TIDEWATER INC
10-Q, 1997-01-21
WATER TRANSPORTATION
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<PAGE>
 
                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C.   20549

                                     FORM 10-Q

/X/  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 1996
                                                           -----------------

     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the Transition Period From

                                      to
- --------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                           Commission file number 1-6311
                                                  ------

                                  TIDEWATER INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

      DELAWARE                            72-0487776
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)            Identification Number)

      1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana    70112
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:      (504) 568-1010
                                                    ---------------------------

                                  NOT APPLICABLE   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last 
report.  

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 of 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 ______
                                           ______

60,578,695 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock $.10 par value per share were
outstanding on January 21, 1997.  Registrant has no other class of common stock
outstanding.  

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                          PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Item 1.  Financial Statements
TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)                                                                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      December 31,     March 31, 
ASSETS                                                  1996             1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C> 
Current assets:
   Cash, including temporary cash investments        $     11,286         28,768 
   Marketable securities                                   41,687          ---   
   Trade and other receivables                            182,958        144,472 
   Inventories                                             34,250         31,346 
   Other current assets                                     3,430          4,350  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total current assets                                 273,611        208,936  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments in, at equity, and advances to
   unconsolidated companies                                20,668         35,861 
Properties and equipment:
   Marine equipment                                     1,269,836      1,210,876 
   Compression equipment                                  321,466        324,069 
   Other                                                   40,455         41,240  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1,631,757      1,576,185 
   Less accumulated depreciation                          939,972        916,412  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net properties and equipment                         691,785        659,773 
Other assets                                               71,326         73,630  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $1,057,390        978,200  
====================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                      ---           2,934 
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                   82,229         70,546 
   Accrued property and liability losses                   13,168         10,844 
   Income taxes                                             3,995          1,356  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total current liabilities                           99,392         85,680  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income taxes                                      91,100         76,579 
Accrued property and liability losses                      29,306         34,206 
Other liabilities and deferred credits                     50,727         42,985 
Stockholders' equity:
   Common stock of $.10 par value; issued
     61,400,819 shares at December and                                           
     61,882,695 shares at March                             6,140          6,188 
   Additional paid-in capital                             395,119        421,655 
   Retained earnings                                      396,876        322,736  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          798,135        750,579 
   Less:
   Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment      10,312         10,771 
   Deferred compensation - restricted stock                   925          1,058  
   Unrealized investment loss                                  33           ---  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                786,865        738,750  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $1,057,390        978,200  
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Quarter Ended              Nine Months Ended    
                                    December 31,                December 31,      
                               ------------------------    -------------------------
                                    1996         1995         1996         1995   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>             <C>          <C>          <C> 
Revenues:
 Marine operations             $   184,133      135,891      498,463      396,671 
 Compression operations             28,296       30,536       83,732       85,609 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   212,429      166,427      582,195      482,280 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs and expenses:
 Marine operations                  98,290       81,662      286,085      243,480 
 Compression operations             16,039       16,826       47,552       45,603 
 Depreciation                       20,583       20,247       61,416       61,626 
 General and administrative         16,313       14,997       47,211       43,752 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   151,225      133,732      442,264      394,461 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    61,204       32,695      139,931       87,819 
Other income (expenses):
 Foreign exchange gain (loss)           71         (374)        (183)        (584)
 Gains on sales of assets              961        2,060        2,956        6,612 
 Equity in net earnings of
   unconsolidated companies          1,288        1,563        3,707        4,599 
 Minority interests                   (200)        (160)        (540)        (925)
 Interest and miscellaneous income   1,410        1,237        3,666        3,119 
 Interest and other debt costs        (126)      (1,220)        (660)      (5,464)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     3,404        3,106        8,946        7,357 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes        64,608       35,801      148,877       95,176 
Income taxes                        21,438       11,614       48,385       31,131 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                   $    43,170       24,187      100,492       64,045 
====================================================================================
Primary and fully-diluted
 earnings per common share:$           .68          .39         1.60         1.03 
====================================================================================
Weighted average common
 shares and equivalents         62,666,040   62,206,632   62,640,730   62,067,291 
====================================================================================
Cash dividends declared
 per common share              $       .15         .125         .425          .35 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Quarter Ended           Nine Months Ended 
                                          December 31,              December 31, 
                                        ------------------      --------------------
                                          1996        1995        1996      1995 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>       <C>        <C> 
Net cash provided by operating activities $  65,498    51,226    154,274   134,861 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sales of assets               3,890     4,154     11,317    15,691 
  Additions to properties and equipment     (13,085)  (13,022)   (45,536)  (29,513)
  Purchases of marketable securities        (35,660)     ---     (41,720)     ---   
  Acquisition of joint-venture interest,
    net of cash acquired                       ---       ---      (3,435)     ---   
  Dividends received from unconsolidated 
    companies, net of additional
    investments                                 485     4,428      4,315     8,146 
  Dividends paid to minority interests          (19)      (99)      (743)     (998)
  Other                                        ---          8       ---       (377)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash used in investing activities   (44,389)   (4,531)   (75,802)   (7,051)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Principal payments on long-term debt         ---    (49,597)   (43,018) (114,652)
  Purchases of common stock                 (28,667)     ---     (28,667)    ---   
  Cash dividends paid                        (9,306)   (6,667)   (26,352)  (18,654)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock         36       362      2,083     1,380 
  Other                                        ---       ---        ---         41 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash used in financing activities   (37,937)  (55,902)   (95,954) (131,885)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash,
  including temporary cash investments      (16,828)   (9,207)   (17,482)   (4,075)
Net increase in cash for Hornbeck Offshore
  Services for the quarter ended 3/31/95       ---       ---        ---      4,980 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, including temporary cash 
  investments at beginning of period         28,114    33,386     28,768    23,274 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, including temporary cash
  investments at end of period            $  11,286    24,179     11,286    24,179 
====================================================================================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
  information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest                            $     180     1,184        520     5,488 
      Income taxes                        $  13,470     8,918     30,060    19,795 
====================================================================================
Supplemental noncash investing activity:
  Joint-venture interest acquired:
    Fair value of assets acquired         $    ---       ---      51,305      ---   
    Fair value of liabilities assumed          ---       ---     (47,870)     ---   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash payment                      $    ---       ---       3,435      ---   
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
TIDEWATER INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  Interim Financial Statements

