent
accountants. The data for the nine months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 have
been derived from unaudited financial statements of the Company. In the opinion
of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments)
have been made that are necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited
information presented. The nine-month results are not necessarily indicative of
expected annual results because of seasonal fluctuations in demand and prices
for oil and gas and other factors. The data set forth in this table should be
read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements, including
the notes thereto, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           
                                                              FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                                       
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------    
                                                    1992           1993           1994           1995           1996       
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                           (In thousands, except per share amounts)                        
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            
Income Statement Data                                                                                                      
Operating revenues:                                                                                                        
   Contract drilling                            $    12,203    $    17,996    $    18,359    $    18,357    $    21,298    
   Oil and gas                                          487            557            621          1,042          1,683    
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
            Total operating revenues                 12,690         18,553         18,980         19,399         22,981    
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                           
Operating costs and expenses:                                                                                              
   Contract drilling                                 13,154         15,570         14,989         14,630         17,252    
   Oil and gas production                               349            221            318            350            554    
   Dry holes and abandonments                           263            236            656            629            945    
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization           1,390            702            746            876            907    
   General and administrative                         1,432          1,401          1,339          1,553          1,599    
   Writedown of oil and gas properties                  938           --             --             --            2,624(1) 
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
         Total operating costs and expenses          17,526         18,130         18,048         18,038         23,881    
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
          Operating income (loss)                    (4,836)           423            932          1,361           (900)   
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                           
Other income (expenses):                                                                                                   
   Interest                                            (927)          (424)           (89)          (154)          (139)   
   Other                                              3,256          5,118            258            359            117    
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
      Total other income (expense)                    2,329          4,694            169            205            (22)   
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                                                                                           
Net income (loss) before income tax provision        (2,507)         5,117          1,101          1,566           (922)   
Provision for income taxes                             --             (149)           (62)           (30)           (30)   
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items    $    (2,507)   $     4,968    $     1,039    $     1,536    $      (952)   
                                                ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
                                                                                                                           
Extraordinary item:                                                                                                        
   Gain on debt extinguishment                                                                                             
      (net of taxes of $74)                            --      $     3,608           --             --             --      
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Net income (loss)                               $    (2,507)   $     8,576    $     1,039    $     1,536    $      (952)   
                                                ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
Preferred dividend requirement                  $    (4,170)          --             --             --             --      
                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Net income (loss) attributable to                                                                                          
   common stockholders                          $    (6,677)   $     8,576    $     1,039    $     1,536    $      (952)   
                                                ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
                                                                                                                           
Net income (loss) before extraordinary                                                                                     
   items per share                              $     (1.72)   $      1.09    $      0.23    $      0.38    $     (0.23)   
                                                ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
Weighted average number of common                                                                                          
   shares outstanding                             3,882,552      4,554,108      4,603,130      4,032,195      4,074,567    
                                                                                                                           
Other Financial Data                                                                                                       
EBITDA (2)                                      $    (2,245)   $     1,361    $     2,334    $     2,866    $     3,576    


<CAPTION>
                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                       DECEMBER 31,              
                                                -------------------------
                                                    1995           1996 
                                                -----------    -----------
                                             
<S>                                             <C>            <C>        
Income Statement Data                        
Operating revenues:                          
   Contract drilling                            $    16,194    $    11,820
   Oil and gas                                        1,096          1,439
                                                -----------    -----------
            Total operating revenues                 17,290         13,259
                                                -----------    -----------
                                             
Operating costs and expenses:                
   Contract drilling                                 13,872          9,052
   Oil and gas production                               374            589
   Dry holes and abandonments                           422            442
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization             898          1,071
   General and administrative                         1,174          1,143
   Writedown of oil and gas properties                 --             --   
                                                -----------    -----------
         Total operating costs and expenses          16,240         12,297
                                                -----------    -----------
          Operating income (loss)                     1,050            962
                                                -----------    -----------
                                             
Other income (expenses):                     
   Interest                                             (99)          (236)
   Other                                                 95             94
                                                -----------    -----------
      Total other income (expense)                       (4)          (142)
                                                -----------    -----------
                                             
Net income (loss) before income tax provision         1,046            820
Provision for income taxes                              (30)           (16)
                                                -----------    -----------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary items    $     1,016    $       804
                                                ===========    ===========
                                             
Extraordinary item:                          
   Gain on debt extinguishment               
      (net of taxes of $74)                            --             --   
                                                -----------    -----------
Net income (loss)                               $     1,016    $       804
                                                ===========    ===========
Preferred dividend requirement                         --             --   
                                                -----------    -----------
Net income (loss) attributable to            
   common stockholders                          $     1,016    $       804
                                                ===========    ===========
                                             
Net income (loss) before extraordinary       
   items per share                              $      0.25    $      0.19
                                                ===========    ===========
Weighted average number of common            
   shares outstanding                             4,083,980      4,181,834
                                             
Other Financial Data                         
EBITDA (2)                                      $     2,370    $     2,475
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                      ---------------------------
                                      HISTORICAL  AS ADJUSTED (3)
                                      ----------  ---------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA
<S>                                    <C> <C>      <C>    
Cash and cash equivalents              $10 531      $ 3,507
Total assets                            14,655       17,883
Total debt                               4,500         --
Stockholders' equity                     5,851       13,579
</TABLE>

- --------------- 

(1)  During 1996, the Company recognized a non-cash charge of approximately
     $2.6 million due to a writedown of the carrying value of its oil and gas
     properties. This charge was a result of the adoption of Statement of
     Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121") "Accounting for the
     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed
     Of". SFAS 121 requires the Company to assess the need for an impairment of
     capitalized costs of oil and gas properties on a property-by-property
     basis in contrast to the Company's prior policy of evaluating the
     undiscounted future net revenues of its oil and gas properties in total.
     According to SFAS 121, if an impairment is indicated based on undiscounted
     future cash flows, then it is recognized to the extent that net
     capitalized costs exceed discounted future cash flows. 

- --------------- 

* footnotes continued on page 17.




                                     -16-
<PAGE>   18


(2)  EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes and depreciation,
     depletion, amortization and dry hole and abandonment and writedown of oil
     and gas properties) is presented to provide additional information about
     the Company's operations. EBITDA should not be considered as an
     alternative to net income as an indicator of the Company's operating
     performance or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities
     under generally accepted accounting principles as a better measure of
     liquidity.

(3)  As adjusted to give effect to the completion of the Company's private
     placement in February, 1997 of 725,000 shares of Common Stock at a price
     of $11.00 per share, and the application of the net proceeds
     (approximately $7.47 million) therefrom. The number of outstanding shares
     of Common Stock, as adjusted, includes 25,100 shares of Common Stock
     issued subsequent to December 31, 1996 in connection with the Company's
     acquisition of additional working interests in four wells located in Lea
     County, New Mexico.




                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


OVERVIEW

     Since 1982, the principal business of the Company has been domestic
onshore contract drilling of oil and gas wells. In 1987, the Company began
acquiring and participating in the exploration for and development of oil and
gas reserves.

     Contract Drilling Operations

     Drilling revenues from footage and daywork contracts are recognized as
work is performed utilizing the percentage-of-completion method. Costs on
footage and daywork contracts are recognized in the period incurred. The
Company utilizes the completed contract method to recognize drilling revenues
and expenses relating to turnkey contracts. Expected losses on all in-process
contracts are recognized in the period the loss can reasonably be determined.

     Drilling equipment is depreciated on a units-of-production method based on
the monthly utilization of the equipment. Drilling equipment which is not
utilized during a month is depreciated using a minimum utilization rate of
approximately twenty-five percent. Estimated useful lives range from four to
eight years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the
straight-line method of depreciation with estimated useful lives of three to
seven years.

     The following table sets forth certain information relating to the
Company's contract drilling operations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                   DECEMBER 31,
                                             -----------------------------------     ---------------------
                                               1994         1995         1996            1995       1996
                                             ---------    ---------    ---------     ----------  ---------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT %'S)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>       <C>      
     Contract drilling revenues              $  18,359    $  18,357    $  21,298       16,194    $  11,820
                                             ---------    ---------    ---------     --------    ---------
     Contract drilling expenses                 14,989       14,630       17,252       13,372        9,052

     Contract drilling expenses
         as a percent of drilling revenues        81.6%        79.7%        81.0%        82.6%        76.6%

     Rig utilization                              47.6%        43.5%        45.1%        45.3%        45.5%
</TABLE>






                                     -17-
<PAGE>   19

     Oil and Gas Operations

     The Company's oil and gas producing activities are accounted for using the
successful efforts method of accounting. Accordingly, the costs incurred to
acquire oil and gas properties (proved and unproved), all development costs and
successful exploratory costs are capitalized, whereas the costs of unsuccessful
exploratory wells are expensed. Geological and geophysical costs, including
seismic costs, are charged to expense when incurred. In cases where the Company
provides contract drilling services related to oil and gas properties in which
it has an ownership interest, the Company's proportionate share of costs
related to these properties is capitalized as stated above, net of the
Company's working interest share of profits from the related drilling
contracts. Capitalized costs of undeveloped properties, which are not depleted
until proved reserves can be associated with the properties, are periodically
reviewed for possible impairment. Such unevaluated costs totaled approximately
$973,000, $1,100,000 and $137,000 as of March 31, 1995, March 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1996, respectively.

     During 1996 and 1995, depletion, depreciation and amortization of
capitalized oil and gas property costs was provided using the
units-of-production method based on estimated proved or proved developed oil
and gas reserves, as applicable, of the respective property units. Prior to
1995, depletion, depreciation and amortization of capitalized oil and gas
property costs was provided using the straight-line method over an estimated
life of five years since the company did not obtain the reserve information
necessary for the units-of-production method.

     The following table sets forth certain information relating to the
Company's oil and gas operations:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                     YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,       DECEMBER 31,
                                   ------------------------   ---------------
                                    1994     1995     1996     1995     1996
                                   ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>   
     Oil and gas revenues          $  621   $1,042   $1,683   $1,096   $1,439
     Production expenses              318      350      554      374      589
     Dry holes and abandonments       656      629      945      422      442
     Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                 281      400      468      584      494
     Writedown of properties         --       --      2,624     --       --
</TABLE>

     The contract drilling industry remains highly competitive. Recently,
however, the demand for drilling rigs has improved from previous years. The
Company believes it owns a sufficient number of drilling rigs to remain
competitive within its areas of operation. In addition, the Company believes it
competes favorably with respect to the depth capacity of its rigs, the
availability of drilling equipment, the experience level of its personnel, the
reputation of the Company and its relationship with existing customers.
However, cash flow generated from operations and the Company's operating
results will continue to be directly affected by the level of drilling activity
in the Company's operating areas.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Comparison of nine months ended December 31, 1996 to nine months ended
December 31, 1995

     Contract drilling revenues were approximately $5,051,000 and $11,820,000
for the three and nine months ended December 31, 1996. When compared to the
same periods in the prior year, contract drilling revenues were relatively flat
for the three month period ended December 31, 1996 and decreased 27% for the
nine months ended December 31, 1996.



                                     -18-
<PAGE>   20


     Rig utilization rates were 58% and 45% for the three and nine months ended
December 31, 1996 compared to 42% and 45% in the same periods in 1995. Rig
utilization rates and contract drilling revenues for the nine months ended
December 31, 1996 were adversely affected by extremely low utilization in the
first three months of the fiscal year. The utilization rate for the first
quarter was 34% compared to 58% for the third quarter of this fiscal year.
During the first quarter of the period, drilling prices were depressed and the
Company chose to underutilize its drilling equipment rather than subjecting
such equipment to additional wear and tear at unacceptable operating margins.
From July, 1996 through December, 1996, the Company experienced, and is
continuing to experience, a substantial increase in demand for its contract
drilling services. Rig utilization in the Company's operating market is
difficult to project because contract drilling is a highly competitive
industry. In addition, the number of rigs, industry wide, actually available
for work cannot be accurately determined.

     Contract drilling expenses as a percent of contract drilling revenues was
75% for the three months ended December 31, 1996 compared to 87% for the same
period in the prior year. This decrease can be attributed to a substantial
increase in rates the Company charges for contract drilling services.

     Oil and gas revenues increased by approximately 62% and 31% for the three
and nine months ended December 31, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995.
Accordingly, oil and gas production expenses increased 57% for the nine months
ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the nine months ended December 31,
1995.

     Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense has also increased due to
the addition of drill pipe and an increase in the number of producing wells in
which the Company has an ownership interest.

     Interest expense increased approximately 138% for the nine months ended
December 31, 1996 due to borrowings under the Company's credit facilities with
its bank lender during this period. See "- Liquidity and Capital Resources"
below.

     Net working capital was $56,000 at December 31, 1996 compared to a
negative $1,236,000 at March 31, 1996. The increase in working capital can be
attributed to a decrease in trade payables and an increase in accounts
receivable.

     Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 1996 to Year Ended March 31, 1995

     Contract drilling revenues increased for the year ended March 31, 1996 by
approximately 16% over the year ended March 31, 1995. The Company has
experienced an increased demand for turnkey drilling contracts. During fiscal
year 1996, the Company drilled 12 turnkey wells which represented 45% of total
drilling revenues, compared to 8 in fiscal year 1995, which represented 28% of
total drilling revenues. Operating costs as a percent of revenues remained
relatively constant as did the Company's rig utilization rates.

     Oil and gas revenues increased by approximately 62% and 68% for the years
ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. This increase is primarily a
result of an increase in the number of wells in which the Company owned an
interest. Accordingly, the related oil and gas production expenses increased
over the same periods by 58% and 10%, respectively.

     The Company participated as a working interest owner in the drilling of 28
wells during 1996, of which 14 were dry holes. The Company participated as a
working interest owner in the drilling of 24 wells in 1995, of which 11 were
dry holes.

     During 1996, the Company recognized a non-cash charge of approximately
$2.6 million due to a writedown of the carrying value of its oil and gas
properties. This charge was a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS 121) "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of". SFAS 121
requires the Company to assess the need for an impairment of capitalized costs
of oil and gas properties on a property-by-property basis in contrast to the
company's prior policy of evaluating the undiscounted future net revenues of
its oil and gas properties in total. According to SFAS 121, if an impairment is
indicated based on undiscounted future cash flows, then it is recognized to the
extent that net capitalized costs exceed discounted future cash flows.





                                     -19-
<PAGE>   21



     Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 1995 to Year Ended March 31, 1994

     Contract drilling expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 1994
to 1995 due to the implementation of cost containment programs. The Company
experienced increased demand for turnkey contracts which resulted in relatively
constant drilling revenues from 1994 to 1995, despite a slight decrease in rig
utilization.

     Oil and gas revenues increased by approximately 68% and 11% for the years
ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. This increase was primarily a
result of an increase in the number of wells in which the Company owned an
interest. The related oil and gas production expenses increased by 10% during
1995 as a result of new wells coming on-line and increased 44% during 1994 due
to workovers of existing wells.

     The Company participated as a working interest owner in the drilling of 24
wells during 1995, of which 11 were dry holes. The Company participated as a
working interest owner in the drilling of 19 wells during 1994, of which 10
were dry holes and 1 was a disposal well.

     Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased by approximately 17%
during 1995 due to the Company's additional investment in oil and gas
properties.

     For the year ended March 31, 1995, other income included a recovery of
approximately $163,000 from antitrust litigation relating to drill bits.

     The continued volatility in oil and gas prices coupled with the continued
low level of drilling activity and extreme uncertainty and competitive
conditions prevalent in the contract drilling industry during this period had a
considerable negative impact on the Company and its operating margin.

INCOME TAXES

        At March 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $71,409,000 of unused
net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards for tax purposes. Realization of the
benefits of these carryforwards is dependent upon the Company's ability to
generate taxable earnings in future periods. If these carryforwards are not
utilized, they will begin to expire in 1998. The Company's ability to utilize
its NOL carryforwards may be substantially limited in the future under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If the Company
experiences an ownership change under applicable provisions of the Code, the
carryforward would be limited to an annual amount calculated based on specified
interest rates and other variables. The Company does not believe an ownership
change has occurred to date.

        The effective tax rates for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
differ from the statutory tax rate of 34% primarily due to utilization of NOLs.
Tax expense is generally limited to alternative minimum tax.

