UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark one) FORM 10-K
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1998
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-15784
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware 13-3273041
(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
5211 Brownfield Highway
Suite 230 79407
Lubbock, Texas (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (806) 785-8400
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. Yes X No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of February 22, 1999: Common stock, par value $.01 per share,
$2,760,670. In making this computation, all shares known to be owned by
directors and executive officers of Norton Drilling Services, Inc. and all
shares known to be owned by other persons holding in excess of 5% of the
Registrant's common stock have been deemed held by "affiliates" of the
Registrant. Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Registrant or any
such person to deny that any such director, executive officer, or stockholder is
an "affiliate."
Common Stock outstanding as of February 22, 1999 was 4,934,321 shares.
Page 1 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
PART I
"NDSI", "we", "us", are used in this report to refer to Norton Drilling
Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We may from time to time make
written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in
our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to
stockholders. Items 1 and 2 contain forward-looking statements and are made
pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, without limitation, statements
relating to the utilization rates of drilling rigs, business strategies and
other plans and objectives of our management for future operations and actions
and other such matters. The words "believes," "intends," "strategy," or
"anticipates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We do
not undertake to update, revise or correct the forward-looking information.
Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements should be read in
conjunction with our disclosures under the heading: "Cautionary Statement for
Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995" on page 14.
Item 1. Business
Norton Drilling Services, Inc.
Norton Drilling Services, Inc., was originally incorporated on December 21,
1983 under the laws of the State of Delaware, as Diagnostic Sciences, Inc. On
September 25, 1997 our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of
incorporation changing our name to Norton Drilling Services, Inc.
NDSI is a holding company whose primary assets consist of the voting stock
of each of the following subsidiary corporations:
(i) Norton Drilling Company, a Delaware corporation ("Norton" or the
"Drilling Segment"), operates sixteen oil and gas drilling rigs and
provides contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry
primarily in the Permian Basin of west Texas and eastern New Mexico,
the Green River Basin and the Overthrust Belt in the Rocky Mountains
and in two states in Mexico.
(ii) Lobell Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Lobell" or the "MRI
Segment"), which was, until August 18, 1994 when the operations were
discontinued, engaged primarily in providing diagnostic imaging
services involving magnetic resonance imaging technology ("MRI"); and
(iii) until July 22, 1996 when this company was sold, Sunny's Plants, Inc.,
a Florida corporation ("Sunny's Plants" or the "Nursery Segment"),
which was, until April 6, 1995 when the operations were discontinued,
engaged primarily in the production and sale of indoor foliage plants.
Our Board of Directors on August 18, 1994 discontinued the MRI Segment due
to the Segment's recurring losses. On April 6, 1995, our Board also discontinued
the operations of the Nursery Segment due to its significant losses. The
consolidated financial statements reflect a net liability of approximately
$84,000 at November 30, 1998 and $105,000 at November 30, 1997 for the estimated
liabilities of the discontinued segments. See Item 1, Description of Business,
"MRI Segment" and "Nursery Segment" and also Note 3
Page 2 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 of this
report.
As NDSI is a holding company it does not generate operating revenues.
Substantially all of the funding for our expenses as well as for the payment of
the liabilities of the discontinued segments comes from Norton Drilling Company.
Norton's agreements with one of its secured creditors prohibit virtually any
loans, dividends, advances, guarantees of indebtedness or payments to us or our
subsidiaries.
Norton Drilling Company - On October 1, 1991, NDSI and its wholly-owned
subsidiary Norton Drilling Company, completed a merger provided for by an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 13, 1991. This agreement was
between NDSI, Norton Drilling Company, a Texas corporation ("NDC (Texas)") and
each of Sherman H. Norton, Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, John W. Norton, J.P. Rose
and Barbara L. Norton (the "Norton Shareholders"). The Norton Shareholders were
holders of all of the capital stock of NDC (Texas). When the transaction was
completed, the Norton Shareholders surrendered all of the shares of stock of NDC
(Texas) and caused it to be merged into Norton. We paid to these stockholders
1,032,000 shares of our common stock. According to the agreement, we expanded
our Board of Directors by three positions and appointed the following three
persons designated by the Norton Shareholders to fill them: Sherman H. Norton,
Jr., S. Howard Norton, III and John W. Norton. We have covenanted to nominate
and recommend for election or reelection to our Board of Directors up to three
people designated by the Norton Shareholders so long as they maintain certain
percentage ownership of the 1,032,000 shares paid to them at the closing of this
transaction. Also at the time the agreement was completed, four members of NDC
(Texas)'s management entered into five year employment and non-competition
agreements.
Lobell Corporation - Our subsidiary Lobell Corporation opened a magnetic
resonance imaging center in August 1986 in Huntington, New York.
On August 18, 1994, our Board of Directors discontinued the MRI Segment due
to its recurring losses. We have included $40,000 in our reserve for loss on the
discontinuance of this segment as of November 30, 1998. We believe that this
amount will be enough to settle any costs we may incur in disposing of this
segment. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as
part of Item 8 of this report.
Sunny's Plants, Inc. - On February 28, 1991, NDSI through a newly formed
subsidiary, Sunny's Plants, Inc.("Sunny's Plants"), purchased:(i)all of the
assets and assumed certain obligations of Interior Plant Supply Partnership;
(ii)all of the outstanding shares of Sunshine Botanicals, Inc.; (iii)all of the
outstanding capital stock of Interior Plant Supply Inc.; and (iv)certain real
property from the sellers of the three above mentioned entities according to an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.
The total purchase price was $3,643,125 of which $2,743,125 was paid by the
issuance of 462,000 shares of our common stock to each of the two stockholders
of the above mentioned companies.
On April 6, 1995, our Board of Directors discontinued the Nursery Segment
due to its significant losses.
Page 3 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
As part of an agreement entered into in August, 1995 between the Nursery
Segment, NDSI, a third party purchaser and a secured creditor, the purchaser was
required to repay the outstanding balance of a mortgage note in the original
amount of $2,128,000 which was collateralized by the segment's real property. We
remain liable as guarantor for this indebtedness until the purchaser has fully
satisfied this obligation. In July 1998, the purchaser ceased making payments on
the obligation and filed for protection under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
code. The unpaid balance of the purchaser's obligation was approximately
$1,784,000 at November 30, 1998. At November 30, 1998, the secured creditor has
notified NDSI that they expect NDSI to make monthly payments under the terms of
the mortgage note as well as any payments in arrears. It is our intent to allow
the secured creditor to foreclose on the real property and it is our belief that
the secured creditor will sell the property and that the proceeds from the sale
will satisfy amounts outstanding under the mortgage note.
On July 22, 1996, we completed a Stock Purchase Agreement with an unrelated
third party buyer. According to this agreement, the buyer purchased all of the
outstanding shares of common stock of Sunny's Plants, Inc. from us. See
"Industry Segments; Discontinued Operations-Nursery Segment" within this Item
and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part of
Item 8 of this report for additional discussion/disclosure regarding financial
statement impact of the discontinuance of the Nursery Segment.
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
We are a holding company with one remaining operating segment, Norton
Drilling Company. Norton owns and operates sixteen oil and gas drilling rigs and
provides contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry. The MRI and
Nursery Segments have been discontinued and all activity relative to those
segments is reflected as discontinued operations herein.
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
General
NDSI, headquartered in Lubbock, Texas is a holding company and accordingly
does not generate operating revenues. We incur certain administrative costs that
are paid by charging our operating subsidiary management fees. We incurred
administrative costs of approximately $321,000 for the year ended November 30,
1998, approximately $167,000 for the year ended November 30, 1997 and
approximately $228,000 for the year ended November 30, 1996. This resulted in
pre-tax net loss of NDSI, before earnings and losses of subsidiaries, of
approximately $77,000 in 1998 and approximately $48,000 in 1996 and pre-tax net
income, before earnings and losses of subsidiaries of approximately $27,000 in
1997.
Our remaining operating subsidiary, Norton Drilling Company, also
headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, provides contract drilling services to major
oil companies and independent oil and gas producers primarily in Texas, New
Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Norton
Drilling Company Mexico, Inc., in Mexico. Norton Drilling provides its customers
with rigs and crews to operate the rigs.
The primary assets of the oil and gas contract drilling segment consist
of sixteen land-based drilling rigs as of November 30, 1998. Norton's
drilling rig fleet ranges from small (7,500 ft. depth rating) self-propelled
drilling rigs to larger (22,000 ft. depth rating) diesel electric rigs. The
Page 4 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
book value of the rigs was approximately $10,568,000 as of November 30, 1998 and
approximately $9,543,000 as of November 30, 1997. The rigs are equipped with
drawworks or hoists, derricks or masts, engines, pumps to circulate the drilling
fluid, steel pits, blowout preventers, drill pipe and drill collars and related
equipment. The depth of the well and location for drilling are the principal
factors in determining the size and type of rig used for a particular job.
Norton's drilling rigs are utilized for both exploration and development
drilling and can be used for either vertical or horizontal drilling.
In order to continue to provide quality and timely service to the Segment's
customers, Norton constantly maintains two rigs in the Rocky Mountain region,
three rigs in Mexico and eight in its primary Texas and New Mexico areas.
In June, 1998, Norton incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Norton
Drilling Mexico, Inc., ("Norton Mexico") through which it operates three
drilling rigs in the states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, in Mexico. This
company was established to operate inside Mexico and to fulfill a contract to
drill 38 wells.
For the year ended November 30, 1998, Norton, including Norton Mexico,
reported income from operations before income taxes of approximately $1,395,000
from operating revenues of approximately $28,740,000. For the year ended
November 30, 1997, Norton had income before income taxes of approximately
$3,671,000 from operating revenues of approximately $35,833,000. Norton had
stockholder's equity of approximately $8,888,000 as of November 30, 1998 and
$8,005,000 as of November 30, 1997. See "Managements' Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the "Consolidated Balance
Sheets, Statements of Operations, Stockholders' Equity, and Cash Flows" included
as Items 7 and 8, respectively, of this report for additional financial
information pertaining to the operating activities of this segment.
Business Strategy
Norton achieved its current position as a leading provider of contract
drilling services by providing high quality services to its customers with
quality equipment. Norton believes that the condition of the drilling rigs, the
reputation of the company and the quality and experience of the drilling
supervisors and crews are of significant importance to prospective customers.
The Company has and will continue to maintain its drilling rigs in good working
condition. In addition to normal repair and maintenance expenses, Norton spends
significant funds each year on an ongoing program of improving and replacing
components of its drilling rigs. Norton also strives to employ experienced
drilling supervisors, toolpushers and crews for its rigs.
Norton intends to continue to provide the highest quality contract drilling
services with quality equipment and personnel.
Drilling Contracts
Most of Norton's drilling contracts are with established customers. Norton
obtains most of its contracts through a competitive bidding process, although
some are obtained on a negotiated basis. The operator of a well will request
bids under the terms it wishes (daywork, footage, turnkey), or occasionally will
solicit bids under various combinations of the above
Page 5 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
mentioned contract types. Generally, the contracts are entered into for
short-term periods and cover the drilling of a single well with the terms and
rates varying depending upon the nature and duration of the work, the equipment
and services supplied and other matters. The contracts obligate Norton to pay
certain operating expenses, including wages of drilling personnel and
maintenance expenses and to furnish incidental rig supplies and equipment. The
contracts are subject to termination by the customer on short notice, usually
upon payment of a fee. Norton generally indemnifies its customers against claims
by Norton's employees and claims arising from surface pollution caused by spills
of fuel, lubricants and other solvents within the control of Norton. See
subcaption "Risks and Insurance" below in this Item. These customers generally
indemnify Norton against claims arising from other surface and subsurface
pollution, except claims arising from Norton's gross negligence.
Under daywork contracts, Norton provides the drilling rig, along with the
required personnel to the operator who supervises the drilling of the contracted
well. Compensation to Norton is based on a negotiated rate per day that the rig
is utilized. Daywork contracts generally specify the type of equipment to be
used, the size of the hole and the depth of the proposed well. Under a daywork
contract, Norton generally does not incur any costs due to "inhole" losses (such
as time delays for various reasons, including stuck drill strings and
blow-outs).
Footage contracts usually require Norton to bear some of the drilling costs
in addition to providing the rig. Under a footage contract, Norton would
normally determine the manner of drilling and type of equipment to be used,
subject to certain customer specifications, and also would bear the risk and
expense of mechanical malfunctions, equipment shortages and other delays arising
from drilling problems. Compensation is based on a rate-per-foot-drilled basis
to completion of the well. Prices of both footage and daywork contracts vary
depending upon various factors such as the location, depth, duration and
complexity of the well to be drilled, operating conditions and other factors
peculiar to each proposed well.
Under turnkey contracts, Norton contracts to drill a well to a contracted
depth under specified conditions and provides most of the equipment and services
required. Norton bears the risk of drilling the well to the contracted depth and
is usually compensated substantially more than on wells drilled on a daywork or
footage basis because Norton assumes significantly greater economic risk
associated with drilling operations. If severe drilling problems are encountered
in drilling wells under turnkey contracts, Norton could sustain substantial
losses.
Norton's management believes that it is able to prevail in certain
situations where it is not the lowest-priced bidder because of the strength of
its reputation. Nevertheless, the bidding process is standard for the industry
and ensures that pricing is competitive.
Contract drilling operations depend on the availability of drill pipe, bits,
fuel and qualified personnel, some of which have been in short supply from time
to time.
Norton's ability to drill wells for which it has contracts may be delayed by
inclement weather. Sustained periods of inclement weather could have a material
adverse effect on Norton's revenues and cash flows.
Page 6 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contract Drilling Activity
The following table sets forth certain information regarding Norton's
contract drilling activity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
November 30, 1998.
Year Ended
November 30,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ----------
Number of wells drilled 150 285 304
Rigs available for service (1)(2) 16 15 14
Utilization rate of rigs
available for service (1)(2)(3) 66.4% 92.4% 82.1%
Number of days worked (2)(3) 3,755 5,057 4,195
(1) Average for the periods stated.
(2) Rig 1 had been stacked since January 18, 1992 and rig 2 had been stacked
since May 9, 1991. Rig 1 was not available for service until January 25,
1996 and rig 2 was not available for service until October 20, 1996 due to
necessary repairs and reworking on these rigs to get them in condition to
operate again. In January 1997 rig 1 was reworked and upgraded and became
rig 17. In May 1998 a new rig 1 was put together from spare parts we
already owned in addition to some new parts which we acquired and became
operational in June 1998.
(3) Rig utilization is based on a 365 day year for rigs available for service
during the periods indicated. A rig is utilized when it is operating or
being moved, assembled or dismantled under contract.
The contract drilling industry responds to a number of market factors, chief
among which is the level of exploration and production (E&P) expenditures of the
major oil companies. E&P spending responds primarily to the price of oil and
natural gas, but is also influenced by anticipated changes in supply and demand
conditions, tax incentives for tertiary recovery, and the availability of
alternative fuels. Domestic onshore drilling, which is Norton's sole service,
also competes for E&P dollars with offshore and foreign drilling.
During our fiscal year ended November 30, 1998 the price of oil has ranged
from approximately $11 to $19 per barrel whereas in the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1997 it ranged from approximately $17 to $23 per barrel. This drop
in price has significantly decreased the cash flows to the producing companies
for which Norton works. These companies in turn have decreased their budgets for
exploration and production expenditures. This decrease has caused a signficantly
reduced demand for rigs to drill the various prospects that are profitable at
these oil prices. Therefore, there has been a decrease in rig utilization. This
in turn has caused Norton to have to reduce the price it charges for the use of
its rigs to levels much lower than in previous years.
Norton's primary competition comes from drilling services provided by
several large integrated oil field service companies and by a number of large
and mostly smaller drilling companies. Many firms have left the industry in the
past several years or have been acquired by larger drilling companies.
Page 7 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Customers
Norton's customers are generally energy companies who repeatedly request
Norton's services. For the year ended November 30, 1998, Norton contract drilled
150 wells for 30 customers. This compares with 285 wells drilled for 44
customers in the year ended November 30, 1997, and 304 wells drilled for 33
customers in the year ended November 30, 1996.
Over the past year, three customers accounted for a significant portion
of Norton's gross revenues. Those customers were Altura Energy Limited, Yates
Petroleum Corporation and a joint venture consisting of (i) Construcciones
Protexa, S.A. de C.V. (ii) Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. (iii) Avia de
Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and (iv) Avia Energy Development L.L.C. These three
customers accounted for approximately 51% of Norton's contract drilling
revenues during 1998.
In addition to the three customers mentioned above, Norton's customers in the
past twelve months have included, among others, Cimmaron Energy, Santa Fe Energy
and Texaco USA.
Drilling Equipment
The following table sets forth information about the drilling rigs currently
owned by Norton:
Depth Rating (Ft.) Mechanical Diesel Electric
------------------ ------------ ---------------
7,500 to 10,000 3 - -
10,001 to 15,000 11 - -
15,001 to 22,000 - - 2
--- ---
Totals 14 2
=== ===
All of the drilling rigs are pledged as collateral on notes payable of
Norton. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a
part of Item 8 of this report.
Norton owns 8 trucks with 9 trailers and two forklifts. This equipment is
used to transport, rig up and rig down Norton's drilling rigs. Norton also hires
third parties on occasion to assist in the moving of rigs.
Most repair and overhaul work on Norton's drilling rigs and related
equipment is performed at Norton's yard facilities in Levelland, Texas on the
drilling rigs located in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Norton usually contracts
out this work on the drilling rigs located in the Rocky Mountains area to third
parties. Norton believes that its drilling rigs and related equipment are in
good operating condition. In addition to repair and maintenance expenses, Norton
has historically spent funds for its ongoing program of modifying and upgrading
its equipment.
Competition
The contract drilling industry is highly competitive. No one drilling
contractor is dominant. Depressed economic conditions in the oil and gas
industry has resulted in the supply of domestic drilling equipment substantially
exceeding demand. As a consequence, there is intense competition in securing
available drilling contracts, resulting in drilling equipment being idle for
long periods of time and generally unfavorable prices for contract drilling.
Page 8 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Price has generally been the most important factor in securing drilling
contracts. Other competitive factors include the availability of drilling
equipment and experienced personnel at or near the time and place required by
customers, the reputation of the drilling contractor in the drilling industry
and its relationship with existing customers. Norton believes that it competes
favorably with respect to all of these factors. Competition is usually on a
regional basis, although drilling rigs are mobile and can be moved from one
region to another in response to increased demand. An oversupply of rigs in any
region may result. Demand for land drilling equipment is also dependent on the
exploration and development programs of oil and gas companies, which are in turn
influenced primarily by the financial condition of such companies, by general
economic conditions, by prices of oil and gas, and, from time to time, by
political considerations and policies.
It is impracticable to estimate the number of contract drilling competitors
of Norton, some of which have substantially greater resources and longer
operating histories than Norton. In the past three years there has been
considerable consolidation in the drilling industry with larger drilling
companies acquiring smaller ones. This has resulted in there being several large
drilling companies and fewer small ones. At this time this does not appear to be
a problem for Norton as it is able to provide its customers with the personal
attention they desire, which is sometimes more difficult for the larger
companies. Also, in prior years, many drilling companies sought protection from
creditors under bankruptcy laws or undertook business combinations with other
companies as a result of the downturn in the domestic contract drilling
industry. Although these two factors have decreased the total number of
competitors, management of Norton believes that competition for drilling
contracts will continue to be intense for the foreseeable future.
Government Regulation and Environmental
The domestic drilling of oil and gas wells is subject to numerous state and
federal laws, rules and regulations. State statutory provisions relating to oil
and natural gas generally include requirements as to well spacing, waste
prevention, production limitations, pollution prevention and clean-up, obtaining
drilling permits and similar matters. Within the state of Texas these
regulations are principally enforced by the Texas Railroad Commission. To date
Norton has not been required to expend significant resources in order to satisfy
applicable environmental laws and regulations. Norton does not anticipate any
material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities or for
compliance with environmental rules and regulations in the foreseeable future.
However, compliance costs under existing laws or under any new requirements
could become material, and Norton could incur liabilities for noncompliance.
Norton has not been fined or incurred liabilities for pollution or other
environmental damage in connection with its operations and is not currently
aware of any environmental hazards which would materially affect its operations.
The contract drilling industry is dependent on demand for services from the
oil and gas exploration industry and, accordingly, is affected by changing tax
laws and other laws relating to the energy business generally. Norton's business
is affected generally by political developments and by federal, state, foreign
and local laws and regulations which relate to the oil and gas industry. The
adoption of laws and regulations affecting the oil and gas industry for
economic, environmental and other policy reasons could increase costs relating
to drilling and production, which could have an
Page 9 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
adverse effect on the Company's operations. State and federal environmental laws
and regulations which currently apply to Norton could become more stringent in
the future. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and
comparable state statutes govern the disposal of "hazardous wastes." Although
RCRA excludes certain classes of exploration and production wastes from
regulation, such exemptions by Congress under RCRA may be deleted or modified in
the future. There are many other Acts and statues that govern the oil and gas
drilling industry, however, due to the complexity and changing nature of these
regulations, we are unable to determine all of those that may impact our
operations.
Risks and Insurance
Norton's operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the drilling
business, including blow-outs, cratering, fires, and explosions. These hazards
could cause personal injury or death, suspend drilling operations or seriously
damage or destroy the equipment involved and, in addition to environmental
damage, could cause substantial damage to producing formations and surrounding
areas. Damage to the environment, including property contamination in the form
of either soil or ground water contamination, could also result from Norton's
operations, particularly through oil spillage, gas leaks and extensive,
uncontrolled fires. In addition, Norton could become subject to liability for
reservoir damage. The occurrence of a significant event, including pollution or
environmental damage, could materially affect Norton's operations and financial
condition. As a protection against operating hazards, Norton maintains insurance
coverage considered by Norton to be adequate, including all-risk physical
damage, employer's liability, commercial general liability and workers'
compensation insurance. Norton currently has $1,000,000 of general liability
insurance per occurrence with an aggregate of $2,000,000 and excess liability
and umbrella coverages of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence with a $10,000,000
aggregate. Norton's customers generally require Norton to have at least
$1,000,000 of third party liability coverage. See Note 14 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 of this report for
further disclosures regarding the aforementioned contingencies.
Norton Drilling believes that it is adequately insured for public liability
and property damage to others with respect to its operations. However, such
insurance may not be sufficient to protect Norton against liability for all
consequences of well disasters, extensive fire damage or damage to the
environment. Norton also carries insurance to cover physical damage to or loss
of its drilling rigs. However, it does not carry insurance against loss of
earnings resulting from such damage or loss. Norton's lenders have a security
interest in the drilling rigs and are named as loss payees on the physical
damage insurance on such rigs. In view of difficulties that may be encountered
in renewing such insurance at reasonable rates, no assurance can be given that
Norton will be able to maintain the type and amount of coverage that it
considers adequate at reasonable rates or that any particular type of coverage
will be available.
Norton provides worker's compensation insurance for its Texas and New Mexico
resident employees through a fully-insured plan which was effective July 1,
1997. This policy has a deductible of $1,000 per occurrence.
From November 1, 1992 to June 30, 1997, Norton carried worker's compensation
insurance for its Texas resident employees, with a deductible of $100,000 per
occurrence. Starting November 1, 1993, Norton purchased reinsurance to provide
coverage for the $100,000 deductible. The reinsurance
Page 10 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
policy provided for a deductible of $5,000. From August 1, 1995 to June 30,
1997, the New Mexico resident employees were covered under this same policy.
Workers' compensation insurance coverage for Norton's employees in all the
other states in which it has employees is provided for by fully-insured plans
administered by the various states.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
MRI Segment
The MRI Segment, prior to its discontinuation in 1994, rented its MRI
machine to a professional corporation, whose shareholders were physicians. The
MRI Segment was operational from July, 1986 to March, 1995.
On August 18, 1994, our Board of Directors discontinued the MRI Segment due
to its recurring losses. We have included $40,000 in our reserve for loss on the
discontinuance of this segment as of November 30, 1998. We believe that this
amount will be enough to settle any costs we may incur in disposing of this
segment. However, the actual amounts paid could be less that estimated,
resulting in a possible gain. We estimate that the gain could be in the range of
$5,000 to $40,000. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included as part of Item 8 of this report.
Nursery Segment
On February 28, 1991, Sunny's Plants, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours
until July 22, 1996, acquired (i) all of the assets and assumed certain
obligations of Interior Plant Supply Partnership, (ii) all of the outstanding
shares of Sunshine Botanicals, Inc. (iii) all of the outstanding capital stock
of Interior Plant Supply, Inc., and (iv) certain real property located in
Florida.
Prior to its discontinuance in 1995 as discussed below, the Nursery Segment
was primarily in planting, growing and preparing plants for distribution and
sale in the wholesale and retail market.
On April 6, 1995, our Board of Directors discontinued the Nursery Segment
due to its significant losses.
As part of an agreement entered into in August, 1995 between the Nursery
Segment, NDSI, a third party purchaser and a secured creditor, the purchaser was
required to repay the outstanding balance of a mortgage note in the original
amount of $2,128,000 which was collateralized by the segment's real property. We
remain liable as guarantor for this indebtedness until the purchaser has fully
satisfied this obligation. In July 1998, the purchaser ceased making payments on
the obligation and filed for protection under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
code. The unpaid balance of the purchaser's obligation was approximately
$1,784,000 at November 30, 1998. At November 30, 1998, the secured creditor has
notified NDSI that they expect NDSI to make monthly payments under the terms of
the mortgage note as well as any payments in arrears. It is our intent to allow
the secured creditor to foreclose on the real property and it is our belief that
the secured creditor will sell the property and that the proceeds from the sale
will satisfy amounts outstanding under the mortgage note. See "Industry
Segments; Discontinued Operations-Nursery Segment" within this Item and Note 3
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part of Item 8 of
this report for additional discussion/disclosure regarding financial statement
impact of the discontinuance of the Nursery Segment.
Page 11 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
We believe that the estimate of remaining future costs to be incurred in
disposing of this Segment of approximately $44,000 is adequate to provide for
future liabilities. If the amount actually paid to settle these liabilities is
less than the amount included in the current reserve, then we could record a
gain. Our best estimate of the potential gain is between approximately $5,000
and $30,000. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included as a part of Item 8 of this report.
On July 22, 1996, we completed a Stock Purchase Agreement with an unrelated
third party buyer. According to this agreement, the buyer purchased all of the
outstanding shares of common stock of Sunny's Plants, Inc. from us. See
"Industry Segments; Discontinued Operations-Nursery Segment" within this Item
and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part of
Item 8 of this report for additional discussion/disclosure regarding financial
statement impact of the discontinuance of the Nursery Segment.
There can be no certainty that any or all of the possible gains in the MRI
Segment or the Nursery Segment will ever be realized. Their final realization is
dependent on a number of factors. These may include, among other things,
extinguishment of existing liabilities under Federal bankruptcy laws. While we
believe that filing of bankruptcy for the segments or settlement of the
liabilities will relieve the segments of their obligations and result in gains,
there can be no certainty of such due to potential rights of creditors under
applicable state laws and/or the intricacies of meeting the technical
requirements of Federal bankruptcy laws. Because of the problems which could
arise under either course of action, the outcome is subject to many issues which
are outside our control. Therefore, the amount of liabilities that may be
extinguished and the possible resulting gain, if any, that would be recognized
is uncertain at this time.
The net liabilities of the discontinued segments are approximately $84,000
at November 30, 1998 and $105,000 at November 30, 1997.
Item 2. Properties
Headquarters and Other Offices
Our current principal facilities, their primary functions, respective
locations and square footage are as follows:
Square Feet
Location Function Owned Leased
- -------- -------- ----- ------
Lubbock, Tx. Executive office - - 4,642
Midland, Tx. Executive office - - 220
Levelland, Tx. Mechanic/equipment shop 14,000 - -
Rock Springs, Wy. Mechanic/equipment shop 2,400 - -
Rock Springs, Wy. Land (2 acres) 87,120 - -
Levelland, Tx. Land (53.275 acres) 2,320,659 - -
Employees
Norton had a total of 209 full-time employees (13 as office
personnel and 196 as field personnel) as of November 30, 1998. The number of
field personnel will fluctuate depending on the demand for Norton's contract
drilling services. Norton considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.
Page 12 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On January 6, 1998, a judgment was rendered in favor of Norton against one
of its customers for non-payment on account. The judgment awarded Norton
approximately $464,000 plus pre-judgment interest of approximately $84,000.
Interest on the judgment will continue to accrue at the rate of 18% until paid.
In February 1995, a default judgment in the amount of $79,999 was obtained
in the Local District Court, Huntington, New York, against Lobell and us, as
guarantor, by the landlord of the premises which were then occupied by Lobell.
The judgment was secured based on the non-payment of monies alleged to be due
and owing under a stipulation executed by the parties on November 1, 1994.
Following such judgment, the landlord evicted Lobell and obtained a judgment on
February 15, 1995 for the non-payment of rent in the amount of $33,408.
We are from time to time subject to routine litigation incidental to our
business. Other than as set forth above, as of November 30, 1998, there were no
pending material proceedings to which we or our management was a party. See Note
14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part of Item 8 of
this report.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Our annual meeting of stockholders was held on January 29, 1999. The following
table sets forth a summary of how the 4,610,601 shares voted at the annual
meeting on the various proposals voted upon and adopted at the annual meeting.
For the election of directors, the following individuals were elected as
directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their
successors were duly elected and qualified.
Matters Voted Upon For Withheld
------------------ --- --------
1. To elect directors.
Larry Adkins 4,568,475 42,126
Carl Beach 4,566,075 44,526
Kevin Lewis 4,569,075 41,526
S. Howard Norton, III 4,569,015 41,586
John W. Norton 4,568,815 41,786
Sherman H. Norton, Jr. 4,568,875 41,726
For Against Abstain
--- ------- -------
2.To approve a one-for-five reverse
stock split, pursuant to which every
five shares of our common stock issued
and outstanding will become and be
exchanged for one share of our common
stock. 4,229,920 376,614 4,067
3.To ratify the selection of Robinson
Burdette Martin and Cowan, L.L.P. as
independent auditors of the Company
for the fiscal year commencing
December 1, 1998. 4,490,409 111,039 9,153
Page 13 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR"
PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
We are including the following cautionary statement to take advantage of
the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 for any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of NDSI. The
factors identified in this cautionary statement are important factors (but not
necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by,
or on behalf of, NDSI. Where any such forward-looking statement includes a
statement of the assumptions or bases underlying such forward-looking statement,
we caution that, while we believe such assumptions or bases to be reasonable and
make them in good faith, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual
results, and the differences between assumed facts or bases and actual results
can be material, depending upon the circumstances. Where, in any forward-looking
statement, we express an expectation or belief as to the future results, such
expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a
reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of
expectation or belief will result, or be achieved or accomplished. Taking into
account the foregoing, the following are identified as important risk factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, NDSI:
VOLATILITY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRICES. Norton's revenue, profitability
and future rate of growth are substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for
oil and natural gas. In recent years, oil and natural gas prices and, therefore,
the level of drilling, exploration and development, have been extremely
volatile. Prices 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 our control. Any
significant or extended decline in oil and/or natural gas prices will have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and operations and could
impair access to sources of capital. The sharp decline in oil prices which
started in the latter part of 1997 has adversely impacted our operations. If oil
prices remain at current levels or continue to decline, or if natural gas prices
decline, our operations could be further adversely affected.
MARKET CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES. The contract drilling
business has experienced decreased demand for drilling services due to lower oil
prices. A particularly sharp decline in demand for contract drilling services
occurred in 1986 and again in the current year because of the world-wide
collapse in oil prices. Since this time and except during the 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. As a result, drilling contractors have had
difficulty sustaining profit margins. In addition to the adverse effects that
future declines in demand could have on us, ongoing movement or reactivation of
onshore drilling rigs or new construction of drilling rigs could adversely
affect rig utilization rates and pricing even in an environment of higher oil
and natural gas prices and increased drilling
Page 14 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
activity. We cannot predict either the future level of demand for contract
drilling services or future conditions in the contract drilling industry.
SHORTAGE OF DRILL PIPE IN THE CONTRACT DRILLING INDUSTRY. There has been
shortage of drill pipe in the contract drilling industry in the U.S. in the past
few years. As a result of this shortage the price of drill pipe has increased.
This shortage, however, fluctuates with the demand for contract drilling
services.
COMPETITION. Norton encounters intense competition in its 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. Many of Norton's
competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources than
Norton.
OPERATING HAZARDS AND UNINSURED RISKS. Contract drilling 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 and, in addition to the environmental damage,
could cause substantial damage to producing formations and surrounding areas.
Damages to the environment could result from the Norton's operations,
particularly through oil spills, gas leaks, discharges of toxic gases or
extensive uncontrolled fires. In addition, Norton could become subject to
liability for reservoir damages. The occurrence of a significant event,
including pollution or environmental damage, could materially affect Norton's
operations and financial condition. Although Norton believes that it is
adequately insured against normal and foreseeable risks in its operations in
accordance with industry standards, such insurance may not be adequate to
protect Norton against liability from all consequences of well disasters,
extensive fire damage or damage to the environment. No assurance can be given
that Norton 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 Norton's contract drilling is done on a
turnkey basis, which involves substantial economic risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION MATTERS. Norton's
operations are subject to numerous domestic laws and regulations that relate
directly or indirectly to the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including
laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the
environment, requiring removal and cleanup under certain circumstances otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations protecting
the environment have generally become more stringent in recent years and may in
certain circumstances impose strict liability, rendering Norton liable for
environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault on their part. To
date, Norton has not been required to expend significant resources in order to
comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations nor has it incurred
any fines or penalties for noncompliance. However, compliance costs under
existing legal requirements and under any new requirements could become
material, and Norton could incur liability in the future for noncompliance.
