PATTERSON ENERGY INC
S-3/A, 1997-08-18
DRILLING OIL & GAS WELLS
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<PAGE>   1
   
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 1997
    
                                                      Registration No. 333-29035
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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

   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                             PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


           Delaware                                      75-2504748
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

                              4510 Lamesa Highway
                             Snyder, Texas   79549
                                 (915) 573-1104
  (Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)

                               Cloyce A. Talbott
                              4510 Lamesa Highway
                             Snyder, Texas   79549
                                 (915) 573-1104
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)

                                   Copies to:

                            Thomas H. Maxfield, Esq.
                             Baker & Hostetler LLP
                          303 East Seventeenth Avenue
                                   Suite 1100
                            Denver, Colorado   80203

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
 As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

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

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

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

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

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

   
    

  The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
PROSPECTUS


                                 566,000 SHARES

                             PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.

                                  COMMON STOCK


    Patterson Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), is
registering for possible future resale, from time to time, by the holders
thereof (the "Selling Stockholders"), 566,000 shares (the "Shares") of the
Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock").  See
"Selling Stockholders."  As a part of the issuance of the Shares, the Company
granted registration rights to the Selling Stockholders.  Pursuant to the terms
of these registration rights, the Company is obligated to pay all fees and
expenses incurred by it incident to this offering.  It is estimated that such
fees and expenses will be approximately $14,000.  The Company will not receive
any proceeds from the sale of the Shares.

   
    The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"PTEN."  On August 18, 1997, the closing sales price of the Common Stock was
$34.4375 per share.
    

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

 PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE MATTERS
             SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4.

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

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

                        ------------------------------
                         
    The Selling Stockholders may offer the Shares offered hereby from time to
time to purchasers directly or through agents, brokers or dealers.  The Shares
may be sold at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated
prices.  The agents, brokers or dealers through whom sales are made may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), and any amounts received by them in exchange
for their services in connection with such sales may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions.  See "Plan of Distribution."




                               August 19, 1997
<PAGE>   3
    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY.  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY
ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE
HEREOF.


                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION


    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such reports, proxy
statements, and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, Room
1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as at the
following regional offices:  7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048, and Citicorp Center, Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511.  Copies of such materials may be obtained at prescribed
rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza,
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.  The Company's
Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market.  The foregoing materials
can also be inspected at the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
1735 K. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

    The Company has also filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the Shares offered hereby.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission.  For further information
pertaining to the Company and the Shares offered hereby, reference is made to
the Registration Statement, copies of which may be inspected without charge at
the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary
Plaza, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of
which may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the prescribed fees.

    In addition, the Commission maintains a web site that contains reports,
proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the Commission.  The Company is such a filer.
The Commission's web site address is (http://www.sec.gov).





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


All numerical information contained in this Prospectus relating to shares of
the Company's Common Stock gives affect to two-for-one split of the Common
Stock effective on July 25, 1997, with a record date of July 11, 1997.





                                       2
<PAGE>   4
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE


    The following documents, which have been filed by the Company with the
Commission, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus:

    (a)      The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996.

    (b)      The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997.

    (c)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 1996, and
filed with the Commission on August 2, 1996, as amended by Form 8-K/A dated
July 30, 1996, and filed with the Commission on August 15, 1996, as further
amended by Form 8-K/A dated July 30, 1996, and filed with the Commission on
September 27, 1996.

    (d)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 3, 1997,
and filed with the Commission on January 16, 1997.

    (e)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 1997,
and filed with the Commission on January 8, 1997.

    (f)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 1997,
and filed with the Commission on February 12, 1997.

    (g)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 7, 1997, and
filed with the Commission on May 19, 1997.

    (h)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 3, 1997, and
filed with the Commission on June 11, 1997.

   
    (i)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 12, 1997, and
filed with the Commission on June 19, 1997, as amended by Form 8-K/A dated June
12, 1997, and filed with the Commission on August 12, 1997.
    

    (j)      The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 1997, and
filed with the Commission on July 15, 1997.

   
    (k)      The Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1997, and filed with the Commission on August 14, 1997.
    
 
   
    (l)      The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission under
the Exchange Act.
    

    All documents filed by the Company after the date of this Prospectus
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and prior to
the termination of the offering hereunder shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
of such documents.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or
is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

    The Company will provide, without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such
person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by reference,
other than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in such documents).  Written requests for such copies
should be directed to James C. Brown, Vice President - Finance, Patterson
Energy, Inc., at the Company's principal executive offices located at 4510
Lamesa Highway, Snyder, Texas 79549.  Telephone requests may be directed to Mr.
Brown at (915) 573-1104.





                                       3
<PAGE>   5
                                  THE COMPANY

    The Company is engaged in onshore contract drilling for oil and natural
gas, and, to a lesser extent in the exploration, development and production of
oil and natural gas.  The Company owns 90 drilling rigs, 85 of which are
currently operable, and leasehold interests in approximately 59,750 gross
(8,836 net) developed acres, 353 gross (88 net) productive wells, and 122,029
gross (28,398 net) undeveloped acres.  The Company's operations are conducted
in the Permian Basin in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico, in South and
Southeast Texas, primarily in the Austin Chalk Trend, and in the Hardeman Basin
in North Texas.  The Company was organized as a Texas corporation in January
1978 and was reorganized as a Delaware corporation in 1993.