        The Company utilizes an asset and liability approach for financial
accounting and reporting for income taxes. The Company has a deferred tax asset
primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has provided a
valuation allowance for the entire balance of deferred tax assets as it is
likely that a portion of the NOLs may expire before the Company is able to use
them.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        In January, 1996, the Company entered into a loan agreement with its
bank lender providing for a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility")
maturing on January 15, 1998. The aggregate principal amount of the Company's
borrowings outstanding at any one time under the revolving facility are limited
to the lesser of $3.0 million or one-third of the borrowing base amount then in
effect. The borrowing base amount is redetermined by the bank monthly. At
December 31, 1996, the borrowing base amount was approximately $12.6 million
and the aggregate principal amount 




                                     -20-
<PAGE>   22

outstanding at the same date was $3.0 million. These borrowings were incurred
to finance the Company's purchases of drill pipe and oil and gas exploration
activities. With respect to the principal amount outstanding from time to time
under the revolving facility, interest only is payable on the fifteenth day of
each month. On January 15, 1998, the principal amount then outstanding is due
and payable, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Credit Facility bears
interest at the bank's base rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996) and is secured by
substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable, drilling rigs and
related equipment.

        In August, 1996, the Company entered into a second loan agreement with
its bank lender. This second loan agreement provides for a $2.0 million
revolving line of credit (the "Line of Credit") secured by substantially all of
the Company's producing oil and gas properties. At December 31, 1996,
approximately $1.5 million was outstanding under the Line of Credit. Borrowings
under the Line of Credit were incurred to finance the Company's oil and gas
exploration activities and for general corporate purposes. The Line of Credit
bears interest at the bank's base rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996) and the
interest only is payable monthly. The Line of Credit matures on February 15,
1998, at which time the principal amount then outstanding is due and payable,
plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

        In February, 1997, the Company repaid all amounts outstanding under the
Credit Facility and the Line of Credit with a portion of the proceeds from the
private placement of 725,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.

        The Company intends to meet its cash flow requirements for fiscal 1997
through cash flow provided from operations and, if needed, additional
borrowings under the Credit Facility and Line of Credit.

        The following table sets forth information regarding the capital
expenditures made by the Company during the last three fiscal years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Nine Months Ended
                                                     Year Ended March 31,         December 31,
                                                ------------------------------ ----------------- 
                                                  1994       1995       1996           1996     
                                                --------   --------   -------- ----------------- 
                                                                  (In thousands)            
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        
Oil and gas exploration and development .....   $  1,019   $  2,980   $  5,553       $  2,122   
Drill pipe and related equipment ............        742        459      1,452          2,138   
Other .......................................        209         56         11             79   
                                                --------   --------   --------       --------   
                                                                                                
        Total ...............................   $  1,970   $  3,495   $  7,016       $  4,339   
                                                ========   ========   ========       ========   
</TABLE>

        The Company estimates that its capital expenditures for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1997 will be approximately $5.4 million, including
approximately $2.9 million for drill pipe and drilling equipment, and $2.5
million for oil and gas exploration and development, approximately 80% of which
has been expended through the nine months ended December 31, 1996.

        The Company presently anticipates making capital expenditures of
approximately $7.0 million in its 1998 fiscal year. Of this amount, the Company
expects that approximately $3.0 million will be spent for the acquisition of
drill pipe, drill collars and related equipment, and approximately $4.0 million
for oil and gas exploration and development activities. It is the Company's
policy, however, to maintain maximum flexibility to make capital expenditures
for its lines of business based on then existing economic conditions, the
results of the Company's drilling activities, and other factors affecting the
Company's business. Accordingly, the amounts actually expended in the Company's
activities in fiscal 1998 could differ substantially from the amounts estimated
above.

        The Company anticipates that funds for its capital expenditures in
fiscal 1998 will be available through a combination of sources, including (i)
borrowings under its Credit Facility and Line of Credit, (ii) funds raised
through issuances of equity or debt securities in public or private
transactions, and (iii) internally generated funds.




                                     -21-
<PAGE>   23




TRENDS AND PRICES

        The contract drilling business is currently experiencing increased
demand for drilling services primarily due to stronger oil and gas prices.
However, the market for onshore contract drilling services has generally been
depressed since 1982, when oil and gas prices began to weaken. The Company
cannot predict either the future level of demand for its contract drilling
services or future conditions in the contract drilling industry.

        In recent years, oil and gas prices have been extremely volatile.
Prices for oil and gas are affected by market supply and demand factors as well
as actions of state and local agencies, the U.S. and foreign governments and
international cartels. The Company has no way of accurately predicting the
supply and demand for oil and gas, domestic or worldwide political events or
the effects of any such factors on the prices received by the Company for its
oil and gas.

INDUSTRY CONDITIONS

        From 1982 until recently, the U.S. onshore drilling industry has been
characterized by an over supply of drilling equipment as demand for land
drilling services decreased. During the past 14 years, the available onshore
drilling rig fleet declined from approximately 5,139 drilling rigs in 1982 to
approximately 1,425 drilling rigs in 1996. Industry profitability suffered, and
in many cases, insufficient cash flow was generated to support proper drilling
rig maintenance. To maintain operation of drilling equipment in that
environment, drilling contractors cannibalized parts and components from less
desirable drilling rigs. The available domestic drilling fleet has been further
reduced through the mobilization of drilling equipment to international
markets.

        During the last two years, however, demand for domestic onshore
drilling services has increased as a result of stronger oil and gas prices and
technological advances that have reduced exploration, development and
production costs. Accordingly, the Baker Hughes rig count for New Mexico and
the Permian Basin of west Texas has increased to 128 at December 31, 1996,
compared to 122 and 108 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.



                                     -22-
<PAGE>   24




                            BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

GENERAL

        TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc. (the "Company") provides domestic onshore
drilling services to major and independent oil and gas companies. Formed in
1982, the Company focuses its operations in the Permian Basin of west Texas and
eastern New Mexico. The Company provides the crews and most of the ancillary
equipment used in the operation of its drilling rigs. The Company is also
engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and
gas. The Company is currently experiencing a substantial increase in demand for
its contract drilling services. Rig utilization for the three months ended
December 31, 1996 is estimated to be approximately 58% compared to 44% for the
three months ended September 30, 1996. The Company is also experiencing a
substantial increase in the rates it charges for its contract drilling
services.

        Through its predecessor, Tom Brown, Inc., the Company has been engaged
in contract drilling operations since 1955 and became an independent entity as
a result of a spin-off from Tom Brown, Inc. in 1984. As of March 3, 1997, the
Company owned 15 drilling rigs, 12 of which were operating for non-affiliated
oil producers and 3 of which were inactive, or "stacked". All of the Company's
rigs are operational and actively marketed in the Permian Basin of west Texas
and eastern New Mexico.

        The Company has established a reputation for reliability, high quality
equipment and well-trained crews. The Company continually seeks to modify and
upgrade its equipment to maximize the performance and capabilities of its
drilling rig fleet, which the Company believes provides it with a competitive
advantage. The Company has the capability to design, repair and modify its
drilling rig fleet from its principal support and storage facilities in
Midland, Texas, and an additional storage yard in Odessa, Texas.

        The Company's oil and gas activities complement its onshore drilling
operations. These activities are focused in the mature producing regions in the
Permian Basin. Oil and gas operations comprised approximately 11% of the
Company's revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 1996. As of March 31,
1996, the Company's proved reserves, all of which were proved developed
producing, were 838 MBOE and had a present value of future net revenues of
approximately $4.9 million. Since March 31, 1992, the Company has increased its
proved reserve base at a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 50%.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

             The Company's strategy is to increase cash flow and profitability
by utilizing the factors set forth below. As a result of its quality asset
base, strong reputation and customer relationships and experienced and
dedicated management and employees, the Company believes it receives premium
rates for its contract drilling services. The Company's oil and gas operations
can provide additional growth through its exposure to high potential oil and
gas drilling projects.

MAINTAIN QUALITY ASSET BASE. The Company's drilling rigs are maintained in good
operating condition. The Company believes that the quality and operating
condition of its drilling equipment allows it to maximize its utilization rates
and pricing. The drilling depth capability of the Company's fleet ranges from
8,500 to 30,000 feet with an average drilling depth capability of approximately
14,000 feet. For the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1996, the Company's
average well depth drilled was approximately 9,500 feet.

CAPITALIZE ON STRONG INDUSTRY REPUTATION. The Company, individually or through
its predecessor, has focused its operations in the Permian Basin for over 40
years. The Company believes that it has a strong reputation within such region
for providing well maintained equipment, quality service and experienced
personnel.




                                     -23-
<PAGE>   25


Continue to Build Strong Customer Relationships. The Company seeks to maximize
customer satisfaction by maintaining high quality standards and continually
evaluating and seeking to improve its performance.

ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXPERIENCED AND DEDICATED MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES. The
Company believes that it offers its employees attractive compensation, benefits
and incentive programs that are competitive within its industry. The Company
believes that its compensation and training policies enhance its ability to
maintain a stable, productive workforce, which is essential to the efficient
operation and successful expansion of its business.

PURSUE COMPLEMENTARY OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS. The Company believes that its oil
and gas operations provide it with the additional financial flexibility to
generate cash flow during downturns in the onshore drilling market. The
Company's ability to participate in the ownership of interests in oil and gas
wells also generates opportunities to serve as the onshore drilling contractor
for other operators or on its own behalf.

CONTRACT DRILLING OPERATIONS

        Although incorporated in 1982, the Company and its predecessor have
been engaged in domestic onshore contract drilling operations for a total of 41
years. The Company markets its contract drilling services to both major oil
companies and independent oil producers. As of March 3, 1997, the Company owned
15 drilling rigs, 12 of which were operating for non-affiliated oil producers,
and 3 of which were stacked. All of the Company's drilling rigs are located in
the Permian Basin area of west Texas and eastern New Mexico. The depth
capabilities of the Company's rigs range from 8,500 feet to 30,000 feet.

        In addition to the drilling rigs, the Company provides the crews and
most of the ancillary equipment used in the operation of the rigs. An onshore
drilling rig consists of engines, drawworks, mast, pumps to circulate drilling
fluids, blowout preventers, the drill string and related equipment. The size
and type of rig utilized for each drilling project depends upon the location of
the well, the well depth and equipment requirements specified in the drilling
contract, as well as other factors.

        Major overhauls, repairs and general maintenance for the drilling rigs
are primarily conducted at the Company's principal support and storage
facilities in Midland, Texas. The Company emphasizes the maintenance and
periodic improvement of its drilling equipment and believes that its rigs are
generally in good condition.




                                     -24-
<PAGE>   26




        Drilling Rigs

        The following table sets forth the type and depth capabilities of the
Company's 15 onshore drilling rigs.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 RIG NO.      DEPTH CAPACITY            TYPE
                 -------      --------------            ----
<S>              <C>             <C>                <C>
                   2*              8,500             Weiss W-45
                   3*              8,500             Weiss W-45
                   6              12,500             National 75A
                  10*             12,500             National 75A
                  12              11,500             National 50A
                  14*             12,500             BDW 650
                  17*              9,500             Unit 15
                  22              13,500             Brewster N-75
                  23*             13,500             National 75A
                  24*             13,500             Gardner Denver 700
                  27*             13,500             Gardner Denver 700
                  28*             16,000             Gardner Denver 800
                  29*             16,000             Gardner Denver 800
                  55*             30,000             Gardner Denver DW-2100
                  56*             20,000             National 110-M
</TABLE>

- ---------------

          *    In active operation at March 3, 1997.

        Drilling Contracts

        The Company's drilling contracts are usually obtained through
competitive bidding or as a result of direct negotiations with customers. Such
contracts typically obligate the Company to pay all expenses associated with
drilling an oil or gas well, including wages of drilling personnel, maintenance
expenses and incidental purchases of rig supplies and equipment. The majority
of the Company's contracts are "footage" contracts with the remainder being
"daywork" or "turnkey" contracts. Under a footage contract, the Company charges
an agreed price per foot drilled, whereas a day-work contract permits the
Company to charge a per diem fixed rate for each day the rig is in operation. A
turnkey contract specifies a total price for drilling a well plus providing
other services, materials or equipment which are typically the responsibility
of the operator under footage or daywork contracts. Prices for all contracts
vary depending on the location, depth, duration, complexity of the well to be
drilled, operating conditions and other factors peculiar to each proposed well.
Under footage and turnkey contracts, the Company manages the drilling operation
and the type of equipment to be used, subject to certain customer
specifications. The Company also bears the risk and expense of mechanical
malfunctions, equipment shortages, and other delays arising from problems
caused in drilling a well. Daywork contracts permit the operator of the well to
manage drilling operations and to specify the type of equipment to be used.
Under daywork contracts, the Company generally bears none of the risk due to
time delays caused by unforeseeable circumstances such as stuck or broken drill
pipe or blowouts. Of the 12 rigs working at March 3, 1997, 7 were subject to
daywork contracts and 5 were subject to footage contracts.

        Rig Utilization

        The Company's contract drilling revenues depend upon the utilization of
its drilling rigs and the contract rates received for its drilling operations.
These two factors are affected by a number of variables, including competitive
conditions in the drilling industry and the level of exploration and
development activity conducted by oil and gas producers at any given time. The
level of domestic drilling activity has historically fluctuated and cannot be
accurately predicted because of numerous factors affecting the petroleum
industry, including oil and gas prices and the degree of government regulation
of the industry.




                                     -25-
<PAGE>   27




        Although all 15 of the Company's drilling rigs are operational and are
actively marketed for service to the oil and gas exploration industry, the
conditions that have existed in the drilling industry have, until recently,
caused the Company to limit the number of active rigs at any one time to a
maximum of 10, primarily due to a shortage of qualified and experienced crews.
Operating more than 10 rigs under such conditions might have required the
Company to hire less experienced crews which it believes would result in
operating inefficiencies and higher accident rates which, in turn, could
adversely affect the Company's profitability and competitive position. However,
as a result of recent and further increases in demand for the Company's
contract drilling services, coupled with the ability of the Company to maximize
its business strategy of attracting and retaining experienced and qualified
employees, the Company had 12 drilling rigs in active service at March 3, 1997.
In an effort to achieve and maintain more efficient drilling operations, the
Company prefers not to hire less experienced crews.

        Markets and Customers

        During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Company drilled a
total of 87 wells for approximately 27 customers. The following table sets
forth certain information with respect to the principal customers for the
Company's contract drilling services during such period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PERCENT OF           NUMBER OF WELLS
        NAME OF CUSTOMER                                  TOTAL REVENUES             DRILLED
        ----------------                                  --------------             -------
<S>                                                            <C>                      <C>
        Mobil Exploration & Producing U. S. Inc.               18%                      23
        Titan Resources I, Inc.                                18%                       4
        Arrington Oil and Gas, Inc.                            13%                       1
</TABLE>

        In the nine months ended December 31, 1996, the Company drilled a total
of 75 wells for approximately 21 customers.

        The loss of any one or more of the above customers could have a
material adverse effect on the Company, depending upon the demand for the
Company's drilling rigs at the time of such loss and the Company's ability to
attract new customers.

OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS

        The Company's oil and gas acquisition exploration, development and
production activities are primarily concentrated in the Permian Basin, an
approximately 70-county region of west Texas and southeast New Mexico. The
Company individually acquires or participates in joint ventures or other
arrangements as a working interest owner for such projects and usually provides
the contract drilling services for projects in which it has an interest. The
Company believes that its involvement in such projects complements its contract
drilling services by providing the Company with an additional source of
revenues and a profitable source of additional rig utilization.

         Exploration for oil and gas requires substantial expenditures,
especially for exploration in more remote areas. As is customary in the oil and
gas industry, the drilling of oil and gas wells is accomplished through
participation with other individuals, partnerships or corporations. One of the
parties experienced with operations in the area is usually designated as the
operator of the property and is responsible for the direct supervision,
administration and accounting for wells drilled and completed pursuant to an
operating agreement between the parties. The Company typically serves as
operator of oil and gas prospects assembled by the Company and participates as
a non-operating working interest owner in prospects assembled and generated by
third parties. As operator, the Company supervises the drilling and completion
of wells and production therefrom and the further development of surrounding
properties. The operator of a well has significant control over its location
and the timing of its drilling. In addition, the operator of a well receives
fees from other working interest owners as reimbursement for the general and
administrative expenses attendant to the operation of the wells. The operator
will normally receive revenues and pay expenses equal to more than its
ownership interest in the wells, and then must remit or collect all but its
share to or from the other respective participants in the well. At March 3,
1997 the Company was operator of 33 wells.