Additional matters subject to governmental regulation include discharge permits
for drilling operations and performance bonds concerning operations.
Page 15 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
NDSI's common stock, $.01 par value per share, was traded on the NASDAQ
National Market under the symbol "NORT" until February 2, 1999. Effective
February 2, 1999, our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ National Market
System under the symbol "NORCD" and management was notified that the common
stock would continue to trade under that symbol for twenty trading days at which
time the trading symbol will revert to either "NORTC" or "NORT". The table below
sets forth the high and low selling prices for our common stock for the periods
indicated on the NASDAQ National Market.
Fiscal 1997 High Low
First quarter $ 3.75 $1.95
Second quarter 3.15 2.10
Third quarter 7.80 3.15
Fourth quarter 24.70 6.35
Fiscal 1998
First quarter $15.00 $4.85
Second quarter 9.20 4.85
Third quarter 6.10 2.35
Fourth quarter 5.15 2.20
On January 29, 1999 at our annual stockholders meeting, a one-for-five
reverse split of our common stock was approved. Par value and the number of
authorized shares remained at $0.01 per share and 100,000,000, respectively.
Earnings per share, stock prices and all other disclosures regarding our
stockholders' equity, common stock and related stock option plans and
outstanding warrants for all periods presented reflect the effects of the
reverse split.
On February 24, 1999 the number of holders of record of our common stock
was approximately 270.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock in the past and do not
expect to pay any dividends on it in the foreseeable future. Instead we intend
to retain the earnings to support the operations and anticipated growth of our
business. Any future cash dividends would depend on future earnings, capital
requirements, our financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the
Board of Directors. In addition, the terms of existing bank indebtedness of our
operating subsidiary prohibits payment of dividends to us without prior written
consent of their lenders. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included as a part of Item 8 of this report for discussion regarding
certain restrictive covenants included in our debt agreements.
The following subparagraph sets forth information concerning equity
securities issued by us during 1997 but not registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Act"):
(a) On February 23, 1997, 79,214 shares of our common stock were issued to
certain employees of Norton in partial satisfaction of amounts
Page 16 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
due them on employment contracts. We believe that the issuance of the
shares was exempt from the registration requirements of Section 5 of
the Act by virtue of Section 4(2), as a transaction not involving a
public offering. More specifically, we believe the officers were able
to fend for themselves with access to information upon which an
investment decision can be made.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Our selected consolidated financial data were derived from our consolidated
financial statements. This financial data should be read with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the "Consolidated Financial Statements" and the related notes, included as Items
7 and 8, respectively, of this report.
Years ended November 30,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Continuing operations:
Operating revenue $28,739,629 $35,840,945 $26,731,874
=========== =========== ===========
Operating costs and expenses $27,160,077 31,919,575 26,169,591
=========== =========== ===========
Income from continuing
operations 827,339 2,208,858 537,895
Income from discontinued
operations - - 253,074 2,893,047
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 827,339 $ 2,461,932 $ 3,430,942
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Income from continuing
operations, $.17 $.48 $.12
Income from discontinued
operations - - .05 .62
---- ---- ----
Net income $.17 $.53 $.74
==== ==== ====
Diluted:
Income from continuing
operations $.17 $ .45 $.12
Income from discontinued
operations - - .05 .59
---- ---- ----
Net income $.17 $ .50 $.71
==== ===== ====
Total assets $20,002,916 $19,763,085 $16,472,973
=========== =========== ===========
Notes payable, net of current
maturities $ 3,404,495 $ 2,633,802 $ 3,362,755
=========== =========== ===========
Stockholders' equity $ 8,635,464 $ 7,801,629 $ 4,656,988
=========== =========== ===========
Page 17 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Item 6. Selected Financial Data (Continued)
Years ended November 30,
--------------------------
1995 1994
Continuing operations:
Operating revenue $20,645,757 $21,121,885
=========== ===========
Operating costs and expenses 21,244,818 20,928,871
Loss from continuing operations ( 868,319) ( 178,508)
Loss from discontinued operations ( 1,526,060) ( 6,320,829)
----------- -----------
Net loss $(2,394,379) $(6,499,337)
=========== ===========
Loss per common share:
Basic:
Loss from continuing operations $(.20) $(0.05)
Loss from discontinued operations (.35) (1.40)
Net loss $(.55) $(1.45)
===== ======
Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations $(.20) $(0.05)
Loss from discontinued operations (.35) (1.40)
Net loss $(.55) $(1.45)
===== ======
Total assets $13,004,461 $13,007,196
=========== ===========
Notes payable, net of current
maturities $ 763,738 $ 1,587,248
=========== ===========
Stockholders' equity $ 1,312,694 $ 3,571,686
=========== ===========
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
This Item 7 contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to
the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to
liquidity, financing of operations, continued volatility of oil and gas prices,
estimates of, and budgets for, capital expenditures in the Drilling Segment,
source and sufficiency of funds required for operations, impact of inflation on
our financial position and other such items. The words "believes", "estimates",
"expects" or "anticipates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking
statements. We do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the
forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking
statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures under the heading:
"Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 on page 14.
Page 18 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of November 30, 1998, we had working capital of approximately $98,000 and
cash and cash equivalents of approximately $172,000. This compares to a working
capital deficiency of approximately $511,000 and cash and cash equivalents of
approximately $277,000 at November 30, 1997.
For the year ended November 30, 1998, our operations provided approximately
$2,182,000 in cash flows and our financing activities provided approximately
$1,478,000. The provision of funds is largely attributable to our net income as
adjusted for depreciation for the year and by additional borrowings in the
Drilling Segment. For the year ended November 30, 1997, our operations provided
approximately $2,435,000 in cash flows and our financing activities provided
approximately $387,000. The provision of funds was largely attributable to our
increased net income for the year and somewhat by additional borrowings in the
Drilling Segment. See "Part I. Item 1. Description of Business-Industry
Segments; Discontinued Operations-MRI Segment and Nursery Segment" of this
report and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part
of Item 8 of this report.
Significant expenditures which we incurred primarily consisted of the
Drilling Segment's continual acquisition of replacement drilling equipment, such
as drill collars, drill pipe, engines and transportation equipment to adequately
maintain the operating status of the drilling fleet. These expenditures were
approximately $4,053,000 for the year ended November 30, 1998, $3,757,000 for
the year ended November 30, 1997 and $1,878,000 for the year ended November 30,
1996. The Drilling Segment anticipates minimal capital expenditures for fiscal
1999 to be funded from existing bank credit lines and cash flow from operations.
See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part of
Item 8 of this report. Due to numerous uncertainties regarding the availability,
price and delivery of certain drilling equipment, Norton's anticipated level of
capital expenditures may fluctuate commensurate with the volatility of the
industry.
We believe that cash flows from operations and borrowings should be
sufficient to fund continuing operations and adequately service our debt for the
next twelve months. The risks associated with the oil and gas industry, such as
the volatility of oil and gas prices, could adversely affect our operations.
Considering the current adverse conditions in the industry in which the company
operates (e.g., the significant decrease in worldwide oil prices and the
resulting downturn in the demand for contract driling services), management has
addressed the covenant provision within its loan agreements with the lending
bank. The bank has reduced the net worth requirement to $6,000,000. See Notes 1
and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of Item 8
of this report.
Results of Continuing Operations
Comparison of the years ended November 30, 1998 and 1997
For the year ended November 30, 1998 contract drilling revenues were
approximately $28,721,000 as compared to $35,833,000 for the year ended November
30, 1997, a decrease of $7,112,000 or 19.8%. Average rig utilization was 66.4%
in 1998 compared to 92.4% in 1997. The decrease in drilling revenues was due to
a decrease in rig utilization and a decrease in rates charged for the use of
these drilling rigs.
Direct job and rig costs for 1997 were approximately $22,391,000 or 78.0% of
contract drilling revenues as compared to approximately $28,504,000 or 79.5% of
contract drilling revenues in 1997. The decrease in costs was primarily
attributable to the decrease in the number of rigs which Norton was operating.
Direct rig and jobs costs decreased slightly as a percentage
Page 19 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
of revenues because of the rig rates that Norton was getting for its rigs
located in Mexico.
General and administrative expenses for the drilling segment were
approximately $1,527,000 in 1998 as compared to approximately $1,159,000 in
1997. The increase was due to start up costs associated with the Mexico
operations, increases in travel and telephone costs associated with the Mexico
operations, the write off to bad debt expense of accrued interest on a judgment
that was deemed uncollectable and the hiring of additional office personnel.
Interest expense was approximately $484,000 in 1998 compared to
approximately $561,000 in 1997 representing a decrease of approximately $77,000.
The decrease in interest expense was due to a reduction in the interest rate on
Norton's debt and the conversion of subordinated debt in November 1997 to common
stock of NDSI.
In 1998 income before income taxes and discontinued operations was
approximately $1,318,000 as compared to income before income taxes and
discontinued operations of approximately $3,698,000 in 1997. The decrease in
income was due to the decrease in drilling revenues and increases in general and
administrative costs and depreciation.
Comparison of the years ended November 30, 1997 and 1996
For the year ended November 30, 1997 contract drilling revenues were
approximately $35,833,000 as compared to $26,677,000 for the year ended November
30, 1996, an increase of $9,156,000 or 34.3%. Average rig utilization was 92.4%
in 1997 compared to 82.1% in 1996. The increase in drilling revenues was due to
an increase in rig utilization and an increase in rates charged for the use of
these drilling rigs.
Direct job and rig costs for 1997 were approximately $28,504,000 or 79.5% of
contract drilling revenues as compared to approximately $23,496,000 or 88.1% of
contract drilling revenues in 1996. The increase in costs was primarily
attributable to the increase in the number of rigs which Norton was operating.
Direct rig and jobs costs decreased as a percentage of revenues because the
rates Norton charged for the use of its drilling rigs increased more than its
costs associated with those rigs.
General and administrative expenses for the drilling segment were
approximately $1,159,000 in 1997 as compared to approximately $1,243,000 in
1996. Included in general and administrative expenses for 1997 was a decrease in
the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable in the approximate amount of
$59,000. Conversely, in 1996 there was an increase in the allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable of approximately $187,000.
Interest expense was approximately $561,000 in 1997 compared to
approximately $394,000 in 1996 representing an increase of $167,000. The
increase was due to an increase in the amount of debt outstanding during the
year.
In 1997 income before income taxes and discontinued operations was
approximately $3,698,000 as compared to income before income taxes and
discontinued operations of approximately $538,000 in 1996. This increase in
income was due to the increase in rig revenues, a higher gross profit margin and
an increase in rig utilization.
Page 20 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Income Taxes
For the year ended November 30, 1996, no income tax expense was recorded due
to the utilization of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards which had been
generated in prior years. At November 30, 1996, we had approximately $2,216,000
of remaining NOL carryforwards which could be applied to future tax years.
During the year ended November 30, 1997, all of these remaining NOL's were
utilized and charges to operations of approximately $1,283,000 for federal
income taxes and approximately $206,000 for state income taxes were recorded.
During the year ended November 30, 1998 charges to operations of approximately
$477,000 for federal income taxes and approximately $13,000 for state income
taxes were recorded. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included as part of Item 8 of this report.
Volatility of Oil and Gas Prices
The Drilling Segment's revenue and profitability are substantially dependent
upon prevailing prices for oil and gas. Historically, oil and gas prices have
been extremely volatile. Prices are affected by market supply and demand factors
as well as actions of state and local agencies, the United States and foreign
governments and international cartels. All of these are beyond the control of
the Drilling Segment. Any significant or extended decline in oil and/or gas
prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations. The price of oil rose to a six-year high in January 1997
and fell to a ten-year low in March 1998 and continue to be depressed in the
current period. Should oil prices remain at these levels or decline further, or
if natural gas prices decline, our operations could be further adversely
affected.
Impact of Inflation
While subject to inflation, our business was not impacted by inflation
during the past three fiscal years in any material respect. We do no believe
that inflation will have a material impact on our business in the near future.
Year 2000
During 1997 we began evaluating computer systems to identify the those which
could be affected by the Year 2000 issue. The "Year 2000 issue" is whether our
computer systems will properly recognize date sensitive information when the
year changes to 2000 or "00". Programs that were not designed to properly
recognize such dates could generate erroneous data or cause a system to fail. We
reviewed our computer systems and identified those systems that were not year
2000 compliant.
Those systems that were not year 2000 compliant were replaced in November
1998. The cost to replace the non-compliant systems were not material to our
financial position and results of operations.
Our ability to conduct our business efficiently and productively requires
that our customers and vendors be year 2000 compliant. We have not assessed the
readiness and effectiveness of our customers and vendors in regards to their
compliance with year 2000 problems. However, we plan to make inquiries,
solicitations and surveys of these customers and vendors in the current year on
an on-going basis to determine our level of
Page 21 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
vulnerability from our customers and vendors. We do not anticipate an
interruption of our operations relative to Year 2000 concerns of our customers
and vendors. Therefore, we do not deem it necessary to formally adopt a
contingency plan.
The failure to correct a material year 2000 problem could result in
interruptions or failures of our normal business activities or operations. Such
failures could materially and adversely affect our results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition. Due to the uncertaintity inherent in the year
2000 problem, resulting in part from the uncertainty of the year 2000 readiness
of our customers and vendors, we are unable to determine at this time whether
the consequences of year 2000 failures will have a material impact on our
results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. We believe that with
the completion of upgrading our computer systems and the review of the status of
our customers and vendors year 2000 readiness, the possibility of significant
interruptions of normal operations should be reduced.
Results of Discontinued Operations
MRI Segment
During fiscal 1994, our Board of Directors chose to discontinue the MRI
Segment due to its recurring losses. In fiscal 1995, all of the assets of this
segment were garnished, confiscated or abandoned.
The results of operations of this segment was $-0- for the year ended
November 30, 1998 as compared to income before income taxes of approximately
$25,000 for the year ended November 30, 1997. The change in the segment's
results of operations was attributable to our revision of the initial estimate
made in 1994 to reserve for the ultimate loss to be incurred in the disposal of
the segment. This revision resulted in a credit to operations of approximately
$25,000 for the year ended November 30, 1997 and $-0- for the year ended
November 30, 1998.
In fiscal 1997, the results of operations of the MRI Segment was income of
approximately $25,000 as compared to income of approximately $396,000 in fiscal
1996. The change in the segment's results of operations is attributable to
management's revision of its initial estimate made in 1994 to reserve for the
ultimate loss to be incurred in the disposal of the segment. This revision
resulted in a credit to operations of approximately $25,000 for the year ended
November 30, 1997 and $396,000 for the year ended November 30, 1996. See also
PART 1, Item 1-Description of Business; "Industry Segments-Discontinued
Operations" for additional discussion.
Nursery Segment
As of November 30, 1994, our Board of Directors chose to discontinue the
Nursery Segment due to its recurring losses. In fiscal 1995, all of the assets
of this segment were seized through foreclosure of the segment's indebtedness.
The results of operations of this segment in fiscal 1998 was $-0- compared
to income before income taxes of approximately $228,000 in 1997. In fiscal 1998
there were no adjustments to previously recorded reserves relative to this
discontinued segment whereas in fiscal year 1997 we had a credit to the initial
estimate made to reserve for the ultimate loss to be incurred in the disposal of
the segment of approximately $228,000.
Page 22 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
The results of operations of this segment in fiscal 1997 was income of
approximately $228,000. This compares to income of approximately $2,497,000 in
fiscal 1996. The decrease in the segment's results of operations for the year
ended November 30, 1997 compared to 1996 is attributable to two events. First,
in July 1996 the Nursery Segment was sold. This sale relieved the segment of
liabilities to its unsecured creditors. Second, a transaction occurred in which
we were indemnified for certain liabilities of the Nursery segment and in which
a third party paid a secured creditor all amounts due on another liability.
Recent Accounting Standards
The Financial Accounting Standards Boards ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" which establishes standards for reporting and
the presentation of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses,
gains and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS
No. 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires that an enterprise (1) classify
items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement (2)
display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from
retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a
statement of financial position. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997 and will be adopted by us during the quarter
ending February 28, 1999 in our 1999 fiscal year. We do not anticipate that this
statement will have a significant effect on our consolidated financial
statements.
The FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information". SFAS No. 131 establishes revised guidelines for
determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial
information to be disclosed. SFAS No. 131 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997 and will be adopted by us during the quarter
ending February 28, 1999 in our 1999 fiscal year. We do not anticipate that this
statement will have a significant effect on our consolidated financial
statements.
The FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and
Other Postretirement Benefits" in February 1998. SFAS No. 132 revises employers'
disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not
change the measurement recognition of those plans. This statement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and will be adopted by us in
our fiscal year ending November 30, 1999. The adoption of this new standard is
not expected to have a material impact to us.
The FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" in June 1998. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. This
statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 1999 and will be effective for us at the beginning of our fiscal
quarter ending February 29, 2000. The provisions of this new standard are not
expected to have a material impact to us.
Page 23 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations on our borrowings. We manage
our interest rate exposure through a combination of fixed and variable rate
debt.
At November 30, 1998, we had the following short-term loans outstanding:
Average Annual
Description Amount Interest Rate
------------------------ ---------- --------------
Revolving line of credit
to a bank $2,350,000 9.83%
Other notes payable 856,410 7.60%
At November 30, 1998, long term loans consisted of the following:
Description Amount Maturity
---------------------- -------- --------
Note payable to a bank $645,000 1999
645,000 2000
645,000 2001
645,000 2002
645,000 2003
154,495 2004
Other 25,000 2001
The above long term loans carry variable interest rates.
Our operations described in detail in Item 1 "Business" consists primarily
of providing contract drilling services to oil and gas producers. We attempt to
mitigate our commodity price risk by entering into short term contracts. Our
future cash flow from drilling operations are exposed to significant volatility
as commodity prices changes. Our future cash flows could vary significantly from
historical cash flows.
Item 8. Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as a part of this report at the
end of PART IV beginning at page F-1, Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
and are incorporated herein by this reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our Board of Directors consists of six members, each of which hold office
until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until the election and
qualification of their respective successors. Each of the persons listed below
is presently a director of our's and was elected to such office at the last
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The following biographical information is provided with respect to each
director:
Page 24 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
John W. Norton, age 38, has been a Director of NDSI since October 1991 and the
vice president in charge of operations since November 1997. Mr. Norton has been
a drilling engineer for Norton Drilling Company and its predecessor corporation
since 1987. From 1986 to 1987, John W. Norton was self-employed as a drilling
engineer consultant. John W. Norton received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Sherman H. Norton, Jr., age 68, has been a Director of NDSI since October 1991
and Chairman of the Board of NDSI since August 1993. He was Chief Executive
Officer and President of NDSI from May 1995 to November 1997. He was President
of Norton Drilling Company and its predecessor corporation from 1976 to November
1997. Sherman H. Norton, Jr. received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
S. Howard Norton, III, age 41, has been a Director of NDSI since October 1991
and the Chief Executive Officer of NDSI and President of Norton Drilling Company
since November 1997. Mr. Norton has been a sales representative with Norton
Drilling Company and its predecessor corporation since 1982. S. Howard Norton,
III received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M
University.
H. Larry Adkins, age 51, has been a Director of NDSI since June 1996. Mr. Adkins
is an executive vice president with and the Chief Operating Officer of Marine
Drilling Companies, Inc., a position he has held since January 1998. Prior to
that, Mr. Adkins was a senior vice president and operations manager with Marine
Drilling Companies, Inc. since 1993. Mr. Adkins received his Bachelor of Science
degree in Broad Field Sciences from Texas Tech University.
Carl C. Beach, age 46, has been a Director of NDSI since April 1997. Mr.
Beach worked as a landman and served as Vice President and Chief Executive
Officer for Beach Exploration, Inc. from 1974 to 1989. In 1989, Mr. Beach
formed his own oil and gas exploration company in Corpus Christi, Texas. In
1993 his company was merged with an electric utility for which Mr. Beach
then served as President. Mr. Beach currently works for Southstar
Corporation, an oil and gas exploration company which he formed. Mr. Beach
graduated from West Texas State University in 1974.
Kevin E. Lewis, age 33, has been a Director of NDSI since April 1997. Mr.
Lewis is a vice president in the Global Mergers & Acquisitions Group of
Lehman Brothers in New York. Mr. Lewis has served as Chairman of the Board
of Furr's/Bishop's, Inc. From June 1993 to May 1998 and served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Furr's/Bishop's, Inc. from July 1994 to
December 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Lewis was a Managing Director in the New
York office of Houlihan, Lokey, Howard and Zukin, Inc., a specialty
investment banking firm.
In addition to the persons listed above, the only other executive
officer of NDSI is David W. Ridley. Mr. Ridley, age 42, became our Chief
Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer on October 16, 1993 and
performs similar duties for our subsidiaries, Norton Drilling Company and
Lobell Corporation.
Under the securities laws of the United States, our directors, executive
officers, and any persons holding more than ten percent of our common stock are
required to report their initial ownership of our common stock and any
subsequent changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Specific due dates for these reports have been established, and
Page 25 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
we are required to disclose any failure to file by these dates. There were no
failures to file by those due dates for the last fiscal year.
In making these disclosures, we have relied solely on written
representations of our directors and executive officers and copies of the
reports that they have filed with the Commission.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding all compensation which
we paid to our chief executive officer and the other executive officers whose
compensation exceeded $100,000.
Highly Compensated Executive Officers
Long-Term
Compensation
Annual Securities
Name of Executive and Compensation Underlying All Other
Principal Positions Year Salary Bonus Warrants/Options Compensation
- ------------------- ---- ------ ----- -----------------------------
Sherman H. Norton, Jr.,
Chairman of the Board of
NDSI and past President 1998 $153,500 $- - - - - - - -
of Norton Drilling 1997 141,250 - - 137,805 - - - -
Company 1996 104,500 - - - - - - - -
S. Howard Norton, III,
President, CEO and Director 1998 104,500 - - - - 36,000 - -
of NDSI and President of 1997 104,500 - - - - - - - -
Norton Drilling Company 1996 104,500 - - - - - - - -
John W. Norton, Director,
Secretary and COO of NDSI 1998 104,500 - - - - 36,000 - -
Vice President of Norton 1997 104,500 - - - - - - - -
Drilling Company 1996 104,500 - - - - - - - -
No options were exercised during 1997 by any of the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Warrant grants in 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
-------------------------------------------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options/ Grant
Underlying Warrants Exercise Date
Warrants Granted Price per Expiration Present
Name Granted to Employees Share(2) Date Value(1)
- ------------------------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sherman H. Norton, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
of NDSI and past 128,000 92.9% $2.500 02/23/04 $309,891
President of Norton 3,405 2.5% 3.900 02/23/04 7,888
Drilling Company 6,400 4.6% 3.125 04/01/02 12,861
</TABLE>
(1) Options were valued on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected Dividend Yield - 0.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate - 6.26%
Page 26 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Expected Lives - 6.91 years
Expected Volatility - 99.99%
(2) The exercise price of the options granted was equal to the fair market value
of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
Option Grants in Fiscal Year 1998
The following stock options were granted to the named executive officers
during the year ended November 30, 1998. These grants are also reflected on the
summary compensation table above. We have not granted any stock
appreciation rights.
Individual Grants
--------------------------------------------------------
% of Total
Options
Number of Granted to
Securities Employees Exercise Grant
Underlying in Fiscal Price Date
Options Year Per Expiration Present
Name Granted 1998(1) Share (2) Date(3) Value (4)
- --------------- ------------ ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
S. Howard
Norton, III 36,000 21.6% $7.50 02/06/08 $213,120
John W. Norton 36,000 21.6% $7.50 02/06/08 $213,120
(1) During fiscal 1998, we granted options to purchase an aggregate of 166,440
shares of Common Stock to employees of Norton Drilling Company
(2) The exercise price of the options granted was equal to the fair market value
of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
(3) Grants become exercisable in equal installments on the first three
anniversaries of the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of
grant.
(4) Options were valued on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected Dividend Yield - 0.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate - 5.52%
Expected Lives - 5 years
Expected Volatility - 99.99%
No option or warrants were exercised during 1998 or 1997 by any of the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Director Compensation for Last Fiscal Year
Annual retainer Consulting fees/
Name fees other fees
Larry Adkins $ 1,000 - -
Carl C. Beach $ 1,000 - -
Kevin E. Lewis $ 1,000 - -
Employment Arrangements
On October 1, 1991, NDSI, through its subsidiary, Norton Drilling Company,
entered into five-year employment contracts with each of Sherman H.
Page 27 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Norton, Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, John William Norton and Johnie P. Rose. The
contracts set a base salary for each person. In addition, the four employees
could allocate among themselves a total of $50,000 in additional compensation
each year over the total compensation paid to such employees as a group during
the prior year. According to these employment agreements, the employees agreed
not to compete with Norton Drilling Company for a five-year period.
On December 1, 1995, NDSI, through its subsidiary, Norton Drilling Company,
entered into new five-year employment contracts with the four individuals
mentioned above. The new contracts replaced the above-mentioned agreements. The
new contracts provide for annual salaries of $104,500 to each of these
employees. The provisions of the new contracts are the same as the prior
contracts except for the amount of salary and provision for annual bonuses
On March 1, 1997, NDSI, through its subsidiary, Norton Drilling Company,
entered into a new five-year employment contract with Sherman H. Norton, Jr,
which replaced the above-mentioned agreement for him. The new contract provides
for an annual salary of $153,500. The provisions of this new contract are the
same as the prior contract for Mr. Norton except for the amount of salary.
On December 1, 1995, Norton entered into a three-year employment agreement
with one of it's employees which provides for a salary of $78,000 per year. This
agreement was renewed and extended for an additional three years on December 1,
1998 under the same provisions and for the same amount as before.
Stock Options
On February 23, 1997 the Board of Directors issued options to purchase 26,000
shares of our common stock to four of our directors in accordance with our 1989
Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of $2.80 per share.
On February 23, 1997, our Board also issued two warrants to a director/former
officer of ours as consideration for the individual personally guaranteeing
certain obligations of Norton. The first warrant was issued for guarantees
related to obligations entered into through August 1996 and allows this
individual to purchase 36,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$2.50 per share. The second warrant was issued for guarantees related to
obligations entered into in January 1997 and allows this individual to purchase
3,405 shares of common stock at $3.90 per share. A third warrant was issued on
April 1, 1997 for guarantees related to obligations entered into on April 1,
1997 and allows this individual to purchase 6,400 shares of common stock at
$3.125 per share.
On May 21, 1997, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase 4,000
shares of our common stock to two directors in accordance with our 1989 Stock
Option Plan at an exercise price of $3.15 per share.
During the year ended November 30, 1998, options for 8,900 shares of our
common stock were exercised. During the year ended November 30, 1997, options
for 83,200 shares of our common stock were exercised. All these options were
part of those issued under our 1989 Stock Option Plan. The option prices ranged
from $0.625 to $2.80 per share. As part of our 1989 Stock Option Plan, the
person who holds the option can pay the option price by giving us back common
stock which has a fair market value on the date of
Page 28 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
exercise equal to the option price. During fiscal year 1998, we had 1,849 shares
returned to us as payment for the 8,900 options that were exercised and during
fiscal year 1997, we had 24,471 shares returned to us as payment for the 83,200
options that were exercised. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included as part of Item 8 of this report.
On February 6, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase
152,440 shares of our common stock to certain employees of Norton Drilling
Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share in accordance with our 1997
Stock Option Plan.
On April 14, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase 12,000
shares of our common stock to our three non-employee directors at an exercise
price of $6.00 per share in accordance with our 1997 Stock Option Plan.
On September 11, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase
2,000 shares of our common stock to an employee of Norton Drilling Company at an
exercise price of $3.30 per share in accordance with our 1997 Stock Option Plan.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information, as of January 29, 1999, with
respect to those persons or groups known to us who beneficially own more than 5%
of our common stock, for all of our directors, for David W. Ridley who is an
executive officer of NDSI, and for all directors and officers as a group.
Amount and Nature of Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership(1) of Class (2)
- ------------------------ ----------------------- --------
Sherman H. Norton, Jr. 548,872 11.1%
5211 Brownfield Highway, Suite 230
Lubbock, Texas 79407-3501
Jack S. Blanton, Jr. ....................264,940(3) 5.4
John W. Norton. . . . . . . . . . . . ...208,499(4) 4.2
S. Howard Norton, III . . . . . . . . . .205,019(4) 4.1
Carl C. Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000(5) *
Kevin E. Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,000(5) *
Hugh L. Adkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000(6) *
David W. Ridley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,098(7) *
All directors, executive officers and beneficial owners
as a group (8 persons). . . . . . . . 1,253,428(8) 24.9%
* Less than 1%.
(1) All information is as of January 29, 1999 and was determined in accordance
with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based upon
information furnished by the persons listed or contained in
Page 29 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
filings made by them with the Securities and Exchange Commission or
otherwise known to us. Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership
disclosed consists of sole voting and dispositive power. Sherman H.
Norton, Jr. is the father of S. Howard Norton and John W. Norton, who
are all directors of NDSI.
(2) Shares of common stock subject to option currently exercisable, or
exercisable within sixty days, are deemed outstanding for computing the
percentage of ownership of the person holding the options, but not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage of ownership of any other person.
The percentages are based on the 4,934,320 shares outstanding as of
January 29, 1999.
(3) Includes 11,500 shares owned by JEM Management Company.
(4) Includes warrants to purchase 45,815 shares of common stock for S. Howard
Norton, III and 45,815 shares of common stock John W. Norton at exercise
prices ranging from $2.50 to $3.91 per share which expire at various times
from April 1, 2002 to February 24, 2004.
(5) Includes an option to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock at $3.15 per
share which expires on March 31, 2007, and an option to purchase 4,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, which
expires on April 15, 2008.
(6) Includes an option to purchase 4,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $6.00 per share, which expires on April 15, 2008.
(7) Includes 838 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Ridley's wife and 1,200
shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Ridley's minor daughter. Mr. Ridley
disclaims all beneficial ownership of these shares.
(8) Includes all the securities described above in footnotes (2) through
(6).
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
On May 19, 1993 a former officer of Norton advanced $90,000 and a
director/former officer of ours advanced $410,000 to Norton in the form of
unsecured demand notes. These notes bore interest equal to Norton's primary
lending institution's prime rate. The notes were convertible into our common
stock at $2.20 per share for a total 227,273 shares. The Conversion Price was
determined by our Board of Directors at its meeting on May 19, 1993, at a
premium over the average of the bid and ask price of the shares of common stock
at the close of business on May 18, 1993. On November 13, 1997 these two
individuals exercised their option to convert the notes into our stock. See
Notes 6 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as a part
of Item 8 of this report.
Two of our directors, a corporation owned by one of our directors, and a
former officer of Norton have ownership interests in an entity from which Norton
purchased drilling rig machinery at a cost of $168,155 in 1997.
In the year ended November 30, 1995, the three individuals and the
corporation mentioned above, along with the Drilling Segment, participated in a
joint venture in three wells. The joint venture contracted with Norton to drill,
equip, and operate the three wells and incurred costs of approximately $34,000
in the year ending November 30, 1998, $58,000 in the
Page 30 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
year ending November 30, 1997 and $83,000 in the year ending November 30, 1996.
In April, 1996, Norton sold substantially all of its interest in the joint
venture to a corporation in which the two directors of NDSI, the corporation
owned by a director of NDSI and the former officer of Norton, are stockholders.
The sales price of the interest sold was $200,000 and Norton realized a gain on
the sale of the interest of approximately $117,000.
On June 6, 1996, we purchased 216,619 shares of our common stock at $0.40
per share from a corporation owned by two former directors/officers of NDSI and
their spouses as part of a stock purchase and settlement agreement.
In February 1997, the Board of Directors directed the officers of NDSI to
issue 79,214 shares of common stock to four individuals, three of whom are
directors of NDSI, as payment for unpaid salaries that were due these
individuals according to employment agreements Norton had with them. The number
of shares issued was based upon a valuation provided by an independent valuation
consultant. These share have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part
of Item 8 of this report.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Report of Independent Accountants;
(2) Consolidated Financial Statements; and
(3) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:
The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section
of this report starting on page F-1.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None
(c) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are as follows:
Exhibit No. Name
(3) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of NDSI, as amended, filed as Exhibit
3.1 to NDSI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2 By-Laws of NDSI, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to NDSI's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August
31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
Page 31 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
3.3 By Laws of NDSI, as amended.
3.4 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
Norton Drilling Services, Inc.(f/k/a DSI Industries, Inc.)
Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-Q dated August 31,
1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
3.5 Certificate of Incorporation Private of Norton Drilling
Company Mexico, Inc.
3.6 By Laws of Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
(10) Material Contracts
10.1 Agreement between Diagnostic Sciences, Inc. and First Capital
Partners, effective January 6, 1989, filed as Exhibit (10)A to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30,
1990 (the "1990 10-K"), and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2 Incentive Stock Option Plan of Diagnostic Science, Inc., filed as
Exhibit (10)A to the 1990 Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.3 Amendment, dated December 11, 1991, to the Agreement between
Diagnostic Sciences, Inc. and First Capital Advisers, Inc. dated
January 6, 1989, filed as the Exhibit to the Current Report on
Form 8-K dated December 16, 1991, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.4 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization") made and entered into October 3, 1990, by and
between Diagnostic Sciences, Inc. and Sunshine Botanicals, Inc.,
Interior Plant Supply, Inc., David Brian Hew and Christopher Paul
Carvalho, filed as Exhibit (10)A to the March 15, 1991 Form 8-K
and incorporated herein by reference.
