CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY INC /DE
10-K, 1998-03-24
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>
                                       
                                   FORM 10-K

                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

   (Mark One)
      [ X ]       ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997

      [   ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
           For the transition period from            to            
                                          ----------    -----------
                                       
                        Commission File Number  0-20838
                                                -------
                                       
                         CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                                          75-2396863
- ----------------------------------------                     -------------------
     (State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
      incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

       SIX DESTA DRIVE - SUITE 6500
             MIDLAND, TEXAS                                      79705-5510
- ----------------------------------------                     -------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip code) 

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (915) 682-6324

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

                                                             None

       Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                        Common Stock - $.10 Par Value
       -----------------------------------------------------------
                             (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. [   ]

     The aggregate market value of the outstanding Common Stock, $.10 par 
value, of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 
19, 1998, based on the closing price as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market's 
National Market as of the close of business on said date, was $40,679,232.

     There were 8,891,263 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, of the 
registrant outstanding as of March 19, 1998.

     Documents incorporated by reference:

(1)  The information required by Part III of Form 10-K is found in the
     registrant's definitive Proxy Statement which will be filed with the
     Commission not later than April 30, 1998.  Such portions of the
     registrant's definitive Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by
     reference.
<PAGE>
                                       
                                     PART I

               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   Certain statements in this Form 10-K under "Item 1. Business," "Item 3. 
Legal Proceedings," "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this Form 
10-K constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  All statements, other than 
statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-K that address 
activities, events or developments that Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. and its 
subsidiaries (the "Company") expects, projects, believes or anticipates will 
or may occur in the future, including such matters as oil and gas reserves, 
future drilling and operations, future production of oil and gas, future net 
cash flows, future capital expenditures and other such matters, are 
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual 
results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially 
different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or 
implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among 
others, the following:  the volatility of oil and gas prices, the Company's 
drilling results, the Company's ability to replace short-lived reserves, the 
availability of capital resources, the reliance upon estimates of proved 
reserves, operating hazards and uninsured risks, competition, government 
regulation, the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy, 
and other factors referenced in this Form 10-K.

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS

   SPECIAL NOTE:  CERTAIN STATEMENTS SET FORTH BELOW UNDER THIS CAPTION 
CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS."  SEE "SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" FOR ADDITIONAL FACTORS RELATING TO SUCH 
STATEMENTS.

GENERAL

   Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") are 
primarily engaged in the exploration for and development and production of 
oil and natural gas.  The Company commenced operations in May 1993 following 
the consolidation into the Company (the "Consolidation") of substantially all 
of the oil and gas and gas gathering operations previously conducted by 
various companies controlled by Clayton W. Williams, Jr. (collectively, the 
"Williams Companies") and the completion of the Company's initial public 
offering of Common Stock (the "Initial Public Offering").

   Since 1988, the Company and its predecessors have concentrated their 
drilling activities in the Cretaceous Trend (the "Trend"), which extends from 
south Texas through east Texas, Louisiana and other southern states and 
includes the Austin Chalk, Buda, and Georgetown formations.  The Company 
believes that it has been one of the leaders in horizontal drilling in the 
Trend. From January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1997, the Company drilled or 
participated in 269 gross (218.7 net) horizontal wells in the Trend.  The 
Company also has operations in the Jalmat Field located in southeastern New 
Mexico and in the Texas Gulf Coast.

   In 1997, the Company initiated several exploratory projects designed to 
reduce its dependence on Trend drilling for future production and reserve 
growth.  These new areas include other formations in the vicinity of its core 
properties in east central Texas, as well as south Texas, Louisiana and 
Mississippi.

   As of December 31, 1997, the Company had estimated proved reserves 
totaling 8,410 MBbls of oil and 32.9 Bcf of gas with $99.9 million of 
estimated future net revenues before income taxes (discounted at 10%). During 
1997, the Company added 3,720 MBOE of estimated proved reserves through 
extensions and discoveries, substantially all of which were derived from 
Trend drilling activities.  Reserve additions for 1997 
                                       


                                       1

<PAGE>
                                       
were 99% of production for the same period, while production for 1997 was 
approximately 20% higher on an MBOE basis than in 1996.  The Company held 
interests in 507 gross (373.7 net) oil and gas wells and owned leasehold 
interests in approximately 359,079 gross (200,974 net) undeveloped acres at 
December 31, 1997.

DRILLING AND EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

   Following is a discussion of the Company's significant drilling and 
exploration activities during 1997, together with its plans for capital and 
exploratory expenditures in 1998.

TREND DRILLING ACTIVITIES

   The Company has assembled a 122,000 net acre lease block (the "North 
Giddings Block") in the updip area of the Giddings Field in Burleson, 
Robertson and Milam Counties, Texas where the Company has drilled 105 gross 
(101.7 net) horizontal oil wells through December 31, 1997.  In addition, the 
Company has the right to earn acreage in this same area under two 
continuous-drilling farm-in agreements covering approximately 52,000 net 
acres, having drilled 5 gross (3.5 net) wells on this acreage in 1997.

   The economic viability of the Company's Trend drilling activities is 
highly dependent upon the price of oil expected to be realized during the 
early years of a well's productive life due to high initial production rates 
and steep decline rates which are characteristic of most Trend wells.  Prior 
to the recent deterioration in oil prices, the Company had planned to spend 
approximately $18 million on Trend leasing and drilling activities in 1998, 
as compared to $44.1 million in 1997.  This reduction in planned expenditures 
was attributable to a decrease in the number of Trend drilling locations that 
could meet the Company's risk-adjusted economic parameters.

   However, since oil prices are presently at their lowest levels in four 
years, the Company plans to indefinitely suspend its Trend drilling 
activities beginning in April 1998 pending an improvement in oil prices.  The 
suspension of Trend drilling activities for an extended period of time may 
have a significant adverse effect on the Company's oil and gas production and 
cash flows from operating activities in 1998 and future periods unless the 
Company can offset the negative impact of such suspension through favorable 
drilling results from its emerging exploration program or through 
acquisitions of proved properties.  See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS."

COTTON VALLEY EXPLORATORY PROJECT

   During 1997, the Company completed a 3-D seismic survey covering 
approximately 55,000 net acres in its North Giddings Block to explore for gas 
reserves in the prolific Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef play.  As opposed to 
Trend formations, which are encountered at depths of 5,500 to 7,000 feet in 
this area, the Cotton Valley formation is encountered at depths of 15,000 to 
16,000 feet.  The Company has interpreted approximately one-third of the 
survey and has identified 11 Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef anomalies to date.  
The northern edge of the North Giddings Block is approximately 24 miles 
southwest of the nearest producing Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef.  Project 
costs from inception of the project in 1996 through December 31, 1997 have 
aggregated $4.6 million.

   During 1998, the Company plans to spend approximately $9 million to 
complete the interpretation of the seismic survey, extend and renew existing 
leases as required, and drill an exploratory well to determine if the 
identified reefs are gas-bearing.  Drilling on an initial test well is 
expected to begin in the second or third quarter of 1998.  The Company has 
revoked its previous policy of limiting expenditures on the Cotton Valley 
Exploratory Project to 25% of its planned annual capital expenditures.  This 
policy change was necessitated by the Company's decision to suspend Trend 
drilling activities in 1998 pending an improvement in oil prices.  See "TREND 
DRILLING ACTIVITIES."
                                       


                                       2

<PAGE>
                                       
OTHER EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

   Following is a discussion of other areas where the Company conducted 
significant seismic, leasing and exploratory drilling activities in 1997, 
together with its plans for 1998.  During 1997, the Company spent an 
aggregate of $3.7 million on seismic surveys and $10.1 million on leasing in 
areas other than the Trend and the Cotton Valley Exploratory Project.  
Presently, the Company plans to spend approximately $9 million in 1998 on 
other exploration projects, substantially all of which are targeting gas 
reserves due to currently depressed oil prices.  However, the nature and 
extent of exploration activities may change significantly during the year 
depending upon several factors, including seismic interpretations, drilling 
results, rig availability, product prices, and the availability of capital 
resources.

   GLEN ROSE
   Beginning in 1997, the Company has assembled a 50,000 net acre lease block 
in Grimes, Walker and Madison Counties, Texas and plans to drill a horizontal 
exploratory well on this prospect in 1998.  The Company believes that its 
experience in horizontal drilling can be used to find and develop significant 
gas reserves from the Glen Rose Limestone formation in this area.  Depending 
upon drilling results, the Company may drill one or more additional wells on 
this prospect in 1998.

   EAST TEXAS HORIZONTAL
   The Company is presently evaluating an exploratory horizontal gas well in 
the Haynesville Limestone formation in Freestone County, Texas.    The 
Company began drilling the well in January 1998, and completed drilling in 
March 1998 after penetrating a total of 8,000 feet of the target formation 
through two opposing laterals.  Although initial indications are 
disappointing, the Company has placed the well on production and may conduct 
one or more stimulation procedures.  In addition, the Company may attempt to 
complete the well in shallower zones.  If the well is ultimately determined 
to be uneconomical, the Company will record a charge against earnings of 
approximately $3.5 million in the period of such determination.

   SOUTH TEXAS
   During 1997, the Company completed a 3-D seismic survey covering 
approximately 12,000 net acres in Duval County, Texas.  During 1998, the 
Company plans to drill an exploratory gas well to test one of the eight 
Wilcox prospects generated by the survey.  In addition, the Company initiated 
a 3-D seismic survey in 1998 covering 3,150 net acres in Jim Hogg County, 
Texas targeting the Queen City formation and may initiate a 3-D seismic 
survey in Goliad County, Texas targeting the Wilcox formation.

   LOUISIANA
   During 1997, the Company drilled an exploratory well on its Mamou Prospect 
in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana that was completed as a field discovery well 
in the Upper Wilcox formation in March 1998.  The Company plans to evaluate 
geological and geophysical data on three other prospects generated in 1997 
targeting the Sparta and Miocene formations to determine the nature and 
extent of further exploration activities in these areas.

   MISSISSIPPI
   During 1997, the Company began a multi-pay exploration program targeting 
hydrocarbons trapped by salt domes in Mississippi.  The Company acquired 
approximately 19,000 net acres based on 2-D seismic data, and conducted a 3-D 
seismic survey on one of the salt domes.  During 1998, the Company plans to 
complete the leasing and seismic activities begun in 1997 and evaluate the 
data to determine the nature and extent of further exploration activities in 
Mississippi.
                                       


                                       3

<PAGE>
                                       
ACQUISITIONS OF PROVED PROPERTIES

   Although no specified amounts of capital expenditures have been designated 
for acquisitions of proven properties in 1998, the Company believes that the 
purchase of long-lived oil and gas reserves would effectively compliment its 
emerging exploration program.  Therefore, the Company plans to actively seek 
and evaluate acquisition opportunities during 1998.

PRINCIPAL PRODUCING AREAS

THE TREND

   The Company's current production of oil and gas in the Trend is derived 
principally from the Austin Chalk formation in the Giddings Field.  At 
December 31, 1997, the Company had interests in 264 gross (201.1 net) 
producing wells in the Giddings Field, including 192 horizontal and 72 
vertical wells.  For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company's daily 
net production in the Giddings Field averaged approximately 7,405 Bbls of oil 
and 6,749 Mcf of gas. The Company drilled 35 wells in the Giddings Field 
during 1997, all of which were completed as productive wells. The Company 
operates 82% of its wells in the Giddings Field.  Since May 1994, the Company 
has concentrated its Trend drilling activities in the North Giddings Block. 
Wells producing from the Austin Chalk formation in this updip portion of the 
Giddings Field are more prone to produce oil than gas.

   The Company's wells in the Austin Chalk formation are routinely subjected 
to cyclic water stimulation. Cyclic water stimulation involves pumping large 
volumes of water at high injection rates into a well, shutting-in the well 
for ten days to two weeks, and then returning the well to production. Water 
is pumped into the reservoir in several stages and is absorbed into the 
micro-pore spaces of the rock, thereby displacing oil into the fractures 
where it may be more readily produced and, in some cases, extending the 
fracture system. The Company has used the cyclic water stimulation method 
since 1987. The Company generally uses this treatment technique during the 
well completion process and repeats the process 12 to 18 months after a well 
has been placed in production. During 1997, 34 horizontal wells received an 
initial treatment and 2 horizontal wells received a subsequent treatment.

JALMAT FIELD

   The Company owns interests in 132 gross (106.7 net) operated wells in the 
Jalmat Field, located in Lea County, New Mexico.  For the year ended December 
31, 1997, the Company's daily net production from this field averaged 
approximately 101 Bbls of oil and 3,474 Mcf of gas.

TEXAS GULF COAST

   The Company owns interests in 27 gross (10.8 net) non-operated wells in 
Wharton and Matagorda Counties in the Gulf Coast region of Texas.  The 
Company's daily net production from this area during the year ended December 
31, 1997 averaged approximately 83 Bbls of oil and 1,556 Mcf of gas.

MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS

   The Company sells substantially all of its oil production under short-term 
contracts based on prices quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange 
("NYMEX") for spot West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") contracts, less 
agreed-upon deductions which vary by grade of crude oil.  The majority of the 
Company's gas production is sold under short-term contracts based on pricing 
formulae which are generally market responsive.
                                       


                                       4

<PAGE>
                                       
   The Company believes that the loss of any of its oil and gas purchasers 
would not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations due to 
the availability of other purchasers.

NATURAL GAS SERVICES

   The Company owns an interest in and operates seven gas gathering systems 
and three gas processing plants in the states of Texas and Mississippi. These 
natural gas service facilities consist of interests in approximately 70 miles 
of pipeline, two amine treating plants, one liquids extraction plant and 
three compressor stations. The Company does not derive a significant portion 
of its consolidated operating income from natural gas services and does not 
consider this business to be a strategic part of its business plan.

COMPETITION AND MARKETS

   Competition in all areas of the Company's operations is intense.  The oil 
and gas industry as a whole also competes with other industries in supplying 
the energy and fuel requirements of industrial, commercial and individual 
consumers.  Major and independent oil and gas companies and oil and gas 
syndicates actively bid for desirable oil and gas properties, as well as for 
the equipment and labor required to operate and develop such properties. A 
number of the Company's competitors have financial resources and acquisition, 
exploration and development budgets that are substantially greater than those 
of the Company, which may adversely affect the Company's ability to compete 
with these companies. Such companies may be able to pay more for productive 
oil and gas properties and exploratory prospects and to define, evaluate, bid 
for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than the 
Company's financial or human resources permit.