                                     -26-
<PAGE>   28


         Principal Oil and Gas Properties

         The following sets forth a brief summary of the Company's principal
exploration and development prospects in progress at March 3, 1997. In total,
the Company has identified more than 28 potential drilling locations in the
Permian Basin, none of which are included in the Company's current reserve
report.

         Big Mac Prospect. Since August, 1996, the Company has drilled two
gross (0.5 net) successful wells on this prospect which tested at 220 Bbls of
oil per day. As of March 3, 1997, the No. 1 well was producing 60 Bbls of oil
per day, approximately 70 Mcf of gas per day and 48 barrels of water per day.
The No. 1A well has been shut-in indefinitely because of the appearance of
water products in both wells. Due to the close proximity of these two wells,
the Company believes that producing both wells concurrently would be
detrimental to the reservoir. The Company has identified eight additional
potential drilling locations on the Company's 900 gross (225 net) leasehold
acres in the McElroy Glorietta Baxter Field in Crane County, Texas. The
Company's working interest and net revenue interest in this prospect are 25%
and 18.75%, respectively. The Company presently plans to drill as many as six
additional wells to this formation during 1997.

         North Pearl Prospect. The Company has identified three additional
potential drilling locations at depths of approximately 7,000 feet on the
Company's 640 gross (128 net) leasehold acres at Arkansas Junction in Lea
County, New Mexico. The Company's working interest and net revenue interest in
this prospect are 25% and 18.75%, respectively. The Company has completed its
first well in the Cherry Canyon Sand and at March 3, 1997, the well was
producing 78 Bbls of oil per day and 101 barrels of water per day.

         Phase III Partnership. The Company has identified three potential
drilling locations on the Company's 4,353 gross (218 net) leasehold acres in
the Phase III (Fusselman) Field in Glasscock County, Texas. The Company may
increase its current 5% working interest by 12.5%. The Ray #1 well was drilled
in January 1995 and as of March 3, 1997, was producing 83 BOE per day from the
Fusselman formation. The three remaining locations also target the Fusselman
formation and are expected to be drilled during 1997.

         Petco Prospect. The Company has identified one potential drilling
location targeting the Devonian and Ellenberger formations at depths of
approximately 13,500 feet on the Company's 640 gross (160 net) leasehold acres
in the Petco Field in Pecos County, Texas. The Company's working interest and
net revenue interest in this prospect are 25% and 18.75%, respectively. The
Reed #2303 well was in process of being drilled at March 3, 1997.

         Barstow Fusselman Prospect - Miller Unit. The Company has identified
two potential drilling locations at the Fusselman formation at a depth of
approximately 17,400 feet on the Company's 2,094 gross (523 net) leasehold
acres in the Barstow Fusselman Field in Ward County, Texas. The Company drilled
the Fuller #1 well in December, 1996. The Company is currently completing the
second well. The Company's working interest and net revenue interest in this
prospect are 25% and 18.75%, respectively. As of December 31, 1996, the Fuller
#1 well was producing 3,500 Mcf of gas per day. However, the gas has a 34% CO2
gas content.

         SOC Prospect. The Company has an 8% working interest and 5.92% net
revenue interest in the initial well on this prospect. The Roark #1 well is
currently producing 5,000 Mcf of gas per day. The Company has identified up to
four potential drilling locations on the Company's 3,200 gross (155 net)
leasehold acres in Winkler County, Texas. The Company expects to shoot an
additional seismic survey to confirm its current locations. The target
formations are the Atoka, Morrow and Fusselman at a depth of approximately
18,500 feet. Upon processing and interpretation of the seismic data, the
Company intends to drill up to four locations.

         Pinnacle Prospect. The Company has assembled a 960 gross (960 net)
acreage position in the Yates Plateau area of Ector County, Texas, which will
provide up to eight drilling locations depending upon initial drilling results.
The Company anticipates that drilling of the first well may commence within
sixty days. The Company expects to retain a 12.5% carried working interest and
an additional 12.5% working interest after selling 75% to other industry
partners.



                                     -27-
<PAGE>   29


         Other. In addition to the Company's oil and gas properties in the
United States, the Company owns an offshore concession in the Republic of
Palau. The concession, which was acquired in 1996, is not significant to the
Company's oil and gas operations, and, except as otherwise indicated, all
information herein excludes information relating to this concession.

         Oil and Gas Reserves

         The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Company's proved reserves at March 31, 1996, all of which were proved developed
producing, as estimated by Joe C. Neal and Associates, Midland, Texas.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES
                   --------------------------------------------------------
                                                            PRESENT
                   GAS                    OIL          VALUE OF ESTIMATED
                  (MCF)                  (BBLS)        FUTURE NET REVENUES
                  -----                  ------        -------------------
<S>             <C>                      <C>               <C>       
                2,815,591                368,643           $4,953,616
</TABLE>


         Additional information concerning the Company's estimated proved oil
and gas reserves is included in the notes to the Company's financial statements
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.

         The reserve information is only an estimate. There are numerous
uncertainties inherent in estimating oil and gas reserves and their estimated
values, including many factors beyond the control of the producer. Reserve
engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of
oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of any
reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, estimates
of different engineers often vary. In addition, estimates of reserves are
subject to revision due to the results of drilling, testing and production
subsequent to the date of such estimates. Accordingly, reserve estimates are
often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately
recovered. The accuracy of such estimates is highly dependent upon the accuracy
of the underlying assumptions upon which they were based.

         In general, the volume of production from oil and gas properties
declines as reserves are depleted. Except to the extent the Company acquires
properties containing proved reserves or conducts successful exploration and
development activities, or both, the proved reserves of, and volumes of
production by, the Company will decline as reserves are produced. The Company's
future oil and gas production is therefore highly dependent upon its level of
success in acquiring or finding additional reserves. See "Risk Factors --
Replacement of Reserves; Risks of Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and
Production".




                                     -28-
<PAGE>   30




         Productive Wells and Acreage

         The following tables set forth the gross and net productive oil and
gas wells and developed and undeveloped acreage in which the company owned a
working interest as of March 31, 1996. Excluded from the table is acreage in
which the Company's interest is limited to royalty or similar interests.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PRODUCTIVE WELLS
                            -----------------------------
                                GROSS            NET
                            -------------   -------------
                             OIL     GAS     OIL     GAS
                            -----   -----   -----   -----
<S>                            <C>      <C>  <C>      <C>
Texas ...................      66       7    9.25     .85
New Mexico ..............      10       2    1.73     .14
                            -----   -----   -----   -----


                               76       9   10.98     .99
                            =====   =====   =====   =====
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ACREAGE
                                 ---------------------------------
                                    DEVELOPED         UNDEVELOPED
                                 ---------------   ---------------
                                 GROSS     NET     GROSS     NET
                                 ------   ------   ------   ------
<S>                              <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>  
Texas ........................   15,808    2,004    7,051    1,941
New Mexico ...................    2,009      295      639      639
                                 ------   ------   ------   ------


                                 17,817    2,299    7,690    2,580
                                 ======   ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>


        Generally, the terms of developed oil and gas leaseholds are continuing
and such leases remain in force by virtue of, and so long as, production from
lands under lease is maintained. Undeveloped oil and gas leaseholds are
generally for a primary term, such as five or ten years, subject to maintenance
with the payment of specified minimum delay rentals or extension by production.





                                     -29-
<PAGE>   31




         Drilling Activity

         The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
number of gross and net wells drilled for the Company's account during the
periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                  ---------------------------------------------------
                                       1994              1995               1996
                                  --------------     --------------    --------------
TYPE OF WELL                      GROSS     NET      GROSS    NET      GROSS    NET
                                  ------   -----     -----   ------    ------  ------
<S>                               <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
Exploratory
         Oil                          6      .61        4      .44        7     1.34
         Gas                         --       --        3      .29        1      .25
         Dry                          9     1.25        9     1.19       11     2.07

Development
         Oil                          3      .20        6      .84        6      .48
         Gas                          1      .13       --       --       --       --
         Dry                         --       --        2      .21        3      .51
</TABLE>


- ------------------

(1)  An exploratory well is a well drilled to find and produce oil or gas in an
     unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be
     productive of oil or gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known
     reservoir.

(2)  A development well is a well drilled within the proved area of a oil or
     gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be
     productive.

        At March 3, 1997, the Company was participating in the drilling of 1
gross (.25 net) exploratory well in Pecos County, Texas and 1 gross (.25 net)
development well in Andrews County, Texas.

    Substantially all of the equipment used in the Company's drilling 
operations is owned by the Company; however, certain insignificant items of
drilling equipment are leased or rented as needed as such equipment either
cannot be purchased or is only necessary for the drilling of certain types of
wells located in certain areas.




                                     -30-
<PAGE>   32


         Production, Prices and Costs

            The following table sets forth certain information regarding
volumes of the Company's net production of oil and gas, the average sales
prices received associated with its sales of oil and gas, and the average
production (lifting) cost per equivalent barrel of oil.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED                 
                                 YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                  DECEMBER 31,
                       --------------------------------------   -------------------------
                           1994         1995          1996          1995          1996
                       -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

<S>                         <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>   
Net production
       Oil (Bbls)           28,600       51,300        70,941        49,633        51,100
       Gas (Mcf)            74,800      104,700       212,062       145,873       232,636

Sales prices
        Oil ($/Bbl)    $     16.13  $     17.13   $     17.67   $     17.56   $     21.48
        Gas ($/Mcf)    $      1.92  $      1.55   $      1.52   $      1.54   $      1.45

Production (lifting)
  Costs per BOE        $      8.50  $      4.07   $      5.20   $      5.06   $      6.55
</TABLE>


        Markets and Customers

        The Company sells its oil and gas at the wellhead on an "as-produced"
basis and does not refine petroleum products. Other than normal production
facilities, the Company does not own an interest in any bulk storage facilities
or pipelines. As is customary in the industry, the Company sells its production
in any one area to relatively few purchasers, including transmission companies
that have pipelines near the Company's producing wells. Gas purchase contracts
are generally on a short-term "spot market" basis and usually contain
provisions by which the prices and delivery quantities for future deliveries
will be determined. During the year ended March 31, 1996, Amoco Production
Company accounted for approximately 38% of the Company's oil and gas revenues
for such period. The loss of any significant purchaser, including Amoco
Production Company, could cease or delay the Company's production and sale of
its oil and gas reserves to the extent that alternative purchasers having
adequate gathering facilities are not found to replace such purchaser's volume
of oil or gas purchased. However, in the event of a loss of any purchaser,
including Amoco Production Company, the Company believes that, under present
circumstances, it would be able to find other purchases for its oil and gas
production.

        The Company's oil and gas reserves and production are not subject to
any long-term supply or similar agreements with foreign governments or
authorities.

OFFICES AND SUPPORT FACILITIES

        In addition to its drilling rigs and related equipment and its oil and
gas properties, the Company owns a 31 acre tract of land in Midland, Texas on
which the Company's executive offices are located and on which the principal
support and storage facilities for its contract drilling operations are
located. Such facilities include an office building and fabrication and
maintenance shop. The facility allows for open storage of drilling equipment
and drill pipe.

        The Company also owns a 78 acre tract of land in Odessa, Texas, which
is presently being utilized as a secondary storage location. From time to time,
the Company's rigs are stored and stacked in the field at the rig's last
location site.




                                     -31-
<PAGE>   33


        The Company owns a warehouse and yard facility situated on
approximately 4 acres in Midland, Texas. This additional storage is being used
to complement the existing Midland yard facility. The Company believes that the
support and storage facilities for its drilling rigs and related equipment are
more than adequate.

        In connection with its drilling and exploration operations, the Company
maintains 56 automobiles and pick-up trucks, 15 trucks and one airplane.

EMPLOYEES

        At March 3, 1997, the Company had 39 salaried employees and
approximately 246 hourly paid employees. Employees of the Company are not
covered by any collective bargaining agreements and the Company has never
experienced a strike or work stoppage. The Company considers its employee
relations to be satisfactory.

COMPETITION

        Contract Drilling. The Company encounters substantial competition from
other drilling contractors in its contract drilling operations. The Company's
principal market areas of west Texas and eastern New Mexico are highly
fragmented and competitive. Companies compete primarily on the basis of
contract rates, suitability and availability of equipment and crews, experience
of drilling in certain areas and reputation. The Company believes it competes
favorably with respect to all of these factors. Competition is primarily on a
well-by-well basis and may vary significantly at any particular time. Drilling
rigs can be moved from one region to another in response to perceived long-term
changes in levels of activity. In recent years, competition within the industry
has been intense due to the oversupply of rigs which resulted from the rig
overbuilding during the peak drilling years of 1980 and 1981, and depressed
demand resulting from lower oil and gas prices and excess deliverability of
gas.

         Oil and Gas Operations. The Company also encounters strong competition
from major oil companies and independent producers and operators in acquiring
properties and leases for exploration for oil and gas. Competition is
particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped
oil and gas leases. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of
such undeveloped oil and gas leases include the staff and data necessary to
acquire and develop such leases, as well as the amount of consideration and
terms offered. Many of the Company's competitors have financial resources,
staffs and facilities substantially greater than those of the Company. In
addition, the producing and marketing of oil and gas is affected by a number of
factors which are beyond the control of the Company, the effect of which cannot
be accurately predicted. Of significant importance recently has been the
domination and control of oil markets and prices by foreign producers.

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

         As is customary in the oil and gas industry, a preliminary title
examination is conducted at the time oil or gas properties believed to be
suitable for drilling are acquired by the operator. Prior to the commencement
of operations, curative work determined to be appropriate as a result of a
title search is performed with respect to significant defects before the
operator commences development. Title examinations have been performed with
respect to substantially all of the Company's interests in its producing
properties. The Company believes that title to its properties is good and
defensible in accordance with standards generally acceptable in the oil and gas
industry, subject to such exceptions which, in the Company's opinion, are not
so material as to detract substantially from the value of such properties. The
Company's properties are subject to royalty, overriding royalty, and other
outstanding interests customary in the industry, and are also subject to
burdens such as liens incident to operating agreements, current taxes not yet
due, development obligations under oil and gas leases, and other encumbrances,
easements and restrictions. The Company does not believe that any of these
burdens will materially interfere with the use of its properties in the
operation of the Company's business.



                                     -32-
<PAGE>   34



LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        In March, 1992, the company was notified by the Texas Department of
Insurance that the Company's former workers' compensation insurance carriers,
Sir Lloyd's Insurance Company and its affiliate, Standard Financial Indemnity
Corporation ("SFIC"), had been placed into liquidation by order of the 201st
District Court of Travis County, Texas, on March 12, 1992 in Cause No. 9212765,
The State of Texas vs. Sir Lloyd's Insurance Company and Sir Insurance Agency,
Inc., and in Cause No. 91-12766, The State of Texas vs. Standard Financial
Indemnity Corporation. Approximately two months before being ordered into
liquidation, SFIC requested that the Company pay policy premiums in the
approximate amount of $646,000. On July 22, 1993 the special deputy receiver of
SFIC billed the Company approximately $1,061,000 for retrospective premiums,
but adjusted the amount to $854,153 on January 12, 1994. Although the Company
disputes the amount claimed by SFIC, the Company is presently unable to
determine whether and to what extent such amount is, in fact, an accurate
estimate of amounts owed to SFIC, largely as a result of the difficulty of
verifying the insurance carrier's estimated claims and adjustments and the
unavailability of SFIC personnel. However, an accrual was made in the company's
financial statements for the amount in question. In a related development, on
June 5, 1995, the Company received a letter from the Texas Property and
Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association ("Guaranty Association") requesting
payment in the approximate amount of $729,000 for claims that the Guaranty
Association has paid on behalf of SFIC. The Guaranty Association does not
believe that the policies written by SFIC involved a transfer of insurance risk
as required by the Texas Insurance Code and is asserting that it is entitled to
reimbursement for all monies paid to claimants under these policies. In
November, 1995, the Guaranty Association filed a lawsuit against the Company in
Travis County, Texas, styled Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty
Association vs. TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc., Cause No. 95-12318. The Guaranty
Association is seeking to recover past workers' compensation claims in the
amount of approximately $803,000, which have been advanced by the Guaranty
Association under the Company's workers compensation insurance program with
SFIC. The Company disagrees with the claims made by the Guaranty Association
and intends to vigorously defend its position against the Receiver of SFIC and
the Guaranty Association. The Company believes that if the Guaranty
Association's claim proves to be valid and enforceable, then the Receiver's
claim against the Company is either without merit or that its claim would be
offset against the claims of the Guaranty Association. For these reasons, the
Company has not accrued the Guaranty Association's claim in its financial
statements.