10.5 Amendment, dated as of October 3, 1990, to the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization, filed as Exhibit (10)C to the March 15, 1991
Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.6 IPS Agreement, dated February 28, 1991, filed as Exhibit (10)P to
the Current Report on March 15, 1991 Form 8-K, and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.7 Assignment and Assumption Agreement pursuant to Section 3.1 of
the IPS Agreement, filed as Exhibit (10)Q to the March 15, 1991
Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.8 Employment Agreement by and among Sunshine and Carvalho, D. Brian
Hew, and FCA, dated February 28, 1991, filed as Exhibit (10)AD to
the March 15, 1991 Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.10 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 13, 1991, by and
among Diagnostic Sciences, Inc., Norton Drilling Company, Sherman
H. Norton, Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, J.P. Rose, John W. Norton
and Barbara L. Norton, filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8, dated
October 23, 1991, amending Current Report on
Page 32 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Form 8-K filed on October 7, 1991 (the "October 7, 1991 Form 8-K
Amendment), and incorporated herein by reference.
10.11 Form of Employment Agreement entered into as of October 1, 1991
between Norton Drilling Company and each of Sherman H. Norton,
Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, J.P. Rose and John W. Norton, filed
as an Exhibit to the October 7, 1991 Form 8-K Amendment, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.12 Letter of Agreement between Strategic Growth International and
Diagnostic Sciences, Inc. dated January 23, 1991, filed as an
Exhibit to the 1992 Form 10K, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.13 Consulting Agreement dated September 17, 1991 between the Equity
Group Inc., and NDSI, filed as an Exhibit to the 1992 Form 10K,
and incorporated herein by reference.
10.14 Letter Agreement dated October 26, 1992 between Raphael S.
Grunfeld and NDSI, filed as in Exhibit to the 1992 Form 10K, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.15 Settlement Agreement dated as of July 9, 1993 between General
Electric Company, GE Medical Systems, DSI Industries, Inc. and
Lobell Corp., filed as Exhibit 1 to the Current Report on Form
8-K dated July 27, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.16 Escrow Agreement dated as of July 9, 1993 between General
Electric Company, GE Medical Systems, DSI Industries, Inc.,
Lobell Corp., and Moritt, Mock and Hamroff filed as Exhibit 2
to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 1993 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.17 Subordinated Convertible Note dated May 19, 1993 issued by Norton
Drilling Company and DSI Industries, Inc. in favor of Sherman H.
Norton, Jr. filed as Exhibit 1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 2, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.18 Subordinated Convertible Note Subscription Agreement dated as of
May 19, 1993, between Norton Drilling Company, DSI Industries,
Inc. and Sherman H. Norton, Jr. filed as Exhibit 2 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K dated June 2, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.19 Subordinated Convertible Note dated May 19, 1993 issued by Norton
Drilling Company and DSI Industries, Inc. in favor of Johnie P.
Rose filed as Exhibit 3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 2, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.20 Subordinated Convertible Note Subscription Agreement dated as of
May 19, 1993, between Norton Drilling Company, DSI Industries,
Inc. and Johnie P. Rose filed as Exhibit 4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K dated June 2, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference.
Page 33 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
10.21 Letter Agreement dated as of August 25, 1993 by and among Gerry
Angulo, First Capital Partners, First Capital Asset Management
Inc., First Capital Advisers Inc., F.S. Financial Services Inc.,
DSI Industries, Inc., Sunny's Plants, Inc., Sunshine Botanicals,
Inc., Interior Plant Supply, Inc., Norton Drilling Company,
Lobell Corp., West Loop Investments, Inc. and Paul Stache filed
as Exhibit 1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 3,
1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.22 Security Agreement dated as of January 6, 1995 between DSI
Industries, Inc. and The Plains National Bank of West Texas filed
as an Exhibit to the 1994 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.23 Guaranty Agreement dated as of January 6, 1995 between DSI
Industries, Inc. and The Plains National Bank of West Texas filed
as an Exhibit to the 1994 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.24 Promissory Note dated January 6, 1995 issued by DSI Industries,
Inc. and Norton Drilling Company in favor of The Plains National
Bank of West Texas in the amount of $350,000 filed as an Exhibit
to the 1994 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
10.25 Promissory Note dated January 6, 1995 issued by Norton Drilling
Company in favor of The Plains National Bank of West Texas in the
amount of $650,000 filed as an Exhibit to the 1994 Form 10-K and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.26 Agreement for purchase of loan documents and collateral dated as
of August 24, 1995 by and among Sunshine Botanicals, Inc.,
Sunny's Plants, Inc., Interiorplant Supply, Inc., NationsBank of
Florida, N.A., and Tuttle's Design-Build, Inc. filed as an
Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated September 6, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.27 Agreement by and between Tuttle's Design-Build, Inc. in favor of
Peter Hew, David Brian Hew and DSI Industries, Inc. dated August
24, 1995 filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated September 6,
1995 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.28 Indemnification Agreement dated as of August 24, 1995 by and
between Tuttle's Design-Build, Inc., Brian Tuttle and Merja
Tuttle and DSI Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form
8-K dated September 6, 1995 and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.29 Agreement dated August 24, 1995 by Tuttle's Design Build, Inc. in
favor of DSI Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K
dated September 6, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.30 Form of Employment Agreement entered into as of December 1, 1995
between Norton Drilling Company and each of Sherman H. Norton,
Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, J.P. Rose and John W.
Page 34 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Norton filed as an Exhibit to the 1995 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.31 Stock Purchase and Settlement Agreement, dated as of May 30,
1996, by and between D. Brian Hew ("Brian Hew"), Peter Hew
("Peter Hew") and Everbloom Growers, Inc., a Florida corporation
whose sole stockholders are Brian Hew and Peter Hew and NDSI and
the following direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of
the registrant: Sunny's Plants, Inc., a Florida corporation,
Sunshine Botanicals, Inc., a Florida corporation, Interior Plant
Supply, Inc., a Florida corporation, Sunny's Trucking, Inc., a
Florida corporation, Norton Drilling Company, a Delaware
corporation, and Lobell Corp., a Delaware corporation filed as an
Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated June 6, 1996 and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.32 Indemnification Agreement, dated as of June 6, 1996 by Tuttle's
Design-Build, Inc. and Brian and Merja Tuttle in favor of the
Registrant filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated June 6, 1996
and incorporated herein by reference.
10.33 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 19, 1996, by and
between Morgan Roark ("Buyer"), DSI Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("DSI") and, for purposes of Section 4.3 only,
Sherman Norton, Howard Norton, Jay Norton and David Ridley filed
as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated July 22, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.34 Release Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1996 by Sunny's Plants,
Inc., a Florida corporation ("Sunny's"), Sunshine Botanicals,
Inc., a Florida corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Sunny's ("Sunshine"), Interior Plant Supply, Inc., a Florida
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sunny's
("Interior"), and Sunny's Trucking, Inc., a Florida corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sunny's ("Trucking") and
together with Sunny's, Sunshine and Interior, the ("Releasors")in
favor of DSI and each affiliate of DSI and the officers,
directors, employees, principals and agents of each of them filed
as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated July 22, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.35 Commercial Security Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996, by and
between The Plains National Bank of West Texas and DSI
Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated August
7, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.36 Commercial Continuing Guaranty, dated as of August 1, 1996 by and
between The Plains National Bank of West Texas and DSI
Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 8-K dated August
7, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.37 Form of Employment Agreement entered into as of March 1, 1997
between Norton Drilling Company and Sherman H. Norton, Jr. filed
as an Exhibit to the Form 10-Q dated February 28, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.38 Form of Warrant from DSI Industries, Inc. to Sherman H.
Norton, Jr. dated as of February 24, 1997 filed as an Exhibit
Page 35 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
to the Form 10-Q dated February 28, 1997 and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.39 Commercial Security Agreement dated as of April 1, 1997, by and
between The Plains National Bank of West Texas and DSI
Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-Q dated
February 28, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.40 Commercial Continuing Guaranty, dated as of April 1, 1997, by and
between the Plains National Bank of West Texas and DSI
Industries, Inc. filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-Q dated
February 28, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.41 Form of Warrant from DSI Industries, Inc. to Sherman H.
Norton, Jr. dated as of April 1,1997 Inc. filed as an Exhibit
to the Form 10-Q dated May 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.42 DSI Industries, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan Inc. filed as an
Exhibit to the Form 10-Q dated August 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.43 Commercial Security Agreement dated as of February 17, 1998,
by and between The Plains National Bank of West Texas and
Norton Drilling Company,
10.44 Commercial Continuing Guaranty, dated as of February 17, 1998, by
and between the Plains National Bank of West Texas and Norton
Drilling Services, Inc.
10.45 International Daywork Drilling Contract - Land, for Rig #1
dated as of May 29, 1998 by and between Norton Drilling
Company Mexico, Inc. and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de C.V.
and Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. and Avia de Mexico,
S.A. de C.V. and Avia Energy Development L.L.C.
10.46 International Daywork Drilling Contract - Land, for Rig #3
dated September, 1998 by and between Norton Drilling Company
Mexico, Inc. and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de C.V. and
Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. and Avia de Mexico, S.A.
de C.V. and Avia Energy Development L.L.C.
10.47 International Daywork Drilling Contract - Land, for Rig #12
dated as of May 29, 1998 by and between Norton Drilling
Company Mexico, Inc. and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de C.V.
and Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. and Avia de Mexico,
S.A. de C.V. and Avia Energy Development L.L.C.
(21) The subsidiaries of NDSI are: Norton Drilling Company, a
Delaware corporation, and Lobell Corp., a Delaware
corporation.
27 Financial data schedule
Page 36 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC.
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/Sherman H. Norton, Jr.
Sherman H. Norton, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/David W. Ridley
David W. Ridley, Vice-President and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/Carl C. Beach
Carl C. Beach, Director
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/Kevin E. Lewis
Kevin E. Lewis, Director
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/S. Howard Norton, III
S. Howard Norton, III, Director
Chief Executive Officer and President
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/Sherman H. Norton, Jr.
Sherman H. Norton, Jr., Director
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/John W. Norton
John William Norton, Director, Vice President
and Secretary
Dated: February 23, 1999 By: /s/Larry Adkins
Larry Adkins, Director
Page 37 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page No.
Report of Independent Accountants
Robinson Burdette Martin & Cowan, L.L.P.................................F-2
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets.............................................F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations...................................F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.........................F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...................................F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................F-9
F-1
Page 38 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Norton Drilling Services, Inc.
Lubbock, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Norton Drilling
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of November 30, 1998 and 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 1998. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Norton Drilling
Services Inc. and Subsidiaries as of November 30, 1998 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended November 30, 1998 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company changed its
method of accounting for earnings per share in 1998.
Robinson Burdette Martin & Cowan, L.L.P.
Lubbock, Texas
January 31, 1999, except as to
the information in the last two
paragraphs of Note 17
for which the date is February 26, 1999
F-2
Page 39 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
A S S E T S
<CAPTION>
November 30,
--------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 172,321 $ 277,097
Accounts receivable trade, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $178,477 and $220,075 as of November 30,
1998 and 1997, respectively 5,986,231 6,153,958
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on
uncompleted contracts 534,557 1,008,756
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 352,677 434,996
----------- ----------
Total current assets 7,045,786 7,874,807
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation and depletion 11,581,332 10,351,456
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $682,690
and $587,430 as of November 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively 1,221,807 1,317,067
Note receivable, net of current maturities 25,000 75,764
Security deposits 128,991 143,991
----------- -----------
Total assets $20,002,916 $19,763,085
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of notes payable $ 3,156,410 $ 2,403,986
Accounts payable 1,890,752 3,978,868
Billings in excess of costs of uncompleted contracts - - 12,228
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,817,321 1,885,352
Net liabilities of discontinued operations 83,615 104,953
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 6,948,098 8,385,387
---------- ----------
Long-term liabilities
Notes payable, less current maturities 3,404,495 2,633,802
Deferred income taxes 1,014,859 942,267
---------- ----------
Total long-term liabilities 4,419,354 3,576,069
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3, 14, 15 and 17) - - - -
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock-par value $.01;
authorized-100,000,000 shares,
issued - 5,177,260 and 5,168,360 shares at November
30, 1998 and 1997, respectively
outstanding - 4,934,321 and 4,927,270 shares at
November 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively 258,863 258,418
Additional paid-in capital 10,535,754 10,518,132
Accumulated deficit ( 1,922,955) ( 2,750,294)
----------- -----------
8,871,662 8,026,256
Less treasury stock, at cost ( 236,198) ( 224,627)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 8,635,464 7,801,629
----------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $20,002,916 $19,763,085
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
Page 40 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<CAPTION>
Year ended November 30,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues:
Contract drilling revenues $28,721,406 $35,833,361 $26,676,573
Other 18,223 7,584 55,301
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating revenues 28,739,629 35,840,945 26,731,874
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating costs and expenses:
Direct drilling costs 22,390,783 28,503,955 23,495,747
General and administrative 1,848,565 1,326,010 1,471,118
Depreciation 2,912,624 2,083,671 1,187,218
Other 8,105 5,939 15,508
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating costs and expenses 27,160,077 31,919,575 26,169,591
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income 1,579,552 3,921,370 562,283
----------- ----------- -----------
Other income (expense):
Net gain on sale of assets 208,843 243,729 369,398
Interest expense ( 484,087) ( 561,442) ( 393,786)
Interest income 13,660 94,597 - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other expenses, net ( 261,584) ( 223,116) ( 24,388)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for income taxes
and discontinued operations 1,317,968 3,698,254 537,895
----------- ----------- -----------
Income tax expense:
Current 418,037 547,129 - -
Deferred 72,592 942,267 - -
----------- ----------- ------------
490,629 1,489,396 - -
----------- ----------- ------------
Income from continuing operations 827,339 2,208,858 537,895
----------- ----------- ------------
Discontinued operations:
Adjustment to provision for loss on
disposal credited - - 253,074 2,893,047
----------- ----------- -----------
Income from discontinued operations - - 253,074 2,893,047
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 827,339 $ 2,461,932 $ 3,430,942
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
Page 41 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Continued)
<CAPTION>
Year ended November 30,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income per common share Basic:
Income from continuing operations $.17 $.48 $.12
Income from discontinued operations - - .05 .62
---- ---- ----
Net income $.17 $.53 $.74
==== ==== ====
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations $.17 $.45 $.12
Income from discontinued operations - - .05 .59
---- ---- ----
Net income $.17 $.50 $.71
==== ==== ====
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic 4,931,373 4,651,249 4,673,323
========= ========= =========
Diluted 5,011,361 4,966,820 4,902,990
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
Page 42 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Treasury Stock
---------------------- -------------------
Shares Par Value Shares Amount
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, November 30, 1995 4,778,673 $ 238,934 - - $ - -
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - 216,619 ( 86,648)
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- --------- ------- ---------
Balance, November 30, 1996 4,778,673 238,934 216,619 ( 86,648)
Shares issued in satisfaction
of liabilities 79,214 3,960 - - - -
Exercise of stock options 83,200 4,160 24,471 (137,979)
Conversion of subordinated notes
payable 227,273 11,364 - - - -
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- --------- ------- ---------
Balance, November 30, 1997 5,168,360 258,418 241,090 (224,627)
Exercise of stock options 8,900 445 1,849 ( 11,571)
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- -------- ------- ---------
Balance, November 30, 1998 5,177,260 $ 258,863 242,939 $(236,198)
========= ========= ======= =========
<CAPTION>
Retained
Additional Earnings/ Total
Paid-in (Accumulated) Stockholders'
Capital Deficit Equity
----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, November 30, 1995 $ 9,716,928 $(8,643,168) $ 1,312,694
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - ( 86,648)
Net income - - 3,430,942 3,430,942
----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, November 30, 1996 9,716,928 (5,212,226) 4,656,988
Shares issued in satisfaction
of liabilities 162,389 - - 166,349
Exercise of stock options 150,179 - - 16,360
Conversion of subordinated notes
payable 488,636 - - 500,000
Net income - - 2,461,932 2,461,932
----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, November 30, 1997 10,518,132 (2,750,294) 7,801,629
Exercise of stock options 17,622 - - 6,496
Net income - - 827,339 827,339
----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, November 30, 1998 $10,535,754 $(1,922,955) $8,635,464
=========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
Page 43 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<CAPTION>
Year ended November 30,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 827,339 $ 2,461,932 $ 3,430,942
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities of continuing operations:
Discontinued operations - - ( 253,074) (2,893,047)
Depreciation 2,912,624 2,083,671 1,187,218
Non-cash workers compensation expense - - - - 25,000
Provision for bad debts 227,340 ( 58,707) 186,681
Gain on sale of assets ( 208,843) ( 243,729) ( 369,398)
Deferred income tax expense 72,592 942,267 - -
Increase (decrease) in cash flows as a result
of changes in operating asset and liability
account balances:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
-trade 46,010 (1,523,928) (2,586,817)
Decrease in insurance proceeds recoverable - - 153,586 529,075
(Increase) decrease in net costs and estimated
earnings in excess of billings on
uncompleted contracts 461,971 ( 300,466) ( 177,533)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and
other current assets 20,083 ( 160,135) 20,382
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (2,088,116) (1,007,833) 1,029,187
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and
other current liabilities ( 68,031) 659,786 597,832
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by continuing operations 2,202,969 2,753,370 979,522
Net cash used in discontinued operations ( 21,338) ( 318,330) ( 83,637)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,181,631 2,435,040 895,885
----------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 265,685 452,271 452,418
Acquisition of property and equipment (4,052,536) (3,756,560) (1,878,096)
Other 22,377 ( 15,000) 68,832
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,764,474) (3,319,289) (1,356,846)
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
(Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
Page 44 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
<CAPTION>
Year ended November 30,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable 4,790,319 1,077,117 1,686,718
Proceeds from revolving line of credit, net 885,000 365,000 100,000
Repayments of notes payable (4,203,748) (1,071,357) ( 747,938)
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - ( 86,648)
Exercise of stock options 6,496 16,360 - -
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,478,067 387,120 952,132
----------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents ( 104,776) ( 497,129) 491,171
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 277,097 774,226 283,055
---------- ----------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 172,321 $ 277,097 $ 774,226
========= =========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year:
Interest $ 490,976 $ 549,679 $ 384,161
========= =========== ===========
Income taxes $ 752,388 $ 37,452 $ - -
========= =========== ===========
</TABLE>
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, we acquired property and equipment in connection
with borrowings in the amounts of $51,546, $283,309 and $394,810, respectively.
In November 1997, $500,000 of subordinated convertible debt was converted into
227,273 shares of NDSI common stock.
During 1998, stock options issued under NDSI's 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan
were converted in which 8,900 shares of NDSI's common stock were issued to
option holders and 1,849 shares of common stock were surrendered by option
holders to NDSI in lieu of cash payment of the exercise price representing an
increase in treasury stock of $11,571.
During 1997, stock options issued under NDSI's 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan
were converted in which 83,200 shares of NDSI's common stock were issued to
option holders and 24,471 shares of common stock were surrendered by option
holders to NDSI in lieu of cash payment of the exercise price representing an
increase in treasury stock of $137,979.
In February 1997, 79,214 shares of common stock were issued in satisfaction of
outstanding liabilities of the Drilling Segment in the amount of $166,349.
During 1997 and 1996 several noncash activities occurred with regard to our
discontinuance of certain business segments. See Note 3.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-8
Page 45 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Norton Drilling Services, Inc., ("NDSI") was incorporated on December 21,
1983 under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Norton Drilling Company ("Norton" or "NDC") a Delaware corporation is our
only remaining operating segment and currently operates sixteen (16) oil and gas
drilling rigs and provides contract drilling services to the oil and gas
industry primarily in the Permian Basin of west Texas and eastern New Mexico as
well as in the Green River Basin and the Overthrust Belt in the Rocky Mountains
and in two states in Mexico.
Prior to the incorporation of Norton and the acquisition of NDC, we
operated two other subsidiaries, Sunny's Plants, Inc.("Sunny's" or the "Nursery
Segment") and Lobell Corporation ("Lobell" or the "MRI Segment").
Sunny's, which was acquired on February 28, 1991, was engaged primarily in
planting, growing and preparing interior foliage plants for distribution and
sale. Lobell was engaged primarily in providing diagnostic imaging services
involving MRI technology.
NDSI, in particular the Nursery and MRI Segments, sustained substantial
losses from operations in the past. On August 18, 1994 we discontinued the MRI
segment, and on April 6, 1995 we discontinued the Nursery segment due to these
significant losses.
On July 22, 1996, we effected the closing of a Stock Purchase Agreement
between a third party purchaser ("Buyer") and us. In accordance with the
agreement the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding shares of common stock of
Sunny's Plants, Inc., in consideration of certain releases and the payment by us
to the Buyer of $10,000.
During fiscal 1996 and 1997, a substantial amount of liabilities of the
discontinued segments were reduced either through the aforementioned sale of
Sunny's or through favorable negotiations with the respective creditors of those
segments.
As NDSI is a holding company it does not generate operating revenues.
Substantially all of the funding for our expenses as well as for the payment of
the liabilities of the discontinued segments comes from Norton Drilling Company.
F-9
Page 46 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NDSI and our
wholly-owned subsidiary, Norton as continuing operations and the accounts of
Lobell Corporation, as discontinued operations. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Management estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue and cost recognition
We follow the percentage-of-completion method for recognizing contract
drilling revenues. Under this method all drilling revenues, costs and
appropriate portions of indirect costs, related to the work in progress, are
recognized as contract drilling services are performed. Contract costs include
all direct material and labor costs and any indirect costs related to contract
performance. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as
incurred. Provision for losses on incomplete contracts are recognized when the
loss can be determined.
Property and equipment
(a) Property and equipment -Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
Lives (years)
-------------
Drilling rigs and equipment 2-8
Automotive equipment 5
Office furniture 3-10
Buildings 20
Other 3
(b) Maintenance and repairs-Maintenance and repairs expenses are charged to
operations as incurred. Renewals and betterments which extend the life or
improve properties are capitalized. Labor costs incurred in constructing or
improving assets are capitalized.
F-10
Page 47 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(c) Retirements-Upon disposition or retirement of property and equipment,
the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and
the gain or loss thereon, if any, is credited or charged to income.
Income taxes
Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial
statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts
currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain
income and expense items for financial reporting and tax reporting purposes.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the temporary
differences between the financial statement and tax basis of certain assets and
liabilities using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences
are expected to reverse.
We file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Under a tax sharing
agreement, the subsidiaries are charged an amount equal to the Federal income
taxes they would pay if a separate return were filed. If a subsidiary has a
taxable loss, it receives credit for its pro-rata share of the tax savings to
the consolidated group. The subsidiaries also provide deferred Federal income
taxes on a separate return basis on temporary differences between tax and
financial reporting to the extent that taxes which would otherwise have been
payable are reduced.
Stock based compensation
We grant stock options under stock-based incentive compensation plans to
our employees and directors. Compensation costs in connection with the granting
of stock options to employees and directors is measured under the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 which allows compensation
costs to be measured based on an intrinsic value method. In 1995, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No.123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" which, if
fully adopted by us, would change the method we apply in recognizing
compensation costs relative to options granted under our plans. Adoption of the
cost recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 is optional and we have decided not
to elect those provisions. However, pro-forma disclosures as if we had adopted
the costs recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 are required and are presented
in Note 13.
F-11
Page 48 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Statement of cash flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include
cash on hand, cash on deposit and unrestricted certificates of deposit with
original maturities of less than 90 days.
Goodwill
The excess of cost of the acquisition of the drilling segment over the fair
market value of the net assets of the segment at the date of acquisition has
been included in the consolidated financial statements as goodwill and is being
amortized on the straight-line method over 20 years.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of long-lived assets such as property and equipment and goodwill
is evaluated upon the occurrence of events which would call into question the
recoverability of the carrying amount of those assets. Impairment, if any, is
measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the
undiscounted sum of the expected future net cash flows.
Income per common share
We adopted the provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 128 "Earnings per Share" during the quarter ended February 28,
1998. This standard amends Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 15
"Earnings per Share" and requires the presentation of basic and diluted earnings
per share versus primary and fully diluted earnings per share which had been
required by APB Opinion No. 15. Earnings per share for the years ended November
30, 1997 and 1996 have been restated to conform with the requirements of SFAS
No. 128. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material effect to us
for the years ended November 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") has been computed using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the years ended November 30,
1998, 1997 and 1996.
Diluted EPS has been computed based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during years ended November 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
and on the net additional number of shares which would be issuable upon the
exercise of stock options, assuming that we used the proceeds received to
purchase additional shares at market value as well as the additional shares
issuable relative to convertible debt which was outstanding at November 30,
1996. Additional shares relative to stock options and convertible debt have been
excluded from the determination of diluted EPS when their effect is
anti-dilutive.
F-12
Page 49 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Stock split
On January 29, 1999, we effected a one-for-five reverse split of our common
stock. All information regarding earnings per share, weighted average number of
common shares outstanding, stock options and warrants issued and exercised and
all other related disclosures herein reflect the effects of such reverse split
for all periods presented.
Environmental costs
NDSI and Norton expense on a current basis, recurring costs associated with
managing hazardous substances in ongoing operations. We also accrue for costs
associated with the remediation of environmental contamination when it becomes
probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably
estimated. Management is aware of no such liability that has been incurred at
November 30, 1998.
Recent accounting standards
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statment of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" which establishes standards for reporting and the presentation of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses)
in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires
that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. SFAS No. 130
requires that an enterprise (1) classify items of other comprehensive income by
their nature in a financial statement (2) display the accumulated balance of
other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional
paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. SFAS
No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and will
be adopted by us during the quarter ending February 28, 1999 in our 1999 fiscal
year.
The FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information". SFAS No. 131 establishes revised guidelines for
determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial
information to be disclosed. SFAS No. 131 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997 and will be adopted by us during the quarter
ending February 28, 1999 in our 1999 fiscal year
The FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and
Other Postretirement Benefits" in February 1998. SFAS No. 132 revises employers'
disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not
change the measurement recognition of those plans. This statement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and will be adopted by us in
our fiscal year ending November 30, 1999. The adoption of this new standard is
not expected to have a material impact to us.
F-13
Page 50 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" in June 1998. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. This
statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 1999 and will be effective for us at the beginning of our fiscal
quarter ending February 29, 2000. The provisions of this new standard are not
expected to have a material impact to us.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1997 consolidated
financial statements in order for them to conform with the 1998 presentation.
The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders' equity for
those years.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On August 18, 1994, we discontinued the MRI Segment due to losses
experienced by the segment. We estimated future costs and expenses to dispose of
the segment to be $750,000. In fiscal 1996, we revised our initial estimate
which resulted in a credit of approximately $396,000 to the provision for loss
on discontinued segments. Our initial estimate was further revised during 1997
which resulted in a credit to the provision for loss on discontinued segments of
approximately $25,000. The remaining liabilities of the segment primarily relate
to claims filed by the segment's former landlord for past due rent. We are of
the opinion that if negotiations with the former landlord are not successful in
settling these obligations, we will cause the segment to seek protection from
the landlord under bankruptcy proceedings. It is possible that final settlement
and dissolution of the segment will result in the payment of less than amounts
which are currently recorded as liabilities. This could result in a gain
realized in the reversing of these recorded liabilities. Our estimate of the
potential gain is between approximately $5,000 and $40,000.
Effective November 30, 1994, we discontinued the Nursery Segment due to
significant operating losses incurred by that segment.
As part of an agreement entered into in August, 1995 between the Nursery
Segment, NDSI, a third party purchaser and a secured creditor, the purchaser was
required to repay the outstanding balance of a mortgage note in the original
amount of $2,128,000 which was collateralized by the segment's real property. We
remain liable as guarantor for this indebtedness until the purchaser has fully
satisfied this obligation. In July 1998, the purchaser ceased making payments on
the obligation and filed for protection under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
code. The unpaid balance of the purchaser's obligation was approximately
$1,784,000 at November 30, 1998. As of November 30, 1998, the secured creditor
has notified NDSI that they expect NDSI to make monthly payments under the terms
of the mortgage note as well as any payments in arrears
F-14
Page 51 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)
It is our intent to allow the secured creditor to foreclose on the real
property and it is our belief that the secured creditor will sell the property
and that the proceeds from the sale will satisfy amounts outstanding under the
mortgage note.
On July 22, 1996, we effected the closing of a Stock Purchase Agreement
between a third party purchaser ("Buyer") and us. In accordance with the
agreement, the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding shares of common stock of
Sunny's Plants, Inc., from us, in consideration of certain releases and the
payment by us to the Buyer of $10,000.
On August 29, 1997 we settled a claim against the Nursery Segment and us as
guarantor. This claim was included in the net liabilities of discontinued
operations at November 30, 1996 in the amount of $365,074. In settlement of this
claim we paid $275,000 to the creditor and have recorded a receivable from the
purchaser of the Nursery Segment in the amount of $138,000 in connection with
indemnification due us by the purchaser under an indemnification agreement
entered into in connection with the sale of the assets of the Nursery Segment.
The net liabilities of the discontinued operations at November 30, 1998 and
1997 are as follows:
1998 1997
------- --------
Accounts payable and other liabilities $25,000 $ 25,000
Estimated loss on disposal of segments 58,615 79,953
------- --------
Net liabilities of discontinued segments $83,615 $104,953
4. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS
Information relating to uncompleted contracts at November 30, 1998 and 1997
is as follows:
1998 1997
---------- ---------
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 741,111 $1,373,363
Estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 855,997 1,775,768
---------- ----------
1,597,108 3,149,131
Less billings to date on uncompleted contracts 1,062,551 2,152,603
---------- ----------
$ 534,557 $ 996,528
========== ==========
Included in the accompanying balance sheets at November 30, 1998 and 1997
are the following captions:
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
on uncompleted contracts $ 534,557 $1,008,756
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
on uncompleted contracts - - 12,228
--------- ----------
$ 534,557 $ 996,528
========= ==========
F-15
Page 52 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following at November 30, 1998 and
1997:
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Land $ 175,876 $ 109,421
Building 230,366 209,724
Drilling equipment 19,099,812 15,488,222
Transportation equipment 1,200,657 965,186
Office furniture and equipment 119,209 49,097
Miscellaneous equipment 51,159 88,264
----------- -----------
20,877,079 16,909,914
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion 9,295,747 6,558,458
$11,581,332 $10,351,456
6. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consisted of the following at November 30, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
---------- ---------
Demand note payable entered into August 7, 1996,
in the original amount of $3,000,000 with a bank;
82 monthly installments of $35,715 plus accrued
interest at 2.5% over the Wall Street Journal
prime rate(11.00% at November 30, 1997), through
June 2003, with remaining unpaid principal and
interest due at maturity, July, 2003;
collateralized by 1,000 shares of Norton stock,
all accounts receivable and general intangibles
and 14 drilling rigs and related equipment.
This note was refinanced with the same bank in
February 1998 $ - - $2,464,275
Demand note payable entered into February 17,
1998, in the original amount of $4,500,000 with
a bank; 84 monthly installments of $53,750 plus
accrued interest at 2.0% over the Wall Street
Journal prime rate (9.75% at November 30, 1998),
through January, 2005, with remaining unpaid
principal and interest due at maturity, February,
2005; collateralized by 1,000 shares of Norton
stock, all accounts receivable and general
intangibles and 16 drilling rigs and related
equipment. 4,016,250 - -
F-16
Page 53 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
6. NOTES PAYABLE (Continued)
1998 1997
---------- ---------
Line of credit with a bank which was renewed and
increased to $1,000,000 in April 1997. Monthly
payments of interest only at the Wall Street
Journal prime rate plus 2.5% (11.00% at November
30, 1997), with unpaid principal and interest
due at maturity, April 1, 1999; collateralized
by virtually all assets of Norton. This note was
refinanced with the same bank in February 1998. - - 600,000
Line of credit with a bank dated February 17,
1998 with a maximum borrowing capacity of
$3,000,000. Monthly payments of interest only
at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 1.0%
(8.75% at November 30,1998), with unpaid principal
and interest due at maturity, April 1, 1999;
collateralized by virtually all assets of Norton. 2,350,000 - -
Line of credit with a bank which was entered
into January 23, 1997 with a facility of
$665,000. The line of credit was renewed September
1, 1997; monthly payments of interest only at
the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 2.5%
(11.00% at November 30, 1997), with unpaid
principal and interest due at maturity, April
1, 1998; collateralized by virtually all assets of
Norton. - - 515,000
Demand note payable entered into October 7,
1997 in the original amount of $350,000 with a
bank; interest at the Wall Street Journal prime
rate plus 2.5% (11.00% at November 30, 1997),
with unpaid principal and interest due at
maturity, December 8, 1997; collateralized by
virtually all assets of Norton. - - 350,000
Note payable entered into on February 25, 1997,
in the original amount of $500,000 with a bank;
60 monthly installments of $8,334 plus interest
at 2% above New York prime (10.50% at November 30,
1997); matures February 27, 2002 collateralized
by a first lien on a single drilling rig including
all equipment, revenues and accounts receivable
derived therefrom and a second lien on all
other accounts receivable, inventory and drilling
equipment. This note was paid in February 1998. - - 423,302
F-17
Page 54 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
6. NOTES PAYABLE (Continued) 1998 1997
----------- ----------
Other notes payable 194,655 685,211
---------- ----------
6,560,905 5,037,788
Less current maturities 3,156,410 2,403,986
---------- ----------
$3,404,495 $2,633,802
========== ==========
In addition to the specific collateralization discussed above, certain
indebtedness was further collateralized by a corporate guaranty of NDSI at
November 30, 1998.