   The market for oil, gas and natural gas liquids produced by the Company 
depends on factors beyond its control, including domestic and foreign 
political conditions, the overall level of supply of and demand for oil, gas 
and natural gas liquids, the price of imports of oil and gas, weather 
conditions, the price and availability of alternative fuels, the proximity 
and capacity of gas pipelines and other transportation facilities and overall 
economic conditions.

REGULATION

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

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

   The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") regulates interstate 
natural gas transportation rates and service conditions, which affect the 
marketing of gas produced by the Company, as well as the revenues received by 
the Company for sales of such production.  Since the mid-1980s, the FERC has 
issued a series of orders, culminating in Order Nos. 636, 636-A and 636-B 
("Order 636"), that have significantly altered 
                                       


                                       5

<PAGE>
                                       
the marketing and transportation of gas.  Order 636 mandates a fundamental 
restructuring of interstate pipeline sales and transportation services, 
including the unbundling by interstate pipelines of the sales, 
transportation, storage and other components of the city-gate sales services 
such pipelines previously performed.  One of the FERC's purposes in issuing 
the orders is to increase competition within all phases of the gas industry.  
Order 636 and subsequent FERC orders on rehearing have been appealed and are 
pending judicial review.  It is difficult to predict the ultimate impact of 
the orders on the Company and its gas marketing efforts. Generally, Order 636 
has eliminated or substantially reduced the interstate pipelines' traditional 
role as wholesalers of natural gas, and has substantially increased 
competition and volatility in natural gas markets. While significant 
regulatory uncertainty remains, Order 636 may ultimately enhance the 
Company's ability to market and transport its gas, although it may also 
subject the Company to greater competition, more restrictive pipeline 
imbalance tolerances and greater associated penalties for violation of such 
tolerances.

   Sales of oil and natural gas liquids by the Company are not regulated and 
are made at market prices. The price the Company receives from the sale of 
those products is affected by the cost of transporting the products to 
market. Effective as of January 1, 1995, the FERC implemented regulations 
establishing an indexing system for transportation rates for oil pipelines, 
which, generally, would index such rate to inflation, subject to certain 
conditions and limitations. These regulations could increase the cost of 
transporting oil and natural gas liquids by pipeline.  The Company is not 
able to predict with any certainty what effect, if any, these regulations 
will have on it, but, other factors being equal, the regulations may, over 
time, tend to increase transportation costs or reduce wellhead prices for oil 
and natural gas liquids.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

   Operations of the Company pertaining to oil and gas exploration, 
production and related activities are subject to numerous and constantly 
changing federal, state and local laws governing the discharge of materials 
into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. 
Numerous governmental agencies issue regulations to implement and enforce 
such laws which are often difficult and costly to comply with and which carry 
substantial civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply. These laws 
and regulations may require the acquisition of certain permits prior to or in 
connection with drilling activities, restrict or prohibit the types, 
quantities and concentration of substances that can be released into the 
environment in connection with drilling and production, restrict or prohibit 
drilling activities that could impact wetlands, endangered or threatened 
species or other protected areas or natural resources, require some degree of 
remedial action to mitigate pollution from former operations, such as pit 
cleanups and plugging abandoned wells, and impose substantial liabilities for 
pollution resulting from the Company's operations. Such laws and regulations 
may substantially increase the cost of exploring for, developing, producing 
or processing oil and gas and may prevent or delay the commencement or 
continuation of a given project and thus generally could have a material 
adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive 
position of the Company. Management of the Company believes it is in 
substantial compliance with current applicable environmental laws and 
regulations, and the cost of compliance with such laws and regulations has 
not been material and is not expected to be material during the next fiscal 
year. Nevertheless, changes in existing environmental laws and regulations or 
in the interpretations thereof could have a significant impact on the 
operating costs of the Company, as well as the oil and gas industry in 
general. For instance, legislation has been proposed in Congress from time to 
time that would reclassify certain oil and gas production wastes as 
"hazardous wastes," which reclassification would make exploration and 
production wastes subject to much more stringent handling, disposal and 
clean-up requirements. State initiatives to further regulate the disposal of 
oil and gas wastes and naturally occurring radioactive materials could have a 
similar impact on the Company.

   The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 
("CERCLA"), also known as the "Superfund" law, imposes liability, without 
regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes 
of persons that are considered to have contributed to the release of a 
"hazardous substance" into the environment. These persons include the owner 
or operator of the disposal site or the site where the 
                                       


                                       6

<PAGE>
                                       
release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of 
the hazardous substances at the site where the release occurred. Under 
CERCLA, such persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the 
costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into 
the environment and for damages to natural resources, and it is not uncommon 
for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for 
personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous 
substances released into the environment. The Company is able to control 
directly the operation of only those wells with respect to which it acts as 
operator. Notwithstanding the Company's lack of direct control over wells 
operated by others, the failure of an operator other than the Company to 
comply with applicable environmental regulations may, in certain 
circumstances, be attributed to the Company. Management of the Company 
believes that it has no material commitments for capital expenditures to 
comply with existing environmental requirements.

   State water discharge regulations and federal waste discharge permitting 
requirements adopted pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
prohibit or are expected to prohibit, within the next several months, the 
discharge of produced water and sand, and some other substances related to 
the oil and gas industry, to coastal waters. Although the costs to comply 
with zero discharge mandates under state or federal law may be significant, 
the entire industry will experience similar costs and the Company believes 
that these costs will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's 
financial condition and operations.

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

   As is customary in the oil and gas industry, the Company performs a 
minimal title investigation before acquiring undeveloped properties.  A title 
opinion is obtained prior to the commencement of drilling operations on such 
properties.  The Company has obtained title opinions on substantially all of 
its producing properties and believes that it has satisfactory title to such 
properties in accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil and gas 
industry.  The Company's properties are subject to customary royalty 
interests, liens incident to operating agreements, liens for current taxes 
and other burdens which the Company believes do not materially interfere with 
the use of or affect the value of such properties.  Substantially all of the 
Company's oil and gas properties are currently mortgaged to secure borrowings 
under the Company's secured bank credit facility and may be mortgaged under 
any future credit facilities entered into by the Company.

OPERATIONAL HAZARDS AND INSURANCE

   The Company's operations are subject to the usual hazards incident to the 
drilling and production of oil and gas, such as blowouts, cratering, 
explosions, uncontrollable flows of oil, gas or well fluids, fires and 
pollution and other environmental risks.  These hazards can cause personal 
injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and 
equipment, pollution or environmental damage and suspension of operation.

   The Company maintains insurance of various types to cover its operations. 
The limits provided under its general liability policies total $32 million.  
In addition, the Company maintains operator's extra expense coverage which 
provides for care, custody and control of selected wells during drilling 
operations.  The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of 
which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse 
effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.  
Moreover, no assurances can be given that the Company will be able to 
maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable.
                                       


                                       7

<PAGE>
                                       
EMPLOYEES

   At December 31, 1997, the Company had 109 full-time employees.  None of 
the Company's employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The 
Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

OFFICES

   The Company leases approximately 40,000 square feet of office space in 
Midland, Texas and  approximately 1,400 square feet of office space in 
Houston, Texas.
                                       









                                       8
<PAGE>

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES

   The Company's properties consist primarily of oil and gas wells and its 
ownership in leasehold acreage, both developed and undeveloped.  At December 
31, 1997, the Company had interests in 507 gross (373.7 net) oil and gas 
wells and owned leasehold interests in 359,079 gross (200,974 net) 
undeveloped acres.

RESERVES

   The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 1997 
with respect to the Company's estimated proved oil and gas reserves and the 
present value of estimated future net revenues therefrom, discounted at 10% 
("PV-10 Value").

<TABLE>
                                           PROVED       PROVED
                                          DEVELOPED   UNDEVELOPED    TOTAL
                                          ---------   -----------   -------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>           <C>
Oil (Mbbls).............................     7,826         584        8,410
Gas (Mmcf)..............................    27,392       5,469       32,861
MBOE....................................    12,392       1,495       13,887
PV-10 Value:
  Before income taxes...................   $94,831      $5,087      $99,918
  After income taxes....................                            $92,403
</TABLE>

   The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 1997
regarding the Company's proved oil and gas reserves in each of its principal
producing areas.

<TABLE>
                             PROVED RESERVES
                      -----------------------------                               PERCENTAGE OF
                                         TOTAL OIL    PERCENT OF    PV-10 VALUE    PV-10 VALUE
                        OIL      GAS     EQUIVALENT   TOTAL OIL       BEFORE         BEFORE
AREA OR FIELD         (MBBLS)   (MMCF)     (MBOE)     EQUIVALENT   INCOME TAXES   INCOME TAXES
- -------------         -------   ------   ----------   ----------   ------------   -------------
                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                   <C>       <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Trend................  7,803    11,611      9,738         70.1%      $73,687          73.7%
Jalmat...............    308    13,747      2,599         18.7        14,264          14.3
Texas Gulf Coast.....    165     4,521        919         6.6          9,688           9.7
Other................    134     2,982        631         4.6          2,279           2.3
                       -----    ------     ------       -----        -------         -----
  Total..............  8,410    32,861     13,887       100.0%       $99,918         100.0%
                       -----    ------     ------       -----        -------         -----
                       -----    ------     ------       -----        -------         -----
</TABLE>

   The estimates as of December 31, 1997 of proved reserves, future net 
revenues from proved reserves and the PV-10 Value before income taxes set 
forth in this Form 10-K were based on a report prepared by Williamson 
Petroleum Consultants, Inc. (the "Independent Engineers").  For purposes of 
preparing such estimates, the Independent Engineers reviewed production data 
through October 31, 1997 for properties representing 84% of the estimated 
present value of the Company's proved developed producing reserves and 
through earlier dates for the balance of the Company's properties. In order 
to calculate the proved reserve estimates as of December 31, 1997, the 
Independent Engineers assumed that production for each of the Company's 
properties since the date of the last production data reviewed was in 
accordance with the production decline curve for such property.

   In accordance with applicable guidelines of the Commission, the estimates 
of the Company's proved reserves and future net revenues therefrom set forth 
herein are made using oil and gas sales prices estimated to be in effect as 
of the date of such reserve estimates and are held constant throughout the 
life of the properties. Estimated quantities of proved reserves and future 
net revenues therefrom are affected by changes in oil and gas prices.  Oil 
and gas prices decreased substantially from December 31, 1996 to December 31, 
1997, resulting in significant decreases in the Company's estimated future 
net revenues and, to a lesser extent, decreases in 
                                       


                                       9

<PAGE>
                                       
estimated reserve quantities.  The weighted average of the sales prices 
utilized for the purposes of estimating the Company's proved reserves and the 
future net revenues therefrom as of December 31, 1997 were $17.00 per Bbl of 
oil and $2.33 per Mcf of gas, as compared to $25.01 per Bbl and $3.63 per Mcf 
as of December 31, 1996.  Subsequent to December 31, 1997, oil and gas prices 
have continued to decline, and are expected to remain volatile.  The Company 
estimates that a $1 decline in the price per Bbl of oil would result in a 
$5.9 million reduction in PV-10 Value (before income taxes), and that a $.25 
decline in the price per Mcf of gas would result in a $5.2 million reduction 
in PV-10 Value (before income taxes).

   Also in accordance with Commission guidelines, the estimates of the 
Company's proved reserves and future net revenues therefrom are made using 
current lease and well operating costs estimated by the Company. Lease 
operating expenses for oil wells operated by the Company in the Austin Chalk, 
Buda and Georgetown formations were estimated using a combination of fixed 
and variable-by-volume costs consistent with the Company's experience in 
operating such wells. For purposes of calculating future net revenues and 
PV-10 Value, operating costs exclude accounting and administrative overhead 
expenses attributable to the Company's working interest in wells operated by 
it under joint operating agreements, but include administrative costs 
associated with production offices.

   The Independent Engineers report relies upon various assumptions, 
including assumptions required by the Commission as to oil and gas prices, 
drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability 
of funds.  The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, 
requiring significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of 
available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each 
reservoir. As a result, such estimates are inherently imprecise. Actual 
future production, oil and gas prices, revenues, taxes, development 
expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas 
reserves may vary substantially. Any significant variance in these 
assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of 
reserves set forth herein. In addition, the Company's reserves may be subject 
to downward or upward revision based upon production history, results of 
future development and exploration, prevailing oil and gas prices and other 
factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual production, 
revenues, taxes, development expenditures and operating expenses with respect 
to the Company's reserves will likely vary from the estimates used, and such 
variances may be material.

   Approximately 11% of the Company's total proved reserves at December 31, 
1997 were undeveloped, which are by their nature less certain. Recovery of 
such reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful 
drilling operations. The reserve data set forth in the Independent Engineers' 
report as of December 31, 1997 assumes, based on the Company's estimates, 
that aggregate capital expenditures by the Company of approximately $6.8 
million through 2000 will be required to develop such reserves. Although cost 
and reserve estimates attributable to the Company's oil and gas reserves have 
been prepared in accordance with industry standards, no assurance can be 
given that the estimated costs are accurate, that development will occur as 
scheduled or that the results will be as estimated.

