NEWFIELD EXPLORATION CO /DE/
10-Q, 1997-05-01
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE> 1








                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       Washington, D.C. 20549



                             FORM 10-Q


         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
              OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
          FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1997


                  Commission file number 1-12534




                   NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


            Delaware                           72-1133047
   (State or other jurisdiction             (I.R.S. employer
 of incorporation or organization)       identification number)


  363 N. Sam Houston Parkway E.
           Suite 2020
         Houston, Texas                           77060
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (281) 847-6000


     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 [  ] 

     As of April 30, 1997, there were 35,352,287 shares of the Registrant's
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.


<PAGE>
<PAGE> 2
                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Page
                              PART I
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
Item 1.  Financial Statements:
           Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1997
              and December 31, 1996. . . . . . . . . . . .              1

           Statement of Income for the three months ended
              March 31, 1997 and 1996. . . . . . . . . . .              2

           Statement of Cash Flows for the three months
              ended March 31, 1997 and 1996. . . . . . . .              3

           Notes to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . .              4

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . .              5


                             PART II

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . .             10

</TABLE>

                                 -ii-

<PAGE>
<PAGE> 3        
                            NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY
                                     BALANCE SHEET
                     (In thousands of dollars, except share data)
                                      (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   MARCH 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                      1997         1996
                                                 ------------  ------------
                       ASSETS
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . .    $    12,819   $    13,290
  Accounts receivable, oil and gas. . . . . .         29,064        46,814
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1,070         1,179 
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . .         42,953        61,283 
                                                 ------------  ------------
Oil and gas properties (full cost method, of
  which $41,029 at March 31, 1997 and $55,305
  at December 31, 1996 were excluded from
  amortization) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        578,686       526,680
Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . .          2,712         2,496
Less-accumulated depreciation, depletion and
  amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (218,900)     (199,161)
                                                 ------------  ------------
                                                     362,498       330,015 
                                                 ------------  ------------
Other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4,455         4,640 
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   409,906   $   395,938 
                                                 ============  ============
       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. .    $    42,851   $    46,072
  Advances from joint owners. . . . . . . . .            679         3,612
  Current maturities of capital lease obligations        102           163
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total current liabilities . . . . . . . .         43,632        49,847 
                                                 ------------  ------------
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3,040         2,048
Long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         60,000        60,000
Deferred taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         50,246        44,141 
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total long-term liabilities . . . . . . .        113,286       106,189
                                                 ------------  ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 2). . . .           ---           ---
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 5,000,000
    shares authorized, no shares issued). . .           ---           ---
  Common stock ($0.01 par value, 50,000,000
    shares authorized; 35,352,127 and
    35,243,040 shares issued and outstanding
    at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
    respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            354           352
Additional paid-in capital. . . . . . . . . .        148,062       147,291
Unearned compensation . . . . . . . . . . . .         (2,320)       (2,746)
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        106,892        95,005 
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total stockholders' equity. . . . . . . .        252,988       239,902 
                                                 ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $   409,906   $   395,938 
                                                 ============  ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                 -1-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 4
                            NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY
                                  STATEMENT OF INCOME
                        (In thousands, except per share data)
                                     (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                         March 31,   
                                                  -------------------------
                                                     1997          1996   
                                                  -----------   -----------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>
Oil and gas revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . .     $   46,927    $   32,962
                                                  -----------   -----------
Operating expenses:
  Lease operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          5,583         3,346
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization. .         19,754        14,721
  General and administrative, net . . . . . .          2,953         2,430
  Stock compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . .            430           342
                                                  -----------   -----------
    Total operating expenses. . . . . . . . .         28,720        20,839
                                                  -----------   -----------
Income from operations. . . . . . . . . . . .         18,207        12,123
Other income (expense):
  Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            373           154
  Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . .           (325)          (74)
                                                  -----------   -----------
                                                          48            80
                                                  -----------   -----------
Income before income taxes. . . . . . . . . .         18,255        12,203
Income tax provision. . . . . . . . . . . . .          6,368         4,274
                                                  -----------   -----------
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $   11,887    $    7,929
                                                  ===========   ===========

Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . .     $     0.32    $     0.22
                                                  ===========   ===========
Weighted average number of shares and
common stock equivalents outstanding. . . . .         37,674        36,784
                                                  ===========   ===========

</TABLE>

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



                                 -2-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 5
                               NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY
                                 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                     (In thousands)
                                      (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                          March 31,
                                                 --------------------------
                                                      1997          1996
                                                 ------------  ------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $    11,887   $     7,929

Adjustments to reconcile net income to
    net cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation, depletion
        and amortization. . . . . . . . . . .         19,754        14,721
      Deferred taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . .          6,473         4,477
      Stock compensation. . . . . . . . . . .            430           342
                                                 ------------  ------------
                                                      38,544        27,469
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Decrease in accounts receivable,
        oil and gas . . . . . . . . . . . . .         17,750         3,979
      Decrease in other current assets. . . .            109         3,613
      Decrease (increase) in other assets . .            185          (301)
      Decrease in accounts payable
        and accrued liabilities . . . . . . .        (12,177)       (1,595)
      Increase (decrease) in advances
        from joint owners . . . . . . . . . .         (2,933)        1,261 
      Increase in other liabilities . . . . .            992           438
                                                 ------------    ---------- 
        Net cash provided by
          operating activities. . . . . . . .         42,470        34,864
                                                 ------------    ---------- 
Cash flows from investing activities:
      Additions to oil and gas properties . .        (43,050)      (16,251)
      Additions to furniture, fixtures and
        equipment                                       (231)         (174)
                                                 ------------   -----------
        Net cash used in
          investing activities. . . . . . . .        (43,281)      (16,425)
                                                 ------------   -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
      Proceeds from borrowings. . . . . . . .         94,000        34,000
      Repayments of borrowings. . . . . . . .        (94,000)      (47,000) 
      Proceeds from issuances of common
        stock, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . .            400           674
      Payments on capital lease obligations .            (60)         (120)
                                                 ------------   -----------
        Net cash provided by (used in)
          financing activities                           340       (12,446)
                                                 ------------   -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and
      cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . .           (471)        5,993
Cash and cash equivalents,
      beginning of period . . . . . . . . . .         13,290        12,533
                                                 ------------   -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period. . .    $    12,819    $   18,526
                                                 ============   ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                 -3-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 6
                               NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY

                              NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       (Unaudited)


(1)  Accounting Policies

     The unaudited financial statements of Newfield Exploration Company
(the "Company") reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments,
consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present
fairly the Company's financial position at March 31, 1997 and the
Company's results of operations and cash flows for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.  The financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
therefore do not include all disclosures required of financial statements
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of
operations or cash flows for a full-year period.

     These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996, including those financial statements and notes
thereto incorporated by reference from the Company's 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders.

(2)  Contingencies

     The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits arising
in the ordinary course of business.  While the outcome of these lawsuits
cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these
matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position,
results of operations or cash flows of the Company.


(3)  Subsequent Events

     Subsequent to March 31, 1997, the Company's available Borrowing Base
was redetermined to be $160 million effective April 14, 1997. 
Additionally, the Company's credit facility was amended to permit the
Company, subject to notification and conditioned upon the then effective
Borrowing Base, to increase the  size of the credit facility to $200
million.  Further, the revolving credit period was extended through June
30, 1999, at which time the aggregate loans outstanding under the credit
facility convert to a term loan with quarterly maturities through June 30,
2002.


                                 -4-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 7
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                   FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

     As an independent oil and gas producer, the Company's revenue,
profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent upon
prevailing prices for natural gas, oil and condensate, which are
dependent upon numerous factors beyond the Company's control, such as
economic, political and regulatory developments and competition from
other sources of energy.  The energy markets have historically been very
volatile and there can be no assurance that oil and gas prices will not
be subject to wide fluctuations in the future.  A substantial or extended
decline in oil and gas prices could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows,
quantities of oil and gas reserves that may be economically produced
and access to capital.