The weighted average interest rate on short term indebtedness during fiscal
1998 and 1997 was 10.5% and 10.9%, respectively.
The aforementioned obligations contain a number of representations,
warranties and covenants, the breach of which, at the election of the
respective lender would accelerate the maturity date of the obligations. The
most restrictive covenants include:
-Maintenance by Norton of a net worth of at least $8,000,000,
-Maintenance by Norton of a maximum leverage ratio of 2.75:1 and a
minimum current maturity coverage ratio of 1.25:1;
-Norton shall not involve itself in significant capital acquisitions,
nor shall it sell, transfer, impair or otherwise encumber underlying
collateral without prior written consent of the lender; and
-Norton shall not pay dividends or make loans to others without prior
written consent of the lender.
Norton was in violation of the covenant pertaining to capital
acquisitions at November 30, 1998 for which the bank has agreed to waive their
right to accelerate the maturity of the respective notes through December 1,
1999.
A bank has issued a letter of credit to Norton's former Workers'
Compensation Insurance carrier on behalf of Norton in the amount of $166,375. No
advances had been made against this letter of credit as of November 30, 1998.
Aggregate amounts of annual maturities of notes payable outstanding at
November 30, 1998 are as follows:
F-18
Page 55 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
6. NOTES PAYABLE (Continued)
Years Ending
November 30,
------------
1999 $3,156,410
2000 652,050
2001 671,195
2002 645,000
2003 645,000
Thereafter 791,250
----------
$6,560,905
==========
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Retirement plans
Norton has a defined contribution profit sharing plan which covers all
qualified employees. Contributions to the profit sharing plan are at the
discretion of Norton's Board of Directors. In November 1997, the board of
directors approved a contribution to the profit sharing plan of $50,000, which
was paid on December 30, 1997. This amount was included in accounts payable at
November 30, 1997. No contributions were made by Norton during the years ended
November 30, 1996 and 1998.
Health care costs
Norton maintains a self-insurance program for health care costs.
Self-insurance retention is $30,000 per employee and an aggregate of
approximately $280,000 per year. Liabilities in excess of these amounts are the
responsibility of the co-insurance carrier. Included in accrued expenses at
November 30, 1998 and 1997 are the estimated liabilities owed under this
self-insurance program in the amounts of $38,110 and $86,272, respectively.
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following
at November 30, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Payroll payable $ 517,426 $ 696,102
Income taxes payable:
Federal 201,184 378,971
State 6,904 132,521
Payroll and other taxes payable 618,266 208,946
Accrued interest 50,043 56,931
Estimated workers' compensation
co-insurance payable 236,322 251,365
Estimated employee medical benefits
co-insurance payable 41,640 86,272
Other accrued expenses 145,536 74,244
---------- ----------
$1,817,321 $1,885,352
========== ==========
F-19
Page 56 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the years ended November 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996 consists of the following:
1998 1997 1996
--------- ---------- ---------
Federal:
Current $ 389,795 $ 393,372 $ - -
Deferred 87,506 889,967 - -
--------- ---------- --------
477,301 1,283,339 - -
--------- ---------- --------
State:
Current 28,242 153,757 - -
Deferred ( 14,914) 52,300 - -
-------- ---------- --------
13,328 206,057 - -
-------- ---------- --------
Total income tax expense $490,629 $1,489,396 $ - -
======== ========== =========
The effective income tax rate varies from the Federal statutory rate for
the years ended November 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 as follows:
1998 1997 1996
----- ------ ------
Statutory tax rate 34.0% 34.0 % 34.0%
Net operating loss carryforward
(primarily attributable to
reduction of valuation allowance) - - ( 0.8) (56.3)
State and local taxes 1.0 4.0 - -
Amortization of goodwill 2.5 2.6 17.7
Officer life insurance premium - - - - 2.5
Other ( 0.3) 0.5 2.1
----- ----- -----
Effective tax rate 37.2% 40.3 % - - %
===== ===== =====
The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred
tax assets and liabilities and changes therein for continuing operations were as
follows:
December 1, November 30,
1996 Net Change 1997
----------- ---------- -----------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward $ 753,279 $( 753,279) $ - -
Accruals related to
self-insurance 97,444 30,723 128,167
State and local tax benefit 16,701 16,809 33,510
----------- ---------- ----------
867,424 ( 705,747) 161,677
Valuation allowance ( 29,027) 29,027 ( - -)
----------- ---------- ----------
Deferred tax asset 838,397 ( 676,720) 161,677
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment basis
difference ( 838,397) ( 265,547) (1,103,944)
----------- ---------- ----------
Net deferred tax liability $ - - $( 942,267)$( 942,267)
=========== =========== ===========
F-20
Page 57 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
December 1, November 30,
1997 Net Change 1998
----------- ---------- -----------
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals related to
self-insurance $ 128,167 $( 26,508) $ 101,659
State and local tax benefit 33,510 ( 2,621) 30,889
---------- -------- ----------
161,677 ( 29,129) 132,548
Valuation allowance ( - -) - - ( - -)
---------- -------- ----------
Deferred tax asset 161,677 ( 29,129) 132,548
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment basis
difference (1,103,944) ( 43,463) (1,147,407)
---------- --------- ----------
Net deferred tax liability $( 942,267) $( 72,592) $(1,014,859)
=========== ========== ==========
10. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Norton had three customers who accounted for approximately 51% of
consolidated operating revenues for the year ended November 30, 1998. Norton had
two customers each year who accounted for approximately 28% and 42% of
consolidated operating revenues for the years ended November 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On May 19, 1993 a former officer of Norton advanced $90,000 and a
director/former officer of NDSI advanced $410,000 to Norton in the form of
unsecured demand notes. These notes required interest equal to Norton's primary
lending institution's prime rate. The notes were convertible into our common
stock at $2.20 per share for a total 227,273 shares. The Conversion Price was
determined by our Board of Directors at its meeting on May 19, 1993, at a
premium over the average of the bid and ask price of the shares of common stock
at the close of business on May 18, 1993. Interest charged to operations on the
notes payable was $40,241 and $41,651 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. On
November 13, 1997, the two individuals exercised their option to convert the
notes into our common stock.
Two of our directors, a corporation owned by one of our directors, and a
former officer of Norton have ownership interests in an entity from which Norton
purchased drilling rig machinery at a cost of $168,155 in 1997.
In the year ended November 30, 1995, the three individuals and the
corporation mentioned above, along with the Drilling Segment, participated in a
joint venture in three wells. The joint venture contracted with Norton to drill,
equip, and operate the three wells and incurred costs of approximately $34,000
in the year ending November 30, 1998, $58,000 in the year ending November 30,
1997 and $83,000 in the year ending November 30, 1996.
F-21
Page 58 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
In April, 1996, Norton sold substantially all of its interest in the joint
venture to a corporation in which the two directors of NDSI, the corporation
owned by a director of NDSI and the former officer of Norton, are stockholders.
The sales price of the interest sold was $200,000 and Norton realized a gain on
the sale of the interest of approximately $117,000.
On June 6, 1996, we purchased 216,619 shares of our common stock at $0.40
per share as part of a stock purchase and settlement agreement for a total of
$86,648. As a part of the agreement, we also delivered $30,000 to be used to
assist in the resolution of certain pending tax claims against the Nursery
Segment and two former directors. In return, we were indemnified with respect to
certain liabilities of the Nursery Segment.
In February 1997, the Board of Directors directed the officers of NDSI to
issue 79,214 shares of common stock to four individuals, three of whom are
directors of NDSI, as payment for unpaid salaries that were due these
individuals according to employment agreements Norton had with them. The number
of shares issued was based upon a valuation provided by an independent valuation
consultant. These share have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
12. COMMON STOCK
Stock issuance
On May 19, 1993 a former officer of Norton advanced $90,000 and a
director/former officer of NDSI advanced $410,000 to Norton in the form of
unsecured demand notes. These notes required interest equal to Norton's primary
lending institution's prime rate. The notes were convertible into our common
stock at $2.20 per share for a total 227,273 shares of our common stock. On
November 13, 1997, the two individuals exercised their option to convert the
notes into our common stock.
Through November 30, 1996, four employees of Norton, three of which are our
directors, had not been paid a total of $266,350 to which they were entitled
under their employment agreements with us. At a meeting of our Board of
Directors on February 23, 1997, the officers of NDSI were directed to take all
action necessary to issue to these four employees 79,214 shares of common stock
worth $166,349 in partial satisfaction of the unpaid amounts. The number of
shares that was issued was based upon a valuation of a recognized valuation
expert opining as to the fair market value of the price of the common stock to
be received.
During the year ended November 30, 1998, options for 8,900 shares of our
common stock were exercised. During the year ended November 30, 1997, options
for 83,200 shares of our common stock were exercised. All these options were
part of those issued under our 1989 Stock Option Plan. The option prices ranged
from $0.625 to $2.80 per share. As part of our 1989 Stock Option Plan, the
person who holds the option can pay the option price by giving us back common
stock which has a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the option
price. During fiscal year 1998, we had 1,849 shares returned to us as payment
for the 8,900 options that were exercised and during fiscal year 1997, we had
24,471 shares returned to us as payment for the 83,200 options that were
exercised.
F-22
Page 59 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
12. COMMON STOCK (Continued)
Purchase of treasury stock
On June 6, 1996, NDSI purchased 216,619 shares of its common stock at $0.40
per share from a corporation owned by the two former directors/officers of NDSI
and their spouses as part of a stock purchase and settlement agreement.
Income per common share
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS from
continuing operations calculation to that used to determine Diluted EPS from
continuing operations is as follows:
For the year ended November 30,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income from continuing operations
available to Common Stockholders:
Basic $ 827,339 $2,208,858 $537,895
Add interest on
convertible debt (net of tax) - - 26,559 41,651
--------- ---------- --------
Diluted $ 827,339 $2,235,417 $579,546
========= ========== ========
For the year ended November 30,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 4,931,373 4,651,249 4,673,323
Add:
Additional shares
issuable upon
exercise of stock
options and warrants 79,988 98,261 2,394
Additional shares
issuable upon
conversion of
convertible debt - - 217,310 227,273
--------- --------- ---------
Diluted 5,011,361 4,966,820 4,902,990
========= ========= =========
F-23
Page 60 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
13. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
1989 stock option plan
In June 1989, the stockholders approved our 1989 stock option plan (the "89
Plan"). The Plan provides for the granting of a total of 100,000 qualified and
non-qualified options to employees, officers, directors and consultants of NDSI.
During the year ended November 30, 1998, options to purchase 8,900 shares
of our stock were exercised at a price $2.03 per share. During the year ended
November 30, 1997, options to purchase 83,200 shares of our stock were exercised
at prices ranging from $0.625 to $2.80 per share.
At November 30, 1998, remaining options outstanding under the 89 Plan were
options granted on May 21, 1997 to two non-employee directors to acquire 2,000
shares each under the plan at $3.15 per share ($12,600) which was the fair
market value at that date.
All options under the 89 Plan expire five years from the date the options
were granted.
1997 Stock Option Plan
On September 25,1997, our stockholders approved the 1997 Stock Option Plan
(the "97 Plan"). The 97 Plan allows for the awarding of stock options, stock
appreciation rights or restricted stock. These awards can be made to our
officers, employees, directors or consultants at the discretion of the
compensation committee of our board of directors. The maximum number of shares
of our common stock reserved for the grant of awards under this plan is 230,000
shares.
On February 6, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase
152,440 shares of our common stock to certain employees of Norton Drilling
Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share in accordance with our 1997
Stock Option Plan.
On April 14, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase 12,000
shares of our common stock to our three non-employee directors at an exercise
price of $6.00 per share in accordance with our 1997 Stock Option Plan.
On September 11, 1998, our Board of Directors issued options to purchase
2,000 shares of our common stock to an employee of Norton Drilling Company at an
exercise price of $3.30 per share in accordance with our 1997 Stock Option Plan.
F-24
Page 61 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
13. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Continued)
A summary of the status of options awarded under the above-mentioned plans
as of November 30, 1998 and 1997 and the changes during each of the two years
then ended is presented below:
Year ended November 30,
----------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
------------------------- -------------------------
Number of Weighted Number of Weighted
shares of Average shares of Average
Underlying Exercise Underlying Exercise
Options Price Options Price
----------- -------- ---------- --------
Outstanding at beginning
of the year 12,900 $2.375 66,700 $1.510
Granted 166,440 7.340 30,000 2.845
Exercised ( 8,900) 2.030 ( 83,200) 1.855
Forfeited ( 17,100) 7.500 ( 600) 2.030
Expired - - - - - - - -
-------- --------
Outstanding at end of
year 153,340 $7.215 12,900 $2.375
======== ========
Weighted average fair
value of options
granted $5.763 $2.215
====== ======
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
as of November 30, 1998:
Number Weighted Weighted
Outstanding Average Average
Range of Exercise and Remaining Contractual Exercise
Prices Exercisable Life (in years) Price
- -------------------- ----------- --------------------- ---------
Options outstanding:
$3.15 to $3.30 6,000 5.583 $3.200
$6.00 to $7.50 147,340 9.183 7.378
Options exercisable:
$3.15 to $3.15 4,000 3.500 $3.150
Warrants
On February 23, 1997, our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of
warrants to purchase our common stock to a director/former officer as
consideration for the individual personally guaranteeing certain obligations of
Norton. A warrant was issued for guarantees related to obligations entered into
through August 1996 and allows this person to purchase 128,000 shares of common
stock at the exercise price of $2.50 per share. A second warrant was issued for
guarantees related to obligations entered into in January 1997 and allows this
person to purchase 3,405 shares of common stock at $3.90 per share.
F-25
Page 62 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
13. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Continued)
Our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of an additional warrant to
the director/former officer discussed above on April 1, 1997. This warrant
allows this person to purchase 6,400 shares of common stock at an exercise price
of $3.125 per share.
None of the above-mentioned warrants were exercised during the years ended
November 30, 1998 or 1997 and all remained outstanding at November 30, 1998.
A summary of the status of warrants outstanding as of November 30, 1998 and
1997 and the changes during each of the two years then ended is presented below:
Year ended November 30,
----------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
------------------------- -------------------------
Number of Weighted Number of Weighted
shares of Average shares of Average
Underlying Exercise Underlying Exercise
Warrants Price Warrants Price
----------- -------- ---------- --------
Outstanding at beginning
of the year 137,805 $ 2.565 - - $ - -
Granted - - - - 137,805 2.565
Exercised - - - - - - - -
Forfeited - - - - - - - -
Expired - - - - - - - -
-------- --------
Outstanding at end of
year 137,805 $2.565 137,805 $ 2.565
======== ========
Weighted average fair
value of warrants
granted $ - - $2.400
====== ======
The following table summarizes information about warrants outstanding as of
November 30, 1998:
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
----------------------------------------------
Number Weighted Weighted
Outstanding Average Remaining Average
Range of Exercise and Contractual Exercise
Prices Exercisable Life (in years) Price
- ------------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------
$2.50 to $3.90 137,805 5.15 $2.565
F-26
Page 63 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
13. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Continued)
The fair value of each stock option and/or warrant granted was estimated on
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions for grants during the years ended
November 30, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
------- --------
Dividend yield - 0.00% 0.00%
Risk free interest rate - 5.52% 6.25%
Expected life - 5 years 6.57 years
Expected volatility - 99.99% 99.99%
Had the compensation costs for our stock-based compensation been determined
consistent with SFAS 123, our net income and net income per common share for the
years ended November 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 would approximate the pro-forma
amounts shown below:
Year ended November 30,
---------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- ---------- -----------
Net income:
As reported $ 827,339 $2,461,932 $3,430,942
Pro-forma 654,517 2,199,887 3,430,942
Net income per common share-Basic:
As reported $0.17 $0.53 $0.74
Pro-forma 0.13 0.47 0.74
Net income per common share-Diluted:
As reported $0.17 $0.50 $0.71
Pro-forma 0.13 0.45 0.71
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
Norton entered into a five year noncancellable operating lease for its
general office space in Lubbock, Texas in May 1994. In September 1997 Norton
executed an addendum to this lease for additional space. The addendum period is
for 20 months and expires at the same time as the original lease agreement.
Norton also leases storage space in Texas and Wyoming and office space in
Midland, Texas and in Rio Grande City, Texas on month to month leases. Rent
expense charged to operations under operating leases amounted to $58,249,
$48,584 and $57,140 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Minimum future lease payments under operating leases are as follows:
Year Ending Operating
November 30, Leases
------------ ---------
1999 $ 23,210
F-27
Page 64 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Letters of credit
As of November 30, 1998, Norton is contingently liable under an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount of $166,375.
Employment contracts
On December 1, 1995, NDSI, through its subsidiary, Norton Drilling
Company, entered into five-year employment contracts with each of Sherman H.
Norton, Jr., S. Howard Norton, III, John W. Norton and Johnie P. Rose. The
contracts provide for annual salaries of $104,500 to each of these employees
with no provision for annual bonuses.
On March 1, 1997, NDSI, through its subsidiary, Norton Drilling Company,
entered into a new five-year employment contract with Sherman H. Norton, Jr,
which replaced the above-mentioned agreement for him. The new contract provides
for an annual salary of $153,500. The provisions of this new contract are the
same as the prior contract for Mr. Norton except for the amount of salary.
On December 1, 1995, Norton entered into a three-year employment agreement
with one of it's employees which provides for a salary of $78,000 per year. This
agreement was renewed and extended for an additional three years on December 1,
1998 under the same provisions and for the same amount as before.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various routine litigation incident to its
business. In the Company's opinion, none of these proceedings will have a
material adverse effect on the Company in management's opinion.
Contingencies
Norton's operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the
drilling business, including blow-outs, cratering, fires, and explosions. These
hazards could cause personal injury or death, suspend drilling operations or
seriously damage or destroy the equipment involved and, in addition to
environmental damage, could cause substantial damage to producing formations and
surrounding areas. Damage to the environment, including property contamination
in the form of either soil or ground water contamination, could also result from
Norton's operations, particularly through oil spillage, gas leaks and extensive,
uncontrolled fires. In addition, Norton could become subject to liability for
reservoir damage. The occurrence of a significant event, including pollution or
environmental damage, could materially affect Norton's operations and financial
condition. As a protection against operating hazards, Norton maintains insurance
coverage considered by Norton to be adequate, including all-risk physical
F-28
Page 65 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
damage, employer's liability, commercial general liability and workers'
compensation insurance. Norton currently has $1,000,000 of general liability
insurance per occurrence with an aggregate of $2,000,000 and excess liability
and umbrella coverages of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence with a $10,000,000
aggregate. Norton's customers generally require Norton to have at least
$1,000,000 of third party liability coverage.
Year 2000
During 1997 we began evaluating computer systems to identify the those
which could be affected by the Year 2000 issue. The "Year 2000 issue" is whether
our computer systems will properly recognize date sensitive information when the
year changes to 2000 or "00". Programs that were not designed to properly
recognize such dates could generate erroneous data or cause a system to fail. We
reviewed our computer systems and identified those that were not year 2000
compliant.
Those systems that were not year 2000 compliant were replaced in November
1998. The cost to replace the non-compliant systems were not material to our
financial position and results of operations.
Our ability to conduct our business efficiently and productively requires
that our customers and vendors be year 2000 compliant. We have not assessed the
readiness and effectiveness of our customers and vendors in regards to thier
compliance with year 2000 problems. However, we plan to make inquiries,
solicitations and surveys of these customers and vendors in the current year on
an on-going basis to determine our level of vulnerability from our customers and
vendors. We do not anticipate an interruption of our operations relative to Year
2000 concerns of our customers and vendors. Therefore, we do not deem it
necessary to formally adopt a contingency plan.
The failure to correct a material year 2000 problem could result in
interruptions or failures of our normal business activities or operations. Such
failures could materially and adversely affect our results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition. Due to the uncertaintity inherent in the year
2000 problem, resulting in part from the uncertainty of the year 2000 readiness
of our customers and vendors, we are unable to determine at this time whether
the consequences of year 2000 failures will have a material impact on our
results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. We believe that with
the completion of upgrading our computer systems and the review of the status of
our customers and vendors year 2000 readiness, the possibility of significant
interruptions of normal operations should be reduced.
F-29
Page 66 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
15. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of demand deposits, temporary cash investments and
trade receivables.
We believe that we place our demand deposits and temporary cash investments
with high credit quality financial institutions. Our demand deposits and
temporary cash investments consisted of the following at November 30, 1998 and
1997:
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Deposit in FDIC insured institutions
under $100,000 $201,547 $ 102,889
Deposit in FDIC insured institutions
over $100,000 456,483 325,252
-------- --------
658,030 428,141
Less outstanding checks and other
reconciling items (485,709) (151,044)
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents $172,321 $277,097
======== ========
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are
primarily focused on contract drilling receivables. The concentration is
somewhat mitigated by the diversification of customers for which Norton provides
drilling services. As of November 30, 1998, we had contract drilling receivables
of approximately $3,297,000 related to drilling contracts in Mexico (see Note
17). While we believe that the receivables will be collected from the customer,
we have credit insurance with respect to those receivables and intend to file a
claim if the receivables become past due. No significant losses from individual
contracts were experienced during the years ended November 30, 1998 and 1997.
Included in general and administrative expense is a charge to operations of
approximately $227,000 which was mainly attributable to the write off of
interest accrued on a judgment for the year ended November 30, 1998 and a credit
to the provision for doubtful receivables of approximately $59,000 for the year
ended November 30,1997.
Norton had three customers who accounted for approximately 51% of
consolidated operating revenues for the year ended November 30, 1998. Norton had
two customers each year who accounted for approximately 28% and 42% of
consolidated operating revenues for the years ended November 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
16. DISCLOSURE OF FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
At November 30, 1998 and 1997, the carrying value of our financial
instruments, which primarily include notes payable, approximates fair value in
management's opinion because of the frequency of their repricing.
F-30
Page 67 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
NORTON DRILLING SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 29, 1999 at our annual stockholders meeting, a one-for-five
reverse split of common stock was approved. Par value and the authorized number
of shares remained at $0.01 per share and 100,000,000, respectively. The reverse
split became effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 2, 1999.
After the reverse split we had approximately 4,934,000 shares of common stock
outstanding. Earnings per share, weighted average number of common shares
outstanding, and all other disclosures regarding our stockholders' equity,
common stock and related stock option and warrant plans for all periods
presented reflect the effects of the reverse split.
In February, 1999, Norton Mexico suspended drilling operations after being
verbally informed that the three contracts under which it was operating were to
be canceled. The original contracts which provided for the drilling of 38 wells
in the northern border states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, Mexico, were
expected to be completed in mid 1999. Only 12 of the 38 wells had been completed
and 3 more were in progress when operations were suspended. We are currently
investigating the possibility of continuance of the aforementioned contracts
and/or possible redeployment of the rigs into the Permian Basin region of west
Texas.
Considering the current adverse conditions in the industry in which the
company operates (e.g., the significant decrease in worldwide oil prices and the
resulting downturn in the demand for contract driling services), management has
addressed the covenant provision within its loan agreements with the lending
bank. The bank has reduced the net worth requirement to $6,000,000.
F-31
Page 68 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3.5
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION PRIVATE
of
NORTON DRILLING COMPANY MEXICO, INC.
FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
(hereinafter the "Corporation").
SECOND: The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of
Delaware is 1013 Centre Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19805. The name of its
registered agent at that address is Corporation Service Company.
THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity
for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the "GCL").
FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is One Thousand (1,000) shares of Common Stock, each
having a par value of One Cent ($. 0 1).
FIFTH: The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:
Michael B. Solovay Solovay Edlin & Eiseman, P.C.
85 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
SIXTH: The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business
and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation and for further definition,
limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors
and stockholders:
(1)The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors.
(2)The directors shall have concurrent power with the stockholders to make,
alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.
(3)The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time to time
fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Bylaws of the Corporation. Election
of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
(4)No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
pursuant to Section 17 of the GCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit. Any repeal or modification of
this Article SIXTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely
affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the
time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring
prior to such repeal or modification.
(5)In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly
con conferred upon them, the director's are hereby empowered to exercise all
such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the
Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the GCL, this
Certificate of Incorporation, and any Bylaws adopted by the
Page 69 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
stockholders; provided, however, that no Bylaws hereafter adopted by the
stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have
been valid if such Bylaws had not been adopted.
SEVENTH: Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of
Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept
(subject to any provision contained in the GCL outside the State of Delaware at
such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of
Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
EIGHTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any
provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders
herein are granted subject to this reservation.
I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Sole Incorporator hereinbefore named, for the
purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the GCL, do make this Certificate,
here by declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts
herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 4th day
of June, 1998.
Michael B. Solovay
Sole Incorporator
Page 70 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3.6
BY LAWS PRIVATE
OF
NORTON DRILLING COMPANY MEXICO, INC.
(hereinafter called the "Corporation")
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation shall
be in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other
places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors
may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of
directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either
within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time
by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly
executed waiver of notice thereof.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. The Annual Meetings of Stockholders shall be held on
such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board
of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meetings the
stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact
such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written
notice of the Annual Meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting
shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less
than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting.
Section 3. special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, Special Meetings of Stockholders, for any purpose
or purposes, may be called by either (i) the Chairman, if there be one, or (ii)
the President, (iii) any Vice President, if there be one, (iv) the Secretary or
(v) any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, and shall be called by any such
officer at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors or at
the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of
the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Such request shall
state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. Written notice of a
Special Meeting stating the places date and hour of the meeting and the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than ten nor
more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled
to vote at such meeting.
Section 4. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of
Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by
proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the
transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or
represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to
vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to
adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at
the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned
meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally
noticed. If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if
Page 71 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a
notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to
vote at the meeting.
Section 5. Voting. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these By-Laws, any question brought before any meeting of
stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Each stockholder represented at
a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of
the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder. Such votes
may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted on or after three
years from its date unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of
Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a
meeting of stockholders in his discretion, may require that any votes cast at
such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.
Section 6. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Unless otherwise provided
in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be
taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation, may
be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the
holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the
taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
Section 7. List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation
who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at
least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of
any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary
business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either
at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be
specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place
where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the
time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be
inspected by any stockholder of the corporation who is present.
Section 8. Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall
be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the
stock ledger, the list required by Section 7 of this Article II or the books of
the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of
stockholders.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. Number and Election of Directors. The Board of Directors
shall consist of not less than one nor more than fifteen members, the exact
number of which shall initially be fixed by the Incorporator and there after
from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as provided in section 2 of
this Article, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at
Annual Meetings of Stockholders, and each director so elected shall hold office
until the next Annual Meeting and until his successor is duly elected and
qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign
at any time upon notice to the Corporation.
Directors need not be stockholders.
Page 72 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Section 2. Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled
by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by
a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until
the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and
qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Section 3. Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be
managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise
all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are
not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws
directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
section 4. Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold
meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of
Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without
notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be
determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by the Chairman, if there be one, the President,
or any directors. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the
meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than
forty eight (48) hour's before the date of the meeting, by telephone or
telegram on twenty four (24) hours' notice, or on such shorter notice as
the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or
appropriate in the circumstances.
Section 5. Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically
provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, at
all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of
Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and
the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which
there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum
shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the
directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time,
without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum
shall be present.
section 6. Actions of Board. Unless otherwise provided by
the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of
the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto
in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of
proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
Section 7. Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Unless
otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws,
members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee
designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the
Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone
or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a
meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at
such meeting.
Section 8. Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution
passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or
more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the
directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or
more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any
absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In
the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the
absence of a designation by the Board of
Page 73 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified
members the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not
disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum,
may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act
at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member. Any
committee, to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution
establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers
and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business
and affairs of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes
and report to the Board of Directors when required.
Section 9. Compensation. The directors may be paid their expenses,
if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may
be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of
Directors or a stated salary as director. No such payment shall preclude
any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and
receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing
committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee
meetings.
Section 10. Interested Directors. No contract or transaction
between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or
between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership,
association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors
or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest,
shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the
director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the
Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or
transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such
purpose if (i) the material facts as to his or their relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known
to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or
committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the
affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even
though the disinterested director be less than a quorum; or (ii) the
material facts as to his or their relationship or interest and as to the
contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders
entitled to vote there thereon, and the contract or transaction is
specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii)
the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time
it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a
committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may
be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the
Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or
transaction.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Page 74 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Section 1. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be
chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chairman (who must be a
director), a President, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Operating
officer, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its
discretion, may also choose one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant
Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of
offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. The officers of
the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except
in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, need such officers
be directors of the Corporation.
Section 2. Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting
held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall elect the officers
of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the
Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and
qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any officer
elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy
occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board
of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be
fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of
attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meetings consents and other
instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be
executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President
or any Vice President and any such officer may, in the name of and on
behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may
deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security
holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities
and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights
and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the
owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if
present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time
confer like powers upon any other person or persons.
Section 4. Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the
Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the
stockholders and of the Board of Directors. Except where by law the
signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all
contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which
may be authorized by the Board of Directors. During the absence or
disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall
exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other
duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be
assigned to him by these ByLaws or by the Board of Directors
Section 5. President. The President shall, subject to the
control of the Board of Directors and, if there be one, the Chairman of
the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the
Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of
Directors are carried into effect. He shall execute all bonds, mortgages,
contracts and other instruments of the corporation requiring a seal,
under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by
law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other
officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so
authorized by these By-Laws, the Board of Director's or the President. In
the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of
Page 75 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President
shall perform such duties and may exercise such other powers as from time
to time may be assigned to him by these By-Laws or by the Board of
Directors.
Section 6. Vice Presidents. At the request of the President
or in his absence or in the event of his inability or refusal to act (and
if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President or
the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by
the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President, and
when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the
restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such
other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from
time to time may prescribe. If there be no Chairman of the Board of
Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate
the officer of the corporation who, in the absence of the President or in
the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall
perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all
the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.
Section 7. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all
meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and
record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that
purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing
committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given,
notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the
Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose
supervision he shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse
to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and
special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant
Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose
another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall
have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the
same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be
attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any
such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general
authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and
to attest the affixing by his signature. The Secretary shall see that all
books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records
required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the
case may be.
Section 8. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody
of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate
accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the
Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in
the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may
be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the
funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors,
taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the
President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when
the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as
Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required
by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a
bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be
satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of
the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in
case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all
books, papers, vouchers,
Page 76 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his
control belonging to the Corporation.
Section 9. Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise
provided in these By-Laws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall
perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be
assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice
President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the
Secretary or in the event of his disability or refusal to act, shall
perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all
the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.
Section 10. Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if
there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time
to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President,
any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence
of the Treasurer or in the event of his disability or refusal to act,
shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have
all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer
shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or
sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the
faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration
to the corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or
removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers money and other
property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control
belonging to the corporation.
Section 11. Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board
of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as
from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation
the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective
duties and powers.
ARTICLE V
STOCK
Section 1. Form of Certificates. Every holder of stock in
the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the
name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
the President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the
Corporation.
Section 2. Signatures. Where a certificate is countersigned
by (i) a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, or
(ii) a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee, any other
signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer,
transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature
has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officers
transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be
issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such
officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 3. Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may
direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate
theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen
or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or
Page 77 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
destroyed. Men authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of
Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such
manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the
Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the
certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 4. Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be
transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these ByLaws.
Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by
the person named in the certificate or by his attorney lawfully
constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate
therefore which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be
issued.
Section 5. Record Date. In order that the Corporation may
determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any
meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to
express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or
entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or
allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of
any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any
other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record
date, which shall not be more than sixty days nor less than ten days
before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any
other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to
notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any
adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of
Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Section 6. Beneficial Owners. The Corporation shall be
entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its
books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such
owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered
on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize
any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on
the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or
other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.
ARTICLE VI
NOTICES
Section 1. Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director,
member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail,
addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his address
as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid,
and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be
deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally
or by telegram, telex or cable.
Section 2. Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by
the Certificate of Incorporation Corporation or these By-Laws, to be given to
any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed, by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or
after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.
ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page 78 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Section 1. Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if
any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special
meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital
stock. Before payment of any dividends there may be set aside out of any funds
of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of
Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a
reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper
purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
Section 2. Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes
of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other
person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
Section 3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall
be final by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed
thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words
"Corporate Seal, Delaware". The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile
thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Power to Indemnity in Actions, Suits or Proceedings
Other Than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 3 of
this Article VIII, the Corporation 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 proceedings whether civil criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the Corporation,
or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of
the Corporation as a director or officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan 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 reasonable believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit or proceeding by judgments order, settlements conviction or upon a
plea of nolo contendere or Its equivalent, shall not, of it self, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
Section 2. Power to Indemnity in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by
or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII,
the Corporation 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 or
suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the Corporation,
or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of
the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
Page 79 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation;
except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances
of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 3. Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification
under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the
Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or
Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Such determination shall be
made (i) 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 (ii) if
such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of
disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders. To the extent however, that a director or
officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in
defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection there with without the necessity of authorization in the specific
case.