                              RECENT ACQUISITIONS

    Since December 31, 1996, the Company has acquired a total of 29 drilling
rigs in three separate transactions.  All of the rigs were fully operable at
the time of acquisition.  The rigs are mechanical with depth ratings from 7,000
to 15,000 feet.  These acquisitions have expanded the Company's drilling rig
fleet from 61 drilling rigs to 90 drilling rigs (85 of which are currently
operable).  The following subparagraphs set forth a brief description of each
of the transactions:

    o      Five drilling rigs, together with related equipment, two rig hauling
           trucks, an office, shop and a yard located in Hobbs, New Mexico, were
           acquired in April 1997 from a privately-held company based in Hobbs
           in consideration for a total of $5.5 million in cash.  These five
           rigs were added to the Company's drilling rig fleet during April.


    o      Twenty-one drilling rigs, together with related equipment,
           rig-hauling trucks and trailers and a yard and shop located in
           Abilene, Texas, were acquired from Wes-Tex Drilling Company
           ("Wes-Tex") in June 1997 for a purchase price of approximately
           $35.4, consisting of $25 million in cash, 566,000 shares of Common
           Stock of the Company valued at $15.75 per share, and a three-year
           stock purchase warrant valued at $3.12 per share to purchase an
           additional 400,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock exercisable
           at $16.00 per share and approximately $190,000 of other direct costs
           incurred relative to the transaction.  These 21 rigs were added to
           the Company's drilling rig fleet during June.  Wes-Tex is a
           privately-held company based in Abilene, Texas.

    o      Three drilling rigs, together with related drilling equipment and a
           vehicle were acquired in August 1997 from a privately held company
           based in Midland, Texas in consideration for a cash payment of $4.25
           million.  These rigs were added to the Company's drilling rig fleet
           in August.

                                  RISK FACTORS

    In addition to the other information contained in, or incorporated by
reference into, this Prospectus, prospective purchasers in this offering should
carefully consider the following factors relating to the Company and its
businesses and the oil and gas industry when evaluating an investment in the
shares offered hereby.

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

      MARKET CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES.  The contract drilling
business is currently experiencing increased demand for drilling services due
to stronger oil and natural gas prices.  However, the market for onshore
contract drilling services has generally been depressed since mid-1982, when
crude oil and natural gas prices began to





                                       4
<PAGE>   6
weaken.  A particularly sharp decline in demand for contract drilling services
occurred in 1986 because of the world- wide collapse in oil prices (to
approximately $10.00 per Bbl in April 1986 in the U.S.).  Since this time and
except during the occasional upturns, there have been substantially more
drilling rigs available than necessary to meet demand in most operating and
geographic segments of the domestic drilling industry.  As a result, drilling
contractors have had difficulty sustaining profit margins.  In addition to
adverse effects that future declines in demand could have on the Company,
ongoing movement or reactivation of onshore drilling rigs or new construction
of drilling rigs could adversely affect rig utilization rates and pricing, even
in an environment of stronger oil and natural gas prices and increased drilling
activity.  The Company cannot predict either the future level of demand for its
contract drilling services or future conditions in the contract drilling
industry.

      SEVERE SHORTAGE OF DRILL PIPE IN THE CONTRACT DRILLING INDUSTRY.  There
continues to be a severe shortage of drill pipe in the contract drilling
industry in the U.S.  This shortage has caused the price of drill pipe to
increase significantly over the past 40 months and has required orders for new
drill pipe to be placed at least one year in advance of expected use.  The
price increase and the delay in delivery has caused the Company to
substantially increase capital expenditures in its contract drilling segment
over the past 40 months, primarily with respect to new drill pipe purchases.
In the event the shortage continues, the Company may be unable to obtain the
drill pipe required for its contract drilling operations.

      RECENT RAPID GROWTH; ASSOCIATED RISKS.  The Company has experienced rapid
and substantial growth over the past four years, particularly in its contract
drilling segment, and, if favorable opportunities arise in the future, intends
to further expand its drilling fleet through selected acquisitions.  Continued
growth could strain the Company's management, operations, employees and
resources.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to manage
growth effectively or that it will be successful in maintaining the market
share attributable to operable drilling rigs acquired by the Company.  If the
Company is unable to manage its growth, its business, results of operations or
financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

      NO ASSURANCE OF ADDITIONAL GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS.  The Company's
growth has been enhanced materially by strategic acquisitions that have
substantially increased the Company's drilling rig fleet.  One element of the
Company's strategy is to make acquisitions in markets in which it currently
operates.  While the Company believes that the land drilling industry is highly
fragmented and that significant additional acquisition opportunities are
available, there can be no assurance that suitable acquisition candidates can
be found, and the Company is likely to continue to face competition from other
companies for available acquisition opportunities.  In addition, if the prices
paid by buyers of drilling rigs remain at current levels or continue to rise,
the Company may find fewer acceptable acquisition opportunities.  There can be
no assurance that the Company will have sufficient capital resources to
complete acquisitions, that acquisitions can be completed on terms acceptable
to the Company or that any completed acquisition would improve the Company's
financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects in any
material manner.

      CURRENT SHORTAGES OF QUALIFIED DRILLING RIG PERSONNEL.  Increases in
domestic drilling demand since mid-1995 and recent increases in contract
drilling activity have resulted in a shortage of qualified drilling rig
personnel in the industry.  If the Company is unable to continue to attract and
retain sufficient qualified personnel, its ability to market and operate its
drilling rigs will be restricted.  Further, labor shortages could result in
wage increases, which could reduce the Company's operating margins.

      RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL.  The Company is highly dependent upon its
executive officers and key employees.  The unexpected loss of the services of
any of these individuals, particularly Cloyce A. Talbott or A. Glenn Patterson,
the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the Company, respectively,
could have a detrimental effect on the Company.  The Company has no employment
agreements with any of its executive officers.  The Company maintains key man
insurance on the lives of Messrs. Talbott and Patterson in the amount of $3
million each.

      RISKS OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION.
The search for oil and natural gas often results in unprofitable efforts, not
only from dry holes, but also from wells which, though productive, do not
produce oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities to return a profit on the
costs incurred.  No assurance can be given that any oil or natural gas reserves
located by the Company in the future will be commercially productive.  In
addition, the cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often
uncertain, and drilling may be delayed or canceled as a result of many factors,
including unacceptably low oil and natural gas prices, oil and natural gas
property title problems, inclement weather conditions and financial instability
of well operators and working interest owners.  Furthermore, the availability





                                       5
<PAGE>   7
of a ready market for the Company's oil and natural gas depends on numerous
factors beyond its control, including demand for and supply of oil and natural
gas, general economic conditions, proximity of natural gas reserves to
pipelines, weather conditions and government regulation.

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

      OPERATING HAZARDS AND UNINSURED RISKS.  Contract drilling and oil and
natural gas activities are subject to a number of risks and hazards which could
cause serious injury or death to persons, suspension of drilling operations and
serious damage to equipment or property of others and, in addition to
environmental damage, could cause substantial damage to producing formations
and surrounding areas.  Damages to the environment could result from the
Company's operations, particularly through oil spills, gas leaks, discharges of
toxic gases or extensive uncontrolled fires.  In addition, the Company could
become subject to liability for reservoir damages.  The occurrence of a
significant event, including pollution or environmental damage, could
materially affect the Company's operations and financial condition.  Although
the Company believes that it is adequately insured against normal and
foreseeable risks in its operations in accordance with industry standards, such
insurance may not be adequate to protect the Company against liability from all
consequences of well disasters, extensive fire damage or damage to the
environment.  No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to
maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable or
that any particular types of coverage will be available.  Furthermore, a
portion of the Company's contract drilling is done on a turnkey basis, which
involves substantial economic risks.  Under turnkey drilling contracts, the
Company contracts to drill a well to a contract depth under specified
conditions for a fixed price.  The risks to the Company under this type of
drilling contract are substantially greater than on a well drilled on a daywork
or footage basis since the Company assumes most of the risks associated with
the drilling operations generally assumed by the operator of the well in a
daywork or footage contract, including risk of blowout, machinery breakdowns
and abnormal drilling conditions.  Accordingly, if severe drilling problems are
encountered in drilling wells under a turnkey contract, the Company could
suffer substantial losses associated with that contract.  For the year ended
December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997, the percentage of the
Company's contract drilling operation revenues attributable to turnkey
contracts was 8.0% and 5.6%, respectively.

      ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION MATTERS.  The Company's
operations are subject to numerous domestic laws and regulations that relate
directly or indirectly to the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including
laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the
environment, requiring removal and cleanup under certain circumstances or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment.  Laws and regulations
protecting the environment have generally become more stringent in recent
years, and may in certain circumstances impose strict liability, rendering a
person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault on
the part of such person.  To date, the Company has not been required to expend
significant resources in order to comply with applicable environmental laws and
regulations nor has it incurred any fines or penalties for noncompliance.
However, compliance costs under existing legal requirements and under any new
requirements could become material, and the Company could incur liability in
the future for noncompliance.  Additional matters subject to governmental
regulation include discharge permits for drilling operations, performance
bonds, reports concerning operations, spacing of wells, unitization and pooling
of properties, disposal of produced water and taxation.  From time to time,
regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production
by restricting the rate of flow of oil and natural gas wells below actual
production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and natural gas.  In
addition, although the Company performed visual inspections on three yards
acquired by it during 1996, the Company did not obtain Phase I environmental
reports on any of the yards, which reports, if obtained, may have revealed
potential environmental liabilities not otherwise apparent from the Company's
visual inspection.  The Company typically does not have indemnifications from
the respective sellers of the yards for preclosing environmental liabilities.
Accordingly, any loss resulting from environmental liabilities from any of
these yards, or from any other properties acquired or sold by the Company or
its predecessors in interest, may be borne by the Company.

      UNCERTAINTY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVE ESTIMATES.  Estimates of the
Company's proved developed reserves and future net revenues are based on
engineering reports prepared by an independent petroleum engineer based upon a





                                       6
<PAGE>   8
review of production histories and other geologic, economic, ownership and
engineering data provided by the Company.  These estimates are based on several
assumptions that the Securities and Exchange Commission requires oil and
natural gas companies to use, including for example, constant oil and natural
gas prices.  Such estimates are inherently imprecise indications of future net
revenues.  Actual future production, revenues, taxes, production costs and
development costs may vary substantially from those assumed in the estimates.
Any significant variance could materially affect the estimates.  In addition,
the Company's reserves might be subject to upward or downward adjustment based
on future production, results of future exploration and development, prevailing
oil and natural gas prices and other factors.

      CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.  Certain of the Company's directors and executive
officers and their respective affiliates have participated and may continue to
participate from time to time in oil and gas prospects and properties in which
the Company has an interest.  Conflicts of interest may arise between such
persons and the Company as to the advisability of conducting drilling and
recompletion activities on these properties.  Of the 249 wells operated by the
Company at March 31, 1997, the Company's directors, officers and/or their
respective affiliates were working interest owners in approximately 106 wells.

      NO PAST DIVIDENDS.  The Company has paid no cash dividends on the Common
Stock in the past and does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future.  The
terms of an existing $30 million bank line of credit prohibits the payment of
dividends by the Company without the prior written consent of the bank.

      ANTI-TAKEOVER MEASURES.  The Company, a Delaware corporation, is subject
to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, including Section 203,
an anti-takeover law enacted in 1988.  The Company has also enacted certain
anti-takeover measures, including a stockholder rights plan.  As a result of
these provisions, potential acquirors of the Company may find it more difficult
or be discouraged from attempting to effect an acquisition transaction with the
Company, thereby possibly depriving holders of the Company's securities of
certain opportunities to sell or otherwise dispose of such securities at
above-market prices pursuant to such transactions.  See "Description of Capital
Stock."

      SUPERIOR RIGHTS OF PREFERRED STOCK.  The Company has a class of
authorized Preferred Stock.  The Board of Directors, without stockholder
approval, may issue shares of the Preferred Stock with rights and preferences
adverse to the voting power or other rights of the holders of the Common Stock.
No Preferred Stock has been issued.  However, an aggregate of 100,000 shares of
Preferred Stock has been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the Rights
described under "Description of Capital Stock - Stockholder Rights Plan."

   
      SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE.  As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Company had 14,775,914 shares of Common Stock outstanding, 12,466,672 of which
are freely tradeable without substantial restriction or the requirement of
future registration under the Securities Act.  Of the remaining 2,309,242
shares, 863,242 shares will be held by "affiliates" of the Company, as that
term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and may be sold subject
to the provisions of Rule 144, 566,000 are eligible for sale under the
Registration Statement, and 880,000 shares (all of which are "restricted
securities" under Rule 144) are held by third parties.  Of these 880,000
shares, a total of 500,000 shares are entitled to certain registration rights
and also may be sold subject to the provisions of Rule 144.  In addition, the
Company has reserved for issuance 550,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to
the exercise of outstanding warrants held by one of the Selling Stockholders
(holding warrants exercisable for 400,000 shares of Common Stock) and by a
third party (holding warrants exercisable for 150,000 shares of Common Stock)
which are entitled to certain registration rights.  Also, a total of 80,000
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options are
eligible for sale under a shelf registration statement, 153,008 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are vested
are eligible for sale in the public market and 194,640 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options that are not vested will become
eligible for sale in the public market as such options become vested.  Sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect
the prevailing market price of the Common Stock.
    

      No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
shares or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market price for
Common Stock prevailing from time to time.  Sales of substantial amounts of
Common Stock in the public market, or the perception of the availability of
shares for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the
Common Stock and could impair the Company's ability to raise capital through
the sale of its equity securities.





                                       7
<PAGE>   9
                                USE OF PROCEEDS


      The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Shares.


                                DIVIDEND POLICY

      The Company has not paid cash dividends on the Common Stock in the past
and does not expect to pay any cash dividends on the Common Stock in the
foreseeable future.  The Company instead intends to retain its earnings to
support the operations and growth of its businesses.  Any future cash dividends
would depend on future earnings, capital requirements, the Company's financial
condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.  In
addition, the terms of an existing $30 million bank line of credit prohibit
payment of dividends by the Company without the prior written consent of the
bank.


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

      The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Selling Stockholders and the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by them
before and after the offering being made hereby.  Such information was provided
to the Company by the Selling Stockholders for inclusion in this Prospectus.
Additional information concerning the Selling Stockholders and the Shares is
set forth in the notes to the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Shares Being
                                                     Shares Owned            Offered             Shares Owned
                     Name                           Before Offering      in the Offering      After Offering(1)    
                     ----                       ----------------------   ---------------    ----------------   ----
                                                Number         Percent                        Number       Percent
                                                ------         -------                        ------       -------
 <S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>
 Wes-Tex Drilling Company  . . . . . . . . .     620,000(2)     4.1%           220,000        400,000          2.6%

 Greathouse Foundation . . . . . . . . . . .     222,000(2)     1.5%           222,000            -0-           -0-
                                                                    
 Greathouse Charitable Remainder Trust . . .     124,000(2)       *            124,000            -0-           -0-
</TABLE>

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

*     Less than 1%.

(1)   Assumes all Shares offered hereby are sold.

(2)   The shares listed in the table were issued in June 1997 as partial
      consideration for the acquisition of 21 drilling rigs, related equipment
      and rolling stock and a shop and a yard from Wes-Tex Drilling Company
      ("Wes- Tex").  The 620,000 shares stated in the table as owned by Wes-Tex
      include 400,000 shares underlying three-year warrants to purchase shares
      of Common Stock at $16.00 per share issued to Wes-Tex as partial
      consideration for the acquisition.  The shares being offered are being
      sold pursuant to registration rights granted in the acquisition.  None of
      the Selling Stockholders has had any material relationship with the
      Company or any of its affiliates during the past three years.