     The Company's results of operations may vary significantly from
quarter to quarter as a result of development operations, commodity
prices, the curtailment of production in association with workover and
recompletion activities and the incurrence of expenses related thereto,
the timing and amount of reimbursement for customary overhead costs
received by the Company and other factors, and, therefore, the results
of operations for any one quarter may not be indicative of results for
the full fiscal year.

     The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and
gas properties.  Under this method, all acquisition, exploration and
development costs, including certain related employee costs (less any
joint interest reimbursements for such costs) incurred for the purpose
of acquiring and finding oil and gas reserves are capitalized in a "full
cost pool" as incurred.  The Company records depletion of its full cost
pool using the unit of production method and uses its internal estimates
of proved quantities of oil and gas reserves for financial accounting
matters.  To the extent that such capitalized costs in the full cost pool
(net of depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred
taxes) exceed the present value (using a 10% discount rate) of estimated
future net after-tax cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves, such
excess costs are charged to operations.  Once incurred, a write-down of
oil and gas properties is not reversible at a later date even if oil or
gas prices increase.


                                 -5-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 8
Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth certain operating information with
respect to the oil and gas operations of the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                         March 31,
                                                 --------------------------
                                                     1997          1996
                                                 ------------  ------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>
Production:
Oil and condensate (MBbls)                               806           615
Gas (MMcf)                                            11,387         9,733
Total production (MMcfe)                              16,222        13,423

Average Realized Price:
Oil and condensate (per Bbl)                     $     22.32   $     18.17
Gas (per Mcf)                                           2.55          2.24

Average Costs (per Mcfe)
Lease operating                                  $      0.34   $      0.25
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                1.22          1.10
General and administrative, net                         0.21          0.21

</TABLE>

     Production.  Net production increased 21%, from 13.4 billion cubic
feet of natural gas equivalent ("Bcfe") for the three months ended March
31, 1996 to 16.2 Bcfe for the three months ended March 31, 1997.  Oil
and condensate production for the three months ended March 31, 1997
increased 191 thousand barrels ("MBbls"), or 31%, compared to the same
period of 1996.  Increased oil and condensate production was due primarily
to production increases from development drilling activities during 1996 at
West Delta 152 and Ewing Bank 947, the acquisition of Ship Shoal 69 in the
third quarter of 1996 and a well drilled and placed on production late in
the fourth quarter 1996 at Vermilion 398.  Gas production increased by 1.7
billion cubic feet ("Bcf"), or 17%, from 9.7 Bcf for the three months ended
March 31, 1996 to 11.4 Bcf for the comparable period of 1997.  Increased
gas production was due to production increases from development drilling
activities during 1996 at Ewing Bank 947, South Timbalier 148 and West
Delta 152 and a well drilled and placed on production during the fourth
quarter of 1996 at Vermillion 308.  These increases were partially offset
by natural production decline on other properties of the Company.

     Oil and Gas Revenues.  Oil and gas revenues for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 increased by $14.0 million, or 42%, compared to the
same period of 1996, primarily as a result of increased oil and gas 
production and increased oil and gas prices.  The average realized price
of oil and condensate increased by 23% and the average realized price of
natural gas increased by 14%.

     For the three months ended March 31, 1997, the average realized gas
price was $2.55 per thousand cubic feet ("Mcf"), which, as a result of
hedging activities, was 87% of the $2.93 per Mcf average gas sales price

                                 -6-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 9
that would have otherwise been received.  As a result of hedging
activities for gas production for the three months ended March 31, 1996,
the Company realized an average gas price of $2.24 per Mcf, or 74% of
the $3.04 per Mcf average gas sales price that would have otherwise been
received.  For the three months ended March 31, 1996, the average realized
oil and condensate price was $18.17, which, as a result of hedging
activities, was 98% of the $18.63 per barrel average oil and condensate
sales price that would have otherwise been received.  There were no oil
hedging activities for the three months ended March 31, 1997.