Section 4. Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination
under Section 3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful,
if his action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or
another enterprise, or on information supplied to him by the officers of the
Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the
advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on
information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another
enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or
other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another
enterprise. The term "another enterprise" as used in this Section 4 shall mean
any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit
plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request
of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of
this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in anyway the
circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the
case may be.
Section 5. Indemnification by a Court. Not withstanding any
contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article
Viii, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any
director or officer may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction in the
State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under
Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII. The basis of such indemnification by a
court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the
director or officer is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
applicable standards of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article
VIII, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case
under Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination
thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that
the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable
standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to
this Section 5 shall be given to
Page 80 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in
whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be
entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.
Section 6. Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses incurred by a
director or officer in defending or investigating a threatened or pending
action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the
final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if
it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by
the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII.
Section 7. Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of
Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted
pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights
to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be
entitled under any By-Law, agreements contracts vote of stockholder's or
disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction (howsoever embodied) of any
court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, both as to action in his official
capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office! it
being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons
specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest
extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed
to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in sections 1
or 2 of this Article Viii but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation
to indemnify under der the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, or otherwise
Section 8. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the
Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at
the request of the Corporation as a director, officers employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or
other enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him
in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such whether or not the
Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify him against such
liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.
Section 9. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VIII,
references to "the Corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting
corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a
constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate
existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its
directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of
such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such
constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation partnership,
joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in
the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the
resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such
constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of
this Article VIII, references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed
on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to "serving
at the request of the Corporation" shall include any service as a directors
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or
involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee
benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably be believed to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to
have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation" as
referred to in this Article VIII.
Page 81 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Section 10. Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of
Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director
or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
Section 11. Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything
contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to
enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 hereof),
the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer in
connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless
such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of
Directors of the corporation.
Section 12. Indemnification of Employees and Agents. The
Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of
Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses
to employees and agents of the corporation similar to those conferred in this
Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in
whole or in part, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the
Board of Directors, provided, however, that notice of such alteration,
amendment, repeal or adoption of new By-Laws be contained in the notice of such
meeting of stockholders or Board of Directors as the case may be. All such
amendments must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the
outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the
entire Board of Directors then in office.
Section 2. Entire Board of Directors. As used in this Article IX
and in these By-Laws generally, the term "entire Board of Directors" means the
total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no
vacancies.
Page 82 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.45
INTERNATIONAL DAYWORK DRILLING CONTRACT - LAND
FOR RIG # I
THIS AGREEMENT (hereafter called the "Agreement") is entered into
effective as of the 29 th day of May 1998, by and between Norton Drilling
Company Mexico, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with its principal offices located in Lubbock, Texas, U.S.A.
(hereafter called "Contractor"), and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de C.V., a
Mexican corporation, and Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. , a Mexican
corporation (hereafter called "Protexa") and Avia de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. , a
Mexican corporation , and Avia Energy Development L. L.C. , a Texas limited
liability company, (hereafter called "Avia), (Protexa and Avia being
hereafter together called "Operator")
WHEREAS, Operator desires to have wells drilled on land in the Operating Area
and to have performed or carried out all auxiliary operations and services as
detailed in the Appendices hereto or as Operator may require; and
WHEREAS, Contractor is willing to furnish its land drilling rig, RIG # 1,
complete with camp, transport and other equipment, (hereinafter called the
"Drilling Rig") insurances and personnel, all as detailed in the Appendices
hereto for the purpose of drilling the said wells and performing the said
auxiliary operations and services for Operator.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the
covenants herein it is agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I - INTERPRETATION
101. Definitions
In this Contract, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Commencement Date" means the point in time that the Drilling Rig is
loaded in Levelland, Texas and ready to be transported to the first well in the
Operating Area;
(b) "Operator's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Operator,
(c) "Contractor's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Contractor,
(d) "Contractor's Personnel" means the personnel which are employees of
Contractor and which are to be provided by Contractor from time to time to
conduct operations hereunder as listed in the Appendices;
(e) "Operating Area" means those areas of land in the Burgos Basin in Mexico
where Operator may from time to time be entitled to conduct drilling operations;
(f) "Affiliated Company" means a company owning 50% or more of the stock of
Operator or Contractor, a company in which Operator or Contractor owns 50% or
more of its stock, or a company 50% or more of whose stock is owned by the same
company that owns 50% or more of the stock of Operator or Contractor.
(g) "Operations Base" means the place or places designated as such by
Operator from time to time.
Page 83 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(h) "Pemex" means Pemex-Explorabon and Production, a decentralized public
entity of the Federal Government of the United Mexican States and a subsidiary
of Petroleos Mexicanos.
(i) "Pemex Contract" means that certain turnkey drilling contract issued
pursuant to International Public Bid No. 00575003-044-97 Burgos Central 11 and
entered into between Pernex and Protexa.
(j) "Operator" means both Protexa and Avia, which companies hereby agree to
be jointly and severally liable for all of the obligations, payments,
indemnities and other undertakings of Operator in this Agreement.
102. Currency
In this Contract, all amounts expressed in dollars are United States dollar
amounts.
103. Conflicts
The Appendices hereto are incorporated herein by reference. If any provision
of the Appendices conflicts with provision in the body hereof, the latter shall
prevail.
104. Headings
The paragraph headings shall not be considered in interpreting the text of
this Contract.
105. Further Assurances
Each party shall perform the acts and execute and deliver the documents and
give the assurances necessary to give effect to the provisions of Contract.
106. Contractor's Status
Contractor in performing its obligations hereunder shall be an independent
contractor.
107.Governing Law
This Contract shall be construed and the relations between the parties
determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, not including,
however, any of its conflicts of law rules which would direct or refer to the
laws of another jurisdiction. In the event any provision of this Contract is
inconsistent with or contrary to any applicable law, rule or regulation, said
provision shall be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with
said law, rule or regulation, and as so modified said provision and this
Contract shall continue in full force and effect.
ARTICLE II - TERM
201. Effective Date
The parties shall be bound by this Contract when each of them has executed
it.
202. Duration
This Contract shall terminate:
(a) Upon notice from Operator prior to Commencement Date provided,
however, in event of such termination Operator shall pay Contractor, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty a sum equal to the Standby Rate
Page 84 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
provided for in this Agreement for a period of 60 days or a lump sum of
$600,000;
(b) Immediately if the Drilling Rig becomes an actual or constructive total
loss;
(c)60 days after receipt by Contractor of a written notice of termination
from
Operator, and after the Drilling Rig has been demobilized to Levelland,
Texas, unless some other place is mutually agreed; but Operator may not give
such notice until at least six months after the Commencement Date (or, if
operations are then being conducted on a well, as soon thereafter as such
operations are completed);
(d) 10 days after receipt by Operator of a written notice of termination
from
Contractor, but Contractor may only give such notice of termination if
Operator shall fail to pay to Contractor amounts due to Contractor under this
Agreement as and when they become due hereunder, or if Operator shall fail to
perform any other material obligation which it is obligated to perform under
this Agreement, such termination to only become effective after the Drilling Rig
has been demobilized to Levelland, Texas, unless some other place is mutually
agreed;
(e) After completion of the last well to be drilled by Operator for Pemex
under the Pemex Contract.
203. Continuing Obligations
Notwithstanding the termination of this Contract, the parties shall continue
to be bound by the provisions of this Contract that reasonably require some
action or forbearance after the cessation of the day rates provided for
hereinafter.
204. Return of Operator's Items
Upon termination of this Contract Contractor shall return to Operator at the
drill site of the last well drilled by Contractor under this Agreement any of
Operators items which are at the time in Contractors possession.
ARTICLE III - CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL AND MEXICAN LABOR
301. Number, Selection, Hours of Labor and Remuneration
The selection, replacement, hours of labor and remuneration of Contractor's
Personnel shall be determined solely by Contractor. Such employees shall be the
employees solely of Contractor. Contractor represents that the Contractor's
Personnel will be competent and efficient.
302. Other Personnel
It is understood that the Contractor's Personnel who are employees of
Contractor are the only personnel for which Contractor will be responsible under
this Contract. However Contractor hereby agrees to contract with a Mexican labor
contractor, to be designated by Operator, for the other rig crews and personnel
required by Contractor to perform this Contract other than the Contractor's
employees (hereafter called the "Mexican Labor") Although the Mexican Labor will
not be employees of Contractor, the Mexican Labor shall be under the direct
supervision of Contractors Personnel while working on the rig. Operator hereby
represents that the Mexican Labor to be provided to Contractor by the Mexican
labor contractor designated by Operator will be competent, experienced and
efficient workers and that Operator will not hold Contractor responsible for any
errors or omissions which may be committed by the Mexican Labor in the
performance of their work. Contractor shall pay the Mexican labor contractor
directly for the Mexican Labor it
Page 85 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
provided to Contractor, however, should the costs payable by Contractor for such
Mexican Labor exceed $910 per day for a 5 man crew and $240 per day for
transportation of crews then Operator will reimburse Contractor for any excess.
303. Contractor's Representative
Contractor shall nominate one of its personnel as Contractor's representative
who shall be in charge of the remainder of Contractor's Personnel and the
Mexican Labor, and who shall have full authority to resolve all dayto-day
matters which arise between Operator and Contractor.
305. Replacement of Contractor's Personnel
Contractor will remove and replace in a reasonable time any of Contractors
Personnel if Operator so requests in writing and if Operator can show reasonable
grounds for its requirement. Operator will remove and replace in a reasonable
time any of the Mexican Labor if Contractor so requests in writing.
ARTICLE IV. - CONTRACTOR'S ITEMS
401. Obligation to Supply
Contractor shall provide Contractor's Items and Contractors Personnel and
shall perform the services to be provided or performed by it according to the
Appendices. Operator shall move or pay the cost of moving Contractors warehouse,
spare parts and personnel if it becomes necessary to shift the site of these
items during the term of this Contract.
402. Maintain Stocks
Contractor shall be responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock
levels of Contractor's Items and replenishing as necessary.
403. Maintain and Repair Equipment
Contractor shall, subject to Clause 1001, be responsible for the maintenance
and repair of all Contractor's items and will provide all spare parts and
materials required therefor. Contractor shall, if requested by Operator, also
maintain or repair, at its cost, any of Operator's Items which Contractor is
qualified to and can maintain or repair with Contractor's normal complement of
personnel and equipment provided, however, that Operator shall at its cost
provide all spare parts and materials required to maintain or repair Operator's
Items and the basic responsibility and liability for furnishing and maintaining
such items shall remain in Operator.
ARTICLE V - CONTRACTOR'S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
501. Performance of the Drilling Rig
Contractor represents that the Drilling rig will be capable of drilling to a
depth of 14,300 feet. Any drill pipe in excess of that furnished by Contractor
shall be supplied by Operator.
502. Contractor's Standard of Performance
Contractor shall carry out all operations hereunder on a daywork basis. For
purposes hereof the term "daywork basis" means Contractor shall furnish
equipment, Contractor's Personnel, and perform services as herein provided, for
a specified sum per day under the direction, supervision and control of Operator
(which term is deemed to include any employee, agent, consultant or
Page 86 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
subcontractor engaged by Operator to direct drilling operations). When operating
on a daywork basis, Contractor shall be fully paid at the applicable rates of
payment and assumes only the obligations and liabilities stated herein. Except
for such obligations and liabilities specifically assumed by Contractor,
Operator shall be solely responsible and assumes liability for all consequences
of operations by both parties while on a daywork basis, including results and
all other risks or liabilities incurred in or incident to such operations.
503. Operation of Drilling Rig
Contractor shall be solely responsible for the operation of the Drilling Rig,
including, without limitation, supervising moving operations, and positioning
the Drilling Rig and camp at locations as required by Operator, as well as such
operations at the drill site as may be necessary or desirable for the safety of
the Drilling Rig. Operations under this Contract will be performed on a 24-hour
per day basis.
504. Compliance with Operator's Instructions
Contractor shall comply with all instructions of Operator consistent with the
provisions of the Contract including, without limitation, drilling, well control
and safety instructions. Such instructions shall, if Contractor so requires, be
confirmed in writing by the authorized representative of Operator. However,
Operator shall not issue any instructions which would be inconsistent with
Contractor's rules, policies or procedures pertaining to the safety of its
personnel, equipment or the Drilling Unit.
505. Mud and Casing Program
Contractor shall take all reasonable care to follow the mud and casing
program as specified by Operator. Operator shall provide Contractor with these
programs reasonably in advance of spud date of each well to be drilled
hereunder.
506. Cutting/Coring Program
Contractor shall save and identify cuttings and cores according to Operator's
instructions and place them in containers furnished by Operator.
507. Records to be Kept by Contractor
Contractor shall keep and furnish to Operator an accurate record of the work
performed and formations drilled on the IADC-API Daily Drilling Report Form or
other form acceptable to Operator. A legible copy of said form signed by
Contractor's representative shall be furnished by Contractor to Operator.
508. Difficulties During Drilling
In the event of any difficulty arising which precludes either drilling ahead
under reasonably normal procedures or the performance of any other operations
planned for a well, Contractor may suspend the work in progress and shall
immediately notify the representative of Operator, in the meantime exerting
reasonable effort to overcome the difficulty.
509. Safety Equipment
Contractor shall maintain its well control equipment listed in the Appendices
in good condition at all times and shall use all reasonable means to control and
prevent fires and blowouts and to protect the hole.
ARTICLE VI - OPERATOR'S OBLIGATIONS
601. Equipment and Personnel
Page 87 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Operator shall at its cost provide Operator's Items and personnel to perform
the services to be provided or performed by it according to the Appendices. In
addition to providing the initial supply of Operator's Items, Operator shall be
responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock levels and replenishing
as necessary. When, at Operator's request and with Contractor's agreement the
Contractor furnishes or subcontracts for certain items which Operator is
required herein to provide, for purposes of the Contract said items or services
shall be deemed to be Operator furnished items or services, any subcontractors
so hired shall be deemed to be Operators contractor, and Operator shall not be
relieved of any of its liabilities in connection therewith; for furnishing said
items and services Operator shall reimburse Contractor its entire cost plus 10%
for handling.
602. Maintenance and Repair
Operator shall be responsible, at its cost, for the maintenance and repair of
all Operator's Items which Contractor is not qualified to or cannot maintain or
repair with Contractor's normal complement of personnel and the equipment.
603. Operator's Employees
Operator shall ensure that Operator's personnel shall be competent and
efficient and Contractor may treat Operators senior representative for the time
being as being in charge of all Operator personnel.
604. Replacement of Operator's Personnel
Contractor shall have the right to request in writing Operator to remove and
replace any Operator personnel if Contractor can show reasonable grounds for
such request.
605. Operator Representatives
Operator may, from time to time, designate representatives for the purposes
of this Contract who shall at all times have access to the Drilling Rig and may,
among other things, observe tests, check and control the implementation of the
mud program, examine cuttings and cores, inspect the work performed by
Contractor or examine the records kept on the Drilling Rig by Contractor.
606. Custom or Excise Duties
Operator shall pay all import or export charges or customs or excise duties
including, without limitation, local sales taxes, value added taxes, clearing
agent's fees, or other similar taxes or fees that are levied on Contractors
and/or Operators Items.
607. Drill Site and Access
Operator shall provide Contractor with access to the drilling site as well as
any drilling permits, licenses or certificates needed to conduct operations
hereunder. The drill site so provided shall be surveyed and marked by Operator
and shall be free of obstructions. Operator also shall prepare sound locations
capable of properly supporting the Drilling Rig, and shall be responsible for a
conductor pipe program adequate to prevent soil and subsoil washout. It is
recognized that Operator has superior knowledge of the location and access
routes to the location, and must advise Contractor of any subsurface conditions,
or obstructions which Contractor might encounter while en route to the location
or during operation hereunder. In the event subsurface conditions cause a
cratering or shifting of the location surface and loss or damage to the Drilling
Rig or its associated equipment results therefrom. Operator shall, without
regard to other provisions of this Contract, including Paragraph 1001 hereof,
reimburse Contractor to the extent
Page 88 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
not covered by contractors insurance, for all such loss or damage including
payment of Force Majeure Rate during rig repair.
608. Taxes
Contractor agrees to prepare and timely file all required income or other tax
returns or declarations required by the government of the area where the
Drilling Rig operates, Upon notification by the Contractor of the amount or
amounts of such taxes paid by it which pertain to the performance by Contractor
under this Contract and which do not qualify as a credit against Contractor's
U.S. income tax , accompanied by copies of each such return or declaration,
Operator agrees to reimburse Contractor such amount or amounts less any interest
or penalties arising from the fault of Contractor and levied by any of the
aforementioned governmental bodies. Contractor shall consult with Operator
before filing any such tax returns or paying the applicable taxes.
ARTICLE VII - OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS
701. Instructions to Contractor
Operator may, from time to time, through its authorized representative or
representatives, issue written or oral instructions to Contractor covering
operations hereunder. Operator's instructions may be general or may deal with
specific matters relating to operations hereunder including, without
limitations, instructions to stop operations, as to safety and well control, and
drilling instructions, but Operator may not require Contractor to drill deeper
than 14,300 feet unless Contractor agrees.
ARTICLE VIII - RATES OF PAYMENT
801. Payment
Operator shall pay to Contractor during the term of this Contract the amounts
from time to time due calculated according to the rates of payment herein set
forth and in accordance with the other provisions hereof. No other payment shall
be due from Operator unless specifically provided for in this Contract, or
agreed to in writing by Operator.
802. Mobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor a mobilization fee of $250,000 which shall be
payable on the date the Drilling Rig departs for the Operating Area. In
addition, on or before August 15th, 1998, Operator shall pay to Contractor in
cash the sum of $125,000, which shall be an advance payment to Contractor
against Contractor's last invoice to Operator under this Agreement which payment
may be used by Contractor to help defray the costs of reconditioning the
Drilling Rig for operations under this Agreement.
803. Demobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor a demobilization fee of $40,000 which may be
invoiced on the date of termination of this Contract except that no
demobilization fee shall be due if this Contract is terminated pursuant to
Clause 202(b).
804. Operating Rate
The Operating Rate will be $9,870 per 24-hour day and will first become
payable from the moment when the Drilling Rig spuds the first well at the first
drilling location. The Operating Rate shall continue to be payable except as
herein otherwise provided.
804(A) Move In Rate
Page 89 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Operator shall pay Contractor $4,000 per day from the time Contractors
Personnel arrive at Rio Grande City until the first well under this Contract is
spudded.
805. Standby Rate
The Standby Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable:
(a) during any period of delay when Contractor is unable to proceed because
of weather or because of an act or omission of Operator including, without
limitation, the failure of any of Operators Items, or the failure of Operator to
issue instructions, provide Operator items or furnish services; or
(b) from the moment the Contractor could have spudded in the first well had
it not been delayed by Operator until the Operating Rate first become payable;
or
(c)during any period that the Drilling rig is in transit between drill sites
or in transit to Levelland, Texas after the last well; provided that if, at the
termination of this Contract, the Drilling Rig is not moved to Levelland, Texas
or another mutually agreed place, the period shall not exceed the reasonable
estimated time required to go to Levelland, Texas.
806. Repair Rate
The Repair Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable for any
period in excess of 24 hours per month during which operations are suspended to
permit necessary replacement, repair or maintenance of Contractor's Items;
provided, however, that should said suspension or suspensions total more than 48
hours per month, Contractor's rate of pay after the said 48 hours per month
shall be reduced to 40 percent of the Repair Rate, Contractor will use due
diligence in effecting such repairs, replacements or maintenance in good
workmanlike manner and will use its best efforts to familiarize itself with the
location of rentable replacements for Contractor's Items.
807. Force Majeure Rate
The Force Majeure Rate will be $8,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable
during any period in which operations are not being carried on because of force
majeure.
808. Variation of Rates
The rates and/or payments herein set forth shall be revised by the actual
amount of the change in Contractors cost if an event as described below occurs
or if the cost of any of the items hereinafter listed shall vary by more than
the amount indicated below from Contractor's cost thereof on May 1, 1998 or by
the same amount after the date of any revision pursuant to this clause:
(a) if labor costs, including all benefits and the cost of foreign income
taxes paid by Contractor for its expatriate employees, vary by more than five
percent;
(b) if Operator requires Contractor to increase the number of Contractors
Personnel
(c)if it becomes necessary for Contractor to change the work schedule of
Contractor's Personnel;
(d) in the event described in Clause 1202 (Assignment); (e) if there is any
change in legislation (other than Corporate tax
legislation) by the country in which the Drilling Rig is working that alters
Contractor's financial burden;
Page 90 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(f) if the cost of insurance premiums varies by more than five percent; (g)
if the cost of catering varies by more than five percent; (h) if Contractor's
interest rate varies by more than one-half of one
percent;
(i) the rates listed herein shall be increased or decreased for costs other
than those listed above on the Commencement Date and at three month intervals
thereafter based on changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Oilfield Drilling
Machinery and Equipment Wholesale Price Index (Code No. 1191-02) as published by
the U.S. Department of Labor from that reported for the month of May, 1998. Said
rates
shall be increased or decreased (proportionately and on a pro rata basis) 5%
for each change of five percent (5%) in said Index.
ARTICLE IX - INVOICES AND PAYMENTS
901. Mexican Trust
Operator shall form an administrative trust pursuant to Mexican law
(hereafter called the "Trust) which shall be managed by a Mexican financial
institution of recognized standing as trustee (hereafter called the "Trustee")
and shall form a four (4) member technical committee (hereafter called the
"Committee") to direct the payment of invoices by the Trustee. The Trustee shall
be licensed and regulated by the Mexican government. Operator hereby agrees that
within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement it will execute an
Assignment Agreement with the Trust pursuant to which all of Operator's rights
to receive payments from Pemex under the Pemex Contract are unconditionally and
irrevocably assigned to the Trustee. Prior to the execution of the above
Assignment Agreement, Operator agrees that it will obtain the unconditional and
irrevocable written consent and agreement of Pemex to the assignment by Operator
of all payments due to Operator under the Pemex Contract to the Trust pursuant
to the above mentioned Assignment Agreement. If the above described Pemex
consent and agreement and/or the above mentioned Assignment Agreement are not
given or executed within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement, then
Contractor shall have a right to terminate this Agreement immediately and to
receive from Operator the demobilization payment provided for in clause 803
hereof.
902.Monthly Invoices
Contractor shall bill Operator at the end of each well, and/or at the end of
the month should Contractor be on the same well for more than 30 days. for all
daily charges earned by Contractor during the well and/or month. Other charges
shall be billed as earned. Billing for daily charges will reflect details of the
time spent (calculated to the nearest 1/2 hour and the rate charged for the
time; billings for other charges will be accompanied by invoices supporting
costs incurred for Operator or other substantiation as required. Immediately
following receipt by Operator of such Contractor invoices, Operator shall
present all such invoices to the Committee for payment by the Trustee. Along
with such Contractor invoices Operator shall also provide the Committee with a
written statement of which invoices are approved by Operator for payment and
which invoices are disputed by Operator.
A copy of this written statement shall also be provided by Operator to
Contractor with a written explanation of the reasons for disputing any invoice
which is disputed.
903. Payment
The Trustee shall pay to Contractor by telegraphic transfer all undisputed
Contractor billings within sixty-five (65) days after its receipt thereof. If
the Trustee does not pay any undisputed Contractor invoice within 65 days after
receipt, then Operator hereby agrees to immediately pay Contractor for such
invoice.
Page 91 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Payment of any disputed invoice shall be withheld by the Trustee until
settlement of the dispute between Operator and Contractor. Any sums (including
amounts ultimately paid with respect to a disputed invoice) not paid within
sixty-five days after receipt of invoice shall bear interest at the rate of
twelve percent (12%) per annum or the maximum allowed by law, whichever is less,
or pro rata thereof from said due date until paid. If Operator refuses to pay
undisputed items, Contractor shall have the right to terminate this contract,
904.Manner of Payment
All payments due by the Trustee or the Operator to Contractor hereunder shall
be made in United States dollars at Contractor's bank which is City Bank at
Lubbock, Texas; with the understanding, however, that either Operator or
Contractor shall have the right to specify that the Trustee or the Operator
shall pay Contractor in the currency of the country where the Drilling Rig
operates in amounts equal to Contractor's local currency expenditures (including
those expenditures incurred locally by Contractor for the account of Operator)
and as needed by Contractor. All amounts of local currency so paid Contractor
during the month shall be credited against Contractor's U.S. dollar monthly
invoice for the rate of exchange of U.S. dollars for the local currency in
effect on the date Contractor makes the local currency payment as published in
the Wall Street Journal.
905. Costs of Trust
Contractor agrees to pay 5% of the expenses and costs associated with the
formation and administration of the Trust up to the sum of $500 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor.
ARTICLE - LIABILITY
1001. Equipment or Property
Except as specifically provided herein to the contrary, each party hereto
shall at all times be responsible for and shall hold harmless and release and
indemnify the other party from and against damage to or loss of its own
equipment or property, regardless of the cause of loss, including the negligence
of such party, and despite the fact that a party's items may be under the
control of the other party, except that:
(a) Operator shall, to the extent Contractor's insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all times for damages to or destruction
of Contractor's equipment or property caused by exposure to unusually corrosive
or otherwise destructive elements, including those which are introduced into the
drilling fluid from subsurface formations or the use of corrosive additives in
the fluid.
(b) Operator shall, to the extent Contractors insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all time for damage to or loss of
Contractor's drill string, and shall reimburse Contractor for such damage or
loss at the CIF replacement cost of the item so lost or damaged; with the
understanding, however, that the indemnity granted in this Clause 1001 shall not
indemnify either party for liabilities incurred by it as a result of obligations
undertaken in a contract with a third party.
1002. The Hole
In the event the hole should be lost or damaged, Operator shall be solely
responsible for such damage to or loss of the hole, including the casing
therein, regardless of whether such loss or damage was caused by the
negligence of Contractor, or its employees, agents or subcontractors. This
Page 92 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
paragraph shall be void if such loss is caused by the gross negligence of
Contractor.
1003. Inspection of Materials Furnished by Operator
Contractor agrees to visually inspect all materials furnished by Operator
before using same and to notify Operator of any apparent defects therein.
Contractor shall not be liable for any loss or damage from the use of material
furnished by Operator.
1004. Contractor's Personnel
Contractor agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Operator,
its officers, directors, employees and joint owners harmless from and against
all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without
limit and without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any
party or parties, arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractor's
employees or Contractor's subcontractors or their employees, or Contractor's
Invitees, on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property. If it is
judicially determined that the monetary limits of insurance required hereunder
or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually assumed under paragraph 1004
(which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be supported by available
liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right of subrogation against
the indeminitees) exceed the maximum limits permitted under applicable law, it
is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities shall automatically be
amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such law.
1005. Operator's Personnel
Operator agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Contractor,
its officers, directors and employees harmless from and against all claims,
demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or
parties arising in connection herewith in favor of Operator's employees, or
Operator's contractors or their employees or their invitees, other than those
parties identified in paragraph 1004 on account of bodily injury, death or
damage to property. If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of
insurance required hereunder or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually
assumed under paragraph 1005 (which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be
supported by available liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right
of subrogation against the indemnitee) exceed the maximum limits permitted under
applicable law, it is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities
shall automatically amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted
under such.
1006. Pollution and Contamination
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, it is understood
and agreed by and between the Contractor and Operator that the responsibility
for pollution or contamination shall be as follows:
(a) The Contractor shall assume all responsibility for cleaning up and
containing pollution or contamination which originates above the surface from
improper care or disposition of items wholly in Contractors possession and
control and directly associated with Contractor's equipment and facilities.
Operator shall assume all responsibility for (including control and removal
of the pollutant involved) and shall protect, defend, indemnify and save the
Contractor harmless from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action
of every kind and character arising directly or indirectly from all pollution or
contamination, other than that described in subclause (a) above, which may occur
from the negligence of Contractor or otherwise during the term of this Contract
or as a result of operations hereunder, including, but
Page 93 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
not limited to, that which may result from fire, blowout, cratering, seepage or
any other uncontrolled flow of oil, gas, water or other substance, as well as
the use or disposition of oil emulsion, oil base or chemically treated fluids,
contaminated cutting or cavings, lost circulation and fish recovery materials
and fluids.
(c)In the event a third party commits an act or omission which results in
pollution or contamination for which either the Contractor or Operator for whom
such party is performing work is held to be legally liable, the responsibility
therefor shall be considered, as between the Contractor and Operator, to be the
same as if the party for whom the work was performed had performed the same and
all of the obligations respecting defense, indemnity, holding harmless and
limitations of responsibility and liability, as set forth in (a) and (b) above,
shall be specifically applied.
1007. Cost of Control
Operator shall be liable for the cost of regaining control of any wild well
and shall release, hold harmless and indemnify Contractor for any such cost
regardless of the cause thereof, including, but not limited to, the negligence
of Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors.
1008. Underground Damage
Operator agrees to defend and indemnify Contractor for any and all claims
including, but not limited to, claims arising as a result of the negligence of
Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors against Contractor resulting
from operations under this Contract on account of injury to, destruction of, or
loss or impairment of any property right in or to oil, gas, or other mineral
substance or water, if at the time of the act or omission causing such injury,
destruction, loss, or impairment said substance had not been reduced to physical
possession above the surface, and for any loss or damage to any formation,
strata, or reservoir beneath the surface.
1009. Consequential Damages
Neither party shall be liable to the other for special, indirect or
consequential damages resulting from or arising out of this Contract, including
without limitation, loss or profit or business interruptions, however same may
be caused.
1010. Indemnity Obligation
It is the intent of the parties hereto that all indemnity obligations and/or
liabilities assumed by such parties under terms of this Contract, including,
without limitation, clauses 1001 through 1009 hereof, be without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof (including preexisting
conditions), strict liability, willful misconduct or the negligence of any party
or parties, whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent, active or
passive.
ARTICLE XI - INSURANCE
1101. Contractor's Insurance
Contractor shall carry and maintain the insurance shown in Appendix B-1.
Contractor may from time to time with the prior approval of Operator change the
insurance it carries. Contractor will increase its insurance beyond the limits
provided for herein or will change its insurance if required by Operator, but
any additional cost will be paid by Operator.
1102. Policies and Receipts
Page 94 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contractor will furnish Operator, on request, with certificates of all
insurance policies relating to Contractors operations hereunder.
1103. Subrogation
For liabilities assumed hereunder by Contractor, its insurance shall be
endorsed to provide that the underwriters waive their right of subrogation
against Operator. Operator will, as well, cause its insurer to waive subrogation
against Contractor for liability it assumes.
1104. Operator's Insurance
Operator shall obtain and maintain the insurance shown on Appendix B-2 and
Contractor shall be named as an additional insured under all such policies, In
return, Contractor shall pay 5% of the premium cost of such insurance up to the
sum of $1,000 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor. In no event shall Contractor ever be responsible for any
portion of any deductibles suffered by Operator as a result of claims under said
policies or otherwise.
ARTICLE XII - SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT
1201. Subcontracts by Operator
Operator may employ other Contractors to perform any of the operations or
services to be provided or performed by it according to Appendix A.
1202. Assignment
Neither party may assign this Contract to anyone other than an affiliated
company without the prior written consent of the other, and prompt notice of any
such intent to assign shall be given to the other party. In the event of such
assignment, the assigning party shall remain liable to the other party as a
guarantor of the performance by the assignee of the terms of this Contract. If
any assignment is made that alters Contractor's financial burden, Contractors
compensation shall be adjusted to give effect to any increase or decrease in
Contractor's operating costs or in taxes in the new operating area.
ARTICLE XIII - NOTICES
1301. Notices
Notices, reports and other communications required or permitted by this
Contract to be given or sent by one party to the other shall be delivered by
hand, mailed, telexed, or telegraphed to:
Operator's address:
To Protexa at: Lic. Hugo Sampogna
Jefe Juridico Nacional
Carr. Monterrey-Saltillo Km. 339
Sta. Catarina, N.L.
Mexico C.P. 66350
Fax: (011-52-8-399-2613
To Avia at Jack Lafield, Managing Director
Avia Energy Development, L.L.C.
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1375
Dallas, Texas 75201
Fax: (214) 720-7881
Contractors Address: S. Howard Norton, President
Norton Drilling Company
5211 Brownfield Highway, Suite 230
Page 95 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Lubbock, Texas 79407-3501
Fax: (806) 785-8420
as the case may be. Either party may by written notice to the other party
change its address.
ARTICLE XIV - GENERAL
1401. Confidential Information
Upon written request of Operator, all information obtained by Contractor in
conduct of operations hereunder shall be confidential and Contractor will use
its best endeavors to ensure that neither Contractors personnel nor their
families divulge any such information.
1402. Venue and Jurisdiction
Any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement
shall be brought in the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas, or, if
such court does not have jurisdiction or will not accept jurisdiction, in any
court of general jurisdiction in Dallas County, Texas. Each of Operator and
Contractor consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such
suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection that it may have to the
laying of venue of any such suit action or proceeding in any such court Protexa
hereby irrevocably designates the Secretary of State for the State of Texas as
an authorized agent to accept service of any and all process on behalf of Seller
in the State of Texas in connection with disputes arising out of this Agreement.