                                       8
<PAGE>   10
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

   
      The Company is authorized to issue (i) 18,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
$0.01 Par Value, of which 14,775,914 shares are issued and outstanding as of
the date of this Prospectus, and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
$0.01 Par Value, of which no shares have been issued.
    

COMMON STOCK

      Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common
Stock held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding may authorize a
merger, consolidation, dissolution of the Company, the sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets if not made in the usual or ordinary
course of the Company's business, or an amendment of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation.  In the event of liquidation, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to share pro rata in any distribution of the Company's
assets to holders of Common Stock after payment of liabilities and liquidation
preferences, if any, granted to holders of Preferred Stock.  There are no
preemptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights regarding the Common
Stock.  Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may
be declared on the Common Stock by the Board of Directors in its discretion out
of funds legally available for that purpose.

PREFERRED STOCK

   
      Preferred Stock may be issued in series from time to time with such
designations, relative rights, priorities, preferences, qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof, to the extent that such are not fixed in
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the Board of Directors
determines.  The rights, preferences, limitations and restrictions of different
series of Preferred Stock may differ with respect to dividend rates, amounts
payable on liquidation, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption
provisions, sinking fund provisions and other matters.  The Board of Directors
may authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock which ranks senior to the Common
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets
on liquidation.  In addition, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the
limitations and restrictions, if any, upon the payment of dividends on Common
Stock to be effective while any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding.  The
Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, can issue Preferred Stock
with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting power
of the holders of Common Stock.  The issuance of Preferred Stock may have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
The Company has not issued any shares of Preferred Stock.  However, such number
of shares of Preferred Stock as is sufficient to permit the exercise in full of
the Rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement (147,759 shares as of the date of
this Prospectus) has been reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Rights
described under "-- Stockholder Rights Plan."
    

STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

      General.  In January 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company declared
a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for
each outstanding share of Common Stock.  The dividend was paid to the
stockholders of record on January 17, 1997 (the "Record Date"), and with
respect to Common Stock issued thereafter until the Distribution Date (as
defined below), and, in certain circumstances, with respect to Common Stock
issued after the Distribution Date.  Except as set forth below, each Right,
when it becomes exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase from
the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred
Stock, $0.01 par value (the "Preferred Shares"), of the Company at a price of
$166 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), subject
to adjustment.  The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a
Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") between the Company and Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), dated as
of January 2, 1997.  The following discussion is a summary of the material
terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the Rights Agreement, a copy of which has been incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

      The Rights Agreement.  Initially, the Rights will be attached to all
certificates representing Common Stock then outstanding, and no separate Right
Certificates will be distributed.  The Rights will separate from the Common
Stock upon the earliest to occur of (i) a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons having acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (except pursuant to a Permitted Offer, as
hereinafter defined),





                                       9
<PAGE>   11
or (ii) ten days (or such later date as the Board of Directors may determine)
following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a
tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in a
person or group becoming an Acquiring Person (as hereinafter defined) (the
earliest of such dates being called the "Distribution Date").  A person or
group whose acquisition of Common Stock causes a Distribution Date pursuant to
clause (i) above is an "Acquiring Person."  The date that a person or group
becomes an Acquiring Person is the "Shares Acquisition Date."

      The Rights Agreements provides that, until the Distribution Date, the
Rights will be transferred with and only with the Common Stock.  Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), new
Common Stock certificates issued after the Record Date upon transfer or new
issuance of Common Stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights
Agreement by reference.  Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or
expiration of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any certificates for
Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date, even without such notation or a
copy of a summary of the Rights being attached thereto, will also constitute
the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such
certificate.  As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Right Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date (and to each initial record holder of certain Common Stock
issued after the Distribution Date), and such separate Right Certificates alone
will evidence the Rights.

      The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will
expire at the close of business on January 2, 2007, unless earlier redeemed by
the Company as described below.

      In the event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person (except pursuant
to a tender or exchange offer which is for all outstanding Common Stock at a
price and on terms which a majority of certain members of the Board of
Directors determines to be adequate and in the best interests of the Company,
its stockholders and other relevant constituencies, other than such Acquiring
Person, its affiliates and associates (a "Permitted Offer")), each holder of a
Right will thereafter have the right (the "Flip-In Right") to receive upon
exercise the number of shares of Common Stock or, in the discretion of the
Board of Directors of the Company, of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share
(or, in certain circumstances, other securities of the Company) having a value
(immediately prior to such triggering event) equal to two times the Purchase
Price.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the occurrence of the event
described above, all Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified
in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person or
any affiliate or associate thereof will be null and void.

      In the event that, at any time following the Shares Acquisition Date, (i)
the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction
in which the holders of all of the outstanding Common Stock immediately prior
to the consummation of the transaction are not the holders of all of the
surviving company's voting power, or (ii) more than 50% of the Company's assets
or earning power is sold or transferred, in either case with or to an Acquiring
Person or any affiliate or associate or any other person in which such
Acquiring Person, affiliate or associate has an interest or any person acting
on behalf of or in concert with such Acquiring Person, affiliate or associate,
or, if in such transaction all holders of Common Stock are not treated alike,
any other person, then each holder of a Right (excepts Rights which previously
have been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right (the
"Flip-Over Right") to receive, upon exercise, common shares of the acquiring
company having a value equal to two times the Purchase Price.  The holder of a
Right will continue to have the Flip-Over Right whether or not such holder
exercises or surrenders the Flip-In Right.