   The PV-10 Value referred to herein should not be construed as the current 
market value of the estimated oil and gas reserves attributable to the 
Company's properties. In accordance with applicable requirements of the 
Commission, the PV-10 Value from proved reserves is generally based on prices 
and costs as of the date of the estimate, whereas actual future prices and 
costs may be materially higher or lower. Actual future net revenues also will 
be affected by changes in consumption and changes in governmental regulations 
or taxation. The timing of actual future net revenues from proved reserves, 
and thus their actual present value, will be affected by the timing of both 
the production and the incurrence of expenses in connection with development 
and production of oil and gas properties. In addition, the 10% discount 
factor, which is required by the Commission to be used in calculating 
discounted future net revenues for reporting purposes, is not necessarily the 
most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time 
to time and risks associated with the Company or the oil and gas industry in 
general.
                                       


                                       10

<PAGE>
                                       
   The Company must develop or acquire new oil and gas reserves to replace 
those being depleted by production.  Without successful drilling and 
exploration or acquisition activities, the Company's reserves and revenues 
will decline rapidly.  In particular, the Company's producing properties in 
the Trend are characterized by a high initial production rate, followed by a 
steep decline in production.  The Company's properties in the Trend may be 
susceptible to hydrocarbon drainage from production on adjacent properties by 
other operators, particularly from horizontal wells.  The Company has a 
relatively low reserve-to-production ratio of approximately 3.7 years (based 
upon the estimated quantities of proved oil and gas reserves as of December 
31, 1997, divided by production volumes for 1997).  The 1997 ratio is down 
from 4.6 years at December 31, 1996 due to a combination of downward reserve 
revisions caused primarily by lower product prices and higher than average 
initial production rates on wells completed in 1997.  Accordingly, the 
Company believes that its future success will depend to a significant extent 
upon the results of its emerging exploration program and, to a lesser extent, 
acquisitions of proved properties.  See "ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND 
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS."

   Since January 1, 1997, the Company has not filed an estimate of its net 
proved oil and gas reserves with any federal authority or agency other than 
the Commission.

EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

   The Company drilled, or participated in the drilling of, the following 
numbers of wells during the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                               ------------------------------------------
                                   1997           1996           1995
                               ------------   ------------   ------------
                               GROSS    NET   GROSS    NET   GROSS    NET
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
<S>                            <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
   DEVELOPMENT WELLS:
     Oil.....................   33     28.0    23     20.9     24    21.0
     Gas.....................    1       .2     -        -      1      .5
     Dry.....................    -        -     -        -      -       -
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
       Total.................   34     28.2    23     20.9     25    21.5
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----

   EXPLORATORY WELLS:
     Oil.....................    8      7.5     4      4.0      2     2.0
     Gas.....................    -        -     -        -      -       -
     Dry.....................    5      1.9     2       .6      -       -
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
       Total.................   13      9.4     6      4.6      2     2.0
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----

   TOTAL WELLS:
     Oil.....................   41     35.5    27     24.9     26    23.0
     Gas.....................    1       .2     -        -      1      .5
     Dry.....................    5      1.9     2       .6      -       -
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
       Total.................   47     37.6    29     25.5     27    23.5
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
                               -----   ----   -----   ----   -----   ----
</TABLE>

   The information contained in the foregoing table should not be considered 
indicative of future drilling performance, nor should it be assumed that 
there is any necessary correlation between the number of productive wells 
drilled and the amount of oil and gas that may ultimately be recovered by the 
Company.

   The Company does not own any drilling rigs and all of its drilling 
activities are conducted by independent contractors on a day rate basis under 
standard drilling contracts.  At March 19, 1998, the Company had one drilling 
rig under contract in the Trend. 
                                       


                                       11

<PAGE>
                                       
PRODUCTIVE WELL SUMMARY

   The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
ownership as of December 31, 1997, of productive wells in the areas indicated.

<TABLE>
                                    OIL             GAS            TOTAL
                               -------------   -------------   -------------
                               GROSS    NET    GROSS    NET    GROSS    NET
                               -----   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
<S>                            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
   Trend.....................   289    223.6     23     16.1    312    239.7
   Jalmat....................    37     30.0     95     76.7    132    106.7
   Texas Gulf Coast..........     1       .4     26     10.4     27     10.8
   Other.....................    19     12.9     17      3.6     36     16.5
                               -----   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
     Total...................   346    266.9    161    106.8    507    373.7
                               -----   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
                               -----   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
</TABLE>

   The Company seeks to act as operator of the wells in which it owns a 
significant interest. As operator of a well, the Company is able to manage 
drilling and production operations as well as other matters affecting the 
production and sale of oil and gas. In addition, the Company receives fees 
from other working interest owners for the operation of the wells. At 
December 31, 1997, the Company was the operator of 408 wells, or 
approximately 80% of the 507 total wells in which it has a working interest.  
Production from these operated wells represented approximately 92% of the 
Company's total net production for 1997.

VOLUMES, PRICES AND PRODUCTION COSTS

   The following table sets forth certain information regarding the 
production volumes of, average sales prices received from, and average 
production costs associated with the Company's sales of oil and gas for the 
periods indicated.

<TABLE>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              --------------------------
                                               1997      1996      1995
                                              ------    ------    ------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION DATA:
     Oil (MBbls)............................   2,903     2,203     1,831
     Gas (MMcf).............................   5,091     5,584     6,845
     Total (MBOE)...........................   3,752     3,134     2,972

   AVERAGE OIL AND GAS SALES PRICE (1):
     Oil ($/Bbl)............................  $19.80    $20.85    $17.35
     Gas ($/Mcf)(2).........................  $ 2.64    $ 2.65    $ 1.77

   AVERAGE PRODUCTION COSTS
     Lease operations ($/BOE)(3)............  $ 4.32    $ 4.71    $ 4.55
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(1) Includes effects of hedging transactions.
(2) Includes natural gas liquids.
(3) Includes direct lifting costs (labor, repairs and maintenance, materials
    and supplies), workover costs and the administrative costs of production
    offices, insurance and property and severance taxes.
                                       


                                      12
<PAGE>

DEVELOPMENT, EXPLORATION AND ACQUISITION EXPENDITURES

   The following table sets forth certain information regarding the costs 
incurred by the Company in its development, exploration and acquisition 
activities during the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------
                                           1997      1996      1995
                                         -------   -------   -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>
   Property Acquisitions:
     Proved............................  $     -   $ 1,375   $     -
     Unproved..........................   14,042     5,002     2,254
   Developmental Costs.................   32,656    20,931    16,823
   Exploratory Costs...................   13,813     6,306     1,407
                                         -------   -------   -------
     Total.............................  $60,511   $33,614   $20,484
                                         -------   -------   -------
                                         -------   -------   -------
</TABLE>

ACREAGE

   The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's 
developed and undeveloped leasehold acreage as of December 31, 1997 in the 
areas indicated. Acreage in which the Company's interest is limited to 
royalty, overriding royalty and similar interests is excluded.

<TABLE>
                                   DEVELOPED          UNDEVELOPED           TOTAL
                               -----------------   -----------------   ----------------
                                GROSS      NET      GROSS      NET      GROSS     NET
                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------  -------
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
   Trend.....................  111,296    96,575   107,896    91,034   219,192  187,609
   Jalmat....................    9,481     8,023         -         -     9,481    8,023
   Texas Gulf Coast..........    8,735     3,963       562       163     9,297    4,126
   Other (a).................   16,602     2,596   250,621   109,777   267,223  112,373
                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------  -------
     Total...................  146,114   111,157   359,079   200,974   505,193  312,131
                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------  -------
                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------  -------
</TABLE>

- -----------------------
(a) Net undeveloped acres are attributable to the following areas:  
    Glen Rose - 50,505; Mississippi - 18,771; Louisiana - 5,828; 
    Alabama - 13,596; Wyoming - 10,253; and other - 10,824.


ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   SPECIAL NOTE:  CERTAIN STATEMENTS SET FORTH BELOW UNDER THIS CAPTION 
CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS."  SEE "SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" FOR ADDITIONAL FACTORS RELATING TO SUCH 
STATEMENTS.

   The Company is a defendant in a suit styled The State of Texas, et al v. 
Union Pacific Resources Company et al, presently pending in Lee County, 
Texas. The suit attempts to establish a class action consisting of 
unidentified royalty and working interest owners throughout the State of 
Texas. Among other things, the plaintiffs are seeking actual and exemplary 
damages for alleged violation of various statutes relating to common carriers 
and common purchasers of crude oil including discrimination in the purchase 
of oil by giving preferential treatment to defendants' own oil and conspiring 
to keep the posted price or sales price of oil below market value. A general 
denial has been filed. Because the Company is neither a common purchaser nor 
common carrier of oil, management of the Company believes there is no merit 
to the allegations as they relate to the Company or its operations.

   In addition, the Company is a defendant or codefendant in minor lawsuits 
that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of 
these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, management does 
                                       


                                      13

<PAGE>

not expect any of these to have a material adverse effect on the Company's 
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   No matter was submitted to a vote of the security holders of the 
Registrant during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 
1997.
                                       









                                      14

<PAGE>
                                       
                                    PART II


ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
         MATTERS

   The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National 
Market under the symbol "CWEI".  As of December 31, 1997, there were 
approximately 1,400 beneficial and record stockholders.  The following table 
sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the 
Common Stock, as reported on the National Market:

<TABLE>
                                            High        Low
                                         ---------   ---------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>
   Year Ended December 31, 1997:
     Fourth Quarter....................  $  18 7/8   $  12 1/2
     Third Quarter.....................     17 1/4       9 7/8
     Second Quarter....................     15 3/4      10 1/2
     First Quarter.....................     19 7/8      11 3/4

   Year Ended December 31, 1996:
     Fourth Quarter....................  $  17 7/8   $   9 5/8
     Third Quarter.....................     12           7 3/8
     Second Quarter....................     10 7/8       3 3/4
     First Quarter.....................      4 3/8       2 5/8
</TABLE>

   The quotations in the table above reflect inter-dealer prices without 
retail markups, markdowns or commissions. On March 19, 1998, the last 
reported sale price for the Common Stock on the National Market was $9 1/8.

   The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock, and the 
Board of Directors does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the 
foreseeable future.  The terms of the Company's secured bank credit facility 
limit the payment of cash dividends by the Company during any fiscal year to 
a maximum of 50% of the Company's net income during such period, assuming 
compliance with other terms thereof.  Subject to the restrictions imposed by 
the Company's lenders, future dividend policy will depend on a number of 
factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, the financial 
condition and future prospects of the Company and such other factors as the 
Board of Directors may deem relevant.
                                       

                                      15

<PAGE>
                                       
ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for 
the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated.  The consolidated 
financial data for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 
31, 1997 was derived from audited financial statements of the Company.  The 
data set forth in this table should be read in conjunction with "Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

<TABLE>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    --------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997      1996      1995       1994       1993
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
  Revenues:
    Oil and gas sales.............................  $70,929   $60,610   $ 43,883   $ 43,617   $ 55,041
    Natural gas services..........................    4,559     4,281      5,388      5,868      4,554
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
      Total revenues..............................   75,488    64,891     49,271     49,485     59,595
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Costs and expenses:
    Lease operations..............................   16,205    14,776     13,533     12,775     12,788
    Exploration:
      Abandonments and impairments................    2,692       597      1,472      6,227      4,244
      Seismic and other...........................    7,629     1,036         83        912      1,954
    Natural gas services..........................    3,955     3,437      3,714      3,510      2,518
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization......   31,273    23,758     25,110     25,248     26,751
    Impairment of property and equipment (1)......      236     1,186     10,259          -          -
    General and administrative....................    4,181     3,266      3,708      5,659      6,876
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
      Total costs and expenses....................   66,171    48,056     57,879     54,331     55,131
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
      Operating income (loss).....................    9,317    16,835     (8,608)    (4,846)     4,464
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Other income (expense):
    Interest expense..............................   (1,767)   (3,440)    (5,493)    (4,461)    (4,003)
    Other income (expense) (2)....................      217       335      6,022        759        149
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
      Total other income (expense)................   (1,550)   (3,105)       529     (3,702)    (3,854)
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Income (loss) before income taxes...............    7,767    13,730     (8,079)    (8,548)       610
  Income tax expense (3)..........................        -         -          -          -        207
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Net income (loss)...............................  $ 7,767   $13,730   $ (8,079)  $ (8,548)  $    403
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Net income (loss) per common share:
    Basic.........................................  $   .87   $  1.80   $  (1.31)  $  (1.50)  $    .09
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
    Diluted.......................................  $   .85   $  1.76   $  (1.31)  $  (1.50)  $    .09
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
  Weighted average common shares outstanding:
    Basic.........................................    8,888     7,624      6,165      5,700      4,700
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
    Diluted.......................................    9,094     7,800      6,165      5,700      4,700
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    -------   -------   --------   --------   --------

OTHER DATA:
  Net cash provided by operating activities.......  $39,324   $40,306   $ 24,203   $ 23,672   $ 29,716
  Discretionary cash flow (4):
    Total.........................................  $49,597   $40,307   $ 28,845   $ 23,839   $ 33,352
    Per diluted common share......................  $  5.45   $  5.17   $   4.68   $   4.18   $   7.10

                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       ------------------------------
                                                                         1997       1996       1995
                                                                       --------   --------   --------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital (deficit)..........................................  $ (6,369)  $ (3,422)  $(13,717)
  Total assets.......................................................   134,562    103,598     93,161
  Long-term debt.....................................................    35,700     18,000     33,538
  Stockholders' equity...............................................    73,074     66,214     34,996
</TABLE>

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

(1)  The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
     Standards No. 121 "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" 
     effective October 1, 1995.
(2)  The 1995 period includes a $6 million non-recurring gain on sale of two
     principal gas gathering and processing systems.
(3)  Prior to the Consolidation, income taxes were computed at the applicable
     federal statutory rate.
(4)  Discretionary cash flow refers to net income (loss) before exploration 
     costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairments of property
     and equipment.
                                      


                                      16

<PAGE>

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   SPECIAL NOTE:  CERTAIN STATEMENTS SET FORTH BELOW UNDER THIS CAPTION 
CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS."  SEE "SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" FOR ADDITIONAL FACTORS RELATING TO SUCH 
STATEMENTS.

   The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding the 
Company's historical consolidated financial position at December 31, 1997, 
1996 and 1995, and results of operations and cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended December 31, 1997. The Company's historical 
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in 
this Form 10-K contain detailed information that should be referred to in 
conjunction with the following discussion.

OVERVIEW

   The Company commenced operations in May 1993, following the Consolidation 
and completion of the Company's Initial Public Offering. Since 1988, the 
Company and its predecessors have concentrated their drilling activities in 
the Trend.  Oil and gas production in the Trend is generally characterized by 
a high initial production rate, followed by a steep rate of decline. In order 
to maintain its oil and gas reserve base, production levels and cash flow 
from operations, the Company has been required to maintain or increase its 
level of drilling activity and achieve comparable or improved results from 
such activities.