1403. Attorney's Fees
If this contract is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection of any
sums due hereunder, or suit is brought on same, or sums due hereunder are
collected through bankruptcy proceedings, then the Operator agrees that there
shall be added to the amount due reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
1404. Force Majeure
Except as otherwise provided in this Clause 1404, each party to this Contract
shall be excused from complying with the terms of this contract, except for the
payment of moneys then due and the honoring of indemnities, if and for so long
as such compliance is hindered or prevented by dots, strikes, wars (declared or
undeclared), insurrections, rebellions, terrorist acts, civil disturbances,
dispositions or order of governmental authority, whether such authority be
actual or assumed, acts of God (other than weather conditions), inability to
obtain equipment, supplies or fuel, or by act or cause which is reasonably
beyond the control of such party, such causes being herein sometimes called
"Force Majeure." if any failure to comply is occasioned by a governmental law,
rule regulation, disposition or order as aforesaid and the affected party is
operating in accordance with good oilfield practice in the area of operations
and is making a reasonable effort to comply with such law, rule, regulation,
disposition or order, the matter shall be deemed beyond the control of the
affected party. In the event that either party hereto is rendered unable, wholly
or in part, by any of these causes to carry out its obligation under this
Contact it is agreed that such party shall give notice and details of force
Majeure in writing to the other party as promptly as possible after its
occurrence. In such cases, the obligations of the party giving the notice shall
be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused except that
Operator shall be obligated to pay to Contractor the Force Majeure Rate provided
for in clause 807 (Force Majeure Rate).
1405. Right to Audit
Page 96 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contractor shall keep proper books, records and accounts of operations
hereunder and shall permit Operator at all reasonable times to inspect the
portions thereof related to any variation of the rates hereunder.
1406. Waivers
It is fully understood and agreed that none of the requirements of this
Contract shall be considered as waived by either party unless the same is done
in writing, and then only by the persons executing this Contract, or other duly
authorized agent or representative of the party.
1407. Entire Agreement
This Contract supersedes and replaces any oral or written communications
heretofore made between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
1408. Enurement
This Contract shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the parties.
1409. Expropriation, confiscation, Nationalization and War Risks
(a) In the event the Drilling Rig or any or all of Contractor's equipment,
spare parts and/or supplies directly associated therewith (i) cannot lawfully be
exported from the country in which it was operating following termination of
drilling operations under this Agreement because Contractor cannot obtain an
export license or permit or because of other governmental restrictions; or (ii)
are lost to Contractor through confiscation, expropriation, nationalization or
governmental seizure; or (iii) are seized or damaged or destroyed as a result of
insurrection, terrorists acts, dot or war (declared or undeclared) or other
similar occurrences during the term of this Contract Operator will within sixty
(60) days following the occurrence of any such event pay to Contract the value
(as set out in Appendix C) of all such property so restricted, confiscated,
expropriated, nationalized, seized, damaged or destroyed, from which value shall
be subtracted the total of the following:
(1)any amount paid Contractor by such governmental unit or body;
(2)Any amount paid contractor from insurance;
(3) depreciation in accordance with the schedule attached hereto as Appendix
C, but not to exceed 30% of said value. Depreciation shall be computed
commencing with the date upon which each component of contractors equipment is
placed into service under this Contract.
Following the payment by Operator for Contractors property under the
conditions set forth (which shall be made in the currency in which the original
purchase thereof was made) and payment of all other moneys then due Contractor,
Operator shall have no obligation thereafter to make payments to Contractor and
at the time of such payments, Operator shall have the option to require
Contractor to immediately assign all of its right, title and interest in the
Drilling Unit to Operator.
(b) Should a change of political or other condition occur which would enable
Contractor again to assume possession of the Drilling Rig and/or its equipment,
spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith, Contractor agrees to
repay to Operator such amounts as Operator may have paid to Contractor under
this Clause 1409, less such amounts, if any, as may be required to restore the
Drilling Rig, equipment, spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith
to the same condition they were in at the time of suspension of drilling
operations, and also less such amount (to be agreed upon by Operator and
Contractor) as shall equitably compensate Contractor for
Page 97 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
deterioration, and/or depreciation thereof during the period of nonuse resulting
from the causes set forth in this Clause 1409. In the event of such resumption
of possession of the Drilling rig by Contractor, if Operator has previously
received title to said Drilling Rig, Operator shall reassign all of its right,
title and interest in said Drilling Rig to Contractor as of the time of such
resumption of possession.
(c)All costs and other charges provided for in this Clause 1409 are subject
to adjustment after audit.
(d) If Requested by Operator in writing, Contractor agrees to obtain to the
extent then and thereafter available, insurance covering all or such portion of
the risks specified in this Clause 1049 as Operator may direct. Operator shall
be named as an additional assured in any such policy or policies of insurance,
which shall provide for the payment of losses thereunder in United States
dollars. The provisions of such insurance and cost thereof shall be subject to
Operator's approval prior to the issuance thereof. The cost of such insurance
shall be paid by Operator to Contractor within twenty (20) days after invoice
from Contractor evidencing the payment by Contractor of the premiums for such
specified insurance.
(e) Contractor shall pay to Operator any moneys with respect to such
expropriation, etc., which Contractor receives and for which Operator has not
already received credit after payment has been made by Operator to Contractor
under Clause 1409.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed this Contract as of the date
shown above.
OPERATOR: Construcciones Protexa A.de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Protexa Construccio s, S. de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Avia de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
By:
and, Avia Energy Development
By:
Title:
CONTRACTOR: Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
By:
Title: President
Page 98 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
PART I CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
DRAWWORKS Wilson 64 w/Parkersburg 22" double hydromatic brake. Power
(2)
Caterpillar D-3406-TA, 750 H.P.
PUMPS #1 Gardner-Denver PZ-8 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 750 H.P., Max.
pressure
2900 psi w/5-1/2" liners @ 250 gpm,
#2 Gardner-Denver PZ-8 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 750 H.P.,
Maxpressure 2900 psi w/5-1/2* liners @ 250 gpm
ROTARY TABLE Gardner-Denver 17-1/2', 150 tons @ 100 rpm, 250 tons static
MAST Lee C. Moore 127", 340,000 lb. hook load w/8 lines
SUBSTRUCTURE 11'6" height, vertical clear height 9'6"
17'6" height, vertical clear height 15'6" w/pony BLOCK AND
HOOK McKissick 250 ton, 5 sheave, 1 'A' line w/Web Wilson 250
ton hydrahook
SWIVEL Gardner Denver SW 200, 200 ton
BOP EQUIPMENT Shaffer 11" 10,000 psi XHP double ram w/(4)4"
outlets Shaffer I I" 10,000 psi SL single ram w/(2) 4"
outlets Shaffer 11" 5,000 psi annular
CHOKE MANIFOLD 4" x 2" 10,000 psi choke manifold, w/(2) 2" adjustable
chokes
ACCUMULATOR Koomey 160 gal. , 5000 psi, 5 station w/2 air pumps and 15
H.P. triplex
PIT SYSTEM 2 pits, 750 bbl capacity w/low pressure mixing
capability in 80 bbl pill pit, (5) mud agitators, (2) 5x6
centrifugal pumps w/50 H.P. electric motors, (2) linear
shakers , (1) six cone mudcleaner
DRILL PIPE 5,000 ft., 5" 19.50 lbs/ft. Grade X w/4-1/2' IF
connections 9,000 ft., 3-1/2" 15.50 lbs/ft. Grade E
w/3-1/2'XH connections
DRILL COLLARS (12) 6-3/4"x 2-1/4" x 30'w/4-1/2" IF connections (12)
4-1/2" x 2" x 30'w/3-1/2" IF connections (15) 5" HWDP (15)
3-1/2" HWDP
WATER TANK 420 bbl. tank
GENERATORS (2) 210 KW AC generators powered by Caterpillar D-3406
Appendix A
PART II - PERSONNEL AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY CONTRACTOR
1. Transportation of Contractors Items (other than the Rig and associated
equipment),
personnel and their families.
2. Accommodation of Contractor's personnel at rig site.
3. All medical services for Contractors personnel and their families and
first aid medical
attention at the rig site.
4. Heated and air conditioned accommodation, housekeeping services and
supplies and
messing at the rig site for Contractor's personnel.
5. Drill pipe inspection in accord with API-IADC classification standards,
with Contractor to
Page 99 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
pay for said inspection in the proportion that the rejected pipe bears to
the total pipe inspected.
6. Assistance in all service performed by service companies used in the
operations in so far as can be done with Contractors personnel during the
regular working hours, except in the
case of emergencies, when the regular working hours will not necessarily
be adhered to.
7. Contractor employees to be furnished by Contractor.
Number Furnished
Toolpusher (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 Tour Pusher (12 hrs on/12 hrs off and 2
weeks on/2 weeks off) 2 Welder w/welding truck (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for
2 rigs Mechanic w/tools (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for 2 rigs
Work schedules may vary according to need but will not exceed a two week
tour.
8. Personnel to be furnished to Contractor through a Mexican Labor contractor
to be
designated by Operator pursuant to Section 302 of the Contract with
transportation included:
Driller 1
Derrickman 1
Floorman 2
Motorman 1
Appendix A
PART III - EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY OPERATOR
1 . Drilling permit(s).
2. Drilling site, surveyed, and marked and cleared of obstructions,
including digging of cellar
and cementing same, digging reserve pit.
3. Any required transportation for Operator's Items and personnel. 4.
Transfer at Operator's base of any and all materials and equipment of
Operator onto and from the transport vehicle.
5. All electric well logging services and equipment, including string shot
and back-off
equipment.
6. All cementing services.
7. Mud engineer, if required (but Contractor will carry out routine mud
testing and treatment).
8. Mud logging service, if required. 9. Any geological service.
10. Programmed direction drilling service engineer and special equipment. 11.
Drilling water, at the drilling site.
12. All bits.
13. All casing, tubing and attachments. 14. All cement and additives.
15. All Mud, chemicals and additives, including pallets if applicable.
16. All fuel for use on the Drilling rig, in Contractor's camp and in
Contractor's vehicles.
17. Well test unit and associated equipment for production testing, including
labor to install.
18. Any drill pipe and drill collars, Kellys or subs in addition to those
furnished by Contractor
under Part 1 of this Appendix "A", including required handling tools.
19. Stabilizers, hole openers, reamers and centralizers.
Page 100 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
20. Drill stem testing equipment, if required.
21. All radio and telex equipment other than that to be furnished by
Contractor (including
assistance in obtaining licenses for Contractor's radios).
22. Office space and warehouse for Contractor, including basic
furnishings.
23. Any special equipment or services needed for well completion.
24. Any required coring equipment.
25. Move Rig from Levelland, Texas to first drilling location in central
Borgus area of Mexico.
26. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transportation into
Mexico.
27. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transporting Rig out of
Mexico at end
of contract.
28. Move Rig and all of Contractor's equipment from location to location. 29.
Move Rig from central Borgus area of Mexico to Levelland, Texas at end
of contract.
30. Import duties, fees and other expenses for importing Rig into and out of
Mexico.
31. Septic system for housing on location. 32. Fresh water (potable water)
for housing on location.
33. Forklift & Backhoe.
Appendix B - I
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A.Insurance for Personnel
Any insurance covering personnel in accordance with the governing law of the
jurisdiction where the work is performed or in accordance with applicable laws
of other countries, covering those persons employed by Contractor or its
subcontractors for work to be performed hereunder whose employment may be
subject to such laws, during the period such persons are so engaged.
B.Comprehensive General Liability
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance covering all operations of
Contractor, including, among other risks, the contractual liability herein
assumed by Contractor, with a combined single limit of $10,000,000 for bodily
injury and property damage liability in any one occurrence.
C.Automobile Liability
Automobile Liability Insurance in accordance with any local legislation on
all owned, nonowned, and hired vehicles used in connection with the work
hereunder, with limit of US $250,000 for any one occurrence.
D.Physical Damage Insurance
On the Drilling Rig and its equipment to its extent of value during all
operations under this
Contract including moves within the operating area.
E.Other
Adequate insurance on Contractor's stores, materials and equipment, including
coverage during transportation.
Page 101 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.46
INTERNATIONAL DAYWORK DRILLING CONTRACT - LAND
FOR RIG # 3
THIS AGREEMENT (hereafter called the "Agreement") is entered into
effective as of the day of September 1998, by and between Norton
Drilling Company Mexico, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the
State of Delaware, with its principal offices located in Lubbock, Texas,
U.S.A. (hereafter called "Contractor"), and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de
C.V., a Mexican corporation, and Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. , a
Mexican corporation (hereafter called "Protexa") and Avia de Mexico, S.A. de
C.V. , a Mexican corporation , and Avia Energy Development L. L.C. , a Texas
limited liability company, (hereafter called "Avia), (Protexa and Avia being
hereafter together called "Operator")
WHEREAS, Operator desires to have wells drilled on land in the Operating Area
and to have performed or carried out all auxiliary operations and services as
detailed in the Appendices hereto or as Operator may require; and
WHEREAS, Contractor is willing to furnish its land drilling rig, RIG # 3,
complete with camp, transport and other equipment, (hereinafter called the
"Drilling Rig") insurances and personnel, all as detailed in the Appendices
hereto for the purpose of drilling the said wells and performing the said
auxiliary operations and services for Operator.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the
covenants herein it is agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I - INTERPRETATION
101. Definitions
In this Contract, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Commencement Date" means the point in time that the Drilling Rig is
loaded in Levelland, Texas and ready to be transported to the first well in the
Operating Area;
(b) "Operator's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Operator,
(c) "Contractor's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Contractor,
(d) "Contractor's Personnel" means the personnel which are employees of
Contractor and which are to be provided by Contractor from time to time to
conduct operations hereunder as listed in the Appendices;
(e) "Operating Area" means those areas of land in the Burgos Basin in Mexico
where Operator may from time to time be entitled to conduct drilling operations;
(f) "Affiliated Company" means a company owning 50% or more of the stock of
Operator or Contractor, a company in which Operator or Contractor owns 50% or
more of its stock, or a company 50% or more of whose stock is owned by the same
company that owns 50% or more of the stock of Operator or Contractor.
(g) "Operations Base" means the place or places designated as such by
Operator from time to time.
Page 102 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(h) "Pemex" means Pemex-Explorabon and Production, a decentralized public
entity of the Federal Government of the United Mexican States and a subsidiary
of Petroleos Mexicanos.
(i) "Pemex Contract" means that certain turnkey drilling contract issued
pursuant to International Public Bid No. 00575003-044-97 Burgos Central 11 and
entered into between Pernex and Protexa.
(j) "Operator" means both Protexa and Avia, which companies hereby agree to
be jointly and severally liable for all of the obligations, payments,
indemnities and other undertakings of Operator in this Agreement.
102. Currency
In this Contract, all amounts expressed in dollars are United States dollar
amounts.
103. Conflicts
The Appendices hereto are incorporated herein by reference. If any provision
of the Appendices conflicts with provision in the body hereof, the latter shall
prevail.
104. Headings
The paragraph headings shall not be considered in interpreting the text of
this Contract.
105. Further Assurances
Each party shall perform the acts and execute and deliver the documents and
give the assurances necessary to give effect to the provisions of Contract.
106. Contractor's Status
Contractor in performing its obligations hereunder shall be an independent
contractor.
107.Governing Law
This Contract shall be construed and the relations between the parties
determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, not including,
however, any of its conflicts of law rules which would direct or refer to the
laws of another jurisdiction. In the event any provision of this Contract is
inconsistent with or contrary to any applicable law, rule or regulation, said
provision shall be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with
said law, rule or regulation, and as so modified said provision and this
Contract shall continue in full force and effect.
ARTICLE II - TERM
201. Effective Date
The parties shall be bound by this Contract when each of them has executed
it.
202. Duration
This Contract shall terminate:
(a) Upon notice from Operator prior to Commencement Date provided,
however, in event of such termination Operator shall pay Contractor, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty a sum equal to the Standby Rate
Page 103 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
provided for in this Agreement for a period of 60 days or a lump sum of
$600,000;
(b) Immediately if the Drilling Rig becomes an actual or constructive total
loss;
(c)60 days after receipt by Contractor of a written notice of termination
from
Operator, and after the Drilling Rig has been demobilized to Levelland,
Texas, unless some other place is mutually agreed; but Operator may not give
such notice until at least six months after the Commencement Date (or, if
operations are then being conducted on a well, as soon thereafter as such
operations are completed);
(d) 10 days after receipt by Operator of a written notice of termination
from
Contractor, but Contractor may only give such notice of termination if
Operator shall fail to pay to Contractor amounts due to Contractor under this
Agreement as and when they become due hereunder, or if Operator shall fail to
perform any other material obligation which it is obligated to perform under
this Agreement, such termination to only become effective after the Drilling Rig
has been demobilized to Levelland, Texas, unless some other place is mutually
agreed;
(e) After completion of the last well to be drilled by Operator for Pemex
under the Pemex Contract.
203. Continuing Obligations
Notwithstanding the termination of this Contract, the parties shall continue
to be bound by the provisions of this Contract that reasonably require some
action or forbearance after the cessation of the day rates provided for
hereinafter.
204. Return of Operator's Items
Upon termination of this Contract Contractor shall return to Operator at the
drill site of the last well drilled by Contractor under this Agreement any of
Operators items which are at the time in Contractors possession.
ARTICLE III - CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL AND MEXICAN LABOR
301. Number, Selection, Hours of Labor and Remuneration
The selection, replacement, hours of labor and remuneration of Contractor's
Personnel shall be determined solely by Contractor. Such employees shall be the
employees solely of Contractor. Contractor represents that the Contractor's
Personnel will be competent and efficient.
302. Other Personnel
It is understood that the Contractor's Personnel who are employees of
Contractor are the only personnel for which Contractor will be responsible under
this Contract. However Contractor hereby agrees to contract with a Mexican labor
contractor, to be designated by Operator, for the other rig crews and personnel
required by Contractor to perform this Contract other than the Contractor's
employees (hereafter called the "Mexican Labor") Although the Mexican Labor will
not be employees of Contractor, the Mexican Labor shall be under the direct
supervision of Contractors Personnel while working on the rig. Operator hereby
represents that the Mexican Labor to be provided to Contractor by the Mexican
labor contractor designated by Operator will be competent, experienced and
efficient workers and that Operator will not hold Contractor responsible for any
errors or omissions which may be committed by the Mexican Labor in the
performance of their work. Contractor
Page 104 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
shall pay the Mexican labor contractor directly for the Mexican Labor it
provided to Contractor, however, should the costs payable by Contractor for such
Mexican Labor exceed $910 per day for a 5 man crew and $240 per day for
transportation of crews then Operator will reimburse Contractor for any excess.
303. Contractor's Representative
Contractor shall nominate one of its personnel as Contractor's representative
who shall be in charge of the remainder of Contractor's Personnel and the
Mexican Labor, and who shall have full authority to resolve all dayto-day
matters which arise between Operator and Contractor.
305. Replacement of Contractor's Personnel
Contractor will remove and replace in a reasonable time any of Contractors
Personnel if Operator so requests in writing and if Operator can show reasonable
grounds for its requirement. Operator will remove and replace in a reasonable
time any of the Mexican Labor if Contractor so requests in writing.
ARTICLE IV. - CONTRACTOR'S ITEMS
401. Obligation to Supply
Contractor shall provide Contractor's Items and Contractors Personnel and
shall perform the services to be provided or performed by it according to the
Appendices. Operator shall move or pay the cost of moving Contractors warehouse,
spare parts and personnel if it becomes necessary to shift the site of these
items during the term of this Contract.
402. Maintain Stocks
Contractor shall be responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock
levels of Contractor's Items and replenishing as necessary.
403. Maintain and Repair Equipment
Contractor shall, subject to Clause 1001, be responsible for the maintenance
and repair of all Contractor's items and will provide all spare parts and
materials required therefor. Contractor shall, if requested by Operator, also
maintain or repair, at its cost, any of Operator's Items which Contractor is
qualified to and can maintain or repair with Contractor's normal complement of
personnel and equipment provided, however, that Operator shall at its cost
provide all spare parts and materials required to maintain or repair Operator's
Items and the basic responsibility and liability for furnishing and maintaining
such items shall remain in Operator.
ARTICLE V - CONTRACTOR'S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
501. Performance of the Drilling Rig
Contractor represents that the Drilling rig will be capable of drilling to a
depth of 14,300 feet. Any drill pipe in excess of that furnished by Contractor
shall be supplied by Operator.
502. Contractor's Standard of Performance
Contractor shall carry out all operations hereunder on a daywork basis. For
purposes hereof the term "daywork basis" means Contractor shall furnish
equipment, Contractor's Personnel, and perform services as herein provided, for
a specified sum per day under the direction, supervision and control of Operator
(which term is deemed to include any employee, agent, consultant or
subcontractor engaged by Operator to direct drilling operations). When operating
on a daywork basis, Contractor shall be fully paid at the
Page 105 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
applicable rates of payment and assumes only the obligations and liabilities
stated herein. Except for such obligations and liabilities specifically assumed
by Contractor, Operator shall be solely responsible and assumes liability for
all consequences of operations by both parties while on a daywork basis,
including results and all other risks or liabilities incurred in or incident to
such operations.
503. Operation of Drilling Rig
Contractor shall be solely responsible for the operation of the Drilling Rig,
including, without limitation, supervising moving operations, and positioning
the Drilling Rig and camp at locations as required by Operator, as well as such
operations at the drill site as may be necessary or desirable for the safety of
the Drilling Rig. Operations under this Contract will be performed on a 24-hour
per day basis.
504. Compliance with Operator's Instructions
Contractor shall comply with all instructions of Operator consistent with the
provisions of the Contract including, without limitation, drilling, well control
and safety instructions. Such instructions shall, if Contractor so requires, be
confirmed in writing by the authorized representative of Operator. However,
Operator shall not issue any instructions which would be inconsistent with
Contractor's rules, policies or procedures pertaining to the safety of its
personnel, equipment or the Drilling Unit.
505. Mud and Casing Program
Contractor shall take all reasonable care to follow the mud and casing
program as specified by Operator. Operator shall provide Contractor with these
programs reasonably in advance of spud date of each well to be drilled
hereunder.
506. Cutting/Coring Program
Contractor shall save and identify cuttings and cores according to Operator's
instructions and place them in containers furnished by Operator.
507. Records to be Kept by Contractor
Contractor shall keep and furnish to Operator an accurate record of the work
performed and formations drilled on the IADC-API Daily Drilling Report Form or
other form acceptable to Operator. A legible copy of said form signed by
Contractor's representative shall be furnished by Contractor to Operator.
508. Difficulties During Drilling
In the event of any difficulty arising which precludes either drilling ahead
under reasonably normal procedures or the performance of any other operations
planned for a well, Contractor may suspend the work in progress and shall
immediately notify the representative of Operator, in the meantime exerting
reasonable effort to overcome the difficulty.
509. Safety Equipment
Contractor shall maintain its well control equipment listed in the Appendices
in good condition at all times and shall use all reasonable means to control and
prevent fires and blowouts and to protect the hole.
ARTICLE VI - OPERATOR'S OBLIGATIONS
601. Equipment and Personnel
Page 106 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Operator shall at its cost provide Operator's Items and personnel to perform
the services to be provided or performed by it according to the Appendices. In
addition to providing the initial supply of Operator's Items, Operator shall be
responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock levels and replenishing
as necessary. When, at Operator's request and with Contractor's agreement the
Contractor furnishes or subcontracts for certain items which Operator is
required herein to provide, for purposes of the Contract said items or services
shall be deemed to be Operator furnished items or services, any subcontractors
so hired shall be deemed to be Operators contractor, and Operator shall not be
relieved of any of its liabilities in connection therewith; for furnishing said
items and services Operator shall reimburse Contractor its entire cost plus 10%
for handling.
602. Maintenance and Repair
Operator shall be responsible, at its cost, for the maintenance and repair of
all Operator's Items which Contractor is not qualified to or cannot maintain or
repair with Contractor's normal complement of personnel and the equipment.
603. Operator's Employees
Operator shall ensure that Operator's personnel shall be competent and
efficient and Contractor may treat Operators senior representative for the time
being as being in charge of all Operator personnel.
604. Replacement of Operator's Personnel
Contractor shall have the right to request in writing Operator to remove and
replace any Operator personnel if Contractor can show reasonable grounds for
such request.
605. Operator Representatives
Operator may, from time to time, designate representatives for the purposes
of this Contract who shall at all times have access to the Drilling Rig and may,
among other things, observe tests, check and control the implementation of the
mud program, examine cuttings and cores, inspect the work performed by
Contractor or examine the records kept on the Drilling Rig by Contractor.
606. Custom or Excise Duties
Operator shall pay all import or export charges or customs or excise duties
including, without limitation, local sales taxes, value added taxes, clearing
agent's fees, or other similar taxes or fees that are levied on Contractors
and/or Operators Items.
607. Drill Site and Access
Operator shall provide Contractor with access to the drilling site as well as
any drilling permits, licenses or certificates needed to conduct operations
hereunder. The drill site so provided shall be surveyed and marked by Operator
and shall be free of obstructions. Operator also shall prepare sound locations
capable of properly supporting the Drilling Rig, and shall be responsible for a
conductor pipe program adequate to prevent soil and subsoil washout. It is
recognized that Operator has superior knowledge of the location and access
routes to the location, and must advise Contractor of any subsurface conditions,
or obstructions which Contractor might encounter while en route to the location
or during operation hereunder. In the event subsurface conditions cause a
cratering or shifting of the location surface and loss or damage to the Drilling
Rig or its associated equipment results therefrom. Operator shall, without
regard to other provisions of this Contract, including Paragraph 1001 hereof,
reimburse Contractor to the extent
Page 107 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
not covered by contractors insurance, for all such loss or damage including
payment of Force Majeure Rate during rig repair.
608. Taxes
Contractor agrees to prepare and timely file all required income or other tax
returns or declarations required by the government of the area where the
Drilling Rig operates, Upon notification by the Contractor of the amount or
amounts of such taxes paid by it which pertain to the performance by Contractor
under this Contract and which do not qualify as a credit against Contractor's
U.S. income tax , accompanied by copies of each such return or declaration,
Operator agrees to reimburse Contractor such amount or amounts less any interest
or penalties arising from the fault of Contractor and levied by any of the
aforementioned governmental bodies. Contractor shall consult with Operator
before filing any such tax returns or paying the applicable taxes.
ARTICLE VII - OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS
701. Instructions to Contractor
Operator may, from time to time, through its authorized representative or
representatives, issue written or oral instructions to Contractor covering
operations hereunder. Operator's instructions may be general or may deal with
specific matters relating to operations hereunder including, without
limitations, instructions to stop operations, as to safety and well control, and
drilling instructions, but Operator may not require Contractor to drill deeper
than 14,300 feet unless Contractor agrees.
ARTICLE VIII - RATES OF PAYMENT
801. Payment
Operator shall pay to Contractor during the term of this Contract the amounts
from time to time due calculated according to the rates of payment herein set
forth and in accordance with the other provisions hereof. No other payment shall
be due from Operator unless specifically provided for in this Contract, or
agreed to in writing by Operator.
802. Mobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor $350,000 fee as follows: $50,000 out of each of
the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th invoices it collects from Pemex.these
payments will be made at the time the Trust Committee disperses the funds for
these wells.
803. Demobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor a demobilization fee of $40,000 which may be
invoiced on the date of termination of this Contract except that no
demobilization fee shall be due if this Contract is terminated pursuant to
Clause 202(b).
804. Operating Rate
The Operating Rate will be $9,870 per 24-hour day and will first become
payable from the moment when the Drilling Rig spuds the first well at the first
drilling location. The Operating Rate shall continue to be payable except as
herein otherwise provided.
804(A) Move In Rate
Page 108 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Operator shall pay Contractor $4,000 per day from the time Contractors
Personnel arrive at Rio Grande City until the first well under this Contract is
spudded.
805. Standby Rate
The Standby Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable:
(a) during any period of delay when Contractor is unable to proceed because
of weather or because of an act or omission of Operator including, without
limitation, the failure of any of Operators Items, or the failure of Operator to
issue instructions, provide Operator items or furnish services; or
(b) from the moment the Contractor could have spudded in the first well had
it not been delayed by Operator until the Operating Rate first become payable;
or
(c)during any period that the Drilling rig is in transit between drill sites
or in transit to Levelland, Texas after the last well; provided that if, at the
termination of this Contract, the Drilling Rig is not moved to Levelland, Texas
or another mutually agreed place, the period shall not exceed the reasonable
estimated time required to go to Levelland, Texas.
806. Repair Rate
The Repair Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable for any
period in excess of 24 hours per month during which operations are suspended to
permit necessary replacement, repair or maintenance of Contractor's Items;
provided, however, that should said suspension or suspensions total more than 48
hours per month, Contractor's rate of pay after the said 48 hours per month
shall be reduced to 40 percent of the Repair Rate, Contractor will use due
diligence in effecting such repairs, replacements or maintenance in good
workmanlike manner and will use its best efforts to familiarize itself with the
location of rentable replacements for Contractor's Items.
807. Force Majeure Rate
The Force Majeure Rate will be $8,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable
during any period in which operations are not being carried on because of force
majeure.
808. Variation of Rates
The rates and/or payments herein set forth shall be revised by the actual
amount of the change in Contractors cost if an event as described below occurs
or if the cost of any of the items hereinafter listed shall vary by more than
the amount indicated below from Contractor's cost thereof on May 1, 1998 or by
the same amount after the date of any revision pursuant to this clause:
(a) if labor costs, including all benefits and the cost of foreign income
taxes paid by Contractor for its expatriate employees, vary by more than five
percent;
(b) if Operator requires Contractor to increase the number of Contractors
Personnel
(c)if it becomes necessary for Contractor to change the work schedule of
Contractor's Personnel;
(d) in the event described in Clause 1202 (Assignment); (e) if there is any
change in legislation (other than Corporate tax
legislation) by the country in which the Drilling Rig is working that alters
Contractor's financial burden;
Page 109 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(f) if the cost of insurance premiums varies by more than five percent; (g)
if the cost of catering varies by more than five percent; (h) if Contractor's
interest rate varies by more than one-half of one
percent;
(i) the rates listed herein shall be increased or decreased for costs other
than those listed above on the Commencement Date and at three month intervals
thereafter based on changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Oilfield Drilling
Machinery and Equipment Wholesale Price Index (Code No. 1191-02) as published by
the U.S. Department of Labor from that reported for the month of May, 1998. Said
rates
shall be increased or decreased (proportionately and on a pro rata basis) 5%
for each change of five percent (5%) in said Index.
ARTICLE IX - INVOICES AND PAYMENTS
901. Mexican Trust
Operator shall form an administrative trust pursuant to Mexican law
(hereafter called the "Trust) which shall be managed by a Mexican financial
institution of recognized standing as trustee (hereafter called the "Trustee")
and shall form a four (4) member technical committee (hereafter called the
"Committee") to direct the payment of invoices by the Trustee. The Trustee shall
be licensed and regulated by the Mexican government. Operator hereby agrees that
within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement it will execute an
Assignment Agreement with the Trust pursuant to which all of Operator's rights
to receive payments from Pemex under the Pemex Contract are unconditionally and
irrevocably assigned to the Trustee. Prior to the execution of the above
Assignment Agreement, Operator agrees that it will obtain the unconditional and
irrevocable written consent and agreement of Pemex to the assignment by Operator
of all payments due to Operator under the Pemex Contract to the Trust pursuant
to the above mentioned Assignment Agreement. If the above described Pemex
consent and agreement and/or the above mentioned Assignment Agreement are not
given or executed within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement, then
Contractor shall have a right to terminate this Agreement immediately and to
receive from Operator the demobilization payment provided for in clause 803
hereof.
902.Monthly Invoices
Contractor shall bill Operator at the end of each well, and/or at the end of
the month should Contractor be on the same well for more than 30 days. for all
daily charges earned by Contractor during the well and/or month. Other charges
shall be billed as earned. Billing for daily charges will reflect details of the
time spent (calculated to the nearest 1/2 hour and the rate charged for the
time; billings for other charges will be accompanied by invoices supporting
costs incurred for Operator or other substantiation as required. Immediately
following receipt by Operator of such Contractor invoices, Operator shall
present all such invoices to the Committee for payment by the Trustee. Along
with such Contractor invoices Operator shall also provide the Committee with a
written statement of which invoices are approved by Operator for payment and
which invoices are disputed by Operator.
A copy of this written statement shall also be provided by Operator to
Contractor with a written explanation of the reasons for disputing any invoice
which is disputed.
903. Payment
The Trustee shall pay to Contractor by telegraphic transfer all undisputed
Contractor billings within sixty-five (65) days after its receipt thereof. If
the Trustee does not pay any undisputed Contractor invoice within 65 days after
receipt, then Operator hereby agrees to immediately pay Contractor for such
invoice.
Page 110 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Payment of any disputed invoice shall be withheld by the Trustee until
settlement of the dispute between Operator and Contractor. Any sums (including
amounts ultimately paid with respect to a disputed invoice) not paid within
sixty-five days after receipt of invoice shall bear interest at the rate of
twelve percent (12%) per annum or the maximum allowed by law, whichever is less,
or pro rata thereof from said due date until paid. If Operator refuses to pay
undisputed items, Contractor shall have the right to terminate this contract,
904.Manner of Payment
All payments due by the Trustee or the Operator to Contractor hereunder shall
be made in United States dollars at Contractor's bank which is City Bank at
Lubbock, Texas; with the understanding, however, that either Operator or
Contractor shall have the right to specify that the Trustee or the Operator
shall pay Contractor in the currency of the country where the Drilling Rig
operates in amounts equal to Contractor's local currency expenditures (including
those expenditures incurred locally by Contractor for the account of Operator)
and as needed by Contractor. All amounts of local currency so paid Contractor
during the month shall be credited against Contractor's U.S. dollar monthly
invoice for the rate of exchange of U.S. dollars for the local currency in
effect on the date Contractor makes the local currency payment as published in
the Wall Street Journal.