      The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Preferred Shares, shares of
Common Stock or other securities issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are
subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of
a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the
Preferred Shares, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Shares of
certain rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Preferred Shares at a
price, or securities convertible into Preferred Shares with a conversion price,
less than the then current market price of the Preferred Shares or (iii) upon
the distribution to holders of the Preferred Shares of evidences of
indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

      The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one one-hundredths of
a Preferred Share issuable upon exercise of each Right are also subject to
adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Stock or a stock
dividend on the Common Stock payable in Common Stock or subdivisions,
consolidations or combinations of the Common Stock occurring, in any such case,
prior to the Distribution Date.





                                       10
<PAGE>   12
      Description of Preferred Shares.  Preferred Shares purchasable upon
exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable.  Each Preferred Share will be
entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $0.01 per
share but, if greater, will be entitled to an aggregate dividend per share of
100 times the dividend declared per share of Common Stock.  In the event of
liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Shares will be entitled to a minimum
preferential liquidation payment of $1.00 per share; thereafter, and after the
holders of the Common Stock receive a liquidation payment of $0.01 per share,
the holders of the Preferred Shares and the holders of the Common Stock will
share the remaining assets in the ratio of 100 to 1 (as adjusted) for each
Preferred Share and share of Common Stock so held, respectively.  Finally, in
the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of
Common Stock are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be entitled to receive
100 times the amount received per share of Common Stock.  These rights are
protected by customary antidilution provisions.  In the event that the amount
of accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Shares is equivalent to six
fully quarterly dividends or more, the holders of the Preferred Shares shall
have the right, voting as a class, to elect two directors in addition to the
directors elected by the holders of the Common Stock until all cumulative
dividends on the Preferred Shares have been paid through the last quarterly
dividend payment date or until noncumulative dividends have been paid regularly
for at least one year.

      Redemption.  At any time prior to the earlier to occur of (i) a person
becoming an Acquiring Person or (ii) the expiration of the Rights, and under
certain other circumstances, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but
not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price"), which
redemption shall be effective upon the action of the Board of Directors.
Additionally, following the Shares Acquisition Date, the Company may redeem the
then outstanding Rights in whole, but not in part, at the Redemption Price
provided that such redemption is in connection with a merger or other business
combination transaction or series of transactions involving the Company in
which all holders of Common Stock are treated alike but not involving an
Acquiring Person or its affiliates or associates.

      Anti-Takeover Effect.  The distribution of the Rights may have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company
notwithstanding that a majority of the stockholders might benefit from such a
change in control.

OTHER PROVISIONS HAVING POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT

      Delaware, like many other states, permits a corporation to adopt a number
of measures through amendment of the corporate charter or bylaws or otherwise,
which, along with certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL"), may have the effect of delaying or deterring any unsolicited
takeover attempts notwithstanding that a majority of the stockholders might
benefit from such a takeover or attempt.  In connection with the Company's
reincorporation, the right of stockholders to cumulate votes in the election of
directors was eliminated.  In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL, which will
apply to the Company since the Common Stock has been approved for quotation on
the Nasdaq National Market, restricts certain "business combinations" with an
"interested stockholder" for three years following the date such person becomes
an interested stockholder, unless the Board of Directors approves the business
combination.  "Business combination" is defined to include mergers, sale of
assets and other similar transactions with an "interested stockholder."  An
"interested stockholder" is defined as a person who, together with affiliates
and associates, owns (or, within the prior three years, did own) 15% or more of
the corporation's voting stock.  By delaying or deterring unsolicited takeover
attempts, these provisions could adversely affect prevailing market prices for
the Company's Common Stock.

      The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain
certain provisions that could discourage potential takeover attempts and make
more difficult attempts by stockholders to change management.  The following
paragraphs set forth a summary of these provisions:

      Special Meetings of Stockholders.  The Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that special meetings of stockholders may be called only
by the Board of Directors (or a majority of the members thereof), the Chief
Executive Officer, the President or the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote at such special meeting.  This provision
will make it more difficult for stockholders to call a special meeting.

      No Stockholder Action by Written Consent.  The Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that stockholder action may be taken only at annual or
special meetings and not by written consent of the stockholders.





                                       11
<PAGE>   13
      Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director
Nominations.  The Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business
before an annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for
election as directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely
notice thereof in writing.  To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the
Company not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the meeting as
originally scheduled; provided that in the event less than 40 days written
notice is given to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be made timely
must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day
following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was
mailed.  These Bylaws also specify certain requirements for a stockholder's
notice to be in proper written form.  These provisions may preclude some
stockholders from bringing matters before the stockholders at an annual meeting
or from making nominations for directors at an annual meeting.

      Authorized Class of Preferred Stock.  See --Preferred Stock" for
information concerning the Company's Preferred Stock.

TRANSFER AGENT

      The transfer agent for the Common Stock is Continental Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, New York, New York.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION


      The distribution of the Shares by the Selling Stockholders may be
effected from time to time in one or more transactions (which may involve block
transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market or otherwise, in negotiated
transactions, or a combination of such methods of sale, at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices.  The Selling Stockholders may effect such
transactions by selling the Shares to or through broker dealers, and such
broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts,
concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholders or purchasers of
Shares for whom they may act as agent (which compensation may be in excess of
customary commissions).  Such brokers or dealers may be deemed to be
"underwriters' within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such
sales and any commissions received by them may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation.