   Beginning in 1997, the Company initiated several exploratory projects 
designed to reduce its dependence on Trend drilling for future production and 
reserve growth.  These new areas include other formations in the vicinity of 
its core properties in east central Texas, as well as south Texas, Louisiana 
and Mississippi.  During 1998, the Company plans to devote a substantial 
portion of its capital expenditures to these new areas and also intends to 
actively seek and evaluate opportunities to acquire proven properties.  See 
"LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - CAPITAL EXPENDITURES."

   The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its 
oil and gas properties, whereby costs of productive wells, developmental dry 
holes and productive leases are capitalized and amortized using the 
unit-of-production method based on estimated proved reserves. Costs of 
unproved properties are initially capitalized. Those properties with 
significant acquisition costs are periodically assessed and any impairment in 
value is charged to expense. The amount of impairment recognized on unproved 
properties which are not individually significant is determined by amortizing 
the costs of such properties within appropriate groups based on the Company's 
historical experience, acquisition dates and average lease terms. Exploration 
costs, including geological and geophysical expenses and delay rentals, are 
charged to expense as incurred. Exploratory drilling costs, including the 
cost of stratigraphic test wells, are initially capitalized but charged to 
expense if and when the well is determined to be unsuccessful.
                                       


                                      17
<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   The following table sets forth certain operating information of the Company
for the periods presented:

<TABLE>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   1997        1996       1995
                                                   ----        ----       ----
 <S>                                              <C>       <C>         <C>
 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION DATA:   
   Oil (MBbls)..................................   2,903      2,203      1,831
   Gas (MMcf)...................................   5,091      5,584      6,845
   Total (MBOE) (1).............................   3,752      3,134      2,972

 AVERAGE OIL AND GAS SALES PRICES (2):
   Oil ($/Bbl)..................................  $19.80     $20.85     $17.35
   Gas ($/Mcf)..................................  $ 2.64     $ 2.65      $1.77

 OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES ($/BOE PRODUCED):
   Lease operations.............................  $ 4.32    $  4.71     $ 4.55
   Oil and gas depletion........................  $ 8.10    $  7.32     $ 8.16
   General and administrative...................  $ 1.11    $  1.04     $ 1.25

 NET WELLS DRILLED:
   Horizontal Wells.............................    33.3       24.4       23.5
   Vertical Wells...............................     4.3        1.1          -

</TABLE>

(1)  Gas is converted to barrel of oil equivalents (BOE) at the ratio of six Mcf
     of gas to one Bbl of oil.
(2)  Includes effects of hedging transactions.



1997 COMPARED TO 1996

   REVENUES

   Oil and gas sales increased 17% from $60.6 million in 1996 to $70.9 
million in 1997 due primarily to a 32% increase in oil production.  The 
effect of higher oil production was partially offset by a 5% decrease in oil 
prices and a 9% decline in gas production.  Production from wells completed 
subsequent to December 31, 1996 accounted for approximately 42% of total oil 
production for the 1997 period, which more than offset the effects of steep 
production declines from previously existing Trend wells.  The Company plans 
to discontinue Trend drilling in April 1998 pending an improvement in oil 
prices, which have fallen to their lowest levels in four years. The 
suspension of Trend drilling activities for an extended period of time may 
adversely affect the Company's production and revenues in 1998.

   COSTS AND EXPENSES

   Lease operations expenses increased 9% from $14.8 million in 1996 to $16.2 
million in 1997 while oil and gas production on a BOE basis increased 20%, 
resulting in a decrease in lease operations expenses on a BOE basis from 
$4.71 per BOE in 1996 to $4.32 per BOE in 1997.  Higher initial rates of 
production on several of the wells completed during 1997 contributed 
materially to the decline in lease operations expenses per BOE.

   Exploration costs increased from $1.6 million in 1996 to $10.3 million in 
1997 due primarily to costs incurred during 1997 in connection with 
exploration projects initiated during the fourth quarter of 1996.  The 
Company plans to spend approximately $17 million in 1998 on exploratory 
prospects.  Because the Company follows the successful efforts method of 
accounting, the Company's results of operations may be adversely affected 
during any accounting period in which seismic costs, exploratory dry hole 
costs, and unproved property impairments are expensed.
 
                                     18
<PAGE>

    Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") expense increased 32% 
from $23.8 million in 1996 to $31.3 million in 1997 due primarily to a 20% 
increase in oil and gas production on a BOE basis, combined with an 11% 
increase in the Company's average depletion rate per BOE.  Under the 
successful efforts method of accounting, costs of oil and gas properties are 
amortized on a unit-of-production method based on estimated proved reserves.  
The average depletion rate per BOE was $8.10 in the 1997 period compared to 
$7.32 in the 1996 period.

   General and administrative ("G&A") expenses increased 27% from $3.3 
million in 1996 to $4.2 million in 1997 due primarily to increased personnel 
costs.  In response to an increase in demand for skilled technical and 
mangerial personnel in the oil and gas industry and an increase in the 
Company's level of exploration and development activities, the Company has 
hired additional personnel and increased salaries of existing personnel.

   INTEREST EXPENSE

   Interest expense decreased 47% from $3.4 million in 1996 to $1.8 million 
in 1997 due primarily to lower average levels of indebtedness on the 
Company's secured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and, to a much 
lesser extent, lower average interest rates. The average daily principal 
balance outstanding on such facility during the 1997 period was $24 million 
compared to $36.9 million in 1996.  The effective annual interest rate on 
bank debt, including bank fees, during the 1997 period was 8.7% compared to 
9.4% in 1996

1996 COMPARED TO 1995

   REVENUES

   Oil and gas sales increased 38% from $43.9 million in 1995 to $60.6 
million in 1996 due primarily to a 20% increase in oil production, a 20% 
increase in oil prices (net of hedging losses), and a 50% increase in gas 
prices. These benefits were offset in part by an 18% decline in gas 
production since most of the wells drilled since 1995 have been predominately 
oil wells.  Production from wells completed subsequent to December 31, 1995 
accounted for approximately 37% of total oil production for the 1996 period, 
which more than offset the effects of steep production declines from 
previously existing Trend wells.

   Revenues from natural gas services decreased 20% from $5.4 million in 1995 
to $4.3 million in 1996 due primarily to the sale of the Company's two 
principal gas gathering and processing systems in August 1995, and offset in 
part by additional revenues generated in 1996 related to a gas plant and 
three gathering systems acquired in the first quarter of 1996.

   COSTS AND EXPENSES

   Lease operations expenses increased 10% from $13.5 million in 1995 to 
$14.8 million in 1996 while production on a BOE basis increased 5%, resulting 
in an increase in lease operations expenses on a BOE basis from $4.55 per BOE 
in 1995 to $4.71 per BOE in 1996.  Such increase was due primarily to higher 
production taxes resulting from the increase in oil and gas sales prices in 
1996 as compared to 1995.

   Although exploration costs were relatively insignificant in 1996 and 1995, 
the Company expects exploration costs to increase significantly during 1997 
due to the initiation of the Cotton Valley Exploratory Project and other 
exploration activities outside the Trend.  To date, the Company has committed 
to spend approximately $4 million to conduct and evaluate a 3-D seismic 
survey covering approximately 50,000 acres in the North Giddings Block in 
1997.  The Company may continue to expand the area covered by the survey and 
may drill one or more exploratory wells on any prospects which result from 
such survey.  In addition, the Company plans to spend approximately $8 
million on other exploration activities, a significant portion of which will 
be classified as exploration costs.  Because the Company follows the 
successful efforts method of 

                                      19
<PAGE>


accounting, the Company's results of operations may be adversely affected 
during any accounting period in which such costs are incurred and expensed.

   DD&A expense decreased 5% from $25.1 million in 1995 to $23.8 million in 
1996 due primarily to a 10% decline in the Company's average depletion rate 
per BOE, offset in part by a 5% increase in production on a BOE basis.  Under 
the successful efforts method of accounting, costs of oil and gas properties 
are amortized on a unit-of-production method based on estimated proved 
reserves. The lower depletion rate is attributable to a combination of higher 
proved reserves resulting from both newly completed wells and higher product 
prices, and lower depletable costs resulting from the impairment of certain 
producing properties in October 1995 and June 1996 pursuant to Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for Impairment of 
Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS 121").  As a result, the average depletion rate 
declined from $8.16 per BOE in 1995 to $7.32 per BOE in 1996.

   The Company recorded a provision for impairment of property and equipment 
of $1.2 million during the second quarter of 1996 in accordance with SFAS 
121, as compared to a $10.3 million provision made during the fourth quarter 
of 1995 upon the adoption of SFAS 121.

   G&A expenses decreased 11% from $3.7 million in 1995 to $3.3 million in 
1996.  Certain cost reduction measures implemented beginning in March 1994 
were fully realized during 1995.  Accordingly, the Company does not expect 
G&A expenses to continue to decrease as they have in recent years.

   Costs of natural gas services decreased 8% from $3.7 million in 1995 to 
$3.4 million in 1996 due primarily to the sale of the Company's two principal 
gas gathering and processing systems in August 1995, and offset in part by 
additional costs incurred in 1996 related to a gas plant and three gathering 
systems acquired during the first quarter of 1996.

   INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER

   Interest expense decreased 38% from $5.5 million in 1995 to $3.4 million 
in 1996 due primarily to lower average levels of indebtedness on the Credit 
Facility and, to a lesser extent, lower average interest rates.  The average 
daily principal balance outstanding on such facility in 1996 was $36.9 
million compared to $52.3 million in 1995.  The effective annual interest 
rate on bank debt in 1996 was 9.4% compared to 10.6% in 1995.  Proceeds from 
the sales of assets in August 1995 and January 1996 and the sale of common 
stock through a shareholder rights offering in September 1995, which 
aggregated approximately $15 million, were used to reduce bank indebtedness 
and contributed largely to the reduction in interest expense in 1996 as 
compared to 1995.  In addition, the Company used $17 million of proceeds from 
the sale of common stock to further reduce bank debt in November 1996.  As a 
result, the Company anticipates interest expense in 1997 to be lower than 
1996.

   Other income decreased from $6 million in 1995 to $335,000 in 1996.  In 
August 1995, XCEL Gas Company, a general partnership in which the Company 
owned a 77% interest, sold its interest in a gas gathering system, and the 
Company sold its 43% interest in the El Campo gas processing system, for 
aggregate net proceeds of $7.7 million, resulting in a combined gain on sale 
of property and equipment of $6 million, net to the Company.



                                      20
<PAGE>

1995 COMPARED TO 1994

   REVENUES

   Oil and gas sales increased 1% from $43.6 million in 1994 to $43.9 million 
in 1995 due primarily to higher oil prices, the benefit of which was largely 
eliminated by the effects of lower gas prices and a 4% decline in oil and gas 
production. Although production from wells completed after December 31, 1994 
accounted for 33% of the Company's 1995 production, these additions were more 
than offset by characteristically steep production declines from previously 
existing Trend wells. Average prices received for oil production increased 
10% while average gas prices declined 11%.

   Revenues from natural gas services decreased 8% from $5.9 million in 1994 
to $5.4 million in 1995, despite the sale in August 1995 of the Company's two 
principal gas gathering and processing systems, since one of the systems sold 
was acquired effective January 1995 and did not contribute to revenues in 
1994.

   COSTS AND EXPENSES

   Lease operations expenses increased 5% from $12.8 million in 1994 to $13.5 
million in 1995 despite a 4% decline in BOE production. On a BOE basis, lease 
operations expenses increased from $4.12 per BOE to $4.55 per BOE. Operating 
expenses of Trend wells are generally lower on a BOE basis in the early 
stages of production since a large portion of the operating expenses are 
fixed in nature and do not vary with production volume. As production volumes 
decline, operating expenses per BOE typically increase. In addition, during 
1995, the Company conducted most of its drilling activity in the updip area 
of the Trend where the reservoir pressures are lower. Generally, this 
requires wells to be converted from flowing wells to electric-powered pumping 
units at an earlier stage of production, which increases the lifting costs 
associated with the updip wells.

   Effective October 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS 121, and recorded a 
$10.3 million non-cash provision for impairment of certain producing assets. 
Substantially all of the impaired assets are located in the Pearsall Field in 
the Trend.

   DD&A expense remained constant from 1994 to 1995, despite a 4% decline in 
production, due to slightly higher amortization rates per BOE. Under the 
successful efforts method of accounting, costs of oil and gas properties are 
amortized on a unit-of-production method based on estimated proved reserves. 
The effects on amortization rates of a 15% downward revision of estimated 
proved reserves at December 31, 1994 were substantially offset by the 
adoption of SFAS 121, which reduced DD&A rates on the impaired properties.

   G&A expenses decreased 35% from $5.7 million in 1994 to $3.7 million in 
1995. Since March 1994, the Company has reduced its overhead by implementing 
certain cost reduction measures, including the closing of its San Antonio 
office, the elimination or reduction of certain professional services, and 
the control of personnel costs through staff and wage reductions and employee 
benefit cost controls. The benefit of these measures was fully realized in 
1995.

   Exploration costs decreased 77% from $7.1 million in 1994 to $1.6 million 
in 1995 due primarily to provisions for dry hole costs, impairments of 
unproved properties and seismic expenses in 1994 related to the Company's 
acreage in the Sabine Area of the Trend, its Argentina venture and its West 
and North Central Texas 3-D seismic program which did not recur in 1995.

   Costs of natural gas services increased 6% from $3.5 million in 1994 to 
$3.7 million in 1995 despite the sale in August 1995 of the Company's two 
principal gas gathering and processing systems. The reduction in costs 
related to the assets sold was more than offset by the fact that one of the 
systems sold was acquired effective January 1995 and did not contribute to 
costs in 1994.

                                      21
<PAGE>

   INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER

   Interest expense increased 22% from $4.5 million in 1994 to $5.5 million 
in 1995 due primarily to higher average interest rates on the Credit 
Facility. The effective annual interest rate on bank debt during 1995 was 
10.6% compared to 8.7% in 1994. Proceeds from the sale of certain natural gas 
gathering and processing systems in August 1995 and the sale of Common Stock 
pursuant to a rights offering in September 1995 resulted in a slight 
reduction in average levels of bank debt in 1995. The average daily principal 
balance outstanding on bank debt during 1995 was $52.3 million compared to 
$52.6 million in 1994.