        In September, 1993, the Company was notified that it had been named as
a defendant in a lawsuit styled Bobbie Simmons, et al vs. TMBR/Sharp Drilling,
Inc., et al and filed in Midland County, Texas, Cause No. B-39,649. The
plaintiffs are members of the family of a former employee of the Company. The
lawsuit alleges that the former employee died as the result of an accident
while working on one of the Company's drilling rigs and that the accident was a
result of the Company's negligence. The plaintiffs allege damages from pain and
suffering, mental anguish and wrongful death. The Company, along with its
workers' compensation carrier, is vigorously defending the lawsuit. No
contingencies have been recorded in the Company's financial statements as
management feels that the Company is adequately insured against any potential
loss the Company may incur.

        In June, 1995, a lawsuit was filed by William E. Richards, plaintiff,
against Texaco, Inc. and the Company in the Fifth Judicial District Court,
Cause No. CV 95-269j, Lea County, New Mexico. The Company was providing
contract drilling services to Texaco, Inc. at the time of the alleged accident
which led to the filing of plaintiff's lawsuit. At the time of the alleged
accident, the plaintiff was an employee of an oil field service company
providing services to Texaco, Inc. The plaintiff has alleged that he sustained
personal injuries arising out of an accident that resulted from the Company's
drilling rig coming in contact with an electrical power line, and that the
Company failed to provide the plaintiff a safe place to work. The petition
seeks an unspecified amount of damages from Texaco, Inc. and the Company. The
Company believes that any loss it may incur will be within insurance policy
limits and, accordingly, no amounts have been accrued as contingent losses in
the Company's financial statements.




                                     -33-
<PAGE>   35


REGULATION

         Oil and Gas

         The Company's operations are regulated by certain federal and state
agencies. In particular, oil and gas production and related operations are or
have been subject to price controls, taxes and other laws relating to the oil
and gas industry. The Company cannot predict how existing laws and regulations
may be interpreted by enforcement agencies or court rulings, whether additional
laws and regulations will be adopted, or the effect such changes may have on
its business, financial condition or results of operations.

         The Company's oil and gas exploration, production and related
operations are subject to extensive rules and regulations promulgated by
federal, state and local agencies. Failure to comply with such rules and
regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the
oil and gas industry increases the Company's cost of doing business and affects
its profitability. Because such rules and regulations are frequently amended or
reinterpreted, the Company is unable to predict the future cost or impact of
complying with such laws.

         The State of Texas and many other states require permits for drilling
operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations and impose other
requirements relating to the exploration and production of oil and gas. Such
states also have statutes or regulations addressing conservation matters,
including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and gas properties,
the establishment of maximum rates of production from oil and gas wells and the
regulation of spacing, plugging and abandonment of such wells.

         Sales of gas by the Company are not regulated and are made at market
prices. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") regulates
interstate and certain intrastate gas transportation rates and service
conditions, which affect the marketing of gas produced by the Company, as well
as the revenues received by the Company for sales of such production. Since the
mid-1980s, FERC has issued a series of orders, culminating in Order Nos. 636,
636-A and 636-B ("Order 636"), that have significantly altered the marketing
and transportation of gas. Order 636 mandates a fundamental restructuring of
interstate pipeline sales and transportation service, including the unbundling
by interstate pipelines of the sales, transportation, storage and other
components of the city-gate sales services such pipelines previously performed.
One of FERC's purposes in issuing the orders was to increase competition within
all phases of the gas industry. Order 636 and subsequent FERC orders issued in
individual pipeline restructuring proceedings have been the subject of appeals,
the results of which have generally been supportive of the FERC's open-access
policy. In 1996, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit largely upheld Order No. 636, et seq. Because further review
of certain of these orders is still possible, and other appeals remain pending,
it is difficult to predict the ultimate impact of the orders on the Company and
its gas marketing efforts. Generally, Order 636 has eliminated or substantially
reduced the interstate pipelines' traditional role as wholesalers of gas, and
has substantially increased competition and volatility in gas markets. While
significant regulatory uncertainty remains, Order 636 may ultimately enhance
the Company's ability to market and transport its gas, although it may also
subject the Company to greater competition.

         The sale of oil by the Company is not regulated and is made at market
prices. The price the Company receives from the sale of oil is affected by the
cost of transporting the product to market. Effective as of January 1, 1995,
FERC implemented regulations establishing an indexing system for transportation
rates for interstate common carrier oil pipelines, which, generally, would
index such rates to inflation, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
These regulations could increase the cost of transporting oil by interstate
pipelines, although the most recent adjustment generally decreased rates. These
regulations have generally been approved on judicial review. The Company is not
able to predict with certainty what effect, if any, these regulations will have
on it, but, other factors being equal, the regulations may, over time, tend to
increase transportation costs or reduce wellhead prices for oil.




                                     -34-
<PAGE>   36


         The Company is required to comply with various federal and state
regulations regarding plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells.

         Environmental

         Various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the
discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
protection of the environment, health and safety, affect the Company's
operations and costs. These laws and regulations sometimes require governmental
authorization before certain activities, limit or prohibit other activities
because of protected areas or species, impose substantial liabilities for
pollution related to Company operations or properties, and provide penalties
for noncompliance. In particular, the Company's exploration and production
operations, its activities in connection with storage and transportation of oil
and other liquid hydrocarbons, and its use of facilities for treating,
processing or otherwise handling hydrocarbons and related exploration and
production wastes are subject to stringent environmental regulation. As with
the industry generally, compliance with existing and anticipated regulations
increases the Company's overall cost of business. While these regulations
affect the Company's capital expenditures and earnings, the Company believes
that such regulations do not affect its competitive position in the industry
because its competitors are similarly affected by environmental regulatory
programs. Environmental regulations have historically been subject to frequent
change and, therefore, the Company is unable to predict the future costs or
other future impacts of environmental regulations on its future operations. A
discharge of hydrocarbons or hazardous substances into the environment could
subject the Company to substantial expense, including the cost to comply with
applicable regulations that require a response to the discharge, such as
containment or cleanup, claims by neighboring landowners or other third parties
for personal injury, property damage or their response costs and penalties
assessed, or other claims sought by regulatory agencies for response cost or
for natural resource damages.

         The following are examples of some environmental laws that potentially
impact the Company and its operations.

         WATER. The Oil Pollution Act ("OPA") was enacted in 1990 and amends
provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 ("FWPCA") and
other statutes as they pertain to prevention of and response to major oil
spills. The OPA subjects owners of facilities to strict, joint and potentially
unlimited liability for removal costs and certain other consequences of an oil
spill, where such spill is into navigable waters, or along shorelines. In the
event of an oil spill into such waters, substantial liabilities could be
imposed upon the Company. States in which the Company operates have also
enacted similar laws. Regulations are currently being developed under the OPA
and similar state laws that may also impose additional regulatory burdens on
the Company.

         The FWPCA imposes restrictions and strict controls regarding the
discharge of produced waters, other oil and gas wastes, any form of pollutant,
and, in some instances, storm water runoff, into waters of the United States.
The FWPCA provides for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for any
unauthorized discharges and, along with the OPA, imposes substantial potential
liability for the costs of removal, remediation or damages resulting from an
unauthorized discharge. State laws for the control of water pollution also
provide civil, criminal and administrative penalties and liabilities in the
case of an unauthorized discharge into state waters. The cost of compliance
with the OPA and the FWPCA have not historically been material to the Company's
operations, but there can be no assurance that changes in federal, state or
local water pollution control programs will not materially adversely effect the
Company in the future. Although no assurances can be given, the Company
believes that compliance with existing permits and compliance with foreseeable
new permit requirements will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations.

         AIR EMISSIONS. Amendments to the Federal Clean Air Act enacted in late
1990 (the "1990 CAA Amendments") require or will require most industrial
operations in the United States to incur capital expenditures in order to meet
air emissions control standards developed by the Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") and state environmental agencies. Although no assurances can be
given, the Company believes implementation of the 1990 CAA Amendments will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results
of operations.




                                     -35-
<PAGE>   37

         SOLID WASTE. The Company generates non-hazardous solid wastes that are
subject to the requirements of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act ("RCRA") and comparable state statutes. The EPA and the states in which the
Company operates are considering the adoption of stricter disposal standards
for the type of non-hazardous wastes generated by the Company. RCRA also
governs the generation, management, and disposal of hazardous wastes. At
present, the Company is not required to comply with a substantial portion of
the RCRA requirements because the Company's operations generate minimal
quantities of hazardous wastes. However, it is anticipated that additional
wastes, which could include wastes currently generated during operations, could
in the future be designated as "hazardous wastes." Hazardous wastes are subject
to more rigorous and costly disposal and management requirements than are
non-hazardous wastes. Such changes in the regulations may result in additional
capital expenditures or operating expenses by the Company

         SUPERFUND. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act ("CERCLA"), also known as "Superfund", imposes liability, without
regard to fault or the legality of the original act, on certain classes of
persons in connection with the release of a "hazardous substance" into the
environment. These persons include the current owner or operator of any site
where a release historically occurred and companies that disposed or arranged
for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. CERCLA also
authorizes the EPA and, in some instances, third parties to act in response to
threats to the public health or the environment and to seek to recover from the
responsible classes of persons the costs they incur. In the course of its
ordinary operations, the Company may have managed substances that may fall
within CERCLA's definition of a "hazardous substance". The Company may be
jointly and severally liable under CERCLA for all or part of the costs required
to clean up sites where the Company disposed of or arranged for the disposal of
these substances. This potential liability extends to properties that the
Company owned or operated, as well as to properties owned and operated by
others at which disposal of the Company's hazardous substances occurred.

         The Company may also fall into the category of the "current owner or
operator". The Company currently owns or leases numerous properties that for
many years have been used for the exploration and production of oil and gas.
Although the Company believes it has utilized operating and disposal practices
that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes
may have been disposed of or released by the Company on or under the properties
owned or leased by the Company. In addition, many of these properties have been
previously owned or operated by third parties who may have disposed of or
released hydrocarbons or other wastes at these properties. Under CERCLA, and
analogous state laws, the Company could be subject to certain liabilities and
obligations, such as being required to remove or remediate previously disposed
wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators),
to clean up contaminated property (including contaminated groundwater) or to
perform remedial plugging operations to prevent future contamination.




                                     -36-
<PAGE>   38


                                   MANAGEMENT

         Directors of the Company hold office until the annual meeting of
stockholders following their election or appointment and until their respective
successors have been duly elected and qualified. Officers of the Company are
selected by the Board of Directors of the Company and serve at the discretion
of the Board of Directors. Set forth below are the name, age and the office
held by each Director and officer of the Company as of March 3, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DIRECTOR OR OFFICER
         NAME                   AGE         POSITION WITH COMPANY                         SINCE
         ----                   ---         ---------------------                         -----
<S>                             <C>                                                       <C> 
Thomas C. Brown                 70          Chairman of the Board of Directors            1982
                                            and Chief Executive Officer

Joe G. Roper                    69          Director and President                        1982

Donald L. Evans (1)             49          Director                                      1982

David N. Fitzgerald (1)         73          Director                                      1984

Don H. Lawson                   58          Vice President - Operations                   1992

Patricia R. Elledge             39          Controller - Treasurer                        1994

James M. Alsup                  60          Secretary                                     1982
</TABLE>

- ------------

(1)   Member of Audit Committee and Compensation Committee


         Mr. Brown has served as an executive officer and Director of the
Company and a Director of Tom Brown, Inc., the former parent of the Company,
for more than the past five years.

         Mr. Roper has been employed by the Company for more than the past five
years.

         Mr. Evans serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of Tom Brown, Inc. and has been employed by Tom Brown, Inc.
for more than the past five years.

         Mr. Fitzgerald is the President and principal shareholder of Exit
Oilfield Equipment, Inc., and Dave Fitzgerald, Inc., privately held oilfield
equipment sales companies. Mr. Fitzgerald also serves as a director of Mineral
Development, Inc.

         Mr. Lawson has been employed by the Company for more than the past
five years.

         Ms. Elledge was employed by the Company from September, 1989 to
December, 1993 when she resigned to relocate. Ms. Elledge returned to the
employ of the Company in September, 1994 in her current capacity as Controller
- - Treasurer.

         Mr. Alsup has been the Secretary of the Company since its inception.
He has been a partner in the law firm of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup for more than
the past five years.

         There are no family relationships between any of the Directors or
officers of the Company, except that Patricia R. Elledge is the daughter of Joe
G. Roper. 


                                     -37-
<PAGE>   39

                          COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVES
                              AND RELATED MATTERS

SUMMARY OF ANNUAL COMPENSATION

         The following table sets forth for each of the three fiscal years
ended March 31, 1996, a summary of the types and amounts of compensation paid
to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the only other executive
officer of the Company whose salary and bonuses for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1996 exceeded $100,000.


                                            SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                         --------------------------
                                         ANNUAL COMPENSATION                AWARDS          PAYOUTS
                                     ----------------------------        -------------     --------

                                                             OTHER              SECURITIES                ALL
                                                            ANNUAL   RESTRICTED UNDERLYING               OTHER
                                                            COMPEN-     STOCK    OPTIONS/   LTIP        COMPEN-
NAME AND                             SALARY        BONUS     SATION      AWARDS     SARS    PAYOUTS      SATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION           YEAR      ($)         ($)        ($)        ($)       (#)       ($)          ($)
- -----------------------      ----    ------        ---        ---        ---       ---       ---          ---
<S>                          <C>     <C>            <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
Thomas C. Brown,             1996    72,000         0         (1)         0         0         0            0
   Chairman of the Board     1995    72,000         0         (1)         0         0         0            0
    of Directors and Chief   1994    72,000         0         (1)         0         0         0            0
    Executive Officer

Joe G. Roper,                1996   150,615         0         (1)         0         0         0      244,808(2)
  President and Director     1995   150,398         0         (1)         0         0         0      234,146(2)
                             1994   144,913         0         (1)         0    95,000         0      229,087(2)
</TABLE>


- -------------------

(1)  The named executive officers of the Company were also provided certain
     non-cash compensation and personal benefits. However, the aggregate amount
     of such other compensation did not exceed $50,000 or 10% of the named
     executive officer's salary during such fiscal year.

(2)  Includes (i) $1,152 allocated to Mr. Roper's account under the Company's
     401(k) profit sharing plan for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, (ii)
     insurance premiums paid by the Company in the amounts of $38,896, $29,386
     and $24,327 for the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively, for an insurance policy on the life of Mr. Roper and (iii)
     annual premiums of $204,760 under a split-dollar life insurance plan
     maintained by the Company on behalf of Mr. Roper, of which $17,697,
     $16,868 and $15,543 is attributable to term life insurance for the fiscal
     years ended March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. During the years
     ended March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and pursuant to the terms of the
     split-dollar agreement, the Company borrowed aggregate amounts of
     $339,855, $316,655 and $126,453, respectively, against the cash value of
     such insurance policy to pay the policy premiums and a portion of the
     accrued interest on the cumulative amount of such borrowings. The
     remaining portion of the accrued interest on such borrowings is paid
     annually by the Company. At March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the outstanding
     loan balances were $3,174,386, $2,834,530 and $2,517,875, respectively.
     The interest expense paid by the Company for the fiscal years ended March
     31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 was $91,412, $89,309 and $78,307, respectively. A
     portion of the death benefit of the split-dollar policy equal to the
     Company's net premium outlay is payable to the Company upon the death of
     Mr. Roper, and the aggregate loan amount is deducted from the insurance
     proceeds payable to the beneficiaries of the policy. The balance of the
     proceeds are payable to Mr. Roper's beneficiaries. The Company is not the
     beneficiary of either insurance policy. In July, 1996, the Company
     terminated the split-dollar life insurance plan.