     The consolidated financial information for the interim periods presented
     herein has not been audited by independent accountants, but in the opinion
     of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
     adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed
     consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of
     earnings and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated have
     been made. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily
     indicative of results of operations for the respective full years.

(2)  Earnings per Share Data

     Primary and fully diluted earnings per share data are computed on the
     weighted average number of shares and dilutive equivalent shares of common
     stock (stock options and restricted stock grants) outstanding during each
     period using the treasury stock method.

(3)  Income Taxes

     Income tax expense for interim periods is based on estimates of the
     effective tax rate for the entire fiscal year. The effective tax rates were
     33% and 32% for the quarter and nine-month period ended December 31, 1996,
     respectively. For the quarter and nine-month period ended December 31, 1995
     the effective tax rates were 32% and 33%, respectively.

(4)  Acquisition of Marine Joint-Venture
 
     During fiscal 1997's first quarter the company acquired the remaining 50.1%
     equity interest in 22 of 29 safety/standby vessels previously owned and
     operated by joint-venture companies in the North Sea. The acquisition was
     accounted for as a purchase and accordingly, the fair value of the assets
     acquired and liabilities assumed and results of operations have been
     included in the condensed consolidated financial statements effective June
     1, 1996.

(5)  Share Repurchase Program

     During the current quarter the Board of Directors authorized a share
     repurchase program whereby the company could purchase in the open market or
     through privately negotiated transactions up to $200 million of company
     common stock. The program expires when all authorized funds have been
     expended or on March 31, 1998, whichever occurs earlier. As of December 31,
     1996 the company had expended $28.7 million of available cash on the
     purchase of 641,500 common shares at an average cost, including broker
     commissions and fees, of $44.74 per share. All common shares purchased as
     of December 31, 1996 have been canceled.

(6)  Contingencies

     The Internal Revenue Service has notified the company of proposed
     deficiencies aggregating approximately $20 million of additional income
     taxes resulting from audits of the company's 1992 and 1993 tax returns.



                                       5
<PAGE>
 

     The company is the defendant to several alleged labor-law pay violations
     claimed by certain current and former employees in various areas of the
     world where its marine vessel operations are conducted. While the amount,
     if any, of such claims for which the company ultimately may be held liable
     is not presently determinable, if the claimants and all similarly situated
     employees and former employees who might file claims were successful, the
     aggregate amount of the company's liability could approximate $25 million.

     The company is in the process of defending against these claims and
     assessments and, in management's opinion, the ultimate outcome of these
     matters will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial
     position or the results of its ongoing operations.


                                       6

<PAGE>
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT
- -----------------------------------


The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Tidewater Inc.:




We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and the related condensed consolidated
statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. These condensed consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for
them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries as
of March 31, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of earnings,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented
herein); and in our report dated April 29, 1996 we expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion the
information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet
as of March 31, 1996 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation
to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived .






KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
January 20, 1997

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                       MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                       ------------------------------------

The company provides services and equipment to the international energy industry
through its marine and compression divisions. Company revenues, net earnings and
cash flows from operations are dependent upon activity levels of the marine
vessel fleet and the natural gas compression rental fleet. Activity levels for
the marine vessel fleet and the natural gas compression rental fleet are
ultimately dependent upon oil and natural gas prices which, in turn, are
determined by the supply/demand relationship for oil and natural gas. The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

