UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
   
þ
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 20082010
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the Transition Period From          toto
 
Commission FileNo. 0-10144001-34404
 
DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
   
Texas 75-0970548
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)		 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
508 West Wall, Suite 800, Midland, Texas 79701
(Principal Executive Office)
Telephone Number:432-684-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Title of Each ClassName of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.33 and1/3 par value
The NASDAQ Stock Market
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassNone
Common Stock, $.331/3 par value
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     Noþ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     Noþ
 
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 þ     Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§ 232 405 of the chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 ofRegulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of thisForm 10-K or any amendment to thisForm 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer oAccelerated filer þNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     Noþ
 
As of March 31, 2008,2010, the aggregate market value of Dawson Geophysical Company common stock, par value $0.331/3 per share, held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing transaction price on Nasdaq) was approximately $505,043,037.$224,166,842.
 
On November 28, 2008,23, 2010, there were 7,794,7447,902,106 shares of Dawson Geophysical Company common stock, $0.331/3 par value, outstanding.
 
As used in this report, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Dawson” and the “Company” refer to Dawson Geophysical Company unless the context indicates otherwise.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 20082010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 27, 200918, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report onForm 10-K.
 

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
         
    Page
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
  Business  2 
 
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors  67 
 
Item 1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments  1113 
 
Item 2.
  Properties  1113 
 
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings  1113 
 
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders(Removed and Reserved)  1113 
 
PART II
 
Item 5.
  Market for Our Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters  1314 
 
Item 6.
  Selected Financial Data  1516 
 
Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  1516 
 
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  2022 
 
Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  2122 
 
Item 9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  2122 
 
Item 9A.
  Controls and Procedures  2122 
 
Item 9B.
  Other Information  2223 
 
PART III
 
Item 10.
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  2223 
 
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation  2224 
 
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  2224 
 
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence  2224 
 
Item 14.
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services  2224 
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  2325 
Signatures
  2426 
Index to Financial Statements
  F-1 
Index to Exhibits
    
EX-3.2
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2


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DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY

FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 20082010

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
All statementsStatements other than statements of historical fact included in thisForm 10-K that relate to forecasts, estimates or other expectations regarding future events, including without limitation, statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” regarding technological advancements and our financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of our management for future operations, aremay be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). When used in thisForm 10-K, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, dependence upon energy industry spending, disruptions in the global economy, dependence upon energy industry spending, limited number of customers, credit risk related to our customers,competition, delays, reductions or cancellations of service contracts, high fixed costs of operations, external factors affecting our crews, such as weather interruptions and inability to obtain land access rights of way, industry competition, managing growth,the type of contracts we enter into, crew productivity, limited number of customers, credit risk related to our customers, the availability of capital resources and operational disruptions. See “Risk Factors” for more information on these and other factors. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategies and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. We assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
 
Part I
 
Item 1.  BUSINESS
 
General
 
Dawson Geophysical Company (the Company) is the leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition services in the lower 48 states of the United States as measured by the number of active data acquisition crews. Founded in 1952, we acquire and process2-D,3-D and multi-component seismic data for our clients, ranging from major oil and gas companies to independent oil and gas operators, as well as providers of multi-client data libraries. In the past few years, substantially all of our clients have been focused on the exploration for and production of natural gas. In recent quarters, we have experienced a shift in activity to oil exploration as oil prices have increased. More than half of our crews are currently working in oil producing basins. Our clients rely on seismic data to identify areas where subsurface conditions are favorable for the accumulation of hydrocarbons and to optimize the development and production of hydrocarbon reservoirs. During fiscal 2008,2010, substantially all of our revenues were derived from3-D seismic data acquisition operations.
 
As of September 30, 2008,2010, we operated sixteentwelve3-D seismic data acquisition crews in the lower 48 states of the United States and a seismic data processing center. We market and supplement our services from our headquarters in Midland, Texas and from additional offices in Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, Michigan and Michigan.Pennsylvania. Our geophysicists perform data processing in our Midland, Houston and Oklahoma City offices, and our field operations are supported from our field office facility in Midland. The results of a seismic survey conducted for a client belong to that client. We do not acquire seismic data for our own account nor do we participate in oil and gas ventures.
 
Higher commodityDemand for our data acquisition services is closely linked to oil and natural gas prices since 2004 have led to a significant increase inand the related level of spending for domestic exploration and development of oil and natural gas reserves duringreserves. With the last few years. This resulteddecline in greater demandthe market prices for newly-acquired seismic data by many exploration companies particularly those seekingoil, and especially natural gas reserves. These factors have enabled us to expand our data acquisition and processing capacity. By increasingfollowing the number and sizefinancial crisis of our data acquisition crews and our channel count,late 2008, we have fortified our position as the leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition services in the United States, resulting in increased market share in terms of the number of active crews operating. The expansion began in fiscal 2004 with six active crews andexperienced a severe


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continued throughreduction in demand for our services beginning in early fiscal 2007 with2009. As a result, we reduced the additionnumber of active data acquisition crews we operated from sixteen in January of 2009 to nine in October 2009. Since the middle of fiscal 2010, we have experienced stronger demand for our services and, as a total of nineresult, we have redeployed three data acquisition crews during this period, as well as increases in recording capacity and channel count company-wide and improvementscalendar 2010, bringing our current total to our data processing center. During fiscal 2008 demand for our high-resolution3-D seismic services continued at a high pace, despite fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, and we continued our growth by fielding an additional crew.twelve active crews.
 