   Other income increased from $800,000 in 1994 to $6 million in 1995. In 
August 1995, the Company sold certain gas gathering assets for aggregate net 
proceeds of $7.7 million, resulting in a combined gain on sale of property 
and equipment of $6 million, net to the Company.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

OVERVIEW

   The Company's primary financial resource is its oil and gas reserves. In 
accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility, the banks establish a 
borrowing base, as derived from the estimated value of the Company's oil and 
gas properties, against which the Company may borrow funds as needed to 
supplement its internally generated cash flow as a source of financing for 
its capital expenditure program. Product prices, over which the Company has 
very limited control, have a significant impact on such estimated value and 
thereby on the Company's borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. 
Within the confines of product pricing, the Company must be able to find and 
develop or acquire oil and gas reserves in a cost effective manner in order 
to generate sufficient financial resources through internal means to complete 
the financing of its capital expenditure program.

   The following discussion sets forth the Company's current plans for 
capital expenditures in 1998, and the expected capital resources needed to 
finance such plans.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

   In April 1998, the Company plans to indefinitely suspend its Trend 
drilling activities pending an improvement in oil prices, which have fallen 
to their lowest levels in four years.  Through the first quarter of 1998, the 
Company will have spent approximately $3.5 million on Trend leasing and 
drilling activities, and, depending on the duration of the suspension, may 
spend up to $18 million in the Trend during 1998.

   During 1998, the Company plans to spend approximately $9 million on the 
Cotton Valley Exploratory Project to complete the interpretation of its 3-D 
seismic survey, extend and renew existing leases as required, and drill an 
exploratory well on one of the Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef prospects 
generated by such survey.  In addition, the Company plans to spend $9 million 
in 1998 on other exploration projects in south Texas, Louisiana and 
Mississippi.  The incurrence of such costs may adversely affect the Company's 
results of operations in 1998 (see "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 1997 COMPARED TO 
1996 - COSTS AND EXPENSES").

   Substantially all of the planned 1998 activity is discretionary.  This 
allows the Company to make adjustments to its level of capital and 
exploratory expenditures based upon such factors as the availability of 
capital resources, product prices and drilling results. Thus, if the 
Company's ability or desire to conduct the planned activities is diminished 
or enhanced by any of these factors, the Company can modify its expenditures 
accordingly.

                                       22
<PAGE>


   The Company does not have any specified amounts of capital expenditures 
designated for acquisitions of proven properties in 1998. However, the 
Company plans to actively seek and evaluate acquisition opportunities and 
will commit only to those acquisitions which the Company can adequately 
finance through internal and external sources.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

   CREDIT FACILITY

   The Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan facility in an amount 
not to exceed the lesser of the borrowing base, as established by the banks, 
or that portion of the borrowing base determined by the Company to be the 
elected borrowing limit.  At December 31, 1997, the elected borrowing limit 
was $50 million, and the available credit on the revolving facility was $14.3 
million. The borrowing base is scheduled for redetermination in May 1998, at 
which time the Company may elect a higher borrowing limit, if such an 
increase in borrowing capacity is both needed and available.  The Company 
intends to use such borrowing capacity, together with internally generated 
funds, to finance its 1998 planned capital expenditure program.

   WORKING CAPITAL AND CASH FLOW

   During 1997, the Company generated cash flow from operating activities of 
$39.3 million and borrowed $17.7 million on the Credit Facility.  During the 
same period, the Company spent $56.2 million on capital expenditures and $1.5 
million to acquire shares of its common stock for treasury.

   The Company's working capital deficit increased from $3.4 million at 
December 31, 1996 to $6.4 million at December 31, 1997 due primarily to a net 
increase in current liabilities attributable to increased levels of drilling, 
leasing and exploration activities.  The Company applies most of its 
available cash toward the repayment of the Credit Facility.  Since all 
outstanding indebtedness on the Credit Facility is classified as a noncurrent 
liability, the timing of receipts and disbursements can cause reported 
working capital to fluctuate as it did from December 31, 1996 to December 31, 
1997.  However, working capital will increase as funds are advanced on the 
Credit Facility to finance the Company's capital expenditure program.

   The Company believes that the funds available under the Credit Facility 
and cash provided by operations will be adequate to fund the Company's 
operations and projected capital and exploratory expenditures during 1998. 
However, because future cash flows and the availability of borrowings are 
subject to a number of variables, such as the level of production from 
existing wells, the Company's success in locating and producing new reserves, 
prevailing prices of oil and gas, and the uncertainty with respect to the 
amount of funds which may ultimately be required to finance the Company's 
exploration program, there can be no assurance that the Company's capital 
resources will be sufficient to sustain the Company's exploratory and 
development activities.  If such capital resources are insufficient, the 
Company may be required to cease or delay such activities.

INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICES

   The Company's revenues and the value of its oil and gas properties have 
been and will continue to be affected by changes in oil and gas prices. The 
Company's ability to maintain adequate borrowing capacity and to obtain 
additional capital on attractive terms is also substantially dependent on oil 
and gas prices. Oil and gas prices are subject to significant seasonal and 
other fluctuations that are beyond the Company's ability to control or 
predict. In an attempt to manage this price risk, the Company from time to 
time engages in hedging transactions.

   Although certain of the Company's costs and expenses are affected by the 
level of inflation, inflation did not have a significant effect on the 
Company's results of operations during 1998.

                                     23
<PAGE>

HEDGING TRANSACTIONS

   From time to time, the Company has utilized hedging transactions with 
respect to a portion of its oil and gas production to achieve a more 
predictable cash flow, as well as to reduce its exposure to price 
fluctuations. While the use of these hedging arrangements limits the downside 
risk of price declines, such use may also limit any benefits which may be 
derived from price increases.

   The Company uses various financial instruments, such as swaps and collars, 
whereby monthly settlements are based on differences between the prices 
specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of certain futures 
contracts quoted on the NYMEX or certain other indices. Generally, when the 
applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, 
the Company receives a settlement from the counterparty based on the 
difference. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price is higher than 
the specified price, the Company pays the counterparty based on the 
difference. The instruments utilized by the Company differ from futures 
contracts in that there is not a contractual obligation which requires or 
allows for the future physical delivery of the hedged products.

   The Company has entered into swap arrangements for 1,780,000 barrels of 
oil production for the period from January 1998 through December 1998 at an 
average price of $19.61.  In addition, the Company has hedged 570,000 MMBtu 
of its gas production from January 1998 through March 1998 under collar 
arrangements with average floor prices of $2.92 and average ceiling prices of 
$3.26, and has hedged 1,140,000 MMBtu from April 1998 through September 1998 
at an average price of $2.08.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

   The Company has developed a plan to ensure its systems are compliant with 
the requirements to process transactions in the year 2000 and beyond.  The 
costs associated with final compliance are expected to be minimal.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   For the financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item 
8, see the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in 
this Form 10-K.

ITEM 9 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   None.

                                       24
<PAGE>

                            PART III


ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

   The Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference 
to the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the 
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997.

ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference 
to the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the 
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997.

ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference 
to the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the 
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997.

ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

   The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference 
to the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the 
Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997.





                                      25
<PAGE>

                            PART IV

ITEM 14 - EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

   For a list of the consolidated financial statements filed as part of this 
Form 10-K, see the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1.

   No financial statement schedules are required to be filed as a part of 
this Form 10-K.

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

   No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 
1997.

EXHIBITS

<TABLE>

 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------   ------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>        <C>
   **3.1    Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed
            as an exhibit to the Form S-2 Registration Statement, Registration
            No. 333-13441

  **3.2     Bylaws of the Company, filed as an exhibit to the Form S-1
            Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-43350

 **10.1     Fifth Restated Loan Agreement dated as of July 18, 1996, among
            Clayton Williams Energy, Inc., Warrior Gas Co., CWEI Acquisitions,
            Inc., Bank One, Texas, N.A., Banque Paribas and the First National
            Bank of Chicago, filed as an exhibit to the June 30, 1996 Form 10-Q

 **10.2     First Amendment to Fifth Restated Loan Agreement dated December 31,
            1996, among Clayton Williams Energy, Inc., Warrior Gas Co., CWEI
            Acquisitions, Inc., Bank One, Texas, N.A., Banque Paribas and the
            First National Bank of Chicago, filed as an exhibit to the December
            31, 1996 Form 10-K

 **10.3     1993 Stock Compensation Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Form S-8
            Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-68318

 **10.4     First Amendment to 1993 Stock Compensation Plan, filed as an
            exhibit to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

 **10.5     Second Amendment to the 1993 Stock Compensation Plan, filed as an
            exhibit to the Form S-8 Registration Statement, Registration No.
            33-68318

 **10.6     Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, filed as an exhibit to the
            Form S-8 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-68316

 **10.7     First Amendment to Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, filed as an
            exhibit to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

 **10.8     Bonus Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Form S-8
            Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-68320

  *10.9     First Amendment to Bonus Incentive Plan

 **10.10    Amended and Restated 401(k) Plan & Trust, filed as an exhibit to
            the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

                                      26
<PAGE>


 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------   ------------------------------------------------------------------
 **10.11    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated 401(k) Plan & Trust, filed
            as an exhibit to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

 **10.12    Third Amendment to Amended and Restated 401(k) Plan & Trust, filed
            as an exhibit to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

 **10.13    Executive Incentive Stock Compensation Plan, filed as an exhibit to
            the Form S-8 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-92834

 **10.14    First Amendment to Executive Incentive Stock Compensation Plan,
            filed as an exhibit to the December 31, 1996 Form 10-K

 **10.15    Consolidation Agreement dated May 13, 1993 among Clayton Williams
            Energy, Inc., Warrior Gas Co. and the Williams Entities, filed as
            an exhibit to the Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No.
            33-43350

 **10.16    Agreement dated April 23, 1993 between the Company and Robert C.
            Lyon, filed as an exhibit to the Form S-1 Registration Statement,
            Registration No. 33-43350

 **10.17    Service Agreement effective October 1, 1995 among Clayton Williams
            Energy, Inc. and certain Williams Entities, filed as an exhibit to
            the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K

 **21       Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed as an exhibit to the December
            31, 1996 Form 10-K

  *23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

  *23.2     Consent of Williamson Petroleum Consultants, Inc.

  *24.1     Power of Attorney

  *24.2     Certified copy of resolution of Board of Directors of Clayton
            Williams Energy, Inc. authorizing signature pursuant to Power of
            Attorney

  *27.1     Financial Data Schedules for the year ended December 31, 1997

  *27.2     Restated Financial Data Schedules for the years ended December 31,
            1995 and 1996, and the quarters ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996
            and September 30, 1996

  *27.3     Restated Financial Data Schedules for the quarters ended March 31,
            1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996

</TABLE>

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

    * Filed herewith
   ** Incorporated by reference to the filing indicated

                                     27
<PAGE>

                           SIGNATURES

 In accordance with 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.

                                CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
                                (Registrant)

                                By:/s/ CLAYTON W. WILLIAMS, JR. *
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                       Clayton W. Williams, Jr.
                                    Chairman of the Board, President
                                      and Chief Executive Officer


   In accordance with 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.

<TABLE>

           Signature                           Title                            Date
- --------------------------------    -------------------------------        --------------
<S>                                 <C>                                    <C>

  /s/ CLAYTON W. WILLIAMS, JR. *     Chairman of the Board,                March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------     President and Chief Executive
    Clayton W. Williams, Jr.         Officer and Director
                                     

       /s/ L. PAUL LATHAM            Executive Vice President,             March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------     Chief Operating Officer and
         L. Paul Latham              Director
                                     

       /s/ MEL G. RIGGS *            Senior Vice President -               March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------     Finance, Secretary, Treasurer,
          Mel G. Riggs               Chief Financial Officer and Director
                                     

     /s/ STANLEY S. BEARD *          Director                              March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------
        Stanley S. Beard

  /s/ WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. *     Director                              March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------
    William P. Clements, Jr.

     /s/ ROBERT L. PARKER *          Director                              March 20, 1998
- --------------------------------
        Robert L. Parker

* By:  /s/ L. PAUL LATHAM
- --------------------------------
         L. Paul Latham
        ATTORNEY-IN-FACT

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                         CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
                                                    
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>

Report of Independent Public Accountants................................   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets.............................................   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations...................................   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.........................   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...................................   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................   F-7

</TABLE>


                                    F-1
<PAGE>
            REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors of
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.:

   We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clayton 
Williams Energy, Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.  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 financial position of Clayton Williams Energy, 
Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

   As discussed in Note 9, effective October 1, 1995, the Company adopted 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."