     Lease Operating Expense.  Lease operating expense for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 increased to $5.6 million from $3.3 million for the
comparable period of 1996.  Lease operating expense per Mcf equivalent
("Mcfe") increased from $0.25 for the three months ended March 31, 1996 to
$0.34 for the comparable period of 1997.  The increase in lease operating
expense per unit is primarily attributable to a general increase in costs
in the oil service industry, increased workover activities and lease
operating costs associated with properties the Company acquired after March
31, 1996 partially offset by higher production volumes.

     Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expense.  During the three
months ended March 31, 1997, depreciation, depletion, and amortization
expense increased to $19.8 million from $14.7 million for the comparable
period of 1996.  The increase was the result of an increased depletion rate
per Mcfe combined with production increases from acquisitions and
exploratory and development drilling activities in 1996.  The depletion
rate per unit for the three months ended March 31, 1997 increased 11% to
$1.22 per Mcfe from $1.10 per Mcfe for the comparable period of 1996. The
increase is primarily attributable to increased costs of drilling goods and
services, platform and facilities construction and transportation services
in the industry.

     General and Administrative Expense, Net.  General and administrative
expense, which is net of overhead reimbursements received by the Company
from other working interest owners, increased to $3.0 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 as compared to $2.4 million for the same period
of 1996.  Performance based compensation, as a component of general and
administrative expense, increased in the aggregate from $1.1 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 to $1.4 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 but remained constant on a per unit basis.  Direct
costs associated with staff increases during 1996 were partially offset by
joint interest reimbursements.  To the extent that the Company continues to
grow and increase its ownership in certain properties, the Company expects
general and administrative expenses, in the aggregate, to continue to
increase.

     Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing, the Company had net income
of $11.9 million, or $0.32 per share, for the three months ended March 31,
1997, an increase of $4.0 million compared to $7.9 million, or $0.22 per
share, for the comparable period of 1996.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company had a working capital deficit at March 31, 1997 of $0.7
million as compared to $11.4 million of working capital at December 31,



                                 -7-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 10
1996.  The $12.1 million decrease in working capital is primarily due to
higher accruals of current liabilities associated with drilling and 
construction activities not being immediately offset with borrowings under
the Company's credit facility.  Historically, the Company has funded its 
oil and gas activities through cash flow from operations, equity capital
from private and public sources and bank borrowings.

     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 adverse price movements, they may also limit future
revenues from favorable price movements.  The use of hedging transactions
also involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the
financial terms of such transactions.  Substantially all of the Company's
hedging transactions to date were carried out in the over-the-counter
market and the obligations of the counterparties have been guaranteed by
entities with at least an investment grade rating or secured by letters of
credit.  The Company accounts for these transactions as hedging activities
and, accordingly, gains or losses are included in oil and gas revenues when
the hedged production is delivered.  As of March 31, 1997, the Company had
entered into commodity price swap contracts effectively fixing the price of
2.4 Bcf of natural gas for April through June 1997 at a volume weighted
average price of $1.93 per MMBtu (or approximately $2.08 per Mcf based upon
the average energy content of the Company's gas production for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1996).  Subsequent to March 31, 1997, the Company
purchased put option contracts for 6.3 Bcf of natural gas for July through
September 1997 which, after accounting for the cost of such options, will
result in the Company receiving not less than $2.01 per Mcf for the covered
production.  These gas hedging transactions are settled based on reported
sales prices of natural gas delivered into those pipelines at the physical
locations where the Company sells its production (the "Sales Point Price"). 
Because substantially all of the Company's natural gas production is sold
under spot contracts that reference to the Sales Point Price, the Company
has no basis risk with respect to these transactions.