MARINE DIVISION
- ---------------

The Marine division provides a diverse range of services and equipment to the
offshore oil and gas industry. Fleet size, utilization and vessel day rates
primarily determine the amount of revenues and operating profit because
operating costs and depreciation do not change proportionally with changes in
revenues. Operating costs consist primarily of crew costs, repair and
maintenance, insurance, fuel, lube and supplies. Fleet size and utilization are
the major factors which affect crew costs. The timing and amount of repair and
maintenance costs are influenced by vessel age and scheduled drydockings to
satisfy safety and inspection requirements mandated by regulatory agencies.
Whenever possible, vessel drydockings are done during seasonally slow periods to
minimize any impact on vessel operations and are only done if economically
justified, given the vessel's age and physical condition. The following tables
compare revenues, operating expenses (excluding general and administrative
expense and depreciation expense) and operating margins of the Marine division's
owned and operated vessel fleet for the quarters and nine-month periods ended
December 31 and for the quarter ended September 30, 1996:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                         Quarter 
                                Quarter Ended       Nine Months Ended     Ended  
                                 December 31,          December 31,      Sept 30,
                               -----------------    ------------------   --------
         (in thousands)           1996      1995       1996      1995      1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>      <C> 
Revenues:
   United States                $91,602    62,622    239,025   178,573    79,227 
   International                 84,720    66,600    234,199   196,337    79,126 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                176,322   129,222    473,224   374,910   158,353 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
   Crew costs                    46,755    36,512    128,692   108,169    44,053 
   Repair and maintenance        22,455    19,534     71,916    60,789    22,803 
   Insurance                      8,138     8,552     24,452    25,118     8,383 
   Fuel, lube and supplies        8,256     6,509     22,989    18,160     7,552 
   Other                          6,144     5,064     16,906    14,251     5,975 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 91,748    76,171    264,955   226,487    88,766 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating margins               $84,574    53,051    208,269   148,423    69,587 
====================================================================================
Operating margin percentages       48.0%     41.1%      44.0%     39.6%     43.9%
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Current quarter and nine-month operating margins grew 59% and 40% above the
respective fiscal 1996 amounts. Current quarter operating margins also rose 22%
above the preceding quarter's amount. The substantial growth in operating
margins in the current quarter and nine-month period compared with the
respective fiscal 1996 periods was the result of higher utilization of a larger
international-based fleet and significantly higher day rates for the worldwide
fleet partially offset 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
by higher operating costs. The growth in operating margins from the preceding
quarter to the current quarter resulted from higher utilization of the
international-based fleet and higher day rates for the worldwide fleet partially
offset by higher crew costs. A larger international-based fleet is due to fiscal
1997's first quarter acquisition of the remaining 50.1% equity interest in
several safety/standby vessels previously operated by joint-venture companies in
the North Sea. Higher utilization of the international-based fleet in the
current quarter and nine-month period compared with the corresponding fiscal
1996 periods and for the current quarter compared with the preceding quarter is
due to greater demand for offshore marine services in certain international
locations. Higher day rates for the worldwide vessel fleet in the current
quarter and nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods of fiscal
1996 and for the current quarter compared with the preceding quarter is the
result of a much more favorable supply/demand relationship for offshore marine
services. Current quarter and nine-month operating costs were 20% and 17% higher
than the respective fiscal 1996 periods and resulted from the expansion of the
North Sea fleet, increased costs associated with retaining qualified vessel
personnel and attracting and training new vessel personnel and a greater number
of vessel drydockings. Crew costs for the current quarter rose above the prior
quarter amount due to higher international fleet utilization and higher costs
associated with retaining qualified vessel personnel.

Revenues, operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expense and
depreciation expense) and operating margins of brokered vessels, shipyard and
other activities for the quarters and nine-month periods ended December 31 and
for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 were:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                          Quarter
                                  Quarter Ended       Nine Months Ended    Ended 
                                   December 31,          December 31,     Sept 30,
                                -----------------    -------------------  --------
           (In thousands)         1996      1995       1996      1995      1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>        <C> 
Revenues                       $  7,811     6,669     25,239    21,761     9,338 
Expenses                          6,542     5,491     21,130    16,993     7,813
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Margins                        $  1,269     1,178      4,109     4,768     1,525 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Marine division operating profit for the quarters and nine-month periods ended
December 31 and for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 consist of the
following:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                          Quarter
                                Quarter Ended         Nine Months Ended    Ended 
                                 December 31,          December 31,       Sept 30,
                                ----------------      ------------------  --------
           (In thousands)         1996      1995       1996      1995      1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>       <C> 
Owned and operated vessels:
   United States                $34,943    13,166     77,009    34,460    26,204 
   International                 25,589    17,204     60,633    45,794    18,695 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 60,532    30,370    137,642    80,254    44,899 