                                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Dallas, Texas
 February 27, 1998


                                      F-2

<PAGE>

                 CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
                  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


                             ASSETS
<TABLE>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ---------------------
                                                            1997        1996
                                                         --------     --------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
 Cash and cash equivalents............................   $  2,150     $  2,479
 Accounts receivable:
  Trade, net..........................................      4,197        1,876
  Affiliates..........................................        173           92
  Oil and gas sales...................................      9,126       10,440
 Inventory............................................      2,530          518
 Other................................................      1,243          557
                                                         --------     --------
                                                           19,419       15,962
                                                         --------     --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method....    412,352      354,532
 Natural gas gathering and processing systems.........      7,869        7,655
 Other                                                     10,411        9,547
                                                         --------     --------
                                                          430,632      371,734
 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and
   amortization.......................................   (315,559)    (284,173)
                                                         --------     --------
     Property and equipment, net......................    115,073       87,561
                                                         --------     --------
OTHER ASSETS..........................................         70           75
                                                         --------     --------
                                                         $134,562     $103,598
                                                         --------     --------
                                                         --------     --------


                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 Accounts payable:
  Trade...............................................   $ 16,480     $ 10,233
  Affiliates..........................................        603          615
  Oil and gas sales...................................      7,679        7,454
 Current maturities of long-term debt.................         42          112
 Accrued liabilities and other........................        984          970
                                                         --------     --------
                                                           25,788       19,384
                                                         --------     --------
LONG-TERM DEBT........................................     35,700       18,000
                                                         --------     --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share;
  authorized - 3,000,000 shares; issued and
  outstanding - none..................................          -          -
 Common stock, par value $.10 per share;
  authorized - 15,000,000 shares; issued -
  8,980,539 shares in 1997 and 8,927,658 shares
  in 1996.............................................        898          893
 Additional paid-in capital...........................     70,856       70,248
 Retained earnings (deficit)..........................      2,840       (4,927)
                                                         --------     --------
                                                           74,594       66,214
 Less treasury stock, at cost (95,000 shares in 1997)      (1,520)           -
                                                         --------     --------
                                                           73,074       66,214
                                                         --------     --------
                                                         $134,562     $103,598
                                                         --------     --------
                                                         --------     --------
</TABLE>

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

                                       F-3
<PAGE>

                 CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)

<TABLE>

                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               -------------------------------
                                                  1997      1996        1995
                                               --------    -------      ------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>       <C>
REVENUES
 Oil and gas sales..........................    $70,929    $60,610    $43,883
 Natural gas services.......................      4,559      4,281      5,388
                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total revenues............................     75,488     64,891     49,271
                                                -------    -------    -------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
 Lease operations...........................     16,205     14,776     13,533
 Exploration:
  Abandonments and impairments..............      2,692        597      1,472
  Seismic and other.........................      7,629      1,036         83
 Natural gas services.......................      3,955      3,437      3,714
 Depreciation, depletion and amortization...     31,273     23,758     25,110
 Impairment of property and equipment.......        236      1,186     10,259
 General and administrative.................      4,181      3,266      3,708
                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total costs and expenses..................     66,171     48,056     57,879
                                                -------    -------    -------
  Operating income (loss)...................      9,317     16,835     (8,608)
                                                -------    -------    -------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 Interest expense...........................     (1,767)    (3,440)    (5,493)
 Other......................................        217        335      6,022
                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total other income (expense)..............     (1,550)    (3,105)       529
                                                -------    -------    -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES...........      7,767     13,730     (8,079)
                                                -------    -------    -------
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
 Current....................................          -          -          -
 Deferred...................................          -          -          -
                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total income tax expense..................          -          -          -
                                                -------    -------    -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)...........................    $ 7,767    $13,730    $(8,079)
                                                -------    -------    -------
                                                -------    -------    -------
Net income (loss) per common share:
 Basic......................................     $  .87    $  1.80     $(1.31)
                                                -------    -------    -------
                                                -------    -------    -------
 Diluted....................................     $  .85    $  1.76     $(1.31)
                                                -------    -------    -------
                                                -------    -------    -------

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 Basic......................................      8,888      7,624      6,165
                                                -------    -------    -------
                                                -------    -------    -------
 Diluted....................................      9,094      7,800      6,165
                                                -------    -------    -------
                                                -------    -------    -------

</TABLE>


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

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

                 CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                         (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
                                           COMMON STOCK     
                                        -----------------    ADDITIONAL   RETAINED
                                        NO. OF       PAR      PAID-IN     EARNINGS      TREASURY
                                        SHARES      VALUE     CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)      STOCK        TOTAL
                                        ------      -----     -------     ---------      -----        -----
<S>                                     <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>

BALANCE,
  December 31, 1994..................    5,700      $570      $48,934       $(10,578)   $     -      $38,926

     Sale of stock through rights
       offering, net of offering
       costs.........................    1,599       160        3,648              -          -        3,808
     Issuance of stock through
       compensation plans............      111        11          330              -          -          341
     Net loss........................        -         -            -        (8,079)          -       (8,079)
                                         -----      ----      -------        -------    -------      -------
BALANCE,
  December 31, 1995..................    7,410       741       52,912       (18,657)          -       34,996

     Sale of stock through secondary
       public offering, net of
       offering costs................    1,428       143       16,874              -          -       17,017
     Issuance of stock through
       compensation plans............       90         9          462              -          -          471
     Net income......................        -         -            -         13,730          -       13,730
                                         -----      ----      -------        -------    -------      -------
BALANCE,
  December 31, 1996..................    8,928       893       70,248        (4,927)          -       66,214

     Repurchase of common stock
       for treasury..................        -         -            -              -    (1,520)       (1,520)
     Issuance of stock through
       compensation plans............       53         5          608              -          -          613
     Net income......................        -         -            -          7,767          -        7,767
                                         -----      ----      -------        -------    -------      -------
BALANCE,
  December 31, 1997..................    8,981      $898      $70,856        $ 2,840    $(1,520)     $73,074
                                         -----      ----      -------        -------    -------      -------
                                         -----      ----      -------        -------    -------      -------

</TABLE>
    
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                consolidated financial statements.
 
                                     F-5
<PAGE>

                 CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          -----------------------------------
                                                           1997           1996         1995
                                                          -------       --------     --------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 Net income (loss)....................................     $7,767       $ 13,730     $ (8,079)
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization............     31,273         23,758       25,110
  Impairment of property and equipment................        236          1,186       10,259
  Exploration costs...................................      2,692            597        1,472
  Gain on sales of property and equipment.............       (155)          (293)      (5,978)
  Other...............................................        582            445          341
 Changes in operating working capital:
  Accounts receivable.................................     (1,088)        (3,871)         121
  Accounts payable....................................        766          4,824          737
  Other...............................................     (2,749)           (70)         220
                                                          -------       --------     --------
   Net cash provided by operating activities..........     39,324         40,306       24,203
                                                          -------       --------     --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 Additions to property and equipment..................    (56,167)       (33,100)     (20,433)
 Proceeds from sales of property and equipment........        303          3,862        7,950
                                                          -------       --------     --------
   Net cash used in investing activities..............    (55,864)       (29,238)     (12,483)
                                                          -------       --------     --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 Proceeds from long-term debt.........................     17,700              -            -
 Repayments of long-term debt.........................          -        (26,935)     (15,656)
 Repurchase of common stock for treasury..............     (1,520)             -            -
 Proceeds from sale of common stock...................         31         17,043        3,808
                                                          -------       --------     --------
   Net cash provided by (used in) financing
    activities........................................     16,211         (9,892)     (11,848)
                                                          -------       --------     --------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
 CASH EQUIVALENTS.....................................       (329)         1,176         (128)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 Beginning of period..................................      2,479          1,303        1,431
                                                          -------       --------     --------
 End of period........................................    $ 2,150       $  2,479     $  1,303
                                                          -------       --------     --------
                                                          -------       --------     --------

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 Cash paid for interest, net of amounts
   capitalized........................................    $ 1,668        $ 3,434     $  5,613
                                                          -------        -------     --------
                                                          -------        -------     --------
</TABLE>


              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                     consolidated financial statements.
                                 
                                 F-6
<PAGE>

                 CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION

   Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, was 
incorporated in September 1991 for the purpose of consolidating and 
continuing certain operations previously conducted by affiliates of Clayton 
W. Williams, Jr. ("Mr. Williams").  Concurrent with the completion of the 
initial public offering of the Company's common stock on May 26, 1993, these 
operations were consolidated, and the Company succeeded to most of the oil 
and gas properties, exploration and development operations and the natural 
gas gathering and marketing operations of Mr. Williams and his affiliates.

   The Company is primarily engaged in the exploration for and development 
and production of oil and natural gas in South and East Texas, Southeastern 
New Mexico and the Texas Gulf Coast.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles requires management of the Company 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 reportin g period.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates.

   PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
   The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Clayton 
Williams Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"). The 
Company accounts for its interests in joint ventures and partnerships (all of 
which are undivided) using the proportionate consolidation method, whereby 
its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are consolidated with 
other operations.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances 
associated with the consolidated operations have been eliminated.

   OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
   The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its
oil and gas properties, whereby costs of productive wells, developmental
dry holes and productive leases are capitalized and amortized using the
unit-of-production method based on estimated proved reserves.  Sales
proceeds from sales of individual properties are credited to property
costs.  No gain or loss is recognized until the entire amortization base
is sold or abandoned.

   Costs of acquisition of leaseholds are capitalized.  Unproved oil and gas 
properties with individually significant acquisition costs are periodically 
assessed and any impairment in value is charged to exploration costs.  The 
amount of impairment recognized on unproved properties which are not 
individually significant is determined by amortizing the costs of such 
properties within appropriate groups based on the Company's historical 
experience, acquisition dates and average lease terms.  The costs of unproved 
properties which are determined to hold proved reserves are transferred to 
proved oil and gas properties.

   Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical expenses and delay 
rentals, are charged to expense as incurred.  Exploratory drilling costs, 
including the cost of stratigraphic test wells, are initially capitalized but 
charged to exploration expense if and when the well is determined to be 
unsuccessful.

   NATURAL GAS AND OTHER PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
   Natural gas gathering and processing systems consist primarily of gas
gathering pipelines, compressors and gas processing plants.  Other
property and equipment consists primarily of field equipment and
facilities, office equipment, leasehold improvements and vehicles.  Major
renewals and betterments are 

                                     F-7
<PAGE>

                        CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

capitalized while the costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to expense 
as incurred.  The costs of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the 
applicable accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any 
gain or loss is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of operations.

   Depreciation of natural gas gathering and processing systems and other
property and equipment is computed on the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 32 years.

   VALUATION OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
   The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121 "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS
121"), which requires that the Company's long-lived assets, including its
oil and gas properties, be assessed for potential impairment in their
carrying values whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate such
impairment may have occurred.

   INCOME TAXES
   The Company follows the asset and liability method prescribed by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 "Accounting for Income
Taxes" ("SFAS 109").  Under this method of accounting for income taxes,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Under SFAS
109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in
enacted tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.

   INVENTORY
   Inventory consists primarily of tubular goods and other well equipment
which the Company plans to utilize in its ongoing exploration and
development activities and is carried at the lower of cost or market
value.

   CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST
   Interest costs associated with maintaining the Company's inventory of
unproved oil and gas properties are capitalized.  During the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company capitalized interest
totaling approximately $346,000, $68,000 and $85,000, respectively.

   STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
   The Company computes net income (loss) per common share in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings Per
Share" ("SFAS 128").  Basic net income (loss) per common share is based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each
period. Diluted net income (loss) per share gives further effect to the
additional dilution, if any, related to outstanding employee stock
options.

   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
   The Company accounts for stock-based compensation utilizing the
intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25").

                                       F-8
<PAGE>

                      CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


   REVENUE RECOGNITION AND GAS BALANCING
   The Company utilizes the sales method of accounting for natural gas
revenues whereby revenues are recognized based on the amount of gas sold
to purchasers.  The amount of gas sold may differ from the amount to which
the Company is entitled based on its revenue interests in the properties.
The Company did not have any significant imbalance positions at December
31, 1997, 1996 or 1995.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

   Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ------------------
                                                             1997       1996
                                                            -------    -------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                                                        <C>        <C> 

   Secured Bank Credit Facility (matures July 31, 1999)...  $35,700    $18,000
   Other..................................................       42        112
                                                            -------    -------
                                                             35,742     18,112
   Less current maturities................................       42        112
                                                            -------    -------
                                                            $35,700    $18,000
                                                            -------    -------
                                                            -------    -------

</TABLE>

   Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1997 are as
follows: 1998 - $42,000; and 1999 - $35,700,000.

   SECURED BANK CREDIT FACILITY
   The Company's secured bank credit facility provides for a revolving
loan facility in an amount not to exceed the lesser of the borrowing base,
as established by the banks, or that portion of the borrowing base
determined by the Company to be the elected borrowing limit.  At December
31, 1997, the elected borrowing limit was $50 million, and the available
credit on the revolving facility was $14.3 million.  The borrowing base is
scheduled to be redetermined in May 1998 and at least semi-annually
thereafter; however, either the Company or the banks may request a
borrowing base redetermination at any other time during the year.  Any
redetermination will be made at the discretion of the banks.  If, at any
time, outstanding advances plus letters of credit exceed the borrowing
base, the Company will be required to (i) pledge additional collateral,
(ii) prepay the excess in not more than five equal monthly installments or
(iii) elect to convert the entire amount of the facility to a term
obligation based on amortization formulas set forth in the loan agreement.
Substantially all of the Company's oil and gas properties are pledged to
secure advances under the secured bank credit facility.

   All outstanding balances on the secured bank credit facility may be
designated, at the Company's option, as either "Base Rate Loans" or
"Eurodollar Loans" (as defined in the loan agreement), provided that not
more than two Eurodollar traunches may be outstanding at any time.  Base
Rate Loans will bear interest at the fluctuating Base Rate plus a Base
Rate Margin ranging from 0% to 3/8% per annum, depending on levels of
outstanding advances and letters of credit.  Eurodollar Loans will bear
interest at the LIBOR rate for a fixed period of time elected by the
Company plus a Eurodollar Margin ranging from 1% to 1.75% per annum.  At
December 31, 1997, all of the Company's indebtedness under the Credit
Facility consisted of $5.7 million of Base Rate Loans at a rate of 8.8%
and $30 million of Eurodollar Loans at a rate of 7.5%.

   In addition, the Company pays the banks a commitment fee equal to 1/4%
per annum on the unused portion of the revolving loan commitment.
Interest on the revolving loan and commitment fees are payable quarterly,
and all outstanding principal and interest will be due July 31, 1999.

   The loan agreement requires the Company to maintain financial ratios
covering working capital, cash flow and net tangible assets.  The Company
was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 1997.

                                     F-9
<PAGE>

                      CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4.   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   In September 1995, the Company received $3,808,000, net of offering
costs of $93,000, from the sale of 1,598,971 shares of common stock at a
price of $2.44 per share pursuant to a registered rights offering made to
stockholders of record on August 18, 1995.  Proceeds from the offering
were used to repay indebtedness on the secured bank credit facility.

   In November 1996, the Company received $17,017,000, net of underwriters
discounts and other offering costs totaling $1,541,000, from the sale of
1,427,500 shares of common stock to the public at a price of $13.00.
Proceeds from the offering were used to repay indebtedness on the secured
bank credit facility.

   In January 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
Company to spend up to $2 million in 1997 to repurchase shares of its
common stock on the open market.  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had
purchased 95,000 shares at a cost of $1,520,000.