                                     -38-
<PAGE>   40

STOCK OPTIONS

         The Company has in the past utilized stock options as part of its
overall compensation of Directors, officers and employees. However, no options
were granted during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 to either of the
executive officers named in the preceding Summary Compensation Table. Narrative
descriptions of the Company's stock option plans and outstanding stock options
are set forth under the captions "1984 Stock Option Plan" and "1994 Stock
Option Plan" below.

         The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
stock option exercises during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 by the named
executive officers of the Company, and the value of each such officer's
unexercised stock options at March 31, 1996.


                       AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN
            LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR - END OPTION/SAR VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NUMBER OF                    VALUE OF
                                           SECURITIES UNDERLYING            UNEXERCISED
                  SHARES                       UNEXERCISED                 IN-THE-MONEY
                 ACQUIRED                      OPTIONS/SARS                 OPTIONS/SARS  
                    ON        VALUE        AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#)     AT FISCAL YEAR-END ($)(2)
                 EXERCISE   REALIZED     --------------------------   --------------------------
  NAME             (#)        ($)(1)      EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- -----------     ---------  -----------   ------------ -------------   -----------  -------------
<S>              <C>       <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>       
T. C. Brown         --           --        462,000         --         $3,003,000         --

J. G. Roper      164,000   $1,226,575      283,500       47,500       $1,697,875   $  163,875
</TABLE>



(1)  The "value realized" is equal to the fair market value of a share of
     Common Stock on the date of exercise (based on the closing price of the
     Company's Common Stock), less the exercise price.

(2)  Value of in-the-money options is equal to the fair market value of a share
     of Common Stock at fiscal year-end (based on the closing price of the
     Company's Common Stock), less the exercise price.

PROFIT SHARING PLAN

         The Company maintains under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), a profit sharing plan (the "Profit
Sharing Plan") for the benefit of all employees. Under the Profit Sharing Plan,
the Company contributes to a trust administered by a third party trustee, out
of current or accumulated net profits, such amounts as it may, from time to
time, deem advisable. The contributions are invested by the Profit Sharing
Trustee in various investments selected by employee participants. Company
contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan are allocated monthly to the
individual accounts of employee-participants. A participant's accrued benefit
derived from Company contributions is 100% vested after seven years of
continuous employment, upon attaining age 65, or upon death or disability. Each
employee of the Company becomes eligible to participate in the Profit Sharing
Plan after one year of continuous employment. Directors of the Company who are
not also employees of the Company are not eligible to participate in the Profit
Sharing Plan. In addition to Company contributions, participants may also
contribute such amount as the participant determines each year, subject to
certain annual maximum limitations. Participants are always 100% vested in
their individual contributions. For the year ended March 31, 1996, the Company
contributed an amount equal to 25% of the contributions made by eligible
employees, limited, however, to a maximum of 5% of each eligible employee's
compensation. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Company made
cash contributions in the total amount of $14,409 to the Profit Sharing Plan on
behalf of participating employees, of which $1,152 was allocated to the account
of Mr. Roper. 



                                     -39-
<PAGE>   41

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

         The Company has, from time to time, paid fees to its Directors for
attending Directors' meetings and reimbursed Directors for their expenses
incurred in connection with attending meetings. However, no such fees or
reimbursements were paid to any Director of the Company during the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1996.

         In order to attract, retain and reward qualified Directors for the
successful conduct of the Company's business, the Company has in the past
granted stock options to its Directors. However, no options were granted to any
of the Company's Directors during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.

1984 STOCK OPTION PLAN

         The Board of Directors authorized and adopted the TMBR/Sharp Drilling,
Inc. Stock Option Plan (the "1984 Plan") in August, 1984. Although the 1984
Plan expired by its own terms on August 8, 1994, options granted under the 1984
Plan prior to August 8, 1994 will remain outstanding until such options are
exercised or expire by their own terms and will continue to be subject to all
terms and conditions of the 1984 Plan. No additional options may be granted
under the 1984 Plan. Options granted under the 1984 Plan are either incentive
stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or options which
do not constitute incentive stock options. Options granted under the 1984 Plan
have been, as provided in the 1984 Plan, granted only to key employees
(including officers and Directors who were also key employees) of the Company.

         The 1984 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors. Members of the Compensation Committee were not eligible for
selection as a person to whom options could be granted pursuant to the 1984
Plan and were not eligible to participate in the 1984 Plan or any other stock
plan of the Company during the one year period prior to their appointment to
the Compensation Committee. Options granted under the 1984 Plan have exercise
prices equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time the options
were granted, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Options granted
under the 1984 Plan are exercisable for such periods as have been approved by
the Compensation Committee, except that such options are not exercisable, in
any event, for a period in excess of ten years from the date of grant.

         An aggregate of 475,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.10 par
value, are authorized to be issued under the 1984 Plan. Common Stock issued
under the 1984 Plan may be from authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock
or previously issued shares reacquired by the Company. The shares of Common
Stock with respect to which options have been granted are subject to adjustment
upon the occurrence of certain corporate reorganizations or recapitalizations,
including stock splits or stock dividends.

         As required by the terms of the 1984 Plan, for an option granted under
the 1984 Plan to qualify as an incentive stock option, the aggregate fair
market value (determined at the time of grant) of the stock with respect to
which the incentive stock option was exercisable for the first time by an
employee during any calendar year could not exceed $100,000 and could not be
issued to an employee if, at the time the option was granted, such employee
owned stock possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of all
classes of the Company's outstanding stock, unless (i) at the time the option
was granted the exercise price of such option was at least 110% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and (ii) such option was
not exercisable after five years from the date of grant.

         All or part of an option may be exercised by tendering cash or shares
of Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the option price, or a
combination of shares and cash. At the discretion of the Compensation
Committee, an option agreement may provide for the right to surrender an option
in return for a payment in cash and/or shares of Common Stock equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the shares with respect to which the option
is surrendered over the option price therefor, on such terms and conditions as
the Compensation Committee shall determine.

         At March 3, 1997, there were outstanding under the 1984 Plan incentive
stock options to purchase a total of 106,000 shares of Common Stock.




                                     -40-
<PAGE>   42


1994 STOCK OPTION PLAN

         In July, 1994, the Board of Directors adopted the Company's 1994 Stock
Option Plan (the "1994 Plan"), which was ratified and adopted by the Company's
shareholders at the 1994 annual meeting of shareholders held on August 30,
1994. Options granted under the 1994 Plan may be either incentive stock options
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or options which do not
constitute the incentive stock options. Key employees (including officers and
Directors who are also key employees) of the Company are eligible to receive
options under the 1994 Plan.

         The 1994 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, none of
whom are eligible to participate in the 1994 Plan. The Compensation Committee
has the sole authority to select the employees who are to be granted options
and to establish the number of shares issuable under each option. Options
granted to an employee contain such terms and conditions and may be exercisable
for such periods as may be approved by the Compensation Committee. The purchase
price of Common Stock issued under each option will not be less than the fair
market value of the stock subject to the option at the time of grant. The
Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may provide for the payment of the
option price, in whole or in part, (i) in cash at the time of such exercise,
(ii) by the delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if
necessary) having a fair market value on the date of delivery equal to such
option price, or (iii) any combination of cash and stock.

         The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued
pursuant to the exercise of stock options granted under the 1994 Plan may not
exceed 750,000 shares, subject to adjustment in the number of shares with
respect to options and purchase prices therefor in the event of stock splits or
stock dividends, and for equitable adjustments in the event of certain
recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions. If any outstanding
option granted under the 1994 Plan expires or terminates prior to its exercise
in full, the shares allocable to the unexercised portion of such option may be
subsequently granted under the 1994 Plan.

         The 1994 Plan provides that to the extent the aggregate fair market
value of the Common Stock (determined at the time of grant) with respect to
which incentive options are exercisable for the first time by an individual
during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company
exceeds $100,000, such incentive stock options shall be treated as options
which do not constitute incentive stock options. The Compensation Committee
determines, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, which of an
optionee's incentive stock options will not constitute incentive stock options
because of such limitation. No incentive stock option may be granted to an
individual if, at the time the option is granted, such individual owns stock
possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company, unless (i) at the time such option is granted the option
price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the
option and (ii) such option by its terms is not exercisable after the
expiration of five years from the date of grant.

         An option may be granted in exchange for an individual's right and
option to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of an agreement
that existed prior to the date such option is granted ("Prior Option"). An
option agreement that grants an option in exchange for a Prior Option must
provide for the surrender and cancellation of the Prior Option. The purchase
price of Common Stock issued under an option granted in exchange for a Prior
Option shall be determined by the Compensation Committee and, such purchase
price may, without limitation, be equal to the price for which the optionee
could have purchased Common Stock under the Prior Option.

         The Board of Directors of the Company may amend or terminate the 1994
Plan at any time, but may not in any way impair the rights of an optionee under
an outstanding option without the consent of such optionee. The 1994 Plan
provides that no amendment may be made without shareholder approval if such
amendment would materially increase the benefits accruing to employee optionees
under the 1994 Plan; materially increase the number of securities issuable
under the 1994 Plan; or materially modify the requirements as to eligibility
for participation in the 1994 Plan. Unless earlier terminated, the 1994 Plan
will terminate upon and no further options may be granted after the expiration
of ten years from the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors.




                                     -41-
<PAGE>   43


CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

         The Company's 1984 and 1994 stock option plans, and its stock option
agreements with Messrs. Brown and Roper and other employees of the Company,
contain provisions which, upon the occurrence of certain events, could result
in additional compensation to such option holders, including Mr. Brown and Mr.
Roper. Such events include the following: if (i) the Company is not the
surviving entity in any merger or consolidation, (ii) the Company sells, leases
or exchanges or agrees to sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of
its assets, (iii) the Company is to be dissolved and liquidated, (iv) any
person or entity, including a "group" as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, acquires or gains ownership or
control of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or (v) as a
result of or in connection with a contested election of directors, the persons
who were directors of the Company before such election shall cease to
constitute a majority of the Board (each such event is referred to herein as a
"Corporate Change"), then the Compensation Committee shall effect one or more
of the following alternatives with respect to the then outstanding options held
by employees, which may vary among individual employee optionees: (1)
accelerate the time at which such options may be exercised so that such options
may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified
date (before or after such Corporation Change) fixed by the Compensation
Committee, after which specified date all unexercised options and all rights of
employee optionees thereunder shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory
surrender to the Company by selected optionees of some or all of such options
as of a date specified by the Compensation Committee, in which event the
Compensation Committee shall cancel such options and pay to each optionee an
amount of cash per share equal to the excess of the fair market value, or in
the case of stock options granted under the 1994 stock option plan the "Change
of Control Value" of the shares subject to such option, over the exercise
price(s) under such options for such shares, (3) make such adjustments to such
options as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate to reflect such
Corporate Change or (4) provide that thereafter upon any exercise of an option
theretofore granted the optionee shall be entitled to purchase under such
option, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such option
shall then be exercisable, the number and class of shares of stock or other
securities or property to which the optionee would have been entitled pursuant
to the terms of the agreement of merger, consolidation or sale of assets and
dissolution if, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sale of
assets and dissolution the optionee had been the holder of record of the number
of shares of Common Stock as to which such option is then exercisable.

         For purposes of the 1994 stock option plan, the "Change of Control
Value" is an amount determined as follows, which is applicable: (i) the per
share price offered to shareholders of the Company in any such merger,
consolidation, sale of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per
share offered to shareholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange
offer whereby a Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change
occurs other than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the fair market value
per share of the shares into which such options being surrendered are
exercisable, as determined by the Compensation Committee as of the date
determined by the Compensation Committee to be the date of cancellation and
surrender of such options. If the consideration offered to shareholders of the
Company consists of anything other than cash, the Compensation Committee shall
determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered
which is other than cash.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

         Thomas C. Brown, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, is a Director of Tom Brown, Inc. and Donald
L. Evans, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of
Tom Brown, Inc., is a Director of the Company and serves on the Compensation
Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

         Until September, 1984, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of
Tom Brown, Inc. ("TBI"). In September, 1984, TBI distributed the Common Stock
of the Company to the stockholders of TBI. Mr. Brown, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is also a Director of
TBI and Mr. Evans, a Director of the Company, is the Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer of TBI. Following the spin-off of the
Company, TBI and the Company have each made available to the other certain
personnel, office services and records with each party being reimbursed for any
costs and expenses incurred in connection there-



                                     -42-
<PAGE>   44

with. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, TBI charged the Company
approximately $72,500 for such services provided by TBI, of which approximately
$13,100 was outstanding and unpaid at March 31, 1996.

         Historically, the Company has provided contract drilling and other
related oil and gas services to TBI in connection with TBI's oil and gas
exploration and development activities, and it is anticipated that the Company
will continue to perform similar services for TBI in the future. Such services
are provided in instances where the Company and TBI both own, for their
separate accounts, interests in oil and gas leases being drilled, as well as in
instances, where only TBI and other third parties own interests. During the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Company billed TBI the aggregate amount
of approximately $555,800 for TBI's pro rata share of contract drilling
expenses, lease acquisition costs and operating expenses. At March 31, 1996,
TBI owed the Company approximately $16,300 for such expenses. The largest
aggregate amount owed by TBI to the Company at one time during the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1996 was approximately $216,900. TBI and the Company
participate on the same or similar terms afforded non-affiliated third parties.

         From time to time, the Company acquires interests in leases from TBI
and participates with TBI and other interest owners in the drilling and
development of such leases where TBI acts as operator. The Company participates
in such drilling ventures under standard form operating agreements on the same
or similar terms afforded by TBI to unaffiliated third parties. TBI invoices
all working interest owners, including the Company, on a monthly basis for
their respective share of operating and drilling expenses. During the year
ended March 31, 1996, TBI billed the Company approximately $52,700 for the
Company's proportionate share of drilling costs and related expenses incurred
on properties operated by TBI. The largest amount owed by the Company to TBI at
any one time during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 for its share of
drilling costs and related expenses and for services provided by TBI was
approximately $35,400, and at March 31, 1996 the Company owed TBI approximately
$6,100 for lease operating expenses.

         Management of the Company believes that each of the above referenced
transactions was made on terms no less favorable to the Company than if such
transactions had been entered into with an unrelated party.



                                     -43-
<PAGE>   45


                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

         The following table sets forth certain information as of March 3, 1997
with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each person
known to the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the
outstanding Common Stock, excluding, however, the persons named under "Selling
Stockholders", (ii) the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table under "Compensation of Executives and Related Matters", (iii) each
Director of the Company, and (iv) all Directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS                                  AMOUNT AND NATURE OF     PERCENTAGE OF COMMON STOCK
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                             BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)     BENEFICIALLY OWNED (2)
- -------------------                             ------------------------  -----------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                            <C>      
Thomas C. Brown .............................           421,153(3)                     8.87%    
   4607 West Industries Blvd                                                                    
   Midland, Texas 79703                                                                         
                                                                                                
Donald L. Evans .............................            13,246                           *     
    500 Empire Plaza                                                                            
    Midland, Texas 79701                                                                        
                                                                                                
David N. Fitzgerald .........................            30,182(4)                        *     
    2300 West 42nd Street                                                                       
    Odessa, Texas 79764                                                                         
                                                                                                
Joe G. Roper ................................           802,418(5)                    17.64%    
    4607 West Industrial Blvd                                                                   
    Midland, Texas 79703                                                                        
                                                                                                
Metropolitan Life Insurance..................           242,300(6)                     5.47%    
    Company (6)                                                                                 
    One Madison Avenue                                                                          
    New York, New York 10010                                                                    
                                                                                                
State Farm Mutual Automobile ................           400,000(7)                     9.03%    
    Insurance Company                                                                           
    One State Farm Plaza                                                                        
    Bloomington, Illinois 61710                                                                 
                                                                                                
F. Howard Walsh, Jr .........................           266,246(8)                     6.01%    
    500 West Seventh St., Suite 1007                                                            
    Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4782                                                                
                                                                                                
All Directors and Executive .................         1,301,463(9)                    26.73%    
    Officers as a Group (7 persons)
</TABLE>


- -------------------

 * Less than one percent.