Gains from asset sales              682     2,079      1,559     6,305       161 
Brokered vessels, shipyard and 
  other                           1,098     1,040      3,494     4,220     1,278 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                $62,312    33,489    142,695    90,779    46,338 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Marine fleet utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a
lesser extent by drydocking requirements. Utilization of the domestic-based
fleet, which operates in U.S. waters, is primarily influenced by offshore
activity related to the exploration, development and production of natural gas
in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; whereas, utilization of the international-based
fleet, which operates in waters other than the United States, is primarily
influenced by offshore activity related to the exploration, development and
production of oil.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Marine vessel day rates are determined by the demand created through the level
of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy
exploration and production companies relative to the supply of offshore service
vessels. Suitability of equipment and the degree of service provided also
influence vessel day rates. The following two tables compare day-based Marine
fleet utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class and in total
for the quarters and nine-month periods ended December 31 and for the quarter
ended September 30, 1996:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                          Quarter 
                                Quarter Ended       Nine Months Ended      Ended  
                                 December 31,          December 31,       Sept 30,
                                -----------------  --------------------   --------
                                  1996      1995       1996      1995      1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>        <C> 
UTILIZATION:
- ------------
  Domestic-based fleet
  --------------------
   Towing-supply/supply            90.0%     89.9       90.5      87.4      90.2 
   Crew/utility                    88.6      83.7       91.2      81.6      94.1 
   Offshore tugs                   62.9      67.5       64.1      59.8      67.0 
   Other                           50.2      51.3       53.4      53.6      61.9 
   Total                           82.4%     83.1       83.7      80.0      85.1 
  International-based fleet
  -------------------------
   Towing-supply/supply            90.9%     85.6       88.8      86.7      88.1 
   Crew/utility                    80.9      81.5       85.4      84.3      85.4 
   Offshore tugs                   79.3      77.4       75.0      73.8      70.3 
   Safety/standby                  83.9       ---       81.3       ---      78.2 
   Other                           84.4      56.8       78.2      47.5      74.4 
   Total                           86.4%     79.1       84.1      77.8      82.1 
  Worldwide fleet
  ---------------
   Towing-supply/supply            90.5%     87.6       89.6      87.1      89.1 
   Crew/utility                    85.0      82.8       88.5      82.7      90.1 
   Offshore tugs                   71.8      73.4       70.1      67.6      68.8 
   Safety/standby                  83.9       ---       81.3       ---      78.2 
   Other                           75.9      55.7       72.4      48.7      71.7 
   Total                           84.7%     80.9       83.9      78.8      83.3 
====================================================================================
AVERAGE VESSEL DAY RATES:
- -------------------------
  Domestic-based fleet 
  --------------------
   Towing-supply/supply         $ 5,842     3,610      5,062     3,486     5,049 
   Crew/utility                   1,664     1,344      1,532     1,347     1,512 
   Offshore tugs                  5,651     4,909      5,343     4,878     5,355 
   Other                          3,505     3,155      3,233     3,030     3,050 
   Total                        $ 4,948     3,309      4,351     3,202     4,317 
  International-based fleet 
  -------------------------
   Towing-supply/supply         $ 3,965     3,651      3,836     3,655     3,838 
   Crew/utility                   1,916     1,646      1,792     1,766     1,735 
   Offshore tugs                  3,290     2,710      2,977     2,686     2,916 
   Safety/standby                 5,290     ---        5,135     ---       4,907 
   Other                            705       674        695       706       662 
   Total                        $ 3,296     2,909      3,130     2,972     3,144 
  Worldwide fleet
  ---------------
   Towing-supply/supply         $ 4,833     3,632      4,400     3,576     4,387 
   Crew/utility                   1,776     1,470      1,648     1,521     1,610 
   Offshore tugs                  4,237     3,538      3,943     3,545     3,971 
   Safety/standby                 5,290     ---        5,135     ---       4,907 
   Other                          1,168     1,138      1,133     1,226     1,109 
   Total                        $ 3,988     3,090      3,647     3,078     3,639 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Additional investment in the vessel fleet for the current nine-month period
totaled $32.2 million. Two supply vessels, two offshore tugs, two crewboats and
a specialty vessel were added for $16.4 million. The remainder of additions for
the current nine-month period of $15.8 million were for additions to and/or
modifications of the existing vessel fleet. In fiscal 1997's first quarter the
remaining 50.1% equity interest in 22 of 29 safety/standby vessels, previously
operated by joint-venture companies in the North Sea, was acquired and increased
the size of the international-based fleet. In prior periods these vessels were
classified as joint-venture owned. The average size of the domestic-based fleet
fell from December 1995 to December 1996 due to vessel sales, the return of
previously leased vessels to their owners and the withdrawal of several vessels
from active service in fiscal 1997's first quarter because of age and
anticipated higher repair and maintenance costs. The following table compares
the average number of vessels by class and geographic distribution for the
quarters and nine-month periods ended December 31 and for the quarter ended
September 30, 1996:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                       Quarter          Nine Months     Quarter 
                                        Ended              Ended         Ended  
                                     December 31,       December 31,    Sept 30,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1996     1995      1996     1995       1996  
                                   ----     ----      ----     ----       ----
<S>                                <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>        <C> 
Domestic-based fleet:
- --------------------
   Towing-supply/supply             143      146       140      148         137 
   Crew/utility                      42       49        42       51          42 
   Offshore tugs                     44       40        43       42          43 
   Other                             15       13        14       13          13 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                            244      248       239      254         235 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International-based fleet:
- --------------------------
   Towing-supply/supply             164      172       167      171         169 
   Crew/utility                      38       36        36       35          36 
   Offshore tugs                     52       57        53       53          53 
   Safety/standby*                   24      ---        20      ---          26 
   Other                             45       49        47       50          49 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                            323      314       323      309         333 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Owned or chartered vessels
     included in marine revenues    567      562       562      563         568 
   Vessels withdrawn from active     21       16        22       16          22 
     service
   Joint-venture owned vessels       47       76        53       76          47 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                          635      654       637      655         637 
====================================================================================
Worldwide fleet:
- ----------------
   Towing-supply/supply             350      356       351      357         345 
   Crew/utility                      88       94        88       95          89 
   Offshore tugs                    100      100       102       98         102 
   Safety/standby*                   25       29        25       29          26 
   Other                             72       75        71       76          75 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                            635      654       637      655         637 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 
*  Change in number of vessels is the result of the company's acquisition of the
   remaining 50.1% interest in a North Sea joint venture effective June 1, 1996.