     The Company maintains a $125 million unsecured revolving credit
facility with The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as agent.  As of March 31,
1997, the borrowing base was $125 million, of which $60 million was
outstanding.  Subsequent to March 31, 1997, the Company's available
Borrowing Base was redetermined to be $160 million effective April 14,
1997.  Additionally, the Company's credit facility was amended to permit
the Company, subject to notification and conditioned upon the then
effective Borrowing Base, to increase the commitment amount from the
current level of $125 million up to $200 million.  Further, the revolving
credit period was extended through June 30, 1999, at which time the
aggregate loans outstanding under the credit facility convert to a term
loan with quarterly maturities through June 30, 2002.

     The Company's net cash flow from operations for the first three months
of 1997 was $42.5 million compared to $34.9 million for the same period of
1996.  The increase is primarily due to increases in oil and gas production
and average realized oil and gas prices and working capital changes.  Net
cash flow from operations before changes in operating assets and
liabilities for the first three months of 1997 was $38.6 million compared
to $27.5 million for the same period of 1996.  The increase in net cash
flow from operations before changes in operating assets and liabilities is

                                 -8-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 11
primarily attributable to increases in oil and gas production and average
realized oil and gas prices.

     Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 1997 were
$52.0 million compared to $18.9 million for the same period of 1996.  The
Company's exploration capital expenditures for the first three months of
1997 were $20 million of the total of approximately $68 million budgeted
for 1997.  Development drilling and construction expenditures for
platforms, facilities and pipelines were $25 million for the first three
months of 1997 of the total of approximately $92 million budgeted for 1997. 
Expenditures for proved property acquisitions for the first three months of
1997 were $7 million.  No significant abandonment or dismantlement costs
are anticipated during 1997.  The Company continues to pursue attractive
acquisition opportunities.  The timing and size of any acquisition and the
associated capital commitments are unpredictable.

     Actual levels of capital expenditures may vary significantly due to
many factors, including drilling results, oil and gas prices, industry
conditions, the prices of goods and services and the extent to which proved
properties are acquired.  The Company anticipates that these capital
expenditures will be funded principally from cash flow from operations,
working capital, and bank borrowings.  During the first quarter of 1997,
the Company borrowed $94 million and repaid $94 million under the credit
facility.  The Company anticipates additional borrowings under this
facility during the remainder of 1997.

     To cover the various obligations of lessees on the Outer Continental
Shelf (the "OCS"), the United States Department of the Interior Minerals
Management Service (the "MMS") generally requires that lessees have
substantial net worth or post bonds or other acceptable assurances that
such obligations will be met.  The cost of such bonds or other surety can
be substantial and there is no assurance that bonds or other surety can
be obtained in all cases.  Additionally, the MMS may require operators in
the OCS to post supplement bonds in excess of lease and area wide bonds to
assure that abandonment obligations on specific properties will be met. 
The Company is currently exempt from the supplemental bonding requirements
of the MMS.  Under certain circumstances, the MMS may require any Company
operations on federal leases to be suspended or terminated.  Any such
suspension or termination could materially and adversely affect the
Company's financial condition and operations.

     The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and
local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.
The Company believes its current operations are in material compliance
with current environmental laws and regulations.  There can be no
assurance, however, that current regulatory requirements will not change,
currently unforseen environmental incidents will not occur or past non-
compliance with environment laws will not be discovered.

     The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits arising
in the ordinary course of business.  While the outcome of these lawsuits
cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these
matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position,
results of operations or cash flows of the Company.




                                 -9-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 12
                                 Part II


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)    Exhibits:

         10.1 First Amendment to Credit Agreement among Newfield            
              Exploration Company, as the Company, the Chase Manhattan      
              Bank, as Agent, and the Banks signatory hereto, effective as  
              of April 1, 1997 (without Exhibits)

         11.1 Computation of Earnings per Share

         27   Financial Data Schedule (included only in the electonic
              filing of this document)

  (b)    Reports on Form 8-K:

         None





                                 -10-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 13
                               SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements 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.