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

     In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS 128, which changes the method of
computing and disclosing earnings per share for periods ending after
December 15, 1997.  In accordance with SFAS 128, basic earnings per common
share was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted
earnings per common share was computed by including the dilutive effect,
if any, of outstanding employee stock options utilizing the treasury stock
method.  All prior periods have been restated to give effect to the
adoption of SFAS 128, the impact of which was immaterial.  For all periods
presented, the differences between basic shares and diluted shares were
attributable to the dilutive effect of employee stock options.

6. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

   1993 PLAN
   The Company has reserved 898,200 shares of common stock for issuance
under the 1993 Stock Compensation Plan ("1993 Plan").  The 1993 Plan
provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options with an exercise
price which is not less than the market value of the Company's common
stock on the date of grant.  All options granted through December 31, 1997
expire 10 years from the date of grant and become exercisable based on
varying vesting schedules.



                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                      CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

   The following table reflects activity in the 1993 Plan for 1997, 1996
and 1995.

<TABLE>
                                   1997                        1996                           1995
                            ----------------------     -----------------------     -------------------------
                                          WEIGHTED                    WEIGHTED                     WEIGHTED  
                                          AVERAGE                     AVERAGE                       AVERAGE  
                             SHARES        PRICE       SHARES           PRICE        SHARES          PRICE  
                             -------      ---------    -------         --------     --------        -------- 
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>              <C>

Beginning of year.........  458,766        $8.46       151,601          $2.45       149,101          $7.25
 Granted (a)..............  210,700       $15.36       321,500         $11.03       149,101          $2.38
 Exercised................  (12,791)       $2.53       (10,410)         $2.38           -                -
 Forfeited................  (24,406)       $5.53        (3,925)         $2.82       (18,540)         $7.25
 Cancelled (b)............        -         -                -           -         (128,061)         $7.25
                            -------                    -------                      -------
End of year...............  632,269       $10.99       458,766          $8.46       151,601          $2.45
                            -------                    -------                      -------
                            -------                    -------                      -------

Exercisable...............  194,357        $6.00       104,449          $2.47        75,800          $2.45
                            -------                    -------                      -------
                            -------                    -------                      -------
Issuable..................  265,931                    439,434                      146,599(c)
                            -------                    -------                      -------
                            -------                    -------                      -------

</TABLE>

- -------------------
(a)  In addition to the reissuances described in note (b), the 
     Company granted new options as follows:  1997 - 48,700 shares at
     $14.00 per share, 12,000 shares at $14.44 per share, and 150,000
     shares at $15.88 per share;  1996 - 121,500 shares at $3.25 per
     share and 200,000 shares at $15.75 per share; and 1995 - 21,040
     shares at $2.38 per share.
(b)  In 1995, the Company exchanged options to purchase 128,061
     shares granted in 1994 at an option price of $7.25 per share for
     an equal number of options at an option price of $2.38 per share.
(c)  At December 31, 1995, the Company had 298,200 shares reserved for 
     issuance under the 1993 Plan.


   DIRECTORS PLAN
   The Company has reserved 86,300 shares of common stock for issuance
under the Outside Directors Stock Option Plan ("Directors Plan").  Since
inception of the Directors Plan, the Company has issued options covering
15,000 shares of common stock (3,000 per year from 1993 through 1997) at
option prices ranging from $3.25 to $18.50 per share.  All options expire
10 years from the date of grant and are fully exercisable upon issuance.
At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 15,000 shares were outstanding,
and 71,300 shares remain available for future grants.

   BONUS INCENTIVE PLAN
   The Company has reserved 115,500 shares of common stock for issuance
under the Bonus Incentive Plan.  The plan provides that the Board of
Directors each year may award bonuses in cash, common stock of the
Company, or a combination thereof.  In November 1997, cash awards totaling
$31,500 and stock awards totaling 9,310 shares of common stock at a market
price of $16.00 per share were granted to certain employees and officers.
At December 31, 1997, 106,190 shares remain available for issuance under
this plan.

   STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
   In May 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted two stock
compensation plans, one for selected officers and one for outside
directors of the Company, permitting the Company to pay all or part of
selected executives' salaries and all outside director's fees in shares of
common stock in lieu of cash.  The Company reserved an aggregate of
650,000 shares of common stock for issuance under these plans.  During
1997 and 1996, the Company issued Mr. Williams 30,808 and 67,785 shares,
respectively, of common stock in lieu of cash compensation aggregating
$421,000 and $384,000, respectively, and issued 690 and 11,581 shares,
respectively, to three outside directors in lieu of cash compensation
aggregating $12,000 and $61,000, respectively.  The amounts of such
compensation are included in general and administrative expense in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The Company terminated
the outside directors stock compensation plan in January 1997.

                                  F-11

<PAGE>
                                                                             
                         CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

   SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE

    In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for 
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123").  SFAS 123 establishes a fair value 
method and disclosure standards for stock-based employee compensation 
arrangements, such as stock option plans.  As permitted by SFAS 123, the 
Company has elected to continue following the provisions of APB 25 for such 
stock-based compensation, under which no compensation expense has been 
recognized.  Had compensation expense for these plans been determined 
consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net income (loss) and net income 
(loss) per share would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
                                           1997        1996         1995
                                          ------      -------     --------
                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>

 Net income (loss):                        
  As reported.........................    $7,767      $13,730     $(8,079)
  Pro forma...........................    $7,175      $13,558     $(8,170)

 Net income (loss) per share:              
  Basic:
   As reported........................     $ .87        $1.80      $(1.31)
   Pro forma..........................     $ .81        $1.78      $(1.33)

  Diluted:
   As reported........................      $.85        $1.76      $(1.31)
   Pro forma..........................      $.79        $1.74      $(1.33)

</TABLE>

      SFAS 123 requires the use of option valuation models which were 
generally developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options 
which have no vesting restrictions, are fully transferable and generally have 
shorter life expectancies.  These valuation models also require the input of 
highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. 
Because the Company's stock option plans have characteristics significantly 
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective 
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in 
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a 
reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

   For purposes of the above pro forma disclosures, the fair value of each 
option grant is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes 
option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 
grants in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively:  risk-free interest rates of 
6.1%, 5.8% and 5.8%; dividend yields of 0%; volatility factors of the 
expected market price of the Company's common stock of .575, .561 and .411; 
and a life expectancy of each option of 7, 5.1 and 4.8 years.

7. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

   During the periods presented, the Company and various entities controlled 
by Mr. Williams provided certain general and administrative services to one 
another.  General and administrative expenses in the accompanying financial 
statements are net of charges by the Company to affiliates for services 
aggregating $684,000, $615,000 and $772,000 for the years ended December 31, 
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and include charges to the Company by 
affiliates for rents and services aggregating $200,000, $235,000 and $289,000 
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

   Prior to October 1995, the Company owned a 90% interest in the Mentone gas 
plant constructed in 1993 to process gas from two wells in Loving County, 
Texas pursuant to a long-term contract.  The two wells were substantially 
owned by entities controlled by Mr. Williams.  Because the plant and the 
wells are 

                                     F-12
<PAGE>
                                                                             
                          CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

largely dependent upon each other for their economic viability, the Company 
and the entities controlled by Mr. Williams contributed their respective 
interests in the plant and wells to a partnership effective October, 1995.  
After recoupment of certain workover costs borne by the original well owners, 
the Partnership was dissolved in 1996, and the Company received an undivided 
45% interest in the wells, proportionately reduced to the original well 
owners' interests, and retained a 45% interest in the plant.

   Accounts receivable from affiliates and accounts payable to affiliates 
include, among other things, amounts for charges whereby the Company is the 
operator of certain wells in which affiliates own an interest.  These charges 
are on terms which are consistent with the terms offered to unaffiliated 
third parties which own interests in wells operated by the Company.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   LEASES
   The Company leases office space from affiliates and nonaffiliates under 
noncancelable operating leases.  Rental expense pursuant to the office leases 
amounted to $337,000, $398,000 and $453,000 for the years ended December 31, 
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Included in property and equipment are 
assets under capital leases aggregating $33,000, $133,000 and $233,000 net of 
accumulated depreciation, at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

   Future minimum payments under noncancelable leases at December 31,
1997, are as follows:

<TABLE>
                                                      CAPITAL    OPERATING
                                                      LEASES      LEASES
                                                      -------    ---------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                                                  <C>        <C>

 1998..............................................    $43       $  506
 1999..............................................      -          407
 2000..............................................      -          349
 Thereafter........................................      -          369
                                                       ---       ------
  Total minimum lease payments.....................     43       $1,631
                                                                 ------
                                                                 ------
 Less amount representing interest.................     (1)
                                                       ---       
  Present value of net minimum lease payments......    $42
                                                       ---       
                                                       ---      

</TABLE>

   CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
   The Company's revenues are derived principally from uncollateralized sales 
to customers in the oil and gas industry.  The concentration of credit risk 
in a single industry affects the Company's overall exposure to credit risk 
because customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other 
conditions.  The Company has not experienced significant credit losses on 
such receivables.

   HEDGING ACTIVITIES
   From time to time, the Company utilizes forward sale and other
financial option arrangements, such as swaps and collars, to reduce price
risks on the sale of its oil and gas production.  The Company accounts for
such arrangements as hedging activities and, accordingly, records all
realized gains and losses as oil and gas revenues in the period the hedged
production is sold.  Included in oil and gas revenues are gains totaling
$252,000 in 1997, net losses totaling $1,156,000 in 1996 (comprised of
losses of $1,299,000 partially offset by gains of $143,000), and $342,000
in 1995 (comprised of losses of $426,000 partially offset by gains of
$84,000).  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had entered into swap
arrangements for 1,780,000 barrels of oil production for the period from
January 1998 through December 1998 at an average price of $19.61.  In
addition, the Company has hedged 570,000 MMBtu of its gas production from
January 1998 through March 1998 under collar arrangements with average
floor prices of $2.92 and average ceiling prices 

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                                                                             
                             CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

of $3.26, and has hedged 1,140,000 MMBtu from April 1998 through September 
1998 at an average price of $2.08.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
   The Company is a defendant in a suit styled The State of Texas, et al v. 
Union Pacific Resources Company et al, presently pending in Lee County, 
Texas. The suit attempts to establish a class action consisting of 
unidentified royalty and working interest owners throughout the State of 
Texas. Among other things, the plaintiffs are seeking actual and exemplary 
damages for alleged violation of various statutes relating to common carriers 
and common purchasers of crude oil including discrimination in the purchase 
of oil by giving preferential treatment to defendants' own oil and conspiring 
to keep the posted price or sales price of oil below market value. A general 
denial has been filed. Because the Company is neither a common purchaser nor 
common carrier of oil, management of the Company believes there is no merit 
to the allegations as they relate to the Company or its operations.

   The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal 
course of its business, including actions for which insurance coverage is 
available.  While the ultimate results of these proceedings cannot be 
predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that the outcome of 
any of these matters will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material 
adverse effect on its financial condition; however, they could have a 
material impact on results of operations in an annual or interim period.

9. IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

   Effective October 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS 121 and recorded a 
provision for impairment of property and equipment totaling $10.3 million, of 
which $9.1 million related to proved oil and gas properties and $1.2 million 
related to gas gathering and processing systems.  Substantially all of the 
impaired assets are located in the Pearsall Field of South Texas.

   During 1996, the Company recorded an additional provision for impairment 
under SFAS 121 of $1.2 million resulting from a revision in reserve estimates 
subsequent to December 31, 1995, attributable to a proved undeveloped 
location in the Texas Gulf Coast area.

   During 1997, the Company recorded an additional provision for impairment 
under SFAS 121 of $236,000 attributable to certain minor-value properties.

10. SALES OF ASSETS

   In August 1995, XCEL Gas Company, a general partnership in which the 
Company owned a 77% interest, sold its interest in a gas gathering system, 
and the Company sold its 43% interest in the El Campo gas processing system, 
for aggregate net proceeds of $7.7 million, resulting in a combined gain on 
sale of property and equipment of $6.0 million, net to the Company.  The 
Company used the proceeds from these sales to repay indebtedness on the 
secured bank credit facility.

   In January 1996, the Company sold its rights to the Buda and Georgetown 
formations under approximately 28,000 net acres in Robertson County, Texas 
for $3.5 million.  The net proceeds were used to repay indebtedness on the 
secured bank credit facility.  No gain or loss was recognized on the sale.

11. INCOME TAXES

   Since the Consolidation discussed in Note 1, the Company has incurred net 
income for financial reporting purposes aggregating $2.8 million and has 
recognized cumulative tax losses of approximately $36 million which can be 
carried forward and used to offset future taxable income.  Tax loss 
carryforwards 

                                     F-14
<PAGE>
                                                                         
                          CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
               NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

begin to expire in 2008.  Due to the uncertainty of realizing the related 
future benefits from tax loss carryforwards, valuation allowances have been 
recorded to the extent net deferred tax assets exceed net deferred tax 
liabilities at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

   The tax effected temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards which
comprise net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE> 
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                           ----------------------------------
                                             1997         1996          1995
                                           --------     --------      -------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
 Depreciable and depletable property....   $(12,828)    $(10,216)     $(4,030)
 Tax loss carryforwards.................     12,584       12,737       11,305
 Other..................................        936          929          912
 Valuation allowance....................       (692)      (3,450)      (8,187)
                                           --------     --------      -------
   Net deferred tax asset (liability)...   $      -     $      -      $     -
                                           --------     --------      -------
                                           --------     --------      -------
</TABLE>

   The reductions in the valuation allowances reported above are based on 
improvements in financial results of the Company since 1995.  All of the 
differences between the statutory income tax rates and the effective income 
tax rates are attributable to the change in the valuation allowance.