COMPRESSION DIVISION
- --------------------

The Compression division provides natural gas compression services and equipment
for a variety of applications primarily in the energy industry. Rental revenues
are determined, for the most part, by utilization and fleet size. Utilization is
affected by natural gas storage levels and by the number and age of producing
oil and natural gas wells which, in turn, are dependent upon the price levels of
oil and natural gas. Quality of service, availability and rental rates for
equipment are also major 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
factors which affect utilization. Operating expenses are generally consistent
from period-to-period and usually vary in the short-term due to fluctuations in
the amount of repair and maintenance expense. Long-term growth in operating
expenses will occur primarily as a result of increased fleet size and general
inflationary factors. Compression division operating profit is primarily
determined by operating margins from rental gas compression operations. The
following tables compare revenues, operating expenses (excluding general and
administrative expense and depreciation expense), operating margins and related
statistics for gas compression operations for the quarters and nine-month
periods ended December 31 and for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                         Quarter 
                                Quarter Ended        Nine Months Ended    Ended  
                                 December 31,          December 31,      Sept 30,
                              ------------------   --------------------  --------
                                1996        1995      1996      1995       1996  
(In thousands, except statistics)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C> 
Revenues:                                                    
   Rentals                    $  18,181    17,756     53,978    54,441    17,995 
   Repair, service and other        626     1,985      2,601     5,190       677 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 18,807    19,741     56,579    59,631    18,672 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
   Wages and benefits             2,989     2,567      8,962     8,662     3,054 
   Repairs and maintenance        3,616     3,196     10,099     9,587     3,243 
   Other                          1,804     1,971      5,760     6,101     1,953 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  8,409     7,734     24,821    24,350     8,250 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating margins           $  10,398    12,007     31,758    35,281    10,422 
====================================================================================
Operating margin percentages       55.3%     60.8%      56.1%     59.2%     55.8%
====================================================================================
Horsepower based statistics:
   Utilization                     77.6%     74.3%      76.5%     73.5%     76.3%
   Average monthly rental rate $   16.73     17.30      16.69     17.67     16.75 
   Average fleet size            466,084   467,152    468,880   470,581   468,449 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Compared to the corresponding quarter and nine-month period of fiscal 1996,
fiscal 1997 third quarter and nine-month operating margins fell because the
positive effect of higher utilization was entirely offset by lower rental rates
and higher repair and maintenance costs. Lower rental rates in the current
quarter and nine-month period dropped below the respective prior year levels due
to increased competition. Higher repair and maintenance costs in the current
quarter and nine-month period compared with the respective fiscal 1996 periods
resulted from a greater number of compressor overhauls.

The Compression division also designs, fabricates and installs engineered
compressor systems and sells related parts and equipment. The following table
compares revenues, costs of sales and sales margins for equipment and parts
sales for the quarters and nine-month periods ended December 31 and for the
quarter ended September 30, 1996:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                         Quarter 
                                Quarter Ended      Nine Months Ended      Ended  
                                 December 31,          December 31,      Sept 30,
                                ---------------   --------------------   --------
             (In thousands)       1996      1995       1996       1995     1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>         <C> 
Revenues                        $ 9,489    10,795     27,153    25,978     7,509 
Costs of sales                    7,630     9,092     22,731    21,253     6,375 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Gross profit margins     $ 1,859     1,703      4,422     4,725     1,134 
====================================================================================
Gross profit margin percentages    19.6%     15.8%      16.3%     18.2%     15.1%
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Fluctuations in the level of equipment and parts sales for the periods presented
are due to the timing of sales of engineered products. Fluctuations in gross
profit margin percentages are the result of competitive market forces. Costs of
sales consist primarily of wages and benefits and material costs associated with
the design, fabrication and installation of packaged compressor systems.

Additional investment in the natural gas compression rental fleet for the
current year-to-date period was $13.3 million and was primarily for
modifications of existing equipment to meet customer requirements. During the
first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Compression division disposed of all of its air
rental equipment which generated proceeds of $3.5 million and a gain of $.5
million. Revenues from the rental of air equipment for the nine-month period
ended December 31, 1996 were $.7 million. Gains from sales of assets for the
current quarter were $.3 million. Excluding the sale of air rental equipment
gains from sales of assets for the nine-month period ended December 31, 1996
were $.9 million. Gains from sales of assets for the corresponding quarter and
nine-month period of fiscal 1996 contributed nominally to division operating
profits.