Business Strategy
 
Our strategy is to maintain our leadership position in the U.S. onshore market. Key elements of our strategy include:
 
 • Attracting and retaining skilled and experienced personnel for our data acquisition and processing operations;
 
 • Providing integrated in-house services necessary in each phase of seismic data acquisition and processing, including project design, land access permitting, surveying and related support functions as well as continuing the enhancement of our in-house health, safety, security and environmental programs;
 
 • Maintaining the focus of our operations solely on the domestic onshore seismic market;
 
 • Continuing to operate with conservative financial discipline;
 
 • Updating our capabilities to incorporate advances in geophysical and supporting technologies; and
 
 • Acquiring equipment to expand the recording channel capacity on our existing crews and equipping additional crews as market conditions permit.dictate.
 
Business Description
 
Geophysical Services Overview.  Our business consists of the acquisition and processing of seismic data to produce an image of the earth’s subsurface. The seismic method involves the recording of reflected acoustic or sonic waves from below the ground. In our operations, we introduce acoustic energy into the ground by using an acoustic energy source, usually large vibrating machines and occasionallyor through the detonation of dynamite. We then record the subsequent reflected energy, or echoes, with recording devices placed along the earth’s surface. These recording devices, or geophones, are placed on the ground individually or in groups of six or more and connected together as a single recording channel. We generally use multiplethousands of recording channels in our seismic surveys. Additional recording channels enhance the clarityresolution of the seismic survey much in the same way as additional pixels add resolution to televisionsthrough increased imaging analysis and computer monitors.provide improved operational efficiencies for our clients.
 
We are able to collect seismic data using either2-D or3-D methods. The2-D method involves the collection of seismic data in a linear fashion thus generating a single plane of subsurface seismic data. Continued technological advances in seismic equipment and computing allow us to economically acquire and process data by placing large numbers of energy sources and recording channels over a broad area. The industry refers to the technique of broad distribution of energy sources and recording channels as the3-D seismic method. The3-D method producescreates an immense volume of seismic data which produces more precise images of the earth’s subsurface. Geophysicists use computers to interpret3-D seismic data volumes, generate geologic models of the earth’s subsurface and identify subsurface features that are favorable for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. During fiscal 2010, substantially all of our revenues were derived from3-D seismic data acquisition. In recent years, the2-D seismic method has been used as a regional evaluation tool in many of the limited access shale basins, in particular the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian Basin, in which we operated one small channel count crew for most of fiscal 2010.
 
3-D seismic data are used in the exploration for new reserves and enable oil and gas companies to better delineate existing fields and to augment their reservoir completion and management techniques. Benefits of incorporating high resolution3-D seismic surveys into exploration and development programs include reducing drilling risk, decreasing oil and natural gas finding costs and increasing the efficiencies of reservoir location, delineation, completion and management. In order to meet the requirements necessary to fully realize the benefits of3-D seismic data, there is an increasing demand for improved data quality with greater subsurface resolution. We are prepared to meet such demands with the implementation of improved techniques and evolving technology. One such technique is better survey design integrating a greater numberIn recent years, we have steadily increased the recording capacity of recording channels, more dense energy source distributionour crews by increasing channel count and improved seismic data processing technologies. Our geophysicists perform these design tasks.the


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number of energy source units we operate. These increases allow for a greater density of both channels and energy sources in order to increase resolution and to improve operating efficiencies. We have also utilized multi-component recording equipment on several projects in an effort to gain more information to help our clients enhance their development of producing reservoirs.
Data Acquisition.  The seismic survey begins at the time a client requests that we formulate a proposal to acquire seismic data on its behalf. Geophysicists then assist the client in designing the specifications of the proposed3-D survey. If the client accepts our proposal, permit agents, either our employees or contract agents, then obtain access rights of way from surface and mineral estate owners or lessees where the survey is to be conducted. From time to time, our clients undertake the permitting effort on their own prior to our submittal of a proposal.
 
Utilizing electronic surveying equipment, survey personnel, either our employees or contract companies, precisely locate the energy source and receiver positions from which the seismic data are collected. We primarily use vibrator energy sources which are mounted on vehicles, the majority of which weigh 62,000 pounds each, to generate seismic energy, but occasionallyor we detonate dynamite charges placed in drill holes below the earth’s surface. We use third-party contractors for the drilling of holes and the purchasing, handling and disposition of dynamite charges. We also use third-party helicopter services to move equipment in areas of difficult terrain in an effort to increase efficiency and reduce safety risk.
 