                        NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY




Date: May 1, 1997             By:  /s/    TERRY W. RATHERT

                              Terry W. Rathert
                              Vice President and
                              Chief Financial Officer
                              (Authorized Officer and Principal
                              Financial Officer)




                                 -11-
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 14
                                    EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            Exhibit
            Number       Description of Exhibits
           ---------     -----------------------
             <S>         <C>

             10.1        First Amendment to Credit Agreement among Newfield 
                         Exploration Company, as the Company, the Chase     
                         Manhattan Bank, as Agent, and the Banks signatory  
                         hereto, effective as of April 1, 1997 (without     
                         Exhibits)

             11.1        Computation of Earnings Per Share


             27          Financial Data Schedule (included
                         only in the electronic filing of
                         this document)
</TABLE>

                                
<PAGE>    1                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                        FIRST AMENDMENT
                                
                               TO
                                
                        CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                
                             among
                                
                 NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY,
                        AS THE COMPANY,
                                
                   THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                           AS AGENT,
                                
                              AND
                                
                   THE BANKS SIGNATORY HERETO
                                
                 Effective as of April 1, 1997
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    2
              FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT


     This FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "First Amendment")
executed effective as of the 1st of April, 1997 (the "Effective Date") is
among NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the state of Delaware (the "Company");
each of the banks under the Credit Agreement (hereinafter defined)
(individually, a "Bank" and, collectively, the "Banks"); and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), as agent
for the Banks under the Credit Agreement (in such capacity, together with
its successors in such capacity, the "Agent").

                            Recitals

      A. The Company, the Agent and the Banks are parties to that certain
Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement"),
pursuant to which the Banks have made certain credit available to and on
behalf of the Company.

      B. The Company has requested and the Agent and the Banks have agreed
to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement.

      C. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants herein contained, for good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereto agree as follows:

      Section 1. Defined Terms.  All capitalized terms which are defined in
the Credit Agreement, but which are not defined in this First Amendment,
shall have the same meanings as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Unless
otherwise indicated, all section references in this First Amendment refer
to the Credit Agreement.

      Section 2. Amendments to Credit Agreement.

      2.1 Amendments to Section 1.01.

      (a) The definition of "Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts" is hereby
amended to read as follows:

          "Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts" at any time shall equal
$125,000,000, as the same may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.03(b) or
increased pursuant to Section 2.03(d).

      (b) The definition of "Agreement" is hereby amended to read as
follows:

          "Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as amended by the
First Amendment, and as further amended from time to time.

      (c) The following definitions of "First Amendment" and "First
Amendment Effective Date" are hereby added where alphabetically
appropriate:
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    3
          "First Amendment" shall mean that certain First Amendment to
Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1997 among the Company, the Agent and
the Banks.

          "First Amendment Effective Date" shall mean the "Effective Date"
as such term is defined in the First Amendment.

      (d) The definition of "Maturity Date" is hereby amended to read as
follows:

          "Maturity Date" shall mean June 30, 2002.

      (e) The definition of "Maximum Credit Amount" is hereby amended to
read as follows:

          "Maximum Credit Amount" shall mean, as to each Bank, the amount
set forth opposite such Bank's name on Annex I under the caption "Maximum
Credit Amount", as the same may be: (i) reduced pursuant to Section 2.03
(b) hereof pro rata to each Bank based on its Percentage Share, (ii)
increased, with the consent of such Bank, pursuant to Section 2.03(d), or
(iii) modified from time to time to reflect any assignments permitted by
Section 12.06(b).

      (f) The definition of "Percentage Share" is hereby amended to read as
follows:

          "Percentage Share" shall mean the percentage of the Loans and
Commitments to be provided by a Bank under this Agreement as indicated on
Annex I hereto, as modified from time to time to reflect any increases in
the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts permitted by Section 2.03(d) or any
assignments permitted by Section 12.06(b).

      (g) The definition of "Revolving Credit Termination Date" is hereby
amended to read as follows:

          "Revolving Credit Termination Date" shall mean June 30, 1999.