12. COSTS OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

   The following table sets forth certain information with respect to costs 
incurred in connection with the Company's oil and gas producing activities:

<TABLE>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        -----------------------------------
                                          1997           1996         1995
                                        -------        -------      -------
                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>            <C>          <C>
 Property acquisitions:
 Proved.............................    $     -        $ 1,375      $     -
 Unproved...........................     14,042          5,002        2,254
 Developmental costs................     32,656         20,931       16,823
 Exploratory costs..................     13,813          6,306        1,407
                                        -------        -------      -------
  Total...........................      $60,511        $33,614      $20,484
                                        -------        -------      -------
                                        -------        -------      -------
</TABLE>

   The following table sets forth the capitalized costs for oil and gas
properties:

<TABLE>
                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                 -------------------------
                                                   1997             1996
                                                 ---------       ---------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                                             <C>             <C>

 Proved properties..........................     $ 393,672       $ 349,752
 Unproved properties........................        18,680           4,780
                                                 ---------       ---------
 Total capitalized costs....................       412,352         354,532
 Accumulated depreciation, depletion and         
 amortization...............................      (300,569)       (269,961)
                                                 ---------       ---------
  Net capitalized costs.....................     $ 111,783       $  84,571
                                                 ---------       ---------
                                                 ---------       ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

                         CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13.    OIL AND GAS RESERVE INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

   The estimates of proved oil and gas reserves utilized in the
preparation of the consolidated financial statements were prepared by
independent petroleum engineers.  Such estimates are in accordance with
guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
Financial Accounting Standards Board, which require that reserve reports
be prepared under economic and operating conditions existing at the
registrant's year end with no provision for price and cost escalations
except by contractual arrangements. The Company's reserves are
substantially located onshore in the United States.

   The Company emphasizes that reserve estimates are inherently imprecise.
Accordingly, the estimates are expected to change as more current
information becomes available.  In addition, a portion of the Company's
proved reserves is undeveloped, which increases the imprecision inherent
in estimating reserves which may ultimately be produced.

   The following table sets forth proved oil and gas reserves together
with the changes therein (oil in MBbls, gas in MMcf, gas converted to MBOE
at one MBbl per six MMcf):

<TABLE>
                                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1997                          1996                         1995
                                          -------------------------     -------------------------    --------------------------
                                           Oil      Gas       MBOE       Oil      Gas       MBOE       Oil      Gas       MBOE
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Proved reserves
  Beginning of period                     8,507    35,798    14,474     5,963    39,496    12,546     5,304    46,691    13,086
  Revisions                                (726)    1,020      (556)      457    (2,359)       64        98      (914)      (54)
  Extensions and discoveries              3,532     1,134     3,721     4,077       113     4,096     2,392       564     2,486
  Purchases of minerals-in-place              -         -         -       213     4,132       902         -         -         -
  Production                             (2,903)   (5,091)   (3,752)   (2,203)   (5,584)   (3,134)   (1,831)   (6,845)   (2,972)
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
  End of period                           8,410    32,861    13,887     8,507    35,798    14,474     5,963    39,496    12,546
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
Proved developed reserves
  Beginning of period                     7,199    30,496    12,282     5,381    31,668    10,659     4,635    38,505    11,052
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
  End of period                           7,826    27,392    12,392     7,199    30,496    12,282     5,381    31,668    10,659
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
                                          -----    ------    ------     -----    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
</TABLE>


   The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to
proved reserves was as follows:

<TABLE>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                          1997           1996           1995
                                                        --------       --------       --------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
Future cash inflows                                     $219,528       $342,576       $191,191
Future costs:
  Production                                             (67,207)       (93,359)       (55,626)
  Development                                            (13,445)       (15,543)        (9,295)
  Income taxes                                           (10,445)       (50,508)        (9,875)
                                                        --------       --------       --------
Future net cash flows                                    128,431        183,166        116,395
10% discount factor                                      (36,028)       (47,453)       (27,565)
                                                        --------       --------       --------
Standardized measure of discounted future net
 cash flows                                             $ 92,403       $135,713       $ 88,830
                                                        --------       --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------       --------
</TABLE>


                                               F-16

<PAGE>

                         CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.
          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

       Changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash
flows relating to proved reserves were as follows:

<TABLE>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                          1997           1996           1995
                                                        --------       --------       --------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
Standardized measure, beginning of period               $135,713       $ 88,830       $ 74,210
Net changes in sales prices, net of production
 costs                                                   (49,024)        56,812         12,515
Revisions of quantity estimates                           (4,376)           811           (383)
Accretion of discount                                     16,067          8,883          7,421
Changes in future development costs, including
 development costs incurred that reduced future
 development costs                                         8,622          5,713          3,777
Changes in timing and other                                 (874)          (887)        (3,460)
Net change in income taxes                                17,442        (24,957)             -
Extensions and discoveries                                23,557         38,703         25,100
Sales, net of production costs                           (54,724)       (45,834)       (30,350)
Purchases of minerals-in-place                                 -          7,639              -
                                                        --------       --------       --------
Standardized measure, end of period                     $ 92,403       $135,713       $ 88,830
                                                        --------       --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------       --------
</TABLE>



















                                                F-17

<PAGE>

                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT
NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- -------     ------------------------------------------------------------------
 10.9       First Amendment to Bonus Incentive Plan

 23.1       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

 23.2       Consent of Williamson Petroleum Consultants, Inc.

 24.1       Power of Attorney

 24.2       Certified copy of resolution of Board of Directors of Clayton 
            Williams Energy, Inc. authorizing signature pursuant to Power 
            of Attorney

 27.1       Financial Data Schedules for the year ended December 31, 1997

 27.2       Restated Financial Data Schedules for the years ended December 31,
            1995 and 1996, and the quarters ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 
            1996 and September 30, 1996

 27.3       Restated Financial Data Schedules for the quarters ended March 31,
            1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997




<PAGE>


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.9


                  FIRST AMENDMENT TO BONUS INCENTIVE PLAN OF
                       CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC.

                     ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
              CLAYTON WILLIAMS ENERGY, INC. ON NOVEMBER 12, 1997


     1.   Section 6 of the Bonus Incentive Plan of Clayton Williams Energy, 
Inc. (the "Plan"), is hereby modified by deleting the first sentence of 
Section 6, and replacing such first sentence with the following:

          Between November 1, of each Fiscal Year and February 28 of the
          following year, the Committee shall submit its recommendations
          to the Board of Directors with respect to (i) each participant,
          if any, the Committee has selected as a potential Beneficiary to
          receive an Award for such Fiscal Year, (ii) the proposed amount
          to each such Award, and (iii) whether each such Award should be
          paid in cash, in shares of Common Stock, or a combination
          thereof.


     2.   Section 7 of the Plan is hereby modified by deleting the first
sentence of Section 7, and replacing such first sentence with the following:

          Promptly upon receiving the recommendations of the Committee,
          but in no event later than February 28 of the year following the
          Fiscal Year under consideration, the Board of Directors shall
          determine (i) the Beneficiaries who will be entitled to receive
          Awards for such Fiscal Year, (ii) the amount of each such Award,
          and (iii) whether each such Award will be made in cash, shares
          of Common Stock or a combination thereof.

     3.   Except as expressly modified above, the Plan shall remain unchanged
and in full force and effect.


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation 
of our report included in this Form 10-K into the Company's previously filed 
Registration Statements on Form S-8 File Numbers 33-68320, 33-68318, 
33-68316, 33-69688, and 33-92834.


                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 20, 1998


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ENGINEERS

     As independent engineering consultants, we hereby consent to the use of 
our report entitled "Evaluation of Oil and Gas Reserves 1) to the Interests 
of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. in Domestic Oil and Gas Properties and 2) to 
the Interests of Warrior Gas Company in the Gataga Gas Unit No. 5A, Vermejo 
(Ellenburger) Field, Loving County, Texas, Effective December 31, 1997, for 
Disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Utilizing Aries 
Software, Williamson Project 7.8548" dated March 6, 1998 and data extracted 
therefrom (and all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this 
Form 10-K Annual Report to be filed on or about March 20, 1998 and to the 
incorporation by reference of this Form 10-K Annual Report (including the use 
of our report and references to our Firm herein) into those certain 
Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed by Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, file numbers 33-68320, 33-68318, 
33-68316, 33-69688, and 33-92834 covering the Bonus Incentive Plan of Clayton 
Williams Energy, Inc., 1993 Stock Compensation Plan of Clayton Williams 
Energy, Inc., Outside Directors Stock Option Plan of Clayton Williams Energy, 
Inc., Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. 401(k) Plan & Trust, and the Executive 
Incentive Stock Compensation Plan of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc., 
respectively.



                              WILLIAMSON PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS, INC.

Houston, Texas
March 17, 1998


<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 24.1


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, the undersigned, being Officers and 
Directors of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware 
corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Clayton W. Williams, Jr. and L. 
Paul Latham, or either of them, with full power of substitution, our true and 
lawful attorneys and agents, to do any and all acts and things in our names 
in the capacities indicated which Clayton W. Williams, Jr. and L. Paul 
Latham, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the 
Company to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 
any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission in connection with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the year ended December 31, 1997, including specifically, but not limited to, 
the power and authority to sign such Form 10-K for us, or any of us, in our 
names in the capacities indicated, and any and all amendments thereto; and we 
do hereby ratify and confirm all that Clayton W. Williams, Jr., and L. Paul 
Latham or either of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of 
March, 1998.


/s/ Clayton W. Williams, Jr.           /s/ L. Paul Latham
- -----------------------------------    ---------------------------------------
CLAYTON W. WILLIAMS, JR.               L. PAUL LATHAM
President, Chairman of the Board,      Executive Vice President, Chief 
Chief Executive Officer and a          Operating Officer and a Director
Director 



/s/ Mel G. Riggs                       /s/ William P. Clements
- -----------------------------------    ---------------------------------------
MEL G. RIGGS                           WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS
Senior Vice President - Finance and    Director
Secretary (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


/s/ Stanley S. Beard                    /s/ Robert L. Parker
- -----------------------------------    ---------------------------------------
STANLEY S. BEARD                       ROBERT L. PARKER
Director                               Director



<PAGE>



                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.2


                          CERTIFICATE OF RESOLUTION

     I, Mel G. Riggs, Secretary of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc., a Delaware 
corporation, do hereby certify that the Board of Directors of Clayton 
Williams Energy, Inc. acting by unanimous consent duly adopted the following 
resolutions as of March 13, 1998.

          RESOLVED, that the Directors and proper officers of this corporation
     be and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver a
     Power of Attorney to CLAYTON W. WILLIAMS, JR. and L. PAUL LATHAM in the
     following form:

               KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, the undersigned, being Officers
          and Directors of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (the "Company"), a
          Delaware corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Clayton W.
          Williams, Jr. and L. Paul Latham, or either of them, with full power
          of substitution, our true and lawful attorneys and agents, to do any
          and all acts and things in our names in the capacities indicated
          which Clayton W. Williams, Jr. and L. Paul Latham, or either of them,
          may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with
          the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules,
          regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange
          Commission in connection with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
          for the year ended December 31, 1997, including specifically, but
          not limited to, the power and authority to sign such Form 10-K for
          us, or any of us, in our names in the capacities indicated, and any
          and all amendments thereto; and we do hereby ratify and confirm all
          that Clayton W. Williams, Jr., and L. Paul Latham or either of them,
          shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the proper officers of this corporation be and
    they are hereby authorized and directed to take all such other action as
    they may deem advisable in order to carry out the intent and purposes of
    the foregoing resolution.
  
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on behalf of this 
corporation on this twentieth day of March, 1998.



                                          /s/ Mel G. Riggs
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          MEL G. RIGGS, Secretary


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           2,150
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   13,496
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      2,530
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                19,419
<PP&E>                                         430,632
<DEPRECIATION>                                 315,559
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 134,562
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           25,788
<BONDS>                                         35,700
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           898
<OTHER-SE>                                      72,196
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   134,562
<SALES>                                         70,929
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                75,488
<CGS>                                           16,205
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   66,171
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (217)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,767
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,767
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,767
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,767
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .87
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .85
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR                   YEAR                   3-MOS                   6-MOS
9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996
             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995             MAR-31-1996             JUN-30-1996
             SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           2,479                   1,303                   1,065                   1,210
                   1,241
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,408                   8,537                   8,664                   9,641
                   8,603
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<INVENTORY>                                        518                     565                     471                     445
                     418
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                15,962                  10,910                  10,515                  11,861
                  10,897
<PP&E>                                         371,734                 341,679                 346,827                 355,251
                 363,067
<DEPRECIATION>                                 284,173                 259,533                 265,154                 272,512
                 278,377
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 103,598                  93,161                  92,249                  94,672
                  95,647
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           19,384                  24,627                  25,374                  17,057
                  16,456
<BONDS>                                         18,000                  33,538                  30,358                  38,528
                  36,522
                                0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<COMMON>                                           893                     741                     745                     748
                     749
<OTHER-SE>                                      65,321                  34,255                  35,772                  38,339
                  41,920
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   103,598                  93,161                  92,249                  94,672
                  95,647
<SALES>                                         60,610                  43,883                  12,368                  27,517
                  42,136
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                64,891                  49,271                  13,332                  29,466
                  45,050
<CGS>                                           14,776                  13,533                   3,598                   7,161
                  10,808
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   48,056                  57,879                  10,993                  23,720
                  35,014
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (335)                 (6,022)                    (47)                    (40)
                    (60)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,440                   5,493                     982                   1,943
                   2,783
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 13,730                 (8,079)                   1,404                   3,843
                   7,313
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             13,730                 (8,079)                   1,404                   3,843
                   7,313
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    13,730                 (8,079)                   1,404                   3,843
                   7,313
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.80                  (1.31)                     .19                     .51
                     .97
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.76                  (1.31)                     .19                     .51
                     .95
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   6-MOS                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997             JUN-30-1997             SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                           1,176                   1,614                   1,712
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,099                  10,124                  11,542
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0                       0
<INVENTORY>                                        502                     704                     952
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                13,268                  12,873                  15,107
<PP&E>                                         384,379                 397,386                 411,128
<DEPRECIATION>                                 290,485                 298,087                 306,629
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 107,189                 112,201                 119,689
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           21,722                  19,637                  21,211
<BONDS>                                         17,000                  22,800                  27,500
                                0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                           895                     895                     896
<OTHER-SE>                                      67,572                  68,869                  70,082
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   107,189                 112,201                 119,689
<SALES>                                         16,564                  32,820                  51,538
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                17,894                  34,987                  54,912
<CGS>                                            4,141                   7,930                  11,847
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   14,337                  29,873                  48,225
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (26)                    (95)                   (109)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 352                     791                   1,271
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  3,231                   4,418                   5,525
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                       0                       0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,231                   4,418                   5,525
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,231                   4,418                   5,525
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .36                     .50                     .62
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .35                     .49                     .61
        

</TABLE>


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