905. Costs of Trust
Contractor agrees to pay 5% of the expenses and costs associated with the
formation and administration of the Trust up to the sum of $500 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor.
ARTICLE - LIABILITY
1001. Equipment or Property
Except as specifically provided herein to the contrary, each party hereto
shall at all times be responsible for and shall hold harmless and release and
indemnify the other party from and against damage to or loss of its own
equipment or property, regardless of the cause of loss, including the negligence
of such party, and despite the fact that a party's items may be under the
control of the other party, except that:
(a) Operator shall, to the extent Contractor's insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all times for damages to or destruction
of Contractor's equipment or property caused by exposure to unusually corrosive
or otherwise destructive elements, including those which are introduced into the
drilling fluid from subsurface formations or the use of corrosive additives in
the fluid.
(b) Operator shall, to the extent Contractors insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all time for damage to or loss of
Contractor's drill string, and shall reimburse Contractor for such damage or
loss at the CIF replacement cost of the item so lost or damaged; with the
understanding, however, that the indemnity granted in this Clause 1001 shall not
indemnify either party for liabilities incurred by it as a result of obligations
undertaken in a contract with a third party.
1002. The Hole
In the event the hole should be lost or damaged, Operator shall be solely
responsible for such damage to or loss of the hole, including the casing
therein, regardless of whether such loss or damage was caused by the
negligence of Contractor, or its employees, agents or subcontractors. This
Page 111 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
paragraph shall be void if such loss is caused by the gross negligence of
Contractor.
1003. Inspection of Materials Furnished by Operator
Contractor agrees to visually inspect all materials furnished by Operator
before using same and to notify Operator of any apparent defects therein.
Contractor shall not be liable for any loss or damage from the use of material
furnished by Operator.
1004. Contractor's Personnel
Contractor agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Operator,
its officers, directors, employees and joint owners harmless from and against
all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without
limit and without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any
party or parties, arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractor's
employees or Contractor's subcontractors or their employees, or Contractor's
Invitees, on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property. If it is
judicially determined that the monetary limits of insurance required hereunder
or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually assumed under paragraph 1004
(which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be supported by available
liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right of subrogation against
the indeminitees) exceed the maximum limits permitted under applicable law, it
is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities shall automatically be
amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such law.
1005. Operator's Personnel
Operator agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Contractor,
its officers, directors and employees harmless from and against all claims,
demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or
parties arising in connection herewith in favor of Operator's employees, or
Operator's contractors or their employees or their invitees, other than those
parties identified in paragraph 1004 on account of bodily injury, death or
damage to property. If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of
insurance required hereunder or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually
assumed under paragraph 1005 (which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be
supported by available liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right
of subrogation against the indemnitee) exceed the maximum limits permitted under
applicable law, it is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities
shall automatically amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted
under such.
1006. Pollution and Contamination
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, it is understood
and agreed by and between the Contractor and Operator that the responsibility
for pollution or contamination shall be as follows:
(a) The Contractor shall assume all responsibility for cleaning up and
containing pollution or contamination which originates above the surface from
improper care or disposition of items wholly in Contractors possession and
control and directly associated with Contractor's equipment and facilities.
Operator shall assume all responsibility for (including control and removal
of the pollutant involved) and shall protect, defend, indemnify and save the
Contractor harmless from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action
of every kind and character arising directly or indirectly from all pollution or
contamination, other than that described in subclause (a) above, which may occur
from the negligence of Contractor or otherwise during the term of this Contract
or as a result of operations hereunder, including, but
Page 112 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
not limited to, that which may result from fire, blowout, cratering, seepage or
any other uncontrolled flow of oil, gas, water or other substance, as well as
the use or disposition of oil emulsion, oil base or chemically treated fluids,
contaminated cutting or cavings, lost circulation and fish recovery materials
and fluids.
(c)In the event a third party commits an act or omission which results in
pollution or contamination for which either the Contractor or Operator for whom
such party is performing work is held to be legally liable, the responsibility
therefor shall be considered, as between the Contractor and Operator, to be the
same as if the party for whom the work was performed had performed the same and
all of the obligations respecting defense, indemnity, holding harmless and
limitations of responsibility and liability, as set forth in (a) and (b) above,
shall be specifically applied.
1007. Cost of Control
Operator shall be liable for the cost of regaining control of any wild well
and shall release, hold harmless and indemnify Contractor for any such cost
regardless of the cause thereof, including, but not limited to, the negligence
of Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors.
1008. Underground Damage
Operator agrees to defend and indemnify Contractor for any and all claims
including, but not limited to, claims arising as a result of the negligence of
Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors against Contractor resulting
from operations under this Contract on account of injury to, destruction of, or
loss or impairment of any property right in or to oil, gas, or other mineral
substance or water, if at the time of the act or omission causing such injury,
destruction, loss, or impairment said substance had not been reduced to physical
possession above the surface, and for any loss or damage to any formation,
strata, or reservoir beneath the surface.
1009. Consequential Damages
Neither party shall be liable to the other for special, indirect or
consequential damages resulting from or arising out of this Contract, including
without limitation, loss or profit or business interruptions, however same may
be caused.
1010. Indemnity Obligation
It is the intent of the parties hereto that all indemnity obligations and/or
liabilities assumed by such parties under terms of this Contract, including,
without limitation, clauses 1001 through 1009 hereof, be without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof (including preexisting
conditions), strict liability, willful misconduct or the negligence of any party
or parties, whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent, active or
passive.
ARTICLE XI - INSURANCE
1101. Contractor's Insurance
Contractor shall carry and maintain the insurance shown in Appendix B-1.
Contractor may from time to time with the prior approval of Operator change the
insurance it carries. Contractor will increase its insurance beyond the limits
provided for herein or will change its insurance if required by Operator, but
any additional cost will be paid by Operator.
1102. Policies and Receipts
Page 113 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contractor will furnish Operator, on request, with certificates of all
insurance policies relating to Contractors operations hereunder.
1103. Subrogation
For liabilities assumed hereunder by Contractor, its insurance shall be
endorsed to provide that the underwriters waive their right of subrogation
against Operator. Operator will, as well, cause its insurer to waive subrogation
against Contractor for liability it assumes.
1104. Operator's Insurance
Operator shall obtain and maintain the insurance shown on Appendix B-2 and
Contractor shall be named as an additional insured under all such policies, In
return, Contractor shall pay 5% of the premium cost of such insurance up to the
sum of $1,000 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor. In no event shall Contractor ever be responsible for any
portion of any deductibles suffered by Operator as a result of claims under said
policies or otherwise.
ARTICLE XII - SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT
1201. Subcontracts by Operator
Operator may employ other Contractors to perform any of the operations or
services to be provided or performed by it according to Appendix A.
1202. Assignment
Neither party may assign this Contract to anyone other than an affiliated
company without the prior written consent of the other, and prompt notice of any
such intent to assign shall be given to the other party. In the event of such
assignment, the assigning party shall remain liable to the other party as a
guarantor of the performance by the assignee of the terms of this Contract. If
any assignment is made that alters Contractor's financial burden, Contractors
compensation shall be adjusted to give effect to any increase or decrease in
Contractor's operating costs or in taxes in the new operating area.
ARTICLE XIII - NOTICES
1301. Notices
Notices, reports and other communications required or permitted by this
Contract to be given or sent by one party to the other shall be delivered by
hand, mailed, telexed, or telegraphed to:
Operator's address:
To Protexa at: Lic. Hugo Sampogna
Jefe Juridico Nacional
Carr. Monterrey-Saltillo Km. 339
Sta. Catarina, N.L.
Mexico C.P. 66350
Fax: (011-52-8-399-2613
To Avia at Jack Lafield, Managing Director
Avia Energy Development, L.L.C.
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1375
Dallas, Texas 75201
Fax: (214) 720-7881
Contractors Address: S. Howard Norton, President
Norton Drilling Company
Page 114 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
5211 Brownfield Highway, Suite 230
Lubbock, Texas 79407-3501
Fax: (806) 785-8420
as the case may be. Either party may by written notice to the other party
change its address.
ARTICLE XIV - GENERAL
1401. Confidential Information
Upon written request of Operator, all information obtained by Contractor in
conduct of operations hereunder shall be confidential and Contractor will use
its best endeavors to ensure that neither Contractors personnel nor their
families divulge any such information.
1402. Venue and Jurisdiction
Any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement
shall be brought in the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas, or, if
such court does not have jurisdiction or will not accept jurisdiction, in any
court of general jurisdiction in Dallas County, Texas. Each of Operator and
Contractor consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such
suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection that it may have to the
laying of venue of any such suit action or proceeding in any such court Protexa
hereby irrevocably designates the Secretary of State for the State of Texas as
an authorized agent to accept service of any and all process on behalf of Seller
in the State of Texas in connection with disputes arising out of this Agreement.
1403. Attorney's Fees
If this contract is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection of any
sums due hereunder, or suit is brought on same, or sums due hereunder are
collected through bankruptcy proceedings, then the Operator agrees that there
shall be added to the amount due reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
1404. Force Majeure
Except as otherwise provided in this Clause 1404, each party to this Contract
shall be excused from complying with the terms of this contract, except for the
payment of moneys then due and the honoring of indemnities, if and for so long
as such compliance is hindered or prevented by dots, strikes, wars (declared or
undeclared), insurrections, rebellions, terrorist acts, civil disturbances,
dispositions or order of governmental authority, whether such authority be
actual or assumed, acts of God (other than weather conditions), inability to
obtain equipment, supplies or fuel, or by act or cause which is reasonably
beyond the control of such party, such causes being herein sometimes called
"Force Majeure." if any failure to comply is occasioned by a governmental law,
rule regulation, disposition or order as aforesaid and the affected party is
operating in accordance with good oilfield practice in the area of operations
and is making a reasonable effort to comply with such law, rule, regulation,
disposition or order, the matter shall be deemed beyond the control of the
affected party. In the event that either party hereto is rendered unable, wholly
or in part, by any of these causes to carry out its obligation under this
Contact it is agreed that such party shall give notice and details of force
Majeure in writing to the other party as promptly as possible after its
occurrence. In such cases, the obligations of the party giving the notice shall
be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused except that
Operator shall be obligated to pay to Contractor the Force Majeure Rate provided
for in clause 807 (Force Majeure Rate).
1405. Right to Audit
Page 115 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contractor shall keep proper books, records and accounts of operations
hereunder and shall permit Operator at all reasonable times to inspect the
portions thereof related to any variation of the rates hereunder.
1406. Waivers
It is fully understood and agreed that none of the requirements of this
Contract shall be considered as waived by either party unless the same is done
in writing, and then only by the persons executing this Contract, or other duly
authorized agent or representative of the party.
1407. Entire Agreement
This Contract supersedes and replaces any oral or written communications
heretofore made between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
1408. Enurement
This Contract shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the parties.
1409. Expropriation, confiscation, Nationalization and War Risks
(a) In the event the Drilling Rig or any or all of Contractor's equipment,
spare parts and/or supplies directly associated therewith (i) cannot lawfully be
exported from the country in which it was operating following termination of
drilling operations under this Agreement because Contractor cannot obtain an
export license or permit or because of other governmental restrictions; or (ii)
are lost to Contractor through confiscation, expropriation, nationalization or
governmental seizure; or (iii) are seized or damaged or destroyed as a result of
insurrection, terrorists acts, dot or war (declared or undeclared) or other
similar occurrences during the term of this Contract Operator will within sixty
(60) days following the occurrence of any such event pay to Contract the value
(as set out in Appendix C) of all such property so restricted, confiscated,
expropriated, nationalized, seized, damaged or destroyed, from which value shall
be subtracted the total of the following:
(1)any amount paid Contractor by such governmental unit or body;
(2)Any amount paid contractor from insurance;
(3) depreciation in accordance with the schedule attached hereto as Appendix
C, but not to exceed 30% of said value. Depreciation shall be computed
commencing with the date upon which each component of contractors equipment is
placed into service under this Contract.
Following the payment by Operator for Contractors property under the
conditions set forth (which shall be made in the currency in which the original
purchase thereof was made) and payment of all other moneys then due Contractor,
Operator shall have no obligation thereafter to make payments to Contractor and
at the time of such payments, Operator shall have the option to require
Contractor to immediately assign all of its right, title and interest in the
Drilling Unit to Operator.
(b) Should a change of political or other condition occur which would enable
Contractor again to assume possession of the Drilling Rig and/or its equipment,
spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith, Contractor agrees to
repay to Operator such amounts as Operator may have paid to Contractor under
this Clause 1409, less such amounts, if any, as may be required to restore the
Drilling Rig, equipment, spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith
to the same condition they were in at the time of suspension of drilling
operations, and also less such amount (to be agreed upon by Operator and
Contractor) as shall equitably compensate Contractor for
Page 116 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
deterioration, and/or depreciation thereof during the period of nonuse resulting
from the causes set forth in this Clause 1409. In the event of such resumption
of possession of the Drilling rig by Contractor, if Operator has previously
received title to said Drilling Rig, Operator shall reassign all of its right,
title and interest in said Drilling Rig to Contractor as of the time of such
resumption of possession.
(c)All costs and other charges provided for in this Clause 1409 are subject
to adjustment after audit.
(d) If Requested by Operator in writing, Contractor agrees to obtain to the
extent then and thereafter available, insurance covering all or such portion of
the risks specified in this Clause 1049 as Operator may direct. Operator shall
be named as an additional assured in any such policy or policies of insurance,
which shall provide for the payment of losses thereunder in United States
dollars. The provisions of such insurance and cost thereof shall be subject to
Operator's approval prior to the issuance thereof. The cost of such insurance
shall be paid by Operator to Contractor within twenty (20) days after invoice
from Contractor evidencing the payment by Contractor of the premiums for such
specified insurance.
(e) Contractor shall pay to Operator any moneys with respect to such
expropriation, etc., which Contractor receives and for which Operator has not
already received credit after payment has been made by Operator to Contractor
under Clause 1409.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed this Contract as of the date
shown above.
OPERATOR: Construcciones Protexa A.de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Protexa Construccio s, S. de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Avia de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
By:
and, Avia Energy Development
By:
Title:
CONTRACTOR: Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
By:
Title: President
Page 117 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
PART I CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
Major Item Inventory Rig #3
DRAWWORKS Wilson 75 w/Parkersburg V-80 hydromatic brake. Power (2)
Caterpillar D-3406-TA, 810 H.P.
PUMPS #1 Gardner-Denver PZ-7 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 550 H.P., Max.
pressure 3000 psi w/5" liners @ 200 gpm,, 25 psi w/5-1/2"
liners @245 gpm.
#2 Gardner-Denver PZ-7 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 550 H.P.,
Maxpressure 3000 psi w/5" liners @ 200 gpm, 2500 psi w/5-1/2"
liners @245 gpm.
ROTARY TABLE Gardner-Denver 17-1/2', 150 tons @ 100 rpm, 250 tons static
MAST Wilson 131', 344,000 lb. hook load w/10 lines
SUBSTRUCTURE 13'6" height, vertical clear height 12'2"
BLOCK AND HOOK McKissick 250 ton, 5 sheaves, 1 1/8" line w/Web Wilson 250
ton hydrahook
SWIVEL Gardner Denver 200 ton
BOP EQUIPMENT Shaffer 11" 10,000 psi XHP double ram w/(4)4"
outlets Shaffer 11" 5,000 psi annular (BOP w/hoses &
fittings)
CHOKE MANIFOLD 4" x 2" 10,000 psi choke manifold, w/(2) 2" adjustable
chokes
ACCUMULATOR Koomey 80 gal. , 3000 psi, 5 station w/2 air pumps
and 15 H.P. triplex
PIT SYSTEM 2 pits, 750 bbl capacity w/low pressure mixing
capability in 100 bbl pill pit, (4) mud agitators, (2) 5x6
centrifugal pumps w/50 H.P. electric motors
DRILL PIPE 5" 19.50 lbs/ft. Grade E w/4-1/2' IF connections
3-1/2" 15.50 lbs/ft. Grade E w/3-1/2'XH connections
DRILL COLLARS (12) 6-3/4"x 2-3/4" x 30' w/4-1/2" IF connections
(12) 4-1/2" x 2" x 30' w/3-1/2" XH connections (15) 3-1/2"
HWDP (15) 5" HWDP
GENERATORS (2) 210 KW AC generators powered by Caterpillar D-3406
BUNKHOUSE Living quarters for tool pusher and tour pushers
MUD AND SOLIDS CONTROL EQUIPMENT
LINEAR SHAKER:
Manufacturer FSI
Model 500 B2X (3 panel, 25.3 sq.ft)
Number of shakers 2
DESILTER/MUDCLEARNER:
Manufacturer FSI
Number of cones 6
Cone Size 4"
Linear Shaker 20L
Centrifugal Pump 5" X 6"
Impeller 10"
Motor 50HP, Electric
Motor Speed 1750rpm
MIXING PUMP:
Manufacturer Harrisburg
Centrifugal Pump 5" x 6"
Impeller 10"
Motor 50 HP, Electric
Motor Speed 1750rpm
Page 118 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
MUD PITS
Number 2
Volume 750 Bbls
Electric Agitators 4
Appendix A
PART II - PERSONNEL AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY CONTRACTOR
1. Transportation of Contractors Items (other than the Rig and associated
equipment),
personnel and their families.
2. Accommodation of Contractor's personnel at rig site. 3. All medical
services for Contractors personnel and their families and
first aid medical
attention at the rig site.
4. Heated and air conditioned accommodation, housekeeping services and
supplies and
messing at the rig site for Contractor's personnel.
5. Drill pipe inspection in accord with API-IADC classification standards,
with Contractor to
pay for said inspection in the proportion that the rejected pipe bears to
the total pipe
inspected.
6. Assistance in all service performed by service companies used in the
operations in so far
as can be done with Contractors personnel during the regular working
hours, except in the
case of emergencies, when the regular working hours will not necessarily
be adhered to.
7. Contractor employees to be furnished by Contractor.
Number Furnished
Toolpusher (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 Tour Pusher (12 hrs on/12 hrs off and 2
weeks on/2 weeks off) 2 Welder w/welding truck (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for
2 rigs Mechanic w/tools (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for 2 rigs
Work schedules may vary according to need but will not exceed a two week
tour.
8. Personnel to be furnished to Contractor through a Mexican Labor contractor
to be
designated by Operator pursuant to Section 302 of the Contract with
transportation included:
Driller 1
Derrickman 1
Floorman 2
Motorman 1
Appendix A
PART III - EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY OPERATOR
1 . Drilling permit(s).
2. Drilling site, surveyed, and marked and cleared of obstructions,
including digging of cellar
and cementing same, digging reserve pit.
Page 119 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
3. Any required transportation for Operator's Items and personnel. 4.
Transfer at Operator's base of any and all materials and equipment of
Operator onto and from the transport vehicle.
5. All electric well logging services and equipment, including string shot
and back-off
equipment.
6. All cementing services.
7. Mud engineer, if required (but Contractor will carry out routine mud
testing and treatment).
8. Mud logging service, if required. 9. Any geological service.
10. Programmed direction drilling service engineer and special equipment. 11.
Drilling water, at the drilling site.
12. All bits.
13. All casing, tubing and attachments. 14. All cement and additives.
15. All Mud, chemicals and additives, including pallets if applicable.
16. All fuel for use on the Drilling rig, in Contractor's camp and in
Contractor's vehicles.
17. Well test unit and associated equipment for production testing, including
labor to install.
18. Any drill pipe and drill collars, Kellys or subs in addition to those
furnished by Contractor
under Part 1 of this Appendix "A", including required handling tools.
19. Stabilizers, hole openers, reamers and centralizers.
20. Drill stem testing equipment, if required.
21. All radio and telex equipment other than that to be furnished by
Contractor (including
assistance in obtaining licenses for Contractor's radios).
22. Office space and warehouse for Contractor, including basic
furnishings.
23. Any special equipment or services needed for well completion.
24. Any required coring equipment.
25. Move Rig from Levelland, Texas to first drilling location in central
Borgus area of Mexico.
26. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transportation into
Mexico.
27. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transporting Rig out of
Mexico at end
of contract.
28. Move Rig and all of Contractor's equipment from location to location. 29.
Move Rig from central Borgus area of Mexico to Levelland, Texas at end
of contract.
30. Import duties, fees and other expenses for importing Rig into and out of
Mexico.
31. Septic system for housing on location. 32. Fresh water (potable water)
for housing on location.
33. Forklift & Backhoe.
34. Carry out and undertake an and all actions, process and procedures as
required for transportation, importation and exportation of Contractor's items
into, and out of Mexico, as per Contractor's instructions.
Appendix B
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A.Insurance for Personnel
Any insurance covering personnel in accordance with the governing law of the
jurisdiction where the work is performed or in accordance with applicable laws
of other countries, covering those persons employed by Contractor or its
subcontractors for work to be performed hereunder whose employment may be
subject to such laws, during the period such persons are so engaged.
Page 120 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
B.Comprehensive General Liability
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance covering all operations of
Contractor, including, among other risks, the contractual liability herein
assumed by Contractor, with a combined single limit of $10,000,000 for bodily
injury and property damage liability in any one occurrence.
C.Automobile Liability
Automobile Liability Insurance in accordance with any local legislation on
all owned, nonowned, and hired vehicles used in connection with the work
hereunder, with limit of US $250,000 for any one occurrence.
D.Physical Damage Insurance
On the Drilling Rig and its equipment to its extent of value during all
operations under this
Contract including moves within the operating area.
E.Other
Adequate insurance on Contractor's stores, materials and equipment, including
coverage during transportation.
Appendix C
DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE CONTRACTOR' EQUIPMENT
Item Value as of
Depreciation
Commencement Date Rate
Values to be mutually agreed upon at a later date
Page 121 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.47
INTERNATIONAL DAYWORK DRILLING CONTRACT - LAND
FOR RIG # 12
THIS AGREEMENT (hereafter called the "Agreement") is entered into
effective as of the 29 th day of May 1998, by and between Norton Drilling
Company Mexico, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with its principal offices located in Lubbock, Texas, U.S.A.
(hereafter called "Contractor"), and Construcciones Protexa, S.A. de C.V., a
Mexican corporation, and Protexa Construcciones, S.A. de C.V. , a Mexican
corporation (hereafter called "Protexa") and Avia de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. , a
Mexican corporation , and Avia Energy Development L. L.C. , a Texas limited
liability company, (hereafter called "Avia), (Protexa and Avia being
hereafter together called "Operator")
WHEREAS, Operator desires to have wells drilled on land in the Operating Area
and to have performed or carried out all auxiliary operations and services as
detailed in the Appendices hereto or as Operator may require; and
WHEREAS, Contractor is willing to furnish its land drilling rig, RIG # 12,
complete with camp, transport and other equipment, (hereinafter called the
"Drilling Rig") insurances and personnel, all as detailed in the Appendices
hereto for the purpose of drilling the said wells and performing the said
auxiliary operations and services for Operator.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the
covenants herein it is agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I - INTERPRETATION
101. Definitions
In this Contract, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Commencement Date" means the point in time that the Drilling Rig is
loaded in Levelland, Texas and ready to be transported to the first well in the
Operating Area;
(b) "Operator's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Operator,
(c) "Contractor's Items" mean the equipment, materials and services which are
listed in the Appendices that are to be provided at the expense of Contractor,
(d) "Contractor's Personnel" means the personnel which are employees of
Contractor and which are to be provided by Contractor from time to time to
conduct operations hereunder as listed in the Appendices;
(e) "Operating Area" means those areas of land in the Burgos Basin in Mexico
where Operator may from time to time be entitled to conduct drilling operations;
(f) "Affiliated Company" means a company owning 50% or more of the stock of
Operator or Contractor, a company in which Operator or Contractor owns 50% or
more of its stock, or a company 50% or more of whose stock is owned by the same
company that owns 50% or more of the stock of Operator or Contractor.
(g) "Operations Base" means the place or places designated as such by
Operator from time to time.
Page 122 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(h) "Pemex" means Pemex-Explorabon and Production, a decentralized public
entity of the Federal Government of the United Mexican States and a subsidiary
of Petroleos Mexicanos.
(i) "Pemex Contract" means that certain turnkey drilling contract issued
pursuant to International Public Bid No. 00575003-044-97 Burgos Central 11 and
entered into between Pernex and Protexa.
(j) "Operator" means both Protexa and Avia, which companies hereby agree to
be jointly and severally liable for all of the obligations, payments,
indemnities and other undertakings of Operator in this Agreement.
102. Currency
In this Contract, all amounts expressed in dollars are United States dollar
amounts.
103. Conflicts
The Appendices hereto are incorporated herein by reference. If any provision
of the Appendices conflicts with provision in the body hereof, the latter shall
prevail.
104. Headings
The paragraph headings shall not be considered in interpreting the text of
this Contract.
105. Further Assurances
Each party shall perform the acts and execute and deliver the documents and
give the assurances necessary to give effect to the provisions of Contract.
106. Contractor's Status
Contractor in performing its obligations hereunder shall be an independent
contractor.
107.Governing Law
This Contract shall be construed and the relations between the parties
determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, not including,
however, any of its conflicts of law rules which would direct or refer to the
laws of another jurisdiction. In the event any provision of this Contract is
inconsistent with or contrary to any applicable law, rule or regulation, said
provision shall be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with
said law, rule or regulation, and as so modified said provision and this
Contract shall continue in full force and effect.
ARTICLE II - TERM
201. Effective Date
The parties shall be bound by this Contract when each of them has executed
it.
202. Duration
This Contract shall terminate:
(a) Upon notice from Operator prior to Commencement Date provided,
however, in event of such termination Operator shall pay Contractor, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty a sum equal to the Standby Rate
Page 123 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
provided for in this Agreement for a period of 60 days or a lump sum of
$600,000;
(b) Immediately if the Drilling Rig becomes an actual or constructive total
loss;
(c)60 days after receipt by Contractor of a written notice of termination
from
Operator, and after the Drilling Rig has been demobilized to Levelland,
Texas, unless some other place is mutually agreed; but Operator may not give
such notice until at least six months after the Commencement Date (or, if
operations are then being conducted on a well, as soon thereafter as such
operations are completed);
(d) 10 days after receipt by Operator of a written notice of termination
from
Contractor, but Contractor may only give such notice of termination if
Operator shall fail to pay to Contractor amounts due to Contractor under this
Agreement as and when they become due hereunder, or if Operator shall fail to
perform any other material obligation which it is obligated to perform under
this Agreement, such termination to only become effective after the Drilling Rig
has been demobilized to Levelland, Texas, unless some other place is mutually
agreed;
(e) After completion of the last well to be drilled by Operator for Pemex
under the Pemex Contract.
203. Continuing Obligations
Notwithstanding the termination of this Contract, the parties shall continue
to be bound by the provisions of this Contract that reasonably require some
action or forbearance after the cessation of the day rates provided for
hereinafter.
204. Return of Operator's Items
Upon termination of this Contract Contractor shall return to Operator at the
drill site of the last well drilled by Contractor under this Agreement any of
Operators items which are at the time in Contractors possession.
ARTICLE III - CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL AND MEXICAN LABOR
301. Number, Selection, Hours of Labor and Remuneration
The selection, replacement, hours of labor and remuneration of Contractor's
Personnel shall be determined solely by Contractor. Such employees shall be the
employees solely of Contractor. Contractor represents that the Contractor's
Personnel will be competent and efficient.
302. Other Personnel
It is understood that the Contractor's Personnel who are employees of
Contractor are the only personnel for which Contractor will be responsible under
this Contract. However Contractor hereby agrees to contract with a Mexican labor
contractor, to be designated by Operator, for the other rig crews and personnel
required by Contractor to perform this Contract other than the Contractor's
employees (hereafter called the "Mexican Labor") Although the Mexican Labor will
not be employees of Contractor, the Mexican Labor shall be under the direct
supervision of Contractors Personnel while working on the rig. Operator hereby
represents that the Mexican Labor to be provided to Contractor by the Mexican
labor contractor designated by Operator will be competent, experienced and
efficient workers and that Operator will not hold Contractor responsible for any
errors or omissions which may be committed by the Mexican Labor in the
performance of their work. Contractor
Page 124 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
shall pay the Mexican labor contractor directly for the Mexican Labor it
provided to Contractor, however, should the costs payable by Contractor for such
Mexican Labor exceed $910 per day for a 5 man crew and $240 per day for
transportation of crews then Operator will reimburse Contractor for any excess.
303. Contractor's Representative
Contractor shall nominate one of its personnel as Contractor's representative
who shall be in charge of the remainder of Contractor's Personnel and the
Mexican Labor, and who shall have full authority to resolve all dayto-day
matters which arise between Operator and Contractor.
305. Replacement of Contractor's Personnel
Contractor will remove and replace in a reasonable time any of Contractors
Personnel if Operator so requests in writing and if Operator can show reasonable
grounds for its requirement. Operator will remove and replace in a reasonable
time any of the Mexican Labor if Contractor so requests in writing.
ARTICLE IV. - CONTRACTOR'S ITEMS
401. Obligation to Supply
Contractor shall provide Contractor's Items and Contractors Personnel and
shall perform the services to be provided or performed by it according to the
Appendices. Operator shall move or pay the cost of moving Contractors warehouse,
spare parts and personnel if it becomes necessary to shift the site of these
items during the term of this Contract.
402. Maintain Stocks
Contractor shall be responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock
levels of Contractor's Items and replenishing as necessary.
403. Maintain and Repair Equipment
Contractor shall, subject to Clause 1001, be responsible for the maintenance
and repair of all Contractor's items and will provide all spare parts and
materials required therefor. Contractor shall, if requested by Operator, also
maintain or repair, at its cost, any of Operator's Items which Contractor is
qualified to and can maintain or repair with Contractor's normal complement of
personnel and equipment provided, however, that Operator shall at its cost
provide all spare parts and materials required to maintain or repair Operator's
Items and the basic responsibility and liability for furnishing and maintaining
such items shall remain in Operator.
ARTICLE V - CONTRACTOR'S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
501. Performance of the Drilling Rig
Contractor represents that the Drilling rig will be capable of drilling to a
depth of 14,300 feet. Any drill pipe in excess of that furnished by Contractor
shall be supplied by Operator.
502. Contractor's Standard of Performance
Contractor shall carry out all operations hereunder on a daywork basis. For
purposes hereof the term "daywork basis" means Contractor shall furnish
equipment, Contractor's Personnel, and perform services as herein provided, for
a specified sum per day under the direction, supervision and control of Operator
(which term is deemed to include any employee, agent, consultant or
subcontractor engaged by Operator to direct drilling operations). When operating
on a daywork basis, Contractor shall be fully paid at the
Page 125 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
applicable rates of payment and assumes only the obligations and liabilities
stated herein. Except for such obligations and liabilities specifically assumed
by Contractor, Operator shall be solely responsible and assumes liability for
all consequences of operations by both parties while on a daywork basis,
including results and all other risks or liabilities incurred in or incident to
such operations.
503. Operation of Drilling Rig
Contractor shall be solely responsible for the operation of the Drilling Rig,
including, without limitation, supervising moving operations, and positioning
the Drilling Rig and camp at locations as required by Operator, as well as such
operations at the drill site as may be necessary or desirable for the safety of
the Drilling Rig. Operations under this Contract will be performed on a 24-hour
per day basis.
504. Compliance with Operator's Instructions
Contractor shall comply with all instructions of Operator consistent with the
provisions of the Contract including, without limitation, drilling, well control
and safety instructions. Such instructions shall, if Contractor so requires, be
confirmed in writing by the authorized representative of Operator. However,
Operator shall not issue any instructions which would be inconsistent with
Contractor's rules, policies or procedures pertaining to the safety of its
personnel, equipment or the Drilling Unit.
505. Mud and Casing Program
Contractor shall take all reasonable care to follow the mud and casing
program as specified by Operator. Operator shall provide Contractor with these
programs reasonably in advance of spud date of each well to be drilled
hereunder.
506. Cutting/Coring Program
Contractor shall save and identify cuttings and cores according to Operator's
instructions and place them in containers furnished by Operator.
507. Records to be Kept by Contractor
Contractor shall keep and furnish to Operator an accurate record of the work
performed and formations drilled on the IADC-API Daily Drilling Report Form or
other form acceptable to Operator. A legible copy of said form signed by
Contractor's representative shall be furnished by Contractor to Operator.
508. Difficulties During Drilling
In the event of any difficulty arising which precludes either drilling ahead
under reasonably normal procedures or the performance of any other operations
planned for a well, Contractor may suspend the work in progress and shall
immediately notify the representative of Operator, in the meantime exerting
reasonable effort to overcome the difficulty.
509. Safety Equipment
Contractor shall maintain its well control equipment listed in the Appendices
in good condition at all times and shall use all reasonable means to control and
prevent fires and blowouts and to protect the hole.