      2.2 Amendment to Section 2.03.  Section 2.03(a) is hereby amended to
read as follows:

      (a) The Aggregate Commitments shall at all times be equal to the
lesser of (i) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts after adjustments
resulting from reductions pursuant to Section 2.03(b) or increases pursuant
to Section 2.03(d), (ii) the Borrowing Base as determined from time to time
and (iii) the Designated Borrowing Base as determined from time to time.

      2.3 Amendment to Section 2.03.  Section 2.03(a) is hereby amended by
adding Section 2.03(d), which reads as follows:

      (d) The Company shall have the right, without the consent of the
Banks but subject to the approval of the Agent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), to effectuate from time to time an increase in the
Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts under this Agreement by adding to this
Agreement one or more commercial banks or other financial institutions (who
shall, upon completion of the requirements stated in this Section 2.03(d),
constitute Banks hereunder), or by allowing one or more Banks to


                                    -2-
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    4
increase their Maximum Credit Amount hereunder, so that such added and
increased Maximum Credit Amounts(s) shall equal the increase in Aggregate
Maximum Credit Amounts effectuated pursuant to this Section 2.03(d);
provided that: (i) no increase in the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts
pursuant to this Section 2.03(d) shall result in the Aggregate Maximum
Credit Amounts exceeding $200,000,000 (ii) no Bank's Maximum Credit Amount
shall be increased without the consent of such Bank, and (iii) if as a
result of an increase in the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to
this Section 2.03(d) the Percentage Share of any Bank is decreased and such
Bank is required to assign or have prepaid its then outstanding Eurodollar
Loans to comply with its new Percentage Share, such reallocation shall be
subject to Section 5.05.  The Company shall give the Agent three (3)
Business Days' prior written notice of its intent to increase the Aggregate
Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to this Section 2.03(d).  Such notice shall
specify each new commercial bank or other financial institution, if any,
the changes in amounts of Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts that will
result, and such other information as is reasonably requested by the Agent. 
Each new commercial bank or other financial institution, and each Bank
agreeing to increase its Maximum Credit Amount, shall execute and deliver
to the Agent a document satisfactory to the Agent pursuant to which it
becomes a party hereto or increases its Maximum Credit Amount, as the case
may be, which document, in the case of a new commercial bank or other
financial institution, shall (among other matters) specify the Applicable
Lending Office of such new commercial bank or other financial institution. 
In addition, the Agent shall prepare and deliver to the Company and each
Bank a new Annex I reflecting the new Percentage Share of each Bank and its
Maximum Credit Amount.  Finally, the Company shall execute and deliver a
Note, in substantially the form of Exhibit A, in the principal amount of
the Maximum Credit Amount of each new commercial bank or other financial
institution, or a replacement Note in the principal amount of the increased
Maximum Credit Amount of each Bank agreeing to increase its Maximum Credit
Amount, as the case may be.  The Company shall also deliver other documents
of the nature referred to in Section 6.01(a) to the Agent in such form and
substance as may be reasonably required by it.  Upon execution and delivery
of the appropriate documentation and the delivery to it of its Note, such
new commercial bank or other financial institution shall constitute a
"Bank" hereunder with a Maximum Credit Amount as specified in the new Annex
I delivered pursuant to this Section 2.03(d), or such Bank's Maximum Credit
Amount shall increase as specified therein, as the case may be.

      2.4 Amendment to Section 9.01.  Section 9.01 is hereby amended by
adding Section 9.01(i), which reads as follows:

      (i) Without limitation of any other part of Section 9.01, Debt of the
Company created, incurred or assumed after the date hereof; provided that
the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Debt shall not at any
one time outstanding exceed an amount equal to $10,000,000 minus the amount
of Debt outstanding at such time under Section 9.01(d).