CORPORATE
- ---------

Financing activities for the current quarter and nine-month period consumed less
cash than the corresponding fiscal 1996 periods due to lower principal payments
on long-term debt. Principal payments on long-term debt for the nine months
ended December 31, 1996 were primarily for the prepayment of the debt assumed in
connection with purchase of the remaining equity in certain North Sea joint-
venture companies. Lower interest expense in the current quarter and nine-month
period compared with the respective fiscal 1996 periods resulted from the fiscal
1996 fourth quarter prepayments of debt assumed in connection with the fiscal
1996 fourth quarter merger with Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. During the
current quarter the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program
whereby the company could purchase in the open market or through privately
negotiated transactions up to $200 million of company common stock. The program
expires when all authorized funds have been expended or on March 31, 1998,
whichever occurs earlier. As of December 31, 1996, the company had expended
$28.7 million of available cash on the purchase of 641,500 common shares at an
average cost, including broker commissions and fees, of $44.74 per share.  All 
common shares purchased as of December 31, 1996 has been canceled.


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                                                         Quarter 
                                  Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended     Ended  
                                   December 31,        December 31,      Sept 30,
                                -----------------  --------------------  --------
           (In thousands)         1996      1995       1996       1995     1996  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>       <C> 
Personnel                      $  9,534     8,464     27,719    25,165     9,384 
Office and property               2,830     2,450      8,338     7,290     2,867 
Sales and marketing               1,164       918      3,163     2,470     1,066 
Professional services             1,305     1,120      3,930     3,182     1,357 
Other                             1,480     2,045      4,061     5,645     1,149 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                $16,313    14,997     47,211    43,752    15,823 
====================================================================================
</TABLE> 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
The Internal Revenue Service has notified the company of proposed deficiencies 
aggregating approximately $20 million of additional income taxes resulting from 
audits of the company's tax returns.

The company is the defendant to several alleged labor-law pay violations claimed
by certain current and former employees in various areas of the world where its 
marine vessel operations are conducted.  While the amount, if any, of such 
claims for which the company ultimately may be held liable is not presently 
determinable, if the claimants and all similarly situated employees and former 
employees who might file claims were successful, the aggregate amount of the 
company's liability could approximate $25 million.

The company is in the process of defending against these claims and assessments 
and, in management's opinion, the ultimate outcome of these matters will not 
have a  material adverse effect on the company's financial position or the 
results of its ongoing operations.

General and administrative expenses for the quarters and nine-month periods
ended December 31 and for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 consist of the
following:


CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND INFLATION
- -----------------------------------

Because of its significant international operations, the company is exposed to
currency fluctuations and exchange risks. To minimize the financial impact of
these items the company attempts to contract a majority of its services in
United States dollars.

Day-to-day operating costs are generally affected by inflation. However, because
the energy services industry requires specialized goods and services, general
economic inflationary trends may not affect the company's operating costs. The
major impact on operating costs is the level of offshore exploration,
development and production spending by energy exploration and production
companies. As this spending increases, prices of goods and services used by the
oil and gas industry and the energy services industry will increase. Future
improvements in vessel day rates and compressor rental rates may buffer the
company from the inflationary effects on operating costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
- ---------------------

During the ordinary course of business the company's operations are subject to a
wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. The company attempts to
comply with these laws and regulations in order to avoid costly accidents and
any related environmental damage.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                            PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION



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

A.   At page 16 of this report is the index for those exhibits required to be
     filed as a part of this report.

B.   The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter for
     which this report is filed.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit
Number
- -------



10     Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan
       Agreement

11     Statement - Computation of Per Share Earnings

27     Financial Data Schedule

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                    SIGNATURES




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.



                                TIDEWATER INC.
                                ----------------------------------------------
                                (Registrant)




Date: January 21, 1997               /s/ William C. O'Malley 
                                ----------------------------------------------
                                William C. O'Malley
                                Chairman of the Board, President and
                                Chief Executive Officer





Date: January 21, 1997               /s/ Ken C. Tamblyn  
                                ----------------------------------------------
                                Ken C. Tamblyn
                                Executive Vice President and
                                Chief Financial Officer

                                       17

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 10

                        SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND
               RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT


          THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND
TERM LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of December 19, 1996 (this "Amendment"), by and
among Tidewater Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the Domestic
Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Company named on
Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof, which Domestic Subsidiaries
constitute all of the Domestic Subsidiaries of the Company (herein together with
the Company called the "Companies"), and First National Bank of Commerce, as
administrative agent ("Administrative Agent"), First National Bank of Commerce,
The First National Bank of Boston and Texas Commerce Bank National Association,
as agents ("Agents"), and First National Bank of Commerce, The First National
Bank of Boston, Texas Commerce Bank National Association, AmSouth Bank of
Alabama, Whitney National Bank, Hibernia National Bank and Bank One, Louisiana,
N.A. (formerly Premier Bank National Association), as lenders (the "Lenders").


                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

          A.  The Company, the Domestic Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent,
the Agents and the Lenders have executed a Second Amended and Restated Revolving
Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1995 (as amended, the
"Credit Agreement") relating to a $130,000,000 line of credit expiring on
September 30, 1998, after which the line of credit converts to a four-year term
loan.

          B.  The Companies and the Lenders have agreed (i) to increase the line
of credit to $162,500,000 and (ii) to modify the basis for determining the
Applicable LIBO Rate Margin and Applicable Facility Fee Rate.


                                   AGREEMENT
                                   ---------

          NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants,
agreements and undertakings herein contained, the Companies and Lenders hereby
agree as follows:

          1.  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein
shall have the meanings ascribed hereto in the Credit Agreement.