      In accordance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the
Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of any of the Shares may
not simultaneously engage in market activities with respect to any of the
Common Stock for a period of nine business days prior to the commencement of
such distribution.  In addition and without limiting the foregoing, the Selling
Stockholders may be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including, without
limitation, Regulation M, which provisions may limit the timing of purchases
and sales of Shares by the Selling Stockholders.

      The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify each
other against certain liabilities, including liabilities, under the Securities
Act.


                                 LEGAL MATTERS


      The validity of the Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Baker & Hostetler LLP, Denver, Colorado.





                                       12
<PAGE>   14
                                    EXPERTS


   
      The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been included herein in reliance on the
report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in auditing and accounting.  With respect to
the unaudited interim financial information for the periods ended March 31,
1996 and 1997, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, the independent
accountants have reported that they have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, their separate report included in the Company's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, and incorporated by reference
herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
that interim financial information.  Accordingly, the degree of reliance on
their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited
nature of the review procedures applied.  The accountants are not subject to
the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their
report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is
not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified
by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities
Act.
    

      The balance sheet of Patterson Drilling Company as of March 31, 1996, and
the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 1996, incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement,
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said
reports.


   
        The statements of assets acquired as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 for
Wes-Tex Drilling Company, and the related statements of direct drilling revenue
and direct operating expenses for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, incorporated by reference to this Prospectus, have been
included herein in reliance on the report of Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.  With respect to the unaudited interim financial
information as of March 31, 1997 and for the three month periods ended March
31, 1997 and 1996, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, the
independent accountants have reported that they have applied limited procedures
in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. 
However, their separate report included in the Patteron Energy, Inc.'s  Current
Report on Form 8-K, as amended, dated June 12, 1997, and incorporated by
reference herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on that interim financial information.  Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their report of such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of review procedures applied.  The accountants are not
subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933
for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is
not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified
by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities
Act.    
    


                                      13
<PAGE>   15
                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS



      Capitalized terms used but not defined in Part II have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Prospectus included as part of this Registration
Statement.


ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

      The following table sets forth the expenses expected to be incurred in
connection with the issuance and distribution of Common Stock registered
hereby, all of which expenses, except for the Commission registration fee and
the NASD filing fee, are estimates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DESCRIPTION                                                AMOUNT
                                           -----------                                                ------
 <S>                                                                                                <C>
 Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $  3,420

 Accounting fees and expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4,000

 Legal fees and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6,000

 Miscellaneous expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            580
                                                                                                    ---------
       Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  14,000
                                                                                                    =========
</TABLE>


ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.

      The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference
herein:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit     Item 601 Cross
   Number        Reference       Document as Form S-3 Exhibit
   ------     ---------------    ----------------------------
   <S>               <C>         <C>
     2.1             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 22, 1997, among and between Patterson
                                 Drilling Company and Ziadril, Inc.(1)

     2.2             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson Energy, Inc.,
                                 Patterson Drilling Company and Wes-Tex Drilling Company.(2)

    2.2.1            2           Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson
                                 Energy, Inc., Patterson Drilling Company and Wes-Tex Drilling Company.(2)

     2.3             2           Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson Energy, Inc., Patterson
                                 Drilling Company, Greathouse Foundation and Myrle Greathouse, Trustee under
                                 Agreement dated June 2, 1997.(2)

     2.4             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 1, 1997, between Patterson Drilling
                                 Company and McGee Drilling Corporation(1)

     4.1             4           Excerpt from Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Patterson Energy, Inc.
                                 regarding authorized Common Stock and Preferred Stock(3)

     4.2             4           Rights Agreement dated as of January 2, 1997, between Patterson Energy, Inc.
                                 and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent(4)
    5.1.1            5           Opinion of Baker & Hostetler LLP regarding legality of the Shares to be
                                 offered(1)
</TABLE>
    

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   16


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit     Item 601 Cross
   Number        Reference       Document as Form S-3 Exhibit
   ------     ---------------    ----------------------------
   <S>               <C>         <C>
   15.1.1            15          Awareness Letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

   15.2              15          Awareness Letter of Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C.

   23.1.1            23          Consent of Independent Accountants, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P

   23.2.1            23          Consent of Independent Public Accountants.(1)

   23.3.1            23          Consent of M. Brian Wallace, independent petroleum engineer(1)

   23.4.1            23          Consent of Baker & Hostetler LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1.1)

   23.5              23          Consent of Independent Accountants, Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C.

   24.1              24          Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of Form S-3 (Registration
                                 Statement No. 333-29035) filed with the Commission on June 12, 1997)
</TABLE>
    

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

   
(1)   Filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 (Registration No.
      333-29035) filed with the commission on August 5, 1997. 

(2)   Incorporated by reference to Item 7, "Financial Statements and Exhibits"
      to Form 8-K, dated June 3, 1997, filed June 11, 1997. 

(3)   Filed as an Exhibit to Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-181123) filed with
      the Commission on December 18, 1996. 

(4)   Incorporated by reference to Item 2 "Exhibits" to Form 8-A dated January
      10, 1997, and filed with the Commission on January 14, 1997.
    




                                      II-2
<PAGE>   17
                                   SIGNATURES
   
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to
the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Snyder, State of Texas on the 18th day
of August, 1997.
    