  Section 3. Conditions Precedent.  The effectiveness of this First
Amendment is subject to the receipt by the Agent of the following documents
and satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions provided in this Section
3, each of which shall be satisfactory to the Agent in form and substance:


                                    -3-
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    5
      3.1 Loan Documents.  The Agent shall have received multiple
counterparts as requested of this First Amendment, each executed and
delivered by a duly authorized officer of each party.

      3.2 No Default.  No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing as of the Effective Date.

  Section 4. Representations and Warranties; Etc.  The Company hereby
affirms: (a) that as of the date of execution and delivery of this First
Amendment, all of the representations and warranties contained in the
Credit Agreement and each Loan Document are true and correct in all
material respects as though made on and as of the Effective Date; and (b)
that after giving effect to this First Amendment and to the transactions
contemplated hereby and that no Defaults exist under the Credit Agreement
or will exist under the Credit Agreement after giving effect to the
aforesaid transactions.

  Section 5. Miscellaneous.

      5.1 Confirmation.  The provisions of the Credit Agreement (as amended
by this First Amendment) shall remain in full force and effect in
accordance with its terms following the effectiveness of this First
Amendment.

      5.2 Counterparts.  This First Amendment may be executed by one or
more of the parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts, and all
of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and
the same instrument.

      5.3 No Oral Agreement.  This written First Amendment, the Credit
Agreement and the other documents executed in connection herewith and
therewith represent the final agreement between the parties and may not be
contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or unwritten oral
agreements of the parties.  There are no subsequent oral agreements between
the parties.

      5.4 Governing Law.  This First Amendment (including, but not limited
to, the validity and enforceability hereof), shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.







                 (SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE)

                                    -4-
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    6
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this First Amendment to be
duly executed effective as of the date first written above.


     NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY

     By:  /s/ TERRY W. RATHERT
     Name:  Terry W. Rathert
     Title: VP & CFO


     THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Agent

     By: /s/ MARY JO WOODFORD
     Name: Mary Jo Woodford
     Title: Vice President


     THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

     By: /s/MARY JO WOODFORD
     Name: Mary Jo Woodford
     Title:  Vice President


     THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON

     By: /s/FRANK T. SMITH
     Name: Frank T. Smith
     Title: Director

                                    -5-
<PAGE>
<PAGE>    7
     BANK OF MONTREAL

     By: /s/ ROBERT L. ROBERTS
     Name Robert L. Roberts
     Title: Director, U.S. Corporate Banking


     FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
     
     By: /s/ MICHAEL J. KOLOSOWSKY
     Name: Michael J. Kolosowsky
     Title: Vice President


     SOCIETE GENERALE

     By: /s/RICHARD A. ERBERT
     Name: Richard A. Erbert
     Title: Vice President


     FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE

     By: /s/ DAVID R. REID
     Title: Sr. Vice President
                                    -6-

<PAGE>     1




                                                               Exhibit 11.1

                               NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY

                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
              (In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Three Months Ended      
                                                        March 31,
                                                 --------------------------
                                                     1997          1996
                                                 ------------  ------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Net income for earnings per share                $    11,887   $     7,929
                                                 ============  ============
Earnings per common share                        $      0.32   $      0.22
                                                 ============  ============

Calculation of weighted
  average shares outstanding:

     Common stock, weighted average               35,249,962    34,520,124
     Common stock equivalents                      2,424,205     2,263,760
                                                 ------------  ------------
     Total common stock and equivalents
     outstanding for earnings per
     common share                                 37,674,167    36,783,884
                                                 ============  ============
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
NEWFIELD EXPLORATION COMPANY'S BALANCE SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1997 AND
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, THAT
ARE CONTAINED IN ITS FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
1997. THE SCHEDULE IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          12,819
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   29,064
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                42,953
<PP&E>                                         581,398
<DEPRECIATION>                                 218,900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 409,906
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           43,632
<BONDS>                                         60,000
<COMMON>                                       148,416
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     104,572
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   409,906
<SALES>                                         46,927
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                46,927
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                25,337
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 325
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 18,255
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,368
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             11,887
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    11,887
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.32
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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