(1)  Unless otherwise indicated, all shares of Common Stock are held directly
     with sole voting and investment powers.

(2)  Securities not outstanding, but included in the beneficial ownership of
     each such person, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
     computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by
     such person if such securities may be acquired within sixty days, but are
     not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
     of the class owned by any other person.




                                     -44-
<PAGE>   46




(3)  Includes 319,500 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently exercisable
     stock option and 19,856 shares of Common Stock owned by the Estate of C.
     V. Lyman, deceased, of which estate Mr. Brown serves as Co-Executor.

(4)  Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Fitzgerald's wife as her
     separate property. Mr. Fitzgerald disclaims beneficial ownership of such
     shares.

(5)  Includes 120,550 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable
     stock options.

(6)  Represents shares beneficially owned by certain clients of State Street
     Research & Management Company, a registered investment adviser ("State
     Street Research"), and by certain registered investment companies for which
     State Street Research serves as investment adviser. State Street Research
     is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Metropolitan Life Insurance
     Company ("MetLife"). Excludes shares beneficially owned by Metropolitan
     Life Insurance Company Separate Account En as reported herein. See "Selling
     Stockholders". MetLife and State Street Research have sole voting power
     with respect to 224,500 of the shares listed above and sole dispositive
     power with respect to the 242,300 shares listed above. MetLife and State
     Street Research each disclaim beneficial ownership of all such shares.

(7)  Includes 5,250 shares of Common Stock which are reported to be
     beneficially owned by State Farm Fire and Casualty Company.

(8)  As reported in Schedule 13D, as amended, filed with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission, Mr. Walsh has sole voting and dispositive power with
     respect to 261,900 shares and shared voting and dispositive power with
     respect to 4,346 shares.

(9)  Includes 440,050 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable
     stock options.




                                     -45-
<PAGE>   47




                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 50,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of which 4,428,086 shares
were outstanding at March 3, 1997, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, $.10 par value, issuable in one or more series, with such dividend
rates, liquidation preferences, redemption, conversion and voting rights and
such further designations, powers, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions as may be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company, all without action of the Company's stockholders. No shares of
preferred stock are outstanding or reserved for issuance as of the date of this
Prospectus. None of the authorized capital stock is entitled to preemptive
rights.

COMMON STOCK

        Each share of Common Stock has one vote on all matters submitted to
stockholders. Subject to the rights and preferences of any series of preferred
stock which may be designated and issued, the holders of the Company's Common
Stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the Board of
Directors, and upon liquidation to share pro rata in any and all assets
remaining after the payment of corporate liabilities and after satisfaction of
any liquidation preferences on any series of the Company's preferred stock. The
Company's Common Stock has no preemptive or other subscription rights, and
outstanding shares of such stock are fully paid and nonassessable. There are no
conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to the
Common Stock. The Common Stock does not have cumulative voting rights.

PREFERRED STOCK

        The articles of incorporation authorize blank check preferred stock.
The Board of Directors is empowered, without approval of the stockholders, to
cause shares of preferred stock to be issued in one or more series, with the
number of shares of each series and the rights, preferences and limitations of
each series to be determined by it. Among the specific matters that may be
determined by the Board of Directors are the rate of dividends, redemption and
conversion rights and prices, terms and amounts payable in the event of
liquidation, voting rights and other rights relating to such preferred stock
and could issue such stock in either a private or public transaction. In some
circumstances, the blank check preferred stock could be issued and have the
effect of preventing a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt which the
Board of Directors opposes. Issuance of shares of preferred stock could involve
dilution of the equity of the holders of Common Stock and further restrict the
rights of such stockholders to receive dividends.

WARRANTS

        In connection with the closing of the Company's private placement of
725,000 shares of Common Stock in February, 1997, the Company issued and sold
to Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. ("Rauscher"), the Company's placement agent, a
five-year stock purchase warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase 36,250 shares of
Common Stock. The Warrant is exercisable at $13.20 per share, or 120% of the
per share price of the Common Stock sold by the Company in the private
placement. The Warrant will expire five years after the date of issuance, and
is exercisable in whole or in part from time to time at any time after one year
from the issuance of the Warrant to Rauscher. Generally, the Warrant may be
assigned to stockholders, officers or directors of Rauscher.

        Rauscher has been a market maker in the Common Stock and expects to
continue in such capacity in the future.

        The Warrant contains customary anti-dilution provisions and the Company
has granted certain rights to register, under the Securities Act of 1933, the
shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant.



                                     -46-
<PAGE>   48




                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

        The 725,000 shares of Common Stock being offered by the Selling
Stockholders were purchased by the Selling Stockholders from the Company in a
private placement completed by the Company on February 13, 1997. In the private
placement, the Company committed to use its best efforts to file a registration
statement with the Commission covering the Common Stock issued to each Selling
Stockholder. The following table sets forth certain information as of March 3,
1997 with respect to the Common Stock beneficially owned and to be offered
under this Prospectus from time to time by each Selling Stockholder.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Percentage of
                                                                                 Common Stock
                                              Number of                       Beneficially Owned* 
     Name of                                    Shares         Number        -----------------------
     Selling                                 Beneficially     of Shares       Before       After
    Stockholder                                 Owned          Offered        Offering    Offering
- ---------------------------                 --------------    ----------     ----------   ---------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>               <C>           
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company            423,600(1)     225,000(1)        9.57%       4.49%
   Separate Account EN

Spindrift Partners, L.P.                       225,000        225,000           5.08%       --


Spindrift Partners (Bermuda), L.P.              40,000         40,000              *        --


Westfield Capital Management                   100,000(2)     100,000(2)        2.26%       --


Pequot Energy Fund, L.P.                        50,000         50,000           1.13%       --


ARBCO Associates, L.P.                          19,000         19,000              *


Offense Group Associates, L.P.                  19,000         19,000
    *                                             --


Kayne, Anderson Non-Traditional                 19,000         19,000              *        --
   Investments, L.P. 


Opportunity Associates, L.P.                    10,500         10,500              *        --


Cleveland Capital L.P.                          10,000         10,000              *

Kayne, Anderson Offshore Limited                 7,500          7,500              *        --
</TABLE>

- ---------------

* Less than one percent.

(1)  Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Separate Account EN ("Account EN") is
     an insurance company separate account that is managed by State Street
     Research & Management Company, a registered investment adviser ("State
     Street Research"). State Street Research has investment power over the
     securities held in Account EN, including the shares of Common Stock listed
     above. State Street Research disclaims any beneficial interest in the
     shares of Common Stock listed above.

(2)  Of the total number of shares, 25,000 are held in the name of Trussul and
     Co. - MFOB and 75,000 shares are held in the name of Trussul and Co. -
     MFOA, custodial accounts managed by Westfield Capital Management.



                                     -47-
<PAGE>   49

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold for the
respective account of each Selling Stockholder. The shares may be sold from
time to time by each Selling Stockholder, or by its pledgees, donees,
transferees or other successors in interest. Such sales may be made on the
Nasdaq National Market System, or otherwise, at prices and on terms then
prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price, or in
negotiated transactions. The shares may be sold by any one or more of the
following: (a) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will
attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of
the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a broker
or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its account
pursuant to this Prospectus; (c) ordinary brokerage transactions and
transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; and (d) privately
negotiated transactions. In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus
which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be
sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this Prospectus. In effecting
sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for
other brokers or dealers to participate. The Selling Stockholder or its
successors in interest, and any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of shares of Common Stock, may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the
sale of the shares of Common Stock by them and any discounts, commissions or
concessions received by any such underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may
be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

        Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any
person engaged in a distribution of the Common Stock may not simultaneously
engage in market-making activities with respect to such shares for a period of
one to five business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. In
addition to and without limiting the foregoing, the Selling Stockholders and
any other person participating in a distribution will be subject to applicable
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder,
including, without limitation, Regulation M, which may affect the timing of
purchases and sales of any of the Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders or
any such other person. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the
Common Stock and the ability of any person to engage in market-making
activities with respect to the Common Stock.

        Under the Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and the Selling
Stockholders, the Selling Stockholders will be indemnified by the Company to
the extent that companies generally indemnify and hold harmless underwriters in
connection with public offerings, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.



                                 LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, a Professional Corporation, Midland,
Texas. James M. Alsup, Secretary of the Company, is a shareholder in such firm
and the beneficial owner of 345 shares of the Company's Common Stock.



                                    EXPERTS

           The financial statements and schedules of TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc.
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their report, have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said report.

           The estimated reserve evaluations and related calculations of Joe C.
Neal & Associates incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
petroleum engineering.




                                     -48-
<PAGE>   50

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS



           As used in this Prospectus:

           "Bbl" means barrel or barrels of oil.

           "BOE" means barrels of oil equivalents, determined using the ratio
of six Mcf of gas to one barrel of oil, condensate and natural gas liquids.

           "Bcf" means billion cubic feet.

           "MBOE" means thousand barrels of oil equivalent.

           "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet of gas.

           "Gross" oil and gas wells or "gross" acres is the number of wells or
acres in which the Company has an interest.

           "Net" oil and gas wells or "net" acres are determined by multiplying
"gross" wells or acres by the Company's working interest in such wells or
acres.

           "Capital Expenditures" means cost associated with exploratory and
development drilling (including exploratory dry holes); leasehold acquisitions;
seismic data acquisitions; geological, geophysical and land related overhead
expenditures; delay rentals; producing property acquisitions; and other
miscellaneous capital expenditures.

           "Present Value of Future Net Revenues" means the present value of
estimated future revenues to be generated from the production of proved
reserves calculated in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission
guidelines, net of estimated production and future development costs, using
prices and costs as of the date of estimation without future escalation,
without giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and
administrative expenses, debt service, future income tax expense and
depreciation, depletion and amortization, and discounted using an annual
discount rate of 10%.

           "Production costs" means lease operating expenses and taxes on oil 
and gas  production.

           "Proved reserves" or "reserves" means oil and gas, condensate and
natural gas liquids on a net revenue interest basis, found to be commercially
recoverable.

           "Proved developed reserves" includes only those proved reserves
expected to be recovered from existing completion intervals in existing wells
and those reserves that exist behind the casing of existing wells when the cost
of making such reserves available for production is relatively small compared
to the cost of a new well.




                                     -49-
<PAGE>   51




                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

           The expenses of the offering are estimated to be as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>    
          Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee .....   $ 2,747
          Blue Sky Fees and Expenses ..............................   $   500
          Printing Costs ..........................................   $ 2,000
          Legal Fees and Expenses .................................   $ 5,500
          Accounting Fees and Expenses ............................   $ 2,500
          Miscellaneous ...........................................   $   753
                                                                      -------
                 Total ............................................   $14,000
</TABLE>

           All of the above expenses will be borne by the Company.

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

        Article VIII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Article
Nine of the Registrant's Bylaws ("Indemnification of Directors and Officers")
provide that the Registrant shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer or
employee of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the
Registrant as a director, officer or employee of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Registrant, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful; except that, as to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the Registrant, such indemnification is
limited to expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the case and, in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been found to
be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the
Registrant, shall not be made without court approval. In addition, the
Registrant shall pay expenses incurred by a director, officer or employee in
defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition if the indemnified
person undertakes to repay all amounts advanced if it should ultimately be
determined that such person was not entitled to indemnification.

        The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws further provide
that officers, directors or employees are entitled to be indemnified only if
such person has met the applicable standard of conduct as determined (1) by the
Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who
were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such quorum is
not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the
shareholders if such determination shall not have been made by the Board of
Directors or by such legal counsel.

         Section B and Section E of Article 2.02-1 of the Texas Business
Corporation Act ("TBCA') of the State of Texas provide that a Texas corporation
may indemnify a person against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and
reasonable expenses actually incurred by such person who was, is, or is
threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding because
he or she is or was a director, if it is determined that he or she (a) acted in
good faith, (b) reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his or her
official capacity as a director, that his or her conduct was in the best
interests of the corporation, and (ii) in all other cases, that his or her
conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and (c)
with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
or her conduct was unlawful; provided, however, if the person is found liable
to the corporation or is found liable on the basis that personal benefit was
improperly received, the indemnification (a) is limited to reasonable expenses
actually incurred by such person in connection with the proceeding and (b)
shall not be made in respect of any proceeding in which such person shall have
been found liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of
his or her duty to the corporation.



                                      II-1


<PAGE>   52


         Article 2.02-I.H. of the TBCA provides that a corporation shall
indemnify a director against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection
with a proceeding in which he or she is a named defendant or respondent because
he or she is or was a director if he or she has been wholly successful on the
merits or otherwise, in the defense of the proceeding.

         Article 2.02-1.1. of the TBCA provides that if, in a suit for the
indemnification required by Section H of Article 2.02-1, a court of competent
jurisdiction determines that the director is entitled to indemnification under
such section, the court shall order indemnification and shall award to the
director the expenses incurred in securing the indemnification.

         Article 2.02-1.J. of the TBCA provides that if, upon application of a
director, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the director is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant
circumstances, whether or not he or she has met the requirements set forth in
Section B of Article 2.02-1 described above or has been found liable in the
circumstances described by Section C of this article, the court may order the
indemnification that the court determines is proper and equitable; but if the
person is found liable to the corporation or is found liable on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received by the person, the indemnification
shall be limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in
connection with the proceeding.

         Article 2.02-1.0. of the TBCA provides that an officer of the
corporation shall be indemnified to the same extent provided by Sections H, I
and J of Article 2.02-1 for a director and is entitled to seek indemnification
under those sections to the same extent as a director. A corporation may
indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation to the same extent that it may indemnify and advance expenses to
directors under this article.

         Article 2.02-1 further provides that the corporation may purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by
such person in any such capacity or out of such person's status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the to indemnify such person against
such liabilities under Article 2.02-1.





                                     II-2
<PAGE>   53

Item 16.  Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.             Description
- -----------             -----------
<S>  <C>                                                                        
     4.1   Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended
           March 31, 1991).

     4.2   Bylaws of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
           Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended March 31,
           1994).

     5.1*  Opinion of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup.

    10.1*  Form of Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 13, 1997,
           between the Registrant and the Selling Stockholders.

    23.1*  Consent of Counsel (Included in Exhibit 5.1).

     23.2* Consent of Independent Public Accountants.

     23.3* Consent of Independent Petroleum Engineers.

     24.1* Power of Attorney (contained in page II-6 hereof).
</TABLE>

- ------------

*   Filed herewith.




                                      II-3



<PAGE>   54


ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

(a)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
          post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

          (i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
               Securities Act of 1933;

          (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
               the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
               recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
               in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
               information set forth in the registration statement;

         (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
               distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
               statement or any material change to such information in the
               registration statement;

     provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply
     if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
     by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
     Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
     registration statement.

     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
          Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
          deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
          offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
          shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
          any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
          termination of the offering.

(b)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
     determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
     the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference
     in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
     statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
     such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
     offering thereof.

(c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
     Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and
     controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
     provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the
     opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
     against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
     unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
     liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
     or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in
     the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
     such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
     securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of
     its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
     to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
     indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
     will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.






                                     II-4


<PAGE>   55


                                   SIGNATURES


        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Midland, State of Texas, on the 13th day of
March, 1997.


                                      TMBR/SHARP DRILLING, INC.



                                      By: /s/ Thomas C. Brown
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Thomas C. Brown, Chairman of the
                                         Board of Directors and Chief Executive
                                         Officer





                                      II-5


<PAGE>   56


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Thomas C. Brown and Joe G. Roper,
or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either
of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Signature                                   Title                                Date
         ---------                                   -----                                ----
<S>                                          <C>                                        <C>
                                             Chairman of the Board of Directors
   /s/ Thomas C. Brown                       and Chief Executive Officer and
- ------------------------------------------   Principal Executive Officer                March 13, 1997
Thomas C. Brown                     


   /s/ Joe G. Roper                          President, Director
- ------------------------------------------                                              March 13, 1997
Joe G. Roper


  /s/ Donald L. Evans                        Director                                   March 13, 1997 
- ------------------------------------------
Donald L. Evans


   /s/ David N. Fitzgerald                   Director                                   March 13, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
David N. Fitzgerald


   /s/ Patricia R. Elledge                   Controller - Treasurer and                 March 13, 1997
- ------------------------------------------   Principal Financial Officer
Patricia R. Elledge
</TABLE>






                                      II-6

<PAGE>   57
                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
Exhibit                                  Exhibit
- -------                                  -------
<S>  <C>                                                                        
     4.1   Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended
           March 31, 1991).

