Energy Prospectus

Rock solid results from the top onshore driller. I will posted an updated forecast model this afternoon. - Dan

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (HP) reported record income from continuing operations of $159,611,000 ($1.48 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $844,572,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to income from continuing operations of $144,297,000 ($1.32 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $732,588,000 during the first fiscal quarter of 2012, and income from continuing operations of $149,606,000 ($1.39 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $829,447,000 during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012. Included in income from continuing operations for the first fiscal quarters of 2013 and 2012, and for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012, is income (after-tax) related to the sale of used drilling assets and investment securities of $0.08, $0.03 and $0.03 per diluted share, respectively. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was also reported at a record level of $159,603,000 ($1.48 per diluted share), compared to net income of $144,286,000 ($1.32 per diluted share) during the first fiscal quarter of 2012, and net income of $157,115,000 ($1.46 per diluted share) during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is primarily a contract drilling company. As of January 31, 2013, the Company's existing fleet included 296 land rigs in the U.S., 29 international land rigs and nine offshore platform rigs. In addition, the Company has commitments to deliver another five new H&P-designed and operated FlexRigs under long-term contracts with customers. Upon completion of these commitments, the Company's global fleet is expected to have a total of 330 land rigs, including 299 FlexRigs.

Chairman and CEO Hans Helmerich commented, "We are pleased that the Company remains on a record-breaking pace with the results from our most recent quarter. Going forward, E&P spending plans appear poised for increases as our customers remain focused on innovative technology and productivity improvements that are transforming the energy sector in this country. Our competitive advantages are well aligned with this ongoing industry transformation and should allow us to continue to expand our market share while sustaining premium dayrates and margins."

Why HP is in the Sweet 16: Helmerich & Payne’s technologically advanced FlexRigs are the key to its success, helping to increase its count of active rigs and maintain relatively strong daily-rate margins even during times of market uncertainty. The company’s proprietary FlexRig design makes the rigs move faster than conventional rigs, drill quicker and more efficiently, and allows for a safer operating environment. As such, these are better suited for the new demands of the exploration business and, therefore, command higher dayrates and utilization than rigs from other land drillers. The company also entered into a deal with 2 exploration and production companies to build and operate three FlexRigs in the U.S.

HP Flex Rigs are the best in the business but that is not all they bring to the table. HP provides outstanding engineering support to their customers, helping them reduce well costs.