          2.  Section 1 (Commitment of Lenders) of the Credit Agreement is
hereby amended to read as follows:

              Section 1. Commitment of Lenders. Subject to the terms and
          conditions hereof, each Lender severally agrees to make a loan
          to the Companies, on the terms and conditions set forth in this
          Agreement, in the following aggregate principal amount (the
          "Commitments"):
 
                                                   Line of Credit
              Lender                             Maximum Commitment
              ------                             ------------------
 
     First National Bank of Commerce                   $ 29,250,000
 
 
<PAGE>
 
     The First National Bank of Boston                 $ 29,250,000
 
     Texas Commerce Bank National Association            29,250,000
 
     AmSouth Bank of Alabama                             22,750,000
 
     Whitney National Bank                               19,500,000
 
     Hibernia National Bank                              16,250,000
 
     Bank One, Louisiana, N.A.                           16,250,000
                                                       ------------
 
     Total                                             $162,500,000
                                                       ============
 

     3.   Section 11.1 (Definitions) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
(i) to delete the definitions of Credit Rating, (ii) to amend the definitions of
Applicable Facility Fee Rate and Applicable LIBO Rate Margin, and (iii) to add
definition of Debt to Total Capitalization, as follows:

                                 *     *     *

          "Applicable Facility Fee Rate" shall mean the following per annum
     facility fee interest rate applicable to the Available Credit from time to
     time depending on the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio of the Company:

          Level                    Applicable Facility Fee Rate
          -----                    ----------------------------
          Level I                            0.250%
          Level II                           0.250%
          Level III                          0.250%
          Level IV                           0.250%

     The Applicable Facility Fee Rate for any fiscal quarter shall be determined
     by reference to the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio as of the last day
     of the second fiscal quarter prior to the quarter for which the Applicable
     Facility Fee Rate is determined.  For example, the Applicable Facility Fee
     Rate for the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 1997 shall be determined
     on the basis of the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio of the Company as of
     September 30, 1996.

          "Applicable LIBO Rate Margin" shall mean the following per annum
     interest rate applicable to LIBO Rate Advances from time to time depending
     on the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio of the Company:

                                                        Applicable
          Level                                     LIBO Rate Margin
          -----                                     ----------------
          Level I                                       0.500%
          Level II                                      0.625%
          Level III                                     0.875%
          Level IV                                      1.125%

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     The Applicable LIBO Rate Margin for any fiscal quarter shall be determined
     by reference to the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio as of the last day
     of the second fiscal quarter prior to the quarter for which the Applicable
     LIBO Rate Margin is determined.  For example, the Applicable LIBO Rate
     Margin for the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 1997 shall be determined
     on the basis of the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio of the Company as of
     September 30, 1996.

                                 *     *     *

          "Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio" shall mean the following ratio of
     (i) Consolidated Debt (defined for these purposes as Current Debt plus
     Funded Debt and including the face amount of all letters of credit issued
     for the account of all Companies on a consolidated basis) to (ii) the sum
     of Consolidated Debt (as defined in clause (i) hereof) plus Consolidated
     Total Stockholders' Equity (defined for these purposes as to total
     stockholders' equity of the Company, on a consolidated basis, as shown on
     the Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
     accepted accounting principles) determined as of the last day of each
     fiscal quarter:

                                         Debt to Total
          Level                       Capitalization Ratio
          -----                       --------------------
          I                           Less than 25%
          II                          25% through 32.49%
          III                         32.5% through 39.99%
          IV                          40% and greater

     4.   Section 6.10 (Investments) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
to substitute "two years" for "one year" wherever such terms appear therein.

     5.   The Company certifies and acknowledges to the Lenders as of the date
of this Amendment, as follows:  (i) all of the representations and warranties
contained in Section 5 of the Credit Agreement are true and correct as of the
date hereof; (ii) the Companies are in compliance with all the covenants, terms
and conditions of the Credit Agreement; and (iii) no Default or Event of Default
has occurred or is continuing.

     6.   Except as otherwise specifically amended hereby, all of the covenants,
terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.

     7.   This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, and it
shall not be necessary that the signatures of all parties hereto be contained in
any one counterpart hereof; each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but
all of such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date
first written above.


                              TIDEWATER INC.


                              By:______________________________________________
                                 Name:   Ken C. Tamblyn
                                 Title:  Executive Vice President and Chief
                                         Financial Officer


                              GULF FLEET SUPPLY VESSELS, INC.
                              HILLIARD OIL & GAS, INC.
                              JACKSON MARINE CORPORATION
                              JAVA BOAT CORPORATION
                              QUALITY SHIPYARDS, INC.
                              S.O.P., INC.
                              SEAFARER BOAT CORPORATION
                              TIDEWATER COMPRESSION SERVICE, INC.
                              POINT MARINE, INC.
                              T. BENETEE CORPORATION
                              TIDEWATER NORTH SEA SAFETY, INC.
                              TIDEWATER OFFSHORE (GP-1984), INC.
                              TIDEWATER OFFSHORE SERVICES, INC.
                              TIDEWATER MARINE, INC.
                              TIDEWATER MARINE ALASKA, INC.
                              TIDEWATER MARINE ATLANTIC, INC.
                              TIDEWATER MARINE SERVICE, INC.
                              TIDEWATER MARINE WESTERN, INC.
                              TIDEWATER SERVICES, INC.
                              TT BOAT CORPORATION
                              TWENTY GRAND MARINE SERVICE, INC.
                              TWENTY GRAND OFFSHORE, INC.
                              ZAPATA GULF MARINE CORPORATION
                              ZAPATA GULF MARINE OPERATORS, INC.
                              ZAPATA GULF PACIFIC, INC.