ARTICLE VI - OPERATOR'S OBLIGATIONS
601. Equipment and Personnel
Page 126 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Operator shall at its cost provide Operator's Items and personnel to perform
the services to be provided or performed by it according to the Appendices. In
addition to providing the initial supply of Operator's Items, Operator shall be
responsible, at its cost, for maintaining adequate stock levels and replenishing
as necessary. When, at Operator's request and with Contractor's agreement the
Contractor furnishes or subcontracts for certain items which Operator is
required herein to provide, for purposes of the Contract said items or services
shall be deemed to be Operator furnished items or services, any subcontractors
so hired shall be deemed to be Operators contractor, and Operator shall not be
relieved of any of its liabilities in connection therewith; for furnishing said
items and services Operator shall reimburse Contractor its entire cost plus 10%
for handling.
602. Maintenance and Repair
Operator shall be responsible, at its cost, for the maintenance and repair of
all Operator's Items which Contractor is not qualified to or cannot maintain or
repair with Contractor's normal complement of personnel and the equipment.
603. Operator's Employees
Operator shall ensure that Operator's personnel shall be competent and
efficient and Contractor may treat Operators senior representative for the time
being as being in charge of all Operator personnel.
604. Replacement of Operator's Personnel
Contractor shall have the right to request in writing Operator to remove and
replace any Operator personnel if Contractor can show reasonable grounds for
such request.
605. Operator Representatives
Operator may, from time to time, designate representatives for the purposes
of this Contract who shall at all times have access to the Drilling Rig and may,
among other things, observe tests, check and control the implementation of the
mud program, examine cuttings and cores, inspect the work performed by
Contractor or examine the records kept on the Drilling Rig by Contractor.
606. Custom or Excise Duties
Operator shall pay all import or export charges or customs or excise duties
including, without limitation, local sales taxes, value added taxes, clearing
agent's fees, or other similar taxes or fees that are levied on Contractors
and/or Operators Items.
607. Drill Site and Access
Operator shall provide Contractor with access to the drilling site as well as
any drilling permits, licenses or certificates needed to conduct operations
hereunder. The drill site so provided shall be surveyed and marked by Operator
and shall be free of obstructions. Operator also shall prepare sound locations
capable of properly supporting the Drilling Rig, and shall be responsible for a
conductor pipe program adequate to prevent soil and subsoil washout. It is
recognized that Operator has superior knowledge of the location and access
routes to the location, and must advise Contractor of any subsurface conditions,
or obstructions which Contractor might encounter while en route to the location
or during operation hereunder. In the event subsurface conditions cause a
cratering or shifting of the location surface and loss or damage to the Drilling
Rig or its associated equipment results therefrom. Operator shall, without
regard to other provisions of this Contract, including Paragraph 1001 hereof,
reimburse Contractor to the extent
Page 127 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
not covered by contractors insurance, for all such loss or damage including
payment of Force Majeure Rate during rig repair.
608. Taxes
Contractor agrees to prepare and timely file all required income or other tax
returns or declarations required by the government of the area where the
Drilling Rig operates, Upon notification by the Contractor of the amount or
amounts of such taxes paid by it which pertain to the performance by Contractor
under this Contract and which do not qualify as a credit against Contractor's
U.S. income tax , accompanied by copies of each such return or declaration,
Operator agrees to reimburse Contractor such amount or amounts less any interest
or penalties arising from the fault of Contractor and levied by any of the
aforementioned governmental bodies. Contractor shall consult with Operator
before filing any such tax returns or paying the applicable taxes.
ARTICLE VII - OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS
701. Instructions to Contractor
Operator may, from time to time, through its authorized representative or
representatives, issue written or oral instructions to Contractor covering
operations hereunder. Operator's instructions may be general or may deal with
specific matters relating to operations hereunder including, without
limitations, instructions to stop operations, as to safety and well control, and
drilling instructions, but Operator may not require Contractor to drill deeper
than 14,300 feet unless Contractor agrees.
ARTICLE Vill - RATES OF PAYMENT
801. Payment
Operator shall pay to Contractor during the term of this Contract the amounts
from time to time due calculated according to the rates of payment herein set
forth and in accordance with the other provisions hereof. No other payment shall
be due from Operator unless specifically provided for in this Contract, or
agreed to in writing by Operator.
802. Mobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor a mobilization fee of $250,000 which shall be
payable on the date the Drilling Rig departs for the Operating Area.
803. Demobilization Fee
Operator shall pay Contractor a demobilization fee of $40,000 which may be
invoiced on the date of termination of this Contract except that no
demobilization fee shall be due if this Contract is terminated pursuant to
Clause 202(b).
804. Operating Rate
The Operating Rate will be $9,870 per 24-hour day and will first become
payable from the moment when the Drilling Rig spuds the first well at the first
drilling location. The Operating Rate shall continue to be payable except as
herein otherwise provided.
804(A) Move In Rate
Operator shall pay Contractor $4,000 per day from the time Contractors
Personnel arrive at Rio Grande City until the first well under this Contract is
spudded.
Page 128 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
805. Standby Rate
The Standby Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable:
(a) during any period of delay when Contractor is unable to proceed because
of weather or because of an act or omission of Operator including, without
limitation, the failure of any of Operators Items, or the failure of Operator to
issue instructions, provide Operator items or furnish services; or
(b) from the moment the Contractor could have spudded in the first well had
it not been delayed by Operator until the Operating Rate first become payable;
or
(c)during any period that the Drilling rig is in transit between drill sites
or in transit to Levelland, Texas after the last well; provided that if, at the
termination of this Contract, the Drilling Rig is not moved to Levelland, Texas
or another mutually agreed place, the period shall not exceed the reasonable
estimated time required to go to Levelland, Texas.
806. Repair Rate
The Repair Rate will be $9,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable for any
period in excess of 24 hours per month during which operations are suspended to
permit necessary replacement, repair or maintenance of Contractor's Items;
provided, however, that should said suspension or suspensions total more than 48
hours per month, Contractor's rate of pay after the said 48 hours per month
shall be reduced to 40 percent of the Repair Rate, Contractor will use due
diligence in effecting such repairs, replacements or maintenance in good
workmanlike manner and will use its best efforts to familiarize itself with the
location of rentable replacements for Contractor's Items.
807. Force Majeure Rate
The Force Majeure Rate will be $8,000 per 24-hour day and will be payable
during any period in which operations are not being carried on because of force
majeure.
808. Variation of Rates
The rates and/or payments herein set forth shall be revised by the actual
amount of the change in Contractors cost if an event as described below occurs
or if the cost of any of the items hereinafter listed shall vary by more than
the amount indicated below from Contractor's cost thereof on May 1, 1998 or by
the same amount after the date of any revision pursuant to this clause:
(a) if labor costs, including all benefits and the cost of foreign income
taxes paid by Contractor for its expatriate employees, vary by more than five
percent;
(b) if Operator requires Contractor to increase the number of Contractors
Personnel
(c)if it becomes necessary for Contractor to change the work schedule of
Contractor's Personnel;
(d) in the event described in Clause 1202 (Assignment); (e) if there is any
change in legislation (other than Corporate tax
legislation) by the country in which the Drilling Rig is working that alters
Contractor's financial burden;
(f) if the cost of insurance premiums varies by more than five percent; (g)
if the cost of catering varies by more than five percent; (h) if Contractor's
interest rate varies by more than one-half of one
percent;
Page 129 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(i) the rates listed herein shall be increased or decreased for costs other
than those listed above on the Commencement Date and at three month intervals
thereafter based on changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Oilfield Drilling
Machinery and Equipment Wholesale Price Index (Code No. 1191-02) as published by
the U.S. Department of Labor from that reported for the month of May, 1998. Said
rates
shall be increased or decreased (proportionately and on a pro rata basis) 5%
for each change of five percent (5%) in said Index.
ARTICLE IX - INVOICES AND PAYMENTS
901. Mexican Trust
Operator shall form an administrative trust pursuant to Mexican law
(hereafter called the "Trust) which shall be managed by a Mexican financial
institution of recognized standing as trustee (hereafter called the "Trustee")
and shall form a four (4) member technical committee (hereafter called the
"Committee") to direct the payment of invoices by the Trustee. The Trustee shall
be licensed and regulated by the Mexican government. Operator hereby agrees that
within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement it will execute an
Assignment Agreement with the Trust pursuant to which all of Operator's rights
to receive payments from Pemex under the Pemex Contract are unconditionally and
irrevocably assigned to the Trustee. Prior to the execution of the above
Assignment Agreement, Operator agrees that it will obtain the unconditional and
irrevocable written consent and agreement of Pemex to the assignment by Operator
of all payments due to Operator under the Pemex Contract to the Trust pursuant
to the above mentioned Assignment Agreement. If the above described Pemex
consent and agreement and/or the above mentioned Assignment Agreement are not
given or executed within 10 days after the execution of this Agreement, then
Contractor shall have a right to terminate this Agreement immediately and to
receive from Operator the demobilization payment provided for in clause 803
hereof.
902.Monthly Invoices
Contractor shall bill Operator at the end of each well, and/or at the end of
the month should Contractor be on the same well for more than 30 days. for all
daily charges earned by Contractor during the well and/or month. Other charges
shall be billed as earned. Billing for daily charges will reflect details of the
time spent (calculated to the nearest 1/2 hour and the rate charged for the
time; billings for other charges will be accompanied by invoices supporting
costs incurred for Operator or other substantiation as required. Immediately
following receipt by Operator of such Contractor invoices, Operator shall
present all such invoices to the Committee for payment by the Trustee. Along
with such Contractor invoices Operator shall also provide the Committee with a
written statement of which invoices are approved by Operator for payment and
which invoices are disputed by Operator.
A copy of this written statement shall also be provided by Operator to
Contractor with a written explanation of the reasons for disputing any invoice
which is disputed.
903. Payment
The Trustee shall pay to Contractor by telegraphic transfer all undisputed
Contractor billings within sixty-five (65) days after its receipt thereof. If
the Trustee does not pay any undisputed Contractor invoice within 65 days after
receipt, then Operator hereby agrees to immediately pay Contractor for such
invoice.
Payment of any disputed invoice shall be withheld by the Trustee until
settlement of the dispute between Operator and Contractor. Any sums (including
amounts ultimately paid with respect to a disputed invoice) not paid within
sixty-five days after receipt of invoice shall bear interest at
Page 130 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum or the maximum allowed by law,
whichever is less, or pro rata thereof from said due date until paid. If
Operator refuses to pay undisputed items, Contractor shall have the right to
terminate this contract,
904.Manner of Payment
All payments due by the Trustee or the Operator to Contractor hereunder shall
be made in United States dollars at Contractor's bank which is City Bank at
Lubbock, Texas; with the understanding, however, that either Operator or
Contractor shall have the right to specify that the Trustee or the Operator
shall pay Contractor in the currency of the country where the Drilling Rig
operates in amounts equal to Contractor's local currency expenditures (including
those expenditures incurred locally by Contractor for the account of Operator)
and as needed by Contractor. All amounts of local currency so paid Contractor
during the month shall be credited against Contractor's U.S. dollar monthly
invoice for the rate of exchange of U.S. dollars for the local currency in
effect on the date Contractor makes the local currency payment as published in
the Wall Street Journal.
905. Costs of Trust
Contractor agrees to pay 5% of the expenses and costs associated with the
formation and administration of the Trust up to the sum of $500 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor.
ARTICLE - LIABILITY
1001. Equipment or Property
Except as specifically provided herein to the contrary, each party hereto
shall at all times be responsible for and shall hold harmless and release and
indemnify the other party from and against damage to or loss of its own
equipment or property, regardless of the cause of loss, including the negligence
of such party, and despite the fact that a party's items may be under the
control of the other party, except that:
(a) Operator shall, to the extent Contractor's insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all times for damages to or destruction
of Contractor's equipment or property caused by exposure to unusually corrosive
or otherwise destructive elements, including those which are introduced into the
drilling fluid from subsurface formations or the use of corrosive additives in
the fluid.
(b) Operator shall, to the extent Contractors insurance does not compensate
Contractor therefor, be responsible at all time for damage to or loss of
Contractor's drill string, and shall reimburse Contractor for such damage or
loss at the CIF replacement cost of the item so lost or damaged; with the
understanding, however, that the indemnity granted in this Clause 1001 shall not
indemnify either party for liabilities incurred by it as a result of obligations
undertaken in a contract with a third party.
1002. The Hole
In the event the hole should be lost or damaged, Operator shall be solely
responsible for such damage to or loss of the hole, including the casing
therein, regardless of whether such loss or damage was caused by the negligence
of Contractor, or its employees, agents or subcontractors. This paragraph shall
be void if such loss is caused by the gross negligence of Contractor.
1003. Inspection of Materials Furnished by Operator
Page 131 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Contractor agrees to visually inspect all materials furnished by Operator
before using same and to notify Operator of any apparent defects therein.
Contractor shall not be liable for any loss or damage from the use of material
furnished by Operator.
1004. Contractor's Personnel
Contractor agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Operator,
its officers, directors, employees and joint owners harmless from and against
all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without
limit and without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any
party or parties, arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractor's
employees or Contractor's subcontractors or their employees, or Contractor's
Invitees, on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property. If it is
judicially determined that the monetary limits of insurance required hereunder
or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually assumed under paragraph 1004
(which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be supported by available
liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right of subrogation against
the indeminitees) exceed the maximum limits permitted under applicable law, it
is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities shall automatically be
amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such law.
1005. Operator's Personnel
Operator agrees to release, protect, defend, indemnify, and save Contractor,
its officers, directors and employees harmless from and against all claims,
demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or
parties arising in connection herewith in favor of Operator's employees, or
Operator's contractors or their employees or their invitees, other than those
parties identified in paragraph 1004 on account of bodily injury, death or
damage to property. If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of
insurance required hereunder or of the indemnities voluntarily and mutually
assumed under paragraph 1005 (which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be
supported by available liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right
of subrogation against the indemnitee) exceed the maximum limits permitted under
applicable law, it is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnities
shall automatically amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted
under such.
1006. Pollution and Contamination
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, it is understood
and agreed by and between the Contractor and Operator that the responsibility
for pollution or contamination shall be as follows:
(a) The Contractor shall assume all responsibility for cleaning up and
containing pollution or contamination which originates above the surface from
improper care or disposition of items wholly in Contractors possession and
control and directly associated with Contractor's equipment and facilities.
Operator shall assume all responsibility for (including control and removal
of the pollutant involved) and shall protect, defend, indemnify and save the
Contractor harmless from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action
of every kind and character arising directly or indirectly from all pollution or
contamination, other than that described in subclause (a) above, which may occur
from the negligence of Contractor or otherwise during the term of this Contract
or as a result of operations hereunder, including, but not limited to, that
which may result from fire, blowout, cratering, seepage or any other
uncontrolled flow of oil, gas, water or other substance, as well as the use or
disposition of oil emulsion, oil base or chemically treated fluids, contaminated
cutting or cavings, lost circulation and fish recovery materials and fluids.
Page 132 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(c)In the event a third party commits an act or omission which results in
pollution or contamination for which either the Contractor or Operator for whom
such party is performing work is held to be legally liable, the responsibility
therefor shall be considered, as between the Contractor and Operator, to be the
same as if the party for whom the work was performed had performed the same and
all of the obligations respecting defense, indemnity, holding harmless and
limitations of responsibility and liability, as set forth in (a) and (b) above,
shall be specifically applied.
1007. Cost of Control
Operator shall be liable for the cost of regaining control of any wild well
and shall release, hold harmless and indemnify Contractor for any such cost
regardless of the cause thereof, including, but not limited to, the negligence
of Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors.
1008. Underground Damage
Operator agrees to defend and indemnify Contractor for any and all claims
including, but not limited to, claims arising as a result of the negligence of
Contractor, its agents, employees or subcontractors against Contractor resulting
from operations under this Contract on account of injury to, destruction of, or
loss or impairment of any property right in or to oil, gas, or other mineral
substance or water, if at the time of the act or omission causing such injury,
destruction, loss, or impairment said substance had not been reduced to physical
possession above the surface, and for any loss or damage to any formation,
strata, or reservoir beneath the surface.
1009. Consequential Damages
Neither party shall be liable to the other for special, indirect or
consequential damages resulting from or arising out of this Contract, including
without limitation, loss or profit or business interruptions, however same may
be caused.
1010. Indemnity Obligation
It is the intent of the parties hereto that all indemnity obligations and/or
liabilities assumed by such parties under terms of this Contract, including,
without limitation, clauses 1001 through 1009 hereof, be without limit and
without regard to the cause or causes thereof (including preexisting
conditions), strict liability, willful misconduct or the negligence of any party
or parties, whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent, active or
passive.
ARTICLE XI - INSURANCE
1101. Contractor's Insurance
Contractor shall carry and maintain the insurance shown in Appendix B-1.
Contractor may from time to time with the prior approval of Operator change the
insurance it carries. Contractor will increase its insurance beyond the limits
provided for herein or will change its insurance if required by Operator, but
any additional cost will be paid by Operator.
1102. Policies and Receipts
Contractor will furnish Operator, on request, with certificates of all
insurance policies relating to Contractors operations hereunder.
1103. Subrogation
For liabilities assumed hereunder by Contractor, its insurance shall be
endorsed to provide that the underwriters waive their right of subrogation
Page 133 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
against Operator. Operator will, as well, cause its insurer to waive
subrogation against Contractor for liability it assumes.
1104. Operator's Insurance
Operator shall obtain and maintain the insurance shown on Appendix B-2 and
Contractor shall be named as an additional insured under all such policies, In
return, Contractor shall pay 5% of the premium cost of such insurance up to the
sum of $1,000 per month.
Payment of such amounts shall be made by Contractor to Operator monthly in
arrears, within twenty (20) days of the date of monthly invoices submitted by
Operator to Contractor. In no event shall Contractor ever be responsible for any
portion of any deductibles suffered by Operator as a result of claims under said
policies or otherwise.
ARTICLE XII - SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT
1201. Subcontracts by Operator
Operator may employ other Contractors to perform any of the operations or
services to be provided or performed by it according to Appendix A.
1202. Assignment
Neither party may assign this Contract to anyone other than an affiliated
company without the prior written consent of the other, and prompt notice of any
such intent to assign shall be given to the other party. In the event of such
assignment, the assigning party shall remain liable to the other party as a
guarantor of the performance by the assignee of the terms of this Contract. If
any assignment is made that alters Contractor's financial burden, Contractors
compensation shall be adjusted to give effect to any increase or decrease in
Contractor's operating costs or in taxes in the new operating area.
ARTICLE XIII - NOTICES
1301. Notices
Notices, reports and other communications required or permitted by this
Contract to be given or sent by one party to the other shall be delivered by
hand, mailed, telexed, or telegraphed to:
Operator's address:
To Protexa at: Lic. Hugo Sampogna
Jefe Juridico Nacional
Carr. Monterrey-Saltillo Km. 339
Sta. Catarina, N.L.
Mexico C.P. 66350
Fax: (011-52-8-399-2613
To Avia at Jack Lafield, Managing Director
Avia Energy Development, L.L.C.
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1375
Dallas, Texas 75201
Fax: (214) 720-7881
Contractors Address: S. Howard Norton, President
Norton Drilling Company
5211 Brownfield Highway, Suite 230
Lubbock, Texas 79407-3501
Fax: (806) 785-8420
as the case may be. Either party may by written notice to the other party
change its address.
Page 134 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XIV - GENERAL
1401. Confidential Information
Upon written request of Operator, all information obtained by Contractor in
conduct of operations hereunder shall be confidential and Contractor will use
its best endeavors to ensure that neither Contractors personnel nor their
families divulge any such information.
1402. Venue and Jurisdiction
Any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement
shall be brought in the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas, or, if
such court does not have jurisdiction or will not accept jurisdiction, in any
court of general jurisdiction in Dallas County, Texas. Each of Operator and
Contractor consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such
suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection that it may have to the
laying of venue of any such suit action or proceeding in any such court Protexa
hereby irrevocably designates the Secretary of State for the State of Texas as
an authorized agent to accept service of any and all process on behalf of Seller
in the State of Texas in connection with disputes arising out of this Agreement.
1403. Attorney's Fees
If this contract is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection of any
sums due hereunder, or suit is brought on same, or sums due hereunder are
collected through bankruptcy proceedings, then the Operator agrees that there
shall be added to the amount due reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
1404. Force Majeure
Except as otherwise provided in this Clause 1404, each party to this Contract
shall be excused from complying with the terms of this contract, except for the
payment of moneys then due and the honoring of indemnities, if and for so long
as such compliance is hindered or prevented by dots, strikes, wars (declared or
undeclared), insurrections, rebellions, terrorist acts, civil disturbances,
dispositions or order of governmental authority, whether such authority be
actual or assumed, acts of God (other than weather conditions), inability to
obtain equipment, supplies or fuel, or by act or cause which is reasonably
beyond the control of such party, such causes being herein sometimes called
"Force Majeure." if any failure to comply is occasioned by a governmental law,
rule regulation, disposition or order as aforesaid and the affected party is
operating in accordance with good oilfield practice in the area of operations
and is making a reasonable effort to comply with such law, rule, regulation,
disposition or order, the matter shall be deemed beyond the control of the
affected party. In the event that either party hereto is rendered unable, wholly
or in part, by any of these causes to carry out its obligation under this
Contact it is agreed that such party shall give notice and details of force
Majeure in writing to the other party as promptly as possible after its
occurrence. In such cases, the obligations of the party giving the notice shall
be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused except that
Operator shall be obligated to pay to Contractor the Force Majeure Rate provided
for in clause 807 (Force Majeure Rate).
1405. Right to Audit
Contractor shall keep proper books, records and accounts of operations
hereunder and shall permit Operator at all reasonable times to inspect the
portions thereof related to any variation of the rates hereunder.
1406. Waivers
Page 135 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
It is fully understood and agreed that none of the requirements of this
Contract shall be considered as waived by either party unless the same is done
in writing, and then only by the persons executing this Contract, or other duly
authorized agent or representative of the party.
1407. Entire Agreement
This Contract supersedes and replaces any oral or written communications
heretofore made between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
1408. Enurement
This Contract shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the parties.
1409. Expropriation, confiscation, Nationalization and War Risks
(a) In the event the Drilling Rig or any or all of Contractor's equipment,
spare parts and/or supplies directly associated therewith (i) cannot lawfully be
exported from the country in which it was operating following termination of
drilling operations under this Agreement because Contractor cannot obtain an
export license or permit or because of other governmental restrictions; or (ii)
are lost to Contractor through confiscation, expropriation, nationalization or
governmental seizure; or (iii) are seized or damaged or destroyed as a result of
insurrection, terrorists acts, dot or war (declared or undeclared) or other
similar occurrences during the term of this Contract Operator will within sixty
(60) days following the occurrence of any such event pay to Contract the value
(as set out in Appendix C) of all such property so restricted, confiscated,
expropriated, nationalized, seized, damaged or destroyed, from which value shall
be subtracted the total of the following:
(1)any amount paid Contractor by such governmental unit or body;
(2)Any amount paid contractor from insurance;
(3) depreciation in accordance with the schedule attached hereto as Appendix
C, but not to exceed 30% of said value. Depreciation shall be computed
commencing with the date upon which each component of contractors equipment is
placed into service under this Contract.
Following the payment by Operator for Contractors property under the
conditions set forth (which shall be made in the currency in which the original
purchase thereof was made) and payment of all other moneys then due Contractor,
Operator shall have no obligation thereafter to make payments to Contractor and
at the time of such payments, Operator shall have the option to require
Contractor to immediately assign all of its right, title and interest in the
Drilling Unit to Operator.
(b) Should a change of political or other condition occur which would enable
Contractor again to assume possession of the Drilling Rig and/or its equipment,
spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith, Contractor agrees to
repay to Operator such amounts as Operator may have paid to Contractor under
this Clause 1409, less such amounts, if any, as may be required to restore the
Drilling Rig, equipment, spare parts and supplies directly associated therewith
to the same condition they were in at the time of suspension of drilling
operations, and also less such amount (to be agreed upon by Operator and
Contractor) as shall equitably compensate Contractor for deterioration, and/or
depreciation thereof during the period of nonuse resulting from the causes set
forth in this Clause 1409. In the event of such resumption of possession of the
Drilling rig by Contractor, if Operator has previously received title to said
Drilling Rig, Operator shall reassign all of its right, title and interest in
said Drilling Rig to Contractor as of the time of such resumption of possession.
Page 136 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
(c)All costs and other charges provided for in this Clause 1409 are subject
to adjustment after audit.
(d) If Requested by Operator in writing, Contractor agrees to obtain to the
extent then and thereafter available, insurance covering all or such portion of
the risks specified in this Clause 1049 as Operator may direct. Operator shall
be named as an additional assured in any such policy or policies of insurance,
which shall provide for the payment of losses thereunder in United States
dollars. The provisions of such insurance and cost thereof shall be subject to
Operator's approval prior to the issuance thereof. The cost of such insurance
shall be paid by Operator to Contractor within twenty (20) days after invoice
from Contractor evidencing the payment by Contractor of the premiums for such
specified insurance.
(e) Contractor shall pay to Operator any moneys with respect to such
expropriation, etc., which Contractor receives and for which Operator has not
already received credit after payment has been made by Operator to Contractor
under Clause 1409.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed this Contract as of the date
shown above.
OPERATOR: Construcciones Protexa A.de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Protexa Construccio s, S. de C.V.
By:
Title:
and,
Avia de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
By:
and, Avia Energy Development
By:
Title:
CONTRACTOR: Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
By:
Title: President
Page 137 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
PART I CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
DRAWWORKS Wilson 75 w/Parkersburg V-80 hydromatic brake. Power (2)
Caterpillar D-3406-TA, 810 H.P.
PUMPS #1 Gardner-Denver PZ-8 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 750 H.P., Max.
pressure
2900 psi w/5-1/2" liners @ 250 gpm,
#2 Gardner-Denver PZ-8 w/Caterpillar D-379-TA, 750 H.P.,
Maxpressure 2900 psi w/5-1/2* liners @ 250 gpm
ROTARY TABLE Gardner-Denver 17-1/2', 150 tons @ 100 rpm, 250 tons static
MAST Wilson 131", 344,000 lb. hook load w/10 lines
SUBSTRUCTURE 16' height, vertical clear height 14'
BLOCK AND HOOK Continental Emsco 250 ton, 5 sheave, 1-1/8" line w/Web
Wilson 250 ton hydrahook
SWIVEL Gardner Denver 200 ton
BOP EQUIPMENT (1)Shaffer 11" 10,000 psi XHP double ram w/(4)4"
outlets (1)Shaffer 11I" 10,000 psi SL single ram w/(2) 4"
outlets (1)Shaffer 11" 5,000 psi annular (BOP w/hoses &
fittings)
CHOKE MANIFOLD 4" x 2" 10,000 psi choke manifold, w/(2) 2" adjustable
chokes
ACCUMULATOR Koomey 160 gal. , 3000 psi, 5 station w/2 air pumps and 15
H.P. FMC triplex
PIT SYSTEM 2 pits, 750 bbl capacity w/low pressure mixing
capability in 130 bbl pill pit, (3) mud agitators, (2) 5x6
centrifugal pumps w/50 H.P. electric motors, (1) 6x8
centrifugal pump /w 75 HP electric motor
DRILL PIPE 5" 19.50 lbs/ft. Grade X & E w/4-1/2' IF connections
3-1/2" 15.50 lbs/ft. Grade E & S w/3-1/2" IF connections
DRILL COLLARS (12) 6-3/4"x 2-1/4" x 30'w/4-1/2" IF connections (12)
4-1/2" x 2" x 30'w/3-1/2" XH connections (15) 3-1/2" HWDP
MUD AND SOLIDS CONTROL EQUIPMENT
LINEAR SHAKER:
Manufacturer FSI
Model 500 B2X (3 panel, 25.3 sq.ft)
Number of shakers 2
DESILTER/MUDCLEARNER:
Manufacturer FSI
Number of cones 6
Cone Size 4"
Linear Shaker 500 B2X
Centrifugal Pump 5" X 6"
Impeller 10"
Motor 50HP, Electric
Motor Speed 1750rpm
MIXING PUMP:
Manufacturer Mission
Centrifugal Pump 5" x 6"
Impeller 10"
Motor 50 HP, Electric
Motor Speed 1750rpm
MUD PITS
Number 2
Volume 750 Bbls
Electric Agitators 3
Page 138 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Appendix A
PART II - PERSONNEL AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY CONTRACTOR
1. Transportation of Contractors Items (other than the Rig and associated
equipment),
personnel and their families.
2. Accommodation of Contractor's personnel at rig site. 3. All medical
services for Contractors personnel and their families and
first aid medical
attention at the rig site.
4. Heated and air conditioned accommodation, housekeeping services and
supplies and
messing at the rig site for Contractor's personnel.
5. Drill pipe inspection in accord with API-IADC classification standards,
with Contractor to
pay for said inspection in the proportion that the rejected pipe bears to
the total pipe
inspected.
6. Assistance in all service performed by service companies used in the
operations in so far
as can be done with Contractors personnel during the regular working
hours, except in the
case of emergencies, when the regular working hours will not necessarily
be adhered to.
7. Contractor employees to be furnished by Contractor.
Number Furnished
Toolpusher (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 Tour Pusher (12 hrs on/12 hrs off and 2
weeks on/2 weeks off) 2 Welder w/welding truck (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for
2 rigs Mechanic w/tools (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) 1 for 2 rigs
Work schedules may vary according to need but will not exceed a two week
tour.
8. Personnel to be furnished to Contractor through a Mexican Labor contractor
to be
designated by Operator pursuant to Section 302 of the Contract with
transportation included:
Driller 1
Derrickman 1
Floorman 2
Motorman 1
Appendix A
PART III - EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY OPERATOR
1 . Drilling permit(s).
2. Drilling site, surveyed, and marked and cleared of obstructions,
including digging of cellar
and cementing same, digging reserve pit.
3. Any required transportation for Operator's Items and personnel. 4.
Transfer at Operator's base of any and all materials and equipment of
Operator onto and from the transport vehicle.
Page 139 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
5. All electric well logging services and equipment, including string shot
and back-off
equipment.
6. All cementing services.
7. Mud engineer, if required (but Contractor will carry out routine mud
testing and treatment).
8. Mud logging service, if required. 9. Any geological service.
10. Programmed direction drilling service engineer and special equipment. 11.
Drilling water, at the drilling site.
12. All bits.
13. All casing, tubing and attachments. 14. All cement and additives.
15. All Mud, chemicals and additives, including pallets if applicable.
16. All fuel for use on the Drilling rig, in Contractor's camp and in
Contractor's vehicles.
17. Well test unit and associated equipment for production testing, including
labor to install.
18. Any drill pipe and drill collars, Kellys or subs in addition to those
furnished by Contractor
under Part 1 of this Appendix "A", including required handling tools.
19. Stabilizers, hole openers, reamers and centralizers.
20. Drill stem testing equipment, if required.
21. All radio and telex equipment other than that to be furnished by
Contractor (including
assistance in obtaining licenses for Contractor's radios).
22. Office space and warehouse for Contractor, including basic
furnishings.
23. Any special equipment or services needed for well completion.
24. Any required coring equipment.
25. Move Rig from Levelland, Texas to first drilling location in central
Borgus area of Mexico.
26. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transportation into
Mexico.
27. Provide all necessary documentation & permits for transporting Rig out of
Mexico at end
of contract.
28. Move Rig and all of Contractor's equipment from location to location. 29.
Move Rig from central Borgus area of Mexico to Levelland, Texas at end
of contract.
30. Import duties, fees and other expenses for importing Rig into and out of
Mexico.
31. Septic system for housing on location. 32. Fresh water (potable water)
for housing on location.
33. Forklift & Backhoe.
34. Carry out and undertake an and all actions, process and procedures as
required for transportation, importation and exportation of Contractor's items
into, and out of Mexico, as per Contractor's instructions.
Appendix B - I
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A.Insurance for Personnel
Any insurance covering personnel in accordance with the governing law of the
jurisdiction where the work is performed or in accordance with applicable laws
of other countries, covering those persons employed by Contractor or its
subcontractors for work to be performed hereunder whose employment may be
subject to such laws, during the period such persons are so engaged.
B.Comprehensive General Liability
Page 140 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance covering all operations of
Contractor, including, among other risks, the contractual liability herein
assumed by Contractor, with a combined single limit of $10,000,000 for bodily
injury and property damage liability in any one occurrence.
C.Automobile Liability
Automobile Liability Insurance in accordance with any local legislation on
all owned, nonowned, and hired vehicles used in connection with the work
hereunder, with limit of US $250,000 for any one occurrence.
D.Physical Damage Insurance
On the Drilling Rig and its equipment to its extent of value during all
operations under this
Contract including moves within the operating area.
E.Other
Adequate insurance on Contractor's stores, materials and equipment, including
coverage during transportation.
Page 141 of 141 Pages
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from form
10-K for the year ended November 30, 1998 (Balance Sheet and Statement of
Income) and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such form 10-K.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1998
<PERIOD-START> DEC-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-1998
<CASH> 172,321
<SECURITIES> 4,607
<RECEIVABLES> 6,164,708
<ALLOWANCES> 178,477
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 7,045,786
<PP&E> 20,877,079
<DEPRECIATION> 9,295,747
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 20,002,916
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 6,948,098
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 258,863
<OTHER-SE> 8,376,601
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 20,002,916
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 28,739,629
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 22,390,783
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 484,087
<INCOME-PRETAX> 1,317,968
<INCOME-TAX> 490,629
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 827,339
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 827,339
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.17
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.17
<FN>
The reverse split approved by the stockholders on January 29, 1999, was
effective February 2, 1999. Financial data schedules for prior periods have not
been restated.
</FN>
</TABLE>