                                        PATTERSON ENERGY, INC.


                                        By:    /s/ A. Glenn Patterson   
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           A. Glenn Patterson, President



   
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement has been signed as of August 18,
1997, by the following persons in the capacities indicated:
    




<TABLE>
 <S>                                                    <C>
      /s/ Cloyce C. Talbott                             Chairman of the Board, Director and Chief
 ---------------------------------------------------    Executive Officer
                   Cloyce A. Talbott
              Principal Executive Officer

      /s/ A. Glenn Patterson                            President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
 ---------------------------------------------------                                                   
                  A. Glenn Patterson

                              *                         Director
 ---------------------------------------------------            
                  Robert C. Gist

                              *                         Director
 ---------------------------------------------------            
                  Kenneth E. Davis


                              *                         Director
 ---------------------------------------------------            
                  Vincent A. Rossi, Jr.

      /s/ James C. Brown                                Vice President--Finance, Secretary and Treasurer
 ---------------------------------------------------    and Chief Financial Officer
                    James C. Brown
            (Principal Accounting Officer)

 *By: /s/ Cloyce A.  Talbott                        
     -----------------------------------------------
                   Cloyce A. Talbott
                   Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>





   
                                      II-3
    

<PAGE>   18

                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit     Item 601 Cross
   Number        Reference       Document as Form S-3 Exhibit
   ------     ---------------    ----------------------------
   <S>               <C>         <C>
     2.1             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 22, 1997, among and between Patterson
                                 Drilling Company and Ziadril, Inc.(1)

     2.2             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson Energy, Inc.,
                                 Patterson Drilling Company and Wes-Tex Drilling Company.(2)

    2.2.1            2           Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson
                                 Energy, Inc., Patterson Drilling Company and Wes-Tex Drilling Company.(2)

     2.3             2           Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, among Patterson Energy, Inc., Patterson
                                 Drilling Company, Greathouse Foundation and Myrle Greathouse, Trustee under
                                 Agreement dated June 2, 1997.(2)

     2.4             2           Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 1, 1997, between Patterson Drilling
                                 Company and McGee Drilling Corporation(1)

     4.1             4           Excerpt from Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Patterson Energy, Inc.
                                 regarding authorized Common Stock and Preferred Stock(3)

     4.2             4           Rights Agreement dated as of January 2, 1997, between Patterson Energy, Inc.
                                 and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent(4)

    5.1.1            5           Opinion of Baker & Hostetler LLP regarding legality of the Shares to be
                                 offered(1)

   15.1.1            15          Awareness Letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

   15.2              15          Awareness Letter of Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C.

   23.1.1            23          Consent of Independent Accountants, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

   23.2.1            23          Consent of Independent Public Accountants(1)

   23.3.1            23          Consent of M. Brian Wallace, independent petroleum engineer(1)

   23.4.1            23          Consent of Baker & Hostetler LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1.1)

   23.5              23          Consent of Independent Accountants, Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C.

   24.1              24          Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of Form S-3 (Registration
                                 Statement No. 333-29035) filed with the Commission on June 12, 1997)
</TABLE>
    

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

   
(1)   Filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No.1 to Form S-3 (Registration No.
      333-29035) filed with the commission on August 5, 1997. 

(2)   Incorporated by reference to Item 7, "Financial Statements and Exhibits"
      to Form 8-K, dated June 3, 1997, filed June 11, 1997. 

(3)   Filed as an Exhibit to Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-181123) filed with
      the Commission on December 18, 1996. 

(4)   Incorporated by reference to Item 2 "Exhibits" to Form 8-A dated January
      10, 1997, and filed with the Commission on January 14, 1997.
    


<PAGE>   1
                                                           
   
                                                                EXHIBIT 15.1.1
    








   
                                 August 18, 1997
    






Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

Re:      Patterson Energy, Inc.
         Registration on Form S-3 (File No. 333-29035)

   
We are aware that our report dated April 30, 1997 on our review of interim
financial information of Patterson Energy, Inc. for the period ended June 30,
1997 and included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter then ended is incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should
not be considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by
us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
    






                                          /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Dallas, Texas


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 15.2



                                August 18, 1997

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549


We are aware that our report dated July 7, 1997 on our review of interim
financial information of WES-TEX Drilling Company for the periods ended March
31, 1997 and 1996 included in Patterson Energy, Inc.'s Current Report on Form
8-K as amended, dated June 12, 1997 is incorporated by reference in Patterson
Energy, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-29035).  
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should 
not be considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified 
by us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.




                                                /s/  DAVIS, KINARD & CO., P.C.


Abilene, Texas

<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                EXHIBIT 23.1.1
    










                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement of Patterson Energy, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-29035) of our
report dated March 10, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements of Patterson Energy, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which is
included in Patterson Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts."





                                       /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                       COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Dallas, Texas
   
August 18, 1997
    

<PAGE>   1


                                                                EXHIBIT 23.5




                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of
Patterson Energy, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-29035) of our report dated
July 7, 1997, on our audits of the financial information of WES-TEX Drilling
Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, which is included in Patterson Energy, Inc.'s
Current Report on Form S-K as amended, dated June 12, 1997. We also consent to
the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts".

                                                  /S/ DAVIS, KINARD & CO. P.C.

Abilene, Texas
August 18, 1997 


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