                              By:______________________________________________
                                 Name:   Ken C. Tamblyn
                                 Title:  Authorized Officer

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                              FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE,
                              as Administrative Agent, Agent and Lender


                              By:______________________________________________
                                Name:   J. Charles Freel, Jr.
                                 Title: Vice President


                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                              as Agent and Lender


                              By:______________________________________________
                                 Name:   Daniel O'Connor
                                 Title:  Director


                              TEXAS COMMERCE BANK NATIONAL
                                ASSOCIATION, as Agent and Lender


                              By:______________________________________________
                                 Name:    Mona Foch
                                 Title:   Vice President


                              AMSOUTH BANK OF ALABAMA, as Lender


                              By:______________________________________________
                                 Name:   Andrew W. Braswell
                                 Title:  Assistant Vice President


                              WHITNEY NATIONAL BANK, as Lender


                              By:_____________________________________________
                                 Name:   Donald J. Zornman
                                 Title:  Vice President

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                              HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK, as Lender


                              By:_____________________________________________
                                 Name:    Bruce L. Ross
                                 Title:   Vice President


                              BANK ONE, LOUISIANA, N.A.,
                                as Lender


                              By:_____________________________________________
                                 Name:    Emile J. Dumesnil
                                 Title:   Vice President

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

                         LIST OF DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES

                                                State of
Name                                            Incorporation
- ----                                            -------------

Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, Inc.                 Louisiana
Hilliard Oil & Gas, Inc.                        Nevada
Jackson Marine Corporation                      Delaware
Java Boat Corporation                           Louisiana
Quality Shipyards, Inc.                         Louisiana
S.O.P., Inc.                                    Louisiana
Seafarer Boat Corporation                       Louisiana
Tidewater Compression Service, Inc.             Texas
Point Marine, Inc.                              Louisiana
T. Benetee Corporation                          Delaware
Tidewater North Sea Safety, Inc.                Delaware
Tidewater Offshore (GP-1984), Inc.              Delaware
Tidewater Offshore Services, Inc.               Delaware
Tidewater Marine, Inc.                          Louisiana
Tidewater Marine Alaska, Inc.                   Alaska
Tidewater Marine Atlantic, Inc.                 Delaware
Tidewater Marine Service, Inc.                  Louisiana
Tidewater Marine Western, Inc.                  Texas
Tidewater Services, Inc.                        Louisiana
TT Boat Corporation                             Louisiana
Twenty Grand Marine Service, Inc.               Louisiana
Twenty Grand Offshore, Inc.                     Louisiana
Zapata Gulf Marine Corporation                  Delaware
Zapata Gulf Marine Operators, Inc.              Delaware
Zapata Gulf Pacific, Inc.                       Delaware

                                      -7-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


TIDEWATER INC.
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS AND SHARES USED IN ARRIVING AT
PRIMARY AND FULLY-DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THE
QUARTER AND NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996


       
                                    Quarter Ended           Nine Months Ended
                                  December 31, 1996         December 31, 1996
                                  -----------------         -----------------

Net earnings (in thousands)       $      43,170                $    100,492 
                                  =============                ============
 
Computation of weighted
average number of shares
outstanding:                   
- ------------------------

  Issued:  61,400,819

  Weighted average shares
  outstanding                        61,951,401                  61,970,101 

   Plus incremental shares
       applicable to stock
       options                          714,639                     670,629 
                                  -------------                ------------

   Weighted average common
   shares and equivalents            62,666,040                  62,640,730 
                                  =============                ============

   Primary and fully diluted
   earnings per common share      $         .68                $       1.60 
                                  =============                ============

                                       1

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF EARNINGS AT THE DATE AND FOR THE PERIOD INDICATED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. ALL AMOUNTS SHOWN ARE IN
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                         <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                           9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           MAR-31-1997 
<PERIOD-START>                              APR-01-1996 
<PERIOD-END>                                DEC-31-1996 
<CASH>                                          11,286  
<SECURITIES>                                    41,687  
<RECEIVABLES>                                  190,808  
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,850  
<INVENTORY>                                     34,250  
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               273,611  
<PP&E>                                       1,631,757  
<DEPRECIATION>                                 939,972  
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,057,390  
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           99,392  
<BONDS>                                              0  
<COMMON>                                         6,140  
                                0  
                                          0  
<OTHER-SE>                                     780,725  
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,057,390  
<SALES>                                        582,195  
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               582,195   
<CGS>                                          442,264   
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  442,264   
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0   
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0   
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 660   
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                148,877   
<INCOME-TAX>                                    48,385   
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            100,492   
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0   
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0   
<CHANGES>                                            0   
<NET-INCOME>                                   100,492   
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.60   
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.60   
                                                         

</TABLE>


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