     4.2   Bylaws of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
           Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended March 31,
           1994).

     5.1*  Opinion of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup.

    10.1*  Form of Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 13, 1997,
           between the Registrant and the Selling Stockholders.

    23.1*  Consent of Counsel (Included in Exhibit 5.1).

     23.2* Consent of Independent Public Accountants.

     23.3* Consent of Independent Petroleum Engineers.

     24.1* Power of Attorney (contained on page II-6 hereof).
</TABLE>

- ------------------

*     Filed herewith.






<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 5.1

                            LYNCH, CHAPPELL & ALSUP
                           A Professional Corporation
                                   ATTORNEYS
                             THE SUMMIT, SUITE 700
                              300 NORTH MARIENFELD
                              MIDLAND, TEXAS 79701
                                 (915) 683-3351


                                 March 13, 1997



TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc.
4607 West Industrial
Midland, Texas 79703

Gentlemen:

         In our capacity as counsel for TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc. (the
"Company"), we have reviewed the corporate proceedings of the Company in
connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
by the Company of 725,000 shares of the Company's common stock, $.10 par value
(the "Common Stock"), on behalf of the selling stockholders as described in and
pursuant to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (herein referred to as the
"Registration Statement").

         As the basis for the opinions hereafter expressed, we have examined
copies of (i) the Company's Articles of Incorporation, (ii) its bylaws, (iii)
resolutions adopted by the Company's Board of Directors, (iv) the form of
certificate evidencing shares of the Common Stock, and (v) such other corporate
records and documents, certificates of corporate and public officials and
statutes as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion. We have
assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all signatures on all original
documents, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the
conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the due
authorization, execution, delivery or recordation of all documents where due
authorization, execution or recordation are prerequisite to the effectiveness
thereof.

         On the basis of the foregoing and having regard for such legal
considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:

         (a) the Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas; and

         (b) the 725,000 shares of Common Stock proposed to be sold by the
selling stockholders named in the Registration Statement have been legally
issued, and are fully paid and nonassessable.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the
statements made regarding our Firm and to the use of our name under the heading
"Legal Matters" in the prospectus constituting a part of the Registration
Statement.


                                         LYNCH, CHAPPELL & ALSUP,
                                         a Professional Corporation



                                         By:  /s/ Thomas W. Ortloff
                                            -----------------------------
                                               Thomas W. Ortloff

<PAGE>   1


                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 13,
1997, between TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"),
and the persons whose names are set forth on Annex I hereto (such persons being
referred to herein individually as a "Buyer" and collectively as "Buyers").

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to sell to Buyers, and Buyers desire to
purchase from the Company, shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of
the Company ("Common Stock");

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the Company and Buyers hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                            TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION

         1.1     Agreement to Sell and to Purchase Shares. At the Closing (as
hereinafter defined), and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
in this Agreement, the Company shall sell and deliver to each Buyer, and each
Buyer shall purchase and accept from the Company, the number of shares of
Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such Buyer on Annex I hereto
(collectively, the "Shares").

         1.2     Purchase Price and Payment; Escrow. The purchase price for the
Shares shall be $11.00 per Share (the "Purchase Price").  The total Purchase
Price payable by each Buyer for the Shares to be purchased by it is set forth
opposite the name of such Buyer on Annex I hereto and shall be paid by each
Buyer on or before the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) (i) by check
finally paid or (ii) in immediately available funds by confirmed wire transfer
to a bank account designated by NORWEST BANK TEXAS, MIDLAND, N.A.,  as escrow
agent for the Company.

                                   ARTICLE II

                            CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE

         The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing")
shall take place (i) at the offices of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, a professional
corporation, The Summit, Suite 700, 300 North Marienfeld, Midland, Texas, at
9:00 a.m., local time, on February 7, 1997, or (ii) at such other time or place
or on such other date as the parties hereto shall agree, and shall be
contingent upon (x) reaching a definitive agreement with respect to the sale
of, and (y) receipt by NORWEST BANK TEXAS, MIDLAND, N.A., as escrow agent for
the Company, of the total Purchase Price for the Shares.  The date on which the
Closing is required to take place is herein referred to as the "Closing Date".

                                  ARTICLE III

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

         The Company represents and warrants to each Buyer, as of the date
hereof and as of the Closing Date, that:

         3.1     Corporate Organization.  The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Texas and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease, and
operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.

         3.2     Qualification.  The Company is duly qualified or licensed to
do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the property
owned, leased, or operated by it or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification or licensing, except jurisdictions in which the failure to be so
qualified or licensed would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations, or
financial condition of the Company.
<PAGE>   2
         3.3     Capitalization of the Company.

         (a)     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i)
50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of which, as of
the date hereof, 3,703,086  shares are outstanding, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares
of Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, of which, as of the date hereof,
no shares are outstanding.  All outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and no
shares of capital stock of the Company are subject to, nor have any been issued
in violation of, preemptive or similar rights.  As of the date hereof, (i) an
aggregate of 939,800 shares of Common Stock are issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding options granted to certain employees and directors of the Company,
and (ii) an aggregate of up to five percent (5%) of the Shares are reserved for
issuance and are issuable upon the exercise of stock purchase warrants to be
issued by the Company to Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. on the Closing Date.  As
of the date hereof, options to purchase an aggregate of 285,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock remain available to be granted under the Company's 1994
Stock Option Plan.

         (b)     Except as set forth above in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.3
and as contemplated by this Agreement, and except for shares of Common Stock
offered or sold by the Company to other investors pursuant to the Company's
Confidential Private Placement Memorandum dated January 31, 1997, there are
outstanding (i) no shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the
Company, (ii) no securities of the Company convertible into or exchangeable for
shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the Company, (iii) no
options or other rights to acquire from the Company, and no obligation of the
Company to issue or sell, any shares of capital stock or other voting
securities of the Company or any securities of the Company convertible into or
exchangeable for such capital stock or voting securities, and (iv) no equity
equivalents, interests in the ownership or earnings, or other similar rights of
or with respect to Company.

         3.4     Authority Relative to This Agreement.  The Company has full
corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  The execution,
delivery, and performance by the Company of this Agreement, and the
consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company.  This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and
legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by
(i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally, (ii) equitable principles which may
limit the availability of certain equitable remedies (such as specific
performance) in certain instances, and (iii) public policy considerations with
respect to the enforceability of rights of indemnification.

         3.5     Noncontravention.  The execution, delivery, and performance by
the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a
violation of any provision of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or
Bylaws of the Company, (ii) conflict with or result in a violation of any
provision of, or constitute (with or without the filing of notice or the
passage of time or both) a default under, or give rise (with or without the
giving of notice or the passage of time or both) to any right of termination,
cancellation, or acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note, mortgage,
indenture, lease, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to which the
Company is a party or by which the Company or any of its properties may be
bound, (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien or encumbrance
upon the properties of the Company, or (iv) assuming compliance with the
matters referred to in Section 3.6, violate any Applicable Law (as hereinafter
defined) binding upon the Company, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii),
and (iv) above, for any such conflicts, violations, defaults, terminations,
cancellations, accelerations, liens, or encumbrances which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
business, assets, results of operations, or financial condition of the Company
or on the ability of the Company to consummate the transaction contemplated
hereby.

         3.6     Governmental Approvals.  No consent, approval, order, or
authorization of, or declaration, filing, or registration with, any
Governmental Entity (as hereinafter defined) is required to be obtained or made
by the Company in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by
the Company of this Agreement or the consummation






                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than (i) compliance with
any applicable requirements of the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined);
(ii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Exchange Act (as
hereinafter defined); (iii) compliance with any applicable state securities
laws; and (iv) such consents, approvals, orders, or authorizations which, if
not obtained, and such declarations, filings, or registrations which, if not
made, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect on the business, assets, results of operations, or financial condition
of the Company or on the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.  The representations and warranties of the Company
contained in this Section 3.6, insofar as such representations and warranties
pertain to compliance by the Company with the requirements of the Securities
Act and applicable state securities laws, are based on the representations and
warranties of Buyers contained in Sections 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10.

         3.7     Authorization of Issuance.  The Shares have been duly
authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Company in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable.  The issuance of the Shares is not subject to any
preemptive or similar rights.

         3.8     Subsidiaries.  The Company has no subsidiaries.

         3.9     Private Placement Memorandum; SEC Filings.

         (a)     None of the information contained in the Company's
Confidential Private Placement Memorandum dated January 31, 1997 relating to
the private placement of the Shares, as the same may have been supplemented or
amended from time to time (the "Private Placement Memorandum"), as of such date
or as of the date hereof, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to made the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading.

         (b)     The Company has delivered to each Buyer an accurate and
complete copy of (i) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended December 31, 1996, (ii) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, (iii) the Company's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, and (iv) upon request of
any Buyer, the Company will deliver to such Buyer an accurate and complete copy
of the Company's Proxy Statement dated July 29, 1996, relating to the annual
meeting of shareholders of the Company held on August 29, 1996, in each case in
the form filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(collectively, the "SEC Filings").  None of the SEC Filings, including, without
limitation, any financial statements or schedules included therein, as of the
date of filing thereof, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
in order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The audited
financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements of the Company
included in the SEC Filings present fairly, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto), the financial position of the Company as of
the dates thereof and its results of operations and cash flows for the periods
then ended (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments in the case of any
unaudited interim financial statements).

         3.10    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.  Except as and to the
extent disclosed in the Private Placement Memorandum and SEC Filings, (a) as of
December 31, 1996, the Company had no liabilities or obligations (whether
accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated, or otherwise) material to the
Company, and (b) since December 31, 1996, the Company has not incurred any such
material liabilities or obligations, other than those incurred in the ordinary
course of business.

         3.11    Absence of Certain Changes.  Except as disclosed in the
Private Placement Memorandum and the SEC Filings, since December 31, 1996,
there has not been any material adverse change in the business, assets, results
of operations, or financial condition of the Company.

         3.12    Scope of Representations and Warranties.  Except as set forth
in this Agreement, the Company makes no representations or warranties to Buyers
and hereby disclaims all liability and responsibility for any representation,







                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

warranty, statement, or information made or communicated (orally or in writing)
to any Buyer (including but not limited to any opinion, information,
projection, or advice that may have been provided to Buyers by any officer,
director, employee, agent, consultant or representative of the Company or of
the Company's placement agent, Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc.).

                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYERS

         Each Buyer severally (and not jointly) represents and warrants to the
Company that:

         4.1     Organization.  If Buyer is a corporation, such Buyer is duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation.  If  Buyer is a partnership, such Buyer is
duly formed and validly existing as a partnership under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its formation.

         4.2     Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number.  The
social security number of each Buyer, or taxpayer identification number, if
Buyer is a corporation or partnership, is set forth opposite the name of each
Buyer on Annex I.  Buyer is not subject to withholding with respect to
reportable interests, dividends or certain other payments as required by the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         4.3     Authority Relative to This Agreement.  Buyer has full power
and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby.  If Buyer is a corporation or
partnership, the execution, delivery, and performance by Buyer of this
Agreement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or partnership action of
Buyer.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and
constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable
against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may
be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, (ii)
equitable principles which may limit the availability of certain equitable
remedies (such as specific performance) in certain instances, and (iii) public
policy considerations with respect to the enforceability of rights of
indemnification.

         4.4     Noncontravention.  The execution, delivery, and performance by
Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) if Buyer is a corporation or
partnership, conflict with or result in a violation of any provision of the
charter, bylaws, or similar organizational documents of Buyer, (ii) conflict
with or result in a violation of any provision of, or constitute (with or
without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both) a default under,
or give rise (with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or
both) to any right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration under, any
bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, or other
instrument or obligation to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer or any of
its properties may be bound, (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any
lien or encumbrance upon the properties of Buyer, or (iv) violate any
Applicable Law binding upon Buyer, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii),
and (iv) above, for any such conflicts, violations, defaults, terminations,
cancellations, accelerations, liens, or encumbrances which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
business, assets, results of operations, or financial condition of Buyer or on
the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.5     Governmental Approvals.  No consent, approval, order, or
authorization of, or declaration, filing, or registration with, any
Governmental Entity is required to be obtained or made by Buyer in connection
with the execution, delivery, or performance by Buyer of this Agreement or the
consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.6     Investment Intent.  Buyer is acquiring the Shares to be
purchased by it for its own account for investment and not with a view to, or
for sale or other disposition in connection with, any distribution of all or
any part thereof.  Buyer will not sell or offer for sale the Shares except (i)
in an offering covered by a registration statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act covering such Shares, or (ii)
pursuant to an







                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

opinion by counsel for the Company or other counsel reasonably satisfactory to
the Company to the effect that registration is not required by reason of any
applicable exemption under the Securities Act.  In acquiring such Shares, Buyer
is not offering or selling, and will not offer or sell such Shares, for the
Company in connection with any distribution thereof, and Buyer does not have a
participation and will not participate in any such offer or sale or in any
underwriting of such an offer or sale except in compliance with applicable
federal and state securities laws.


         4.7     Disclosure of Information.  Buyer acknowledges that it or its
representatives have been furnished with substantially the same kind of
information regarding the Company and its business, assets, results of
operations, and financial condition as would be contained in a registration
statement prepared in connection with a public sale of the Shares.  Buyer
further represents that it has had an opportunity to ask questions of and
receive answers from the Company regarding the Company and its business,
assets, results of operations, and financial condition and the terms and
conditions of the issuance of the Shares.

         4.8     Investment Experience: Accredited Investor.   Buyer
acknowledges that it is able to fend for itself, can bear the economic risk of
its investment in the Shares, and has such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and
risks of a prospective investment in the Shares.  Buyer represents that it is
an "accredited investor" (as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act).  If Buyer is a corporation or
partnership, Buyer further represents that it has not been organized for the
purpose of acquiring the Shares.

         4.9     Restricted Securities.  Buyer understands that, upon the
issuance thereof, the Shares purchased by it will not have been registered
pursuant to the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws, that
such securities will be characterized as "restricted securities" under federal
securities laws, and that under such laws and applicable regulations such
securities cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of without registration under
the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.  In this connection, Buyer
represents that it is familiar with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities
Act, as currently in effect, and understands the resale limitations imposed
thereby and by the Securities Act.  Stop transfer instructions may be issued to
the transfer agent for securities of the Company (or a notation may be made in
the appropriate records of the Company) in connection with the Shares.

         4.10    Legend.  It is agreed and understood by Buyer that the
certificates representing the Shares to be purchased by it shall each
conspicuously set forth on the face or back thereof, in addition to any other
legends required by agreement or Applicable Law, a legend in substantially the
following form:

         THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
         UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  THESE
         SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS
         THEY ARE FIRST SO REGISTERED OR UNLESS COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY OR
         OTHER COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY SHALL HAVE
         RENDERED AN OPINION REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY TO THE
         EFFECT THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

                                   ARTICLE V

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         5.1     Public Announcements.  Neither Buyers nor any of their
respective affiliates shall issue any press release or otherwise make any
public statement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby without the prior written consent of the Company.

         5.2     NASDAQ Listing.  The Company has made application to the
NASDAQ National Market System for the listing thereon of the Shares and shall
use its best efforts to have the Shares listed within two weeks of the Closing
Date.






                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

         5.3     Registration Rights.

         (a)     Registration of Shares.  Subject to the occurrence of the
Closing and the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall use
its best efforts to register the Shares with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act to the extent requisite
to permit the sale or other disposition thereof by Buyers.

         (b)     Registration Procedures.  The best efforts of the Company
under Section 5.3(a) shall mean that the Company will, subject to the terms and
provisions of this Section 5.3, use its best efforts to:

                 (1)      prepare and file with the Commission within 30 days
         following the Closing a registration statement (the "Registration
         Statement") covering the Shares and cause the Registration Statement
         to become effective and to remain effective for so long as may
         reasonably be necessary to complete the sale or other disposition of
         the Shares, provided that the Company shall not in any event be
         required to use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement for a period in excess of two years from the
         Closing Date;

                 (2)      prepare and file with the Commission such amendments
         and supplements to the Registration Statement and the prospectus
         contained therein as may be necessary to keep the Registration
         Statement effective, and comply with the provisions of the Securities
         Act, with respect to the sale or other disposition of the Shares
         whenever Buyers shall desire to sell or otherwise dispose of the same,
         but only to the extent provided in this Section 5.3;

                 (3)      furnish to each Buyer such numbers of copies of the
         Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein (including
         each preliminary prospectus), and each amendment and supplement to the
         Registration Statement and such prospectus , in conformity with the
         requirements of the Securities Act, as such Buyer may reasonably
         request in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the
         Shares;

                 (4)      register or qualify the Shares for sale under the
         securities or blue sky laws of such states as Buyers may reasonably
         request (except to the extent exemptions from such registration or
         qualification are available), and do any and all other acts and things
         that may reasonably be necessary under such securities or blue sky
         laws to enable Buyers to consummate the sale or other disposition of
         the Shares in such states, provided that the Company shall not in any
         event be required to register or qualify the Shares for sale under the
         securities or blue sky laws of more than a total of ten states, and
         provided further, that the Company shall not in any event be required
         to keep any such registration or qualification in effect after the
         expiration of the period during which the Company maintains the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement and shall not for any such
         purpose be required to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation
         in any state wherein it is not so qualified or to subject itself to
         taxation in any such state; and

                 (5)      before filing the Registration Statement, any
         prospectus to be used in connection with the offering to be conducted
         pursuant to the Registration Statement, or any amendments or
         supplements to the Registration Statement or such prospectus with the
         Commission, furnish each Buyer with copies of all such documents
         proposed to be filed.

         (c)     Required Information.  The Company shall not be required to
use its best efforts to register, or maintain the effectiveness of any
registration of, Shares of a Buyer under the Securities Act or the securities
or blue sky laws of any states unless and until such Buyer furnishes to the
Company such information regarding such Buyer and its Shares and the intended
method of disposition of such Shares as the Company may reasonably request in
order to satisfy the requirements applicable to such registration.

         (d)     Limitations on Registration.  The rights of Buyers pursuant to
this Section 5.3 shall be subject to the following limitations:






                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

                 (1)      If at any time or from time to time during the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company is engaged in
         or proposes to engage in a registered public offering of securities of
         the Company or any other activity which, in the good faith
         determination of the Board of Directors of the Company, would be
         adversely affected by offers or sales of the Shares pursuant to the
         Registration Statement to the detriment of the Company, then Buyers
         shall, upon the written request of the Company, cease making offers
         and sales of the Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement
         (including sales pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act) for
         the period of time specified by the Company, which period shall not
         (i) in the case of a registered public offering, exceed the period
         beginning ten days prior to the effective date of the registration
         statement relating to such offering and ending 120 days after such
         effective date, and (ii) in case of any other activity, exceed the
         period beginning ten days prior to, and ending 120 days after, the
         date of commencement of such other activity.  Buyers agree to enter
         into such further agreements with the Company or any underwriter of
         securities of the Company deemed necessary by the Company or any such
         underwriter to carry out the purposes of this paragraph (1).  The
         period of time that the Company is obligated to maintain the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement hereunder shall be tolled
         during the period Buyers must cease making offers and sales of the
         Shares pursuant to the Company's request under this paragraph (1).

                 (2)      The obligations of the Company pursuant to Sections
         5.3(a) and (b) shall cease (i) as to Shares sold or otherwise disposed
         of pursuant to the Registration Statement, or sold or otherwise
         disposed of in any manner to a person which, by virtue of this Section
         5.3, is not entitled to the rights provided by this Section 5.3, and
         (ii) as to Shares eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated
         under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar
         rule that may hereafter be adopted.

                 (3)      In no event shall the Company be obligated to effect
         more than one registration of Shares under the Securities Act.

                 (4)      The rights and obligations of Buyers under this
         Section 5.3 may not be assigned or transferred to any person without
         the prior written consent of the Company.

         (e)     Expenses of Registration.  In connection with any registration
of the Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.3, each Buyer shall
pay any brokerage and underwriting discounts and commissions payable in respect
of the Shares sold on such Buyer's behalf, all fees and expenses of any
attorneys and accountants employed by such Buyer, and any other costs directly
incurred by such Buyer, and the Company shall pay or cause to be paid and shall
indemnify and hold harmless Buyers from and against any and all other costs and
expenses incurred in connection with such registration and related blue sky
registrations and qualifications.

         (f)     Indemnification.  In connection with any registration of the
Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.3, the Company shall, to
the extent permitted by Applicable Law, indemnify and hold harmless Buyers to
the extent that companies generally indemnify and hold harmless underwriters in
connection with public offerings under the Securities Act, and each Buyer shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each director and officer of the
Company, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of the
Securities Act to the extent that selling shareholders generally indemnify and
hold harmless issuers of securities in connection with public offerings under
the Securities Act with respect to the information provided by such Buyer for
use by the Company in the preparation of the Registration Statement.

         (g)     Inclusion of Other Securities.  Buyers acknowledge that the
Registration Statement, and any prospectus used in connection with the offering
conducted pursuant thereto, may cover, in addition to the Shares, other shares
of Common Stock or other securities of the Company.

         5.4     Fees and Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in
this Agreement, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party
incurring such fee or expense.

         5.5     Indemnification of Brokerage.  Each of the parties hereto
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each other party from and against any
claim or demand for a commission or other compensation by any financial
advisor,






                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

broker, agent, finder, or similar intermediary claiming to have been employed
by or on behalf of such indemnifying party and to bear the cost of legal fees
and expenses incurred in defending against any such claim or demand.

         5.6     Delivery of Information.  The Company will deliver to each
Buyer:

         (a)     promptly upon the mailing or delivery thereto to the
shareholders of the Company generally, copies of all financial statements,
reports and proxy statements so mailed or delivered; and

         (b)     promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of reports on Forms
10-K (or their equivalents) which the Company shall have filed with the
Commission or any similar reports filed with any state securities commission or
office.

         5.7     Rule 144 Information.  With a view to making available to each
Buyer the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and any
other rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit the
Buyers to sell Common Stock of the Company to the public without registration,
the Company agrees to:

         (a)     make and keep public information available, as those terms are
understood and defined in Rule 144;

         (b)     file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and
other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act; and

         (c)     furnish to each Buyer forthwith upon request (i) a written
statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements
of Rule 144, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (ii) a copy of the most
recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and
documents so filed by the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act
and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested by each Buyer
in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission which permits
the selling of any such securities without registration.

         5.8     No Offers or Sales.  Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement, except with the written consent of Rauscher Pierce Refsnes,
Inc. or as otherwise contemplated herein or in the Private Placement
Memorandum, the Company will not, during a period of 90 days after the Closing
Date, directly or indirectly, contract to sell or announce or make any
offering, sale or other disposition of any shares of Common Stock (except
pursuant to this Agreement), nor sell or grant options, rights or warrants with
respect to any shares of Common Stock or any preferred stock of the Company,
directly or indirectly.

         5.9     No Investment Company.  The Company will not cause itself to
become an "investment company," as such term is defined under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.  The Company will use the proceeds received by
it from the sale of the Common Stock in the manner specified in the Private
Placement Memorandum under "Use of Proceeds."

                                   ARTICLE VI

                    CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY

         The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment on or prior
to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

         6.1     Representations and Warranties True.  All the representations
and warranties of Buyers contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct
on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such
representation or warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case such
representation or warranty shall have been true and correct as of such
specified date.






                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

         6.2     Covenants and Agreements Performed.  Buyers shall have
performed and complied with all covenants and agreements required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing
Date.

         6.3     Legal Proceedings.  No Proceeding (as hereinafter defined)
shall, on the Closing Date, be pending or threatened seeking to restrain,
prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.4     Other Documents.  The Company shall have received such
certificates, instruments, and documents as may be reasonably requested by the
Company to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.

         6.5     Approval of Counsel to the Company.  All legal matters in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
all agreements, instruments, and documents delivered in connection therewith
shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Lynch, Chappell &
Alsup, a professional corporation, legal counsel to the Company.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                      CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYERS

         The obligations of Buyers to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the
Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

         7.1     Representations and Warranties True.  All the representations
and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and
correct on and as of the Closing Date, except as affected by transactions
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement and except to the extent that any
such representation or warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case
such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct as of such
specified date.

         7.2     Covenants and Agreements Performed.  The Company shall have
performed and complied with all covenants and agreements required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing
Date.

         7.3     Opinion of Counsel.  Each Buyer shall have received an opinion
of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, a professional corporation, legal counsel to the
Company, dated the Closing Date, covering the matters described and set forth
in Sections 3.1 through and including Section 3.8.  In rendering such opinion,
such counsel may rely as to factual matters upon certificates or other
documents furnished by directors and officers of the Company and by the
government officials and upon such other documents and data as such counsel
deems appropriate as a basis for such opinion and, with respect to certain
portions of Sections 3.5 and 3.6, such opinion may be limited to the best
knowledge of such counsel.

         7.4     Legal Proceedings.  No Proceeding shall, on the Closing Date,
be pending or threatened seeking to restrain, prohibit, or obtain damages or
other relief in connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         7.5     Other Documents.  Each Buyer, or NORWEST BANK TEXAS, MIDLAND,
N.A., as escrow agent for the Company, shall have received a stock certificate
or certificates in definitive form representing the Shares purchased by it,
registered in the name of such Buyer and duly executed by the Company.






                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENTS AND WAIVER

         8.1     Termination.  As between the Company and each Buyer severally
(but not jointly), this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions
contemplated hereby abandoned at any time prior to the Closing in the following
manner:

                 (a)      by mutual written consent of the Company and any
         Buyer (but only as to such Buyer); or

                 (b)      by the Company, if, on the Closing Date, any of the
         conditions set forth in Article VI as to any Buyer shall not have been
         satisfied by such Buyer and shall not have been waived by the Company;
         or

                 (c)      by any Buyer, if, on the Closing Date, any of the
         conditions set forth in Article VII shall not have been satisfied by
         the Company and shall not have been waived by such Buyer.

         8.2     Effect of Termination.  In the event of the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1 by the Company, on the one hand, or a
Buyer, on the other, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the
other party specifying the provision hereof pursuant to which such termination
is made, and this Agreement shall become void and have no effect as between
such Buyer and the Company, except that (i) the agreements contained in this
Section and in Sections 5.1, 5.4 and 5.5 and Article IX shall survive the
termination hereof, and (ii) this Agreement shall remain in force and effect as
to the Company and all other remaining Buyers.  Nothing contained in this
Section shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of this
Agreement.

         8.3     Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of all the parties hereto.

         8.4     Waiver.  No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising
any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor
shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.  The
provisions of this Agreement may not be waived except by an instrument in
writing signed by or on behalf of the party against whom such waiver is sought
to be enforced.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                          SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS;
                                INDEMNIFICATION

         9.1     Survival.  The representations and warranties of the parties
hereto contained in this Agreement or in any certificate, instrument or
document delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing, regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any party.

         9.2     Indemnification by Company.  The Company shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless Buyers from and against any and all claims, actions,
causes of action, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) (collectively, "Damages"),
asserted against, resulting to, imposed upon, or incurred by Buyers, directly
or indirectly, by reason of or resulting from any breach by the Company of any
of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement or in any certificate, instrument or document delivered pursuant
hereto.

         9.3     Indemnification by Buyers.  Each Buyer severally (but not
jointly) shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company from and against
any and all Damages asserted against, resulting to, imposed upon or incurred by
the Company, directly or indirectly, by reason of or resulting from any breach
by such Buyer of any of its






                                     -10-
<PAGE>   11

representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement or in any certificate, instrument or document delivered pursuant
hereto.

         9.4     Procedure for Indemnification.  Promptly after receipt by an
indemnified party under Section 9.2 or 9.3 of notice of the commencement of any
action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be
made against an indemnifying party under such Section, give written notice to
the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, but the failure so to
notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it of any liability that it may
have to any indemnified party except to the extent the indemnifying party
demonstrates that the defense of such action is prejudiced thereby.  In case
any such action shall be brought against an indemnified party and it shall give
written notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the
indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent
that it may wish, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such indemnified party.  If the indemnifying party elects to
assume the defense of such action, the indemnified party shall have the right
to employ separate counsel at its own expense and to participate in the defense
thereof.  If the indemnifying party elects not to assume (or fails to assume)
the defense of such action, the indemnified party shall be entitled to assume
the defense of such action with counsel of its own choice, at the expense of
the indemnifying party.  If the action is asserted against both the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party and there is a conflict of
interest which renders it inappropriate for the same counsel to represent both
the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall
be responsible for paying for separate counsel for the indemnified party;
provided, however, that if there is more than one indemnified party, the
indemnifying party shall not be responsible for paying for more than one
separate firm of attorneys to represent the indemnified parties, regardless of
the number of indemnified parties.  The indemnifying party shall have no
liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of any action effected
without its written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).

                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1    Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other
communications required or permitted to be given or made hereunder by any party
hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made
if delivered personally or transmitted by first class registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the parties at the
addresses set forth opposite their names on the signature page hereof (in the
case of the Company) and on Annex I hereto (in the case of Buyers) (or at such
other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice).

         10.2    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

         10.3    Binding Effect; Assignment; No Third Party Benefit.  This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted
assigns.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned by any of the parties hereto.  Except as provided in Section 5.3,
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any person other than the parties hereto, and their respective heirs,
legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns, any rights, benefits
or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

         10.4    Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is held to
be unenforceable, this Agreement shall be considered divisible and such
provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent it is deemed unenforceable,
and in all other respects this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect;
provided, however, that if any such provision






                                     -11-
<PAGE>   12

may be made enforceable by limitation thereof, then such provision shall be
deemed to be so limited and shall be enforceable to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law.

         10.5    GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS,
WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.

         10.6    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the parties
hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Each
counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof each signed by less than
all, but together signed by all, the parties hereto.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                  DEFINITIONS

         As used in this Agreement, each of the following terms has the meaning
given it in this Article:

                 "Applicable Law" means any statute, law, rule or regulation or
         any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental
         Entity to which a specified person or property is subject.

                 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
         amended.

                 "Governmental Entity" means any court or tribunal in any
         jurisdiction (domestic or foreign) or any public, governmental or
         regulatory body, agency, department, commission, board, bureau or
         other authority or instrumentality (domestic or foreign).

                 "Proceedings" means all proceedings, actions, suits,
         investigations and inquiries by or before any arbitrator or
         Governmental Entity.

                 "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement, or
caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives,
all as of the date and year first above written.

                                        TMBR/SHARP DRILLING, INC.
Address:
4607 West Industrial
Midland, Texas  79703                   By: /s/ Thomas C. Brown
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Thomas C. Brown, Chairman of the
                                            Board of Directors


                                        BUYER

                                        [Name of Selling Stockholder]
                                        ----------------------------------------

                                        By:  /s/ 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Name:
                                                    ----------------------------
                                             Title:
                                                     ---------------------------







                                     -12-
<PAGE>   13

                                    ANNEX I



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Name          Social Security or                            Total
         and Address            Taxpayer              Number of         Purchase
           of Buyer       Identification Number    Shares Purchased      Price
         -----------      ---------------------    ----------------     --------

         <S>              <C>                      <C>                  <C>

</TABLE>



                                                              __________________
                                                              Initialed by Buyer


         [This Annex I is attached to and made a part of that certain Stock
         Purchase Agreement between TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc. and the Buyer
         named above.]

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.2
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




The Board of Directors and Stockholders
TMBR/Sharp Drilling, Inc.


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.



                                        /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN  LLP



Dallas, Texas
March 13, 1997

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS


         As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our estimates of
reserves, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of TMBR/Sharp Drilling,
Inc. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, and to all references to our
firm included in this Registration Statement.


                                        /s/ JOE C. NEAL & ASSOCIATES



Midland, Texas
March 13, 1997


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