We beganAt fiscal 2004 with an operating capacity of sixyear end 2010, we operated twelve land-based seismic data acquisition crews, with an aggregate recording channel count of approximately 25,000 and fifty-two vibrator energy source units. At fiscal year-end 2008, we operated sixteen crews,utilizing up to 147 vibrator energy source units and had capacity in excess of 117,000over 119,000 recording channels, any of which may be configured to meet the demands of specific survey designs. Each crew consists of approximately forty to eightyone hundred technicians, twenty-five or more vehicles with off-road capabilities, over 42,000up to 75,000 geophones, a seismic recording system, energy sources, electronic cables and a variety of other equipment.
 
During the fiscal year, we added an additional data acquisition crewWe currently own sufficient recording equipment, energy sources and ancillary vehicles to operate sixteen fully equipped with a redeployed I/O System II MRX cable-based recording system. In November 2007, we replaced an I/O System II MRX recording system on an existing crew with a 7,500 channel ARAM ARIES system. We replaced a second I/O System II MRX recording system on another existing crew with an 8,000 channel ARAM ARIES recording system in April 2008. In addition, we purchased thirty ION vibrator energy source units, four IVI Enviro mini-vibrators, and increased channel count to in excess of 117,000.
crews. Of the sixteen crews in operationrecording systems we owned at September 30, 2008,2010, eight are ARAM ARIES cable-based recording systems, six are equipped with I/O System II RSR radio-based recording systems three withand two are I/O System II MRX cable-based recording systems, and sevensystems. In November 2009, we purchased 2,000 OYO GSR four-channel recording boxes along with ARAM ARIES cable-basedthree-component geophones. The GSR can be operated as a 6,000-channel cable-less recording systems. Allsystem with 3-C geophones or 2,000 channels with conventional geophones. Alternatively, with the use of our existing geophones and ARAM cables, the system can operate as an 8,000-channel recording system. In either configuration, the GSR can be operated as added channel count with increased operational flexibility with or in place of the Company’s existing ARAM or RSR systems. The ARIES, RSR and MRX recording systems all utilize similar types of geophones, and the GSR recording system can use either three-component or conventional geophones. All of our systems record equivalent seismic information but vary in the manner by which seismic data are transferred to the central recording unit, as well as their operational flexibility and channel count expandability. In November 2008, we replaced
Of the twelve data acquisition crews in operation at September 30, 2010, seven used ARAM recording systems, four used I/O RSR recording systems and one used an I/O System II MRX recording system with an ARAM ARIES II recording system equipped with recording channels from existing ARAM ARIESsystem. All of our crews upon the completion of several high channel count projects. It is our intention to continue the operation of the I/O System II MRX recording system as a small 2-D crew into January 2009.utilize either vibrator energy sources or dynamite energy sources.
 
Client demand for more recording channels continues to increase as the industry strives for improved data quality with greater subsurface resolution.images. We believe this trend will continue and that our ability to deploy a large number of recording channels and multiple energy source units provides us with the competitive advantages of operational versatility and increased productivity, in addition to improved data quality. In October 2010, we placed an order for 2,000 additional OYO GSR four-channel recording boxes along with three-component geophones. As with the previous OYO purchase, the new GSR four-channel recording system can be used in place of or in conjunction with our ARAM or RSR systems. Beginning in October 2010, we will take delivery of ten INOVAAHV4-364 energy sources. The purchase of the additional energy sources will expand our energy source fleet to 157 by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.
 
Data Processing.  We currently operate a computer center located in Midland, Texas and provide additional processing services through our Houston and Oklahoma City offices. Data processing primarily involves the enhancement of seismic data by improving reflected signal resolution, removing ambient noise and establishing


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proper spatial relationships of geological features. The data are then formatted in such a manner that computer graphic technology may be employed for examination and interpretation of the data by the user.
 
We continue to improve data processing efficiency and accuracy with the addition of improved processing software and high-speed computer technology. We purchase, develop or lease seismic data processing software under non-exclusive licensing arrangements.
 
Our computer center processes seismic data collected by our crews, as well as by other geophysical contractors. In addition, we reprocess previously recorded seismic data using current technology to enhance the data quality. Our processing contracts may be awarded jointly with, or independently from, data acquisition services. Data processing services comprise a small portion of our overall revenues.
 
Integrated Services.  We maintain integrated in-house operations necessary to the development and completion of seismic surveys. Our experienced personnel have the capability to conduct or supervise the seismic


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survey design, permitting, surveying, data acquisition and processing functions for each seismic program. In-house support operations include health, safety, security and environmental programs as well as facilities for automotivevehicle repair, automotivevehicle paint and body repair, electronics repair, electrical engineering and software development. In addition, we maintain a fleet of tractor trailers to transport our seismic acquisition equipment to our survey sites. We believe that maintaining as many of these functions in-house as possible in-house contributes to better quality control and improved efficiency in our operations. Our clients generally provide their own interpretation of the seismic data provided by us.we provide.
 
Equipment Acquisition and Capital Expenditures
 
We monitor and evaluate advances in geophysical technology and commit capital funds to purchase the equipment we deem most effective to maintain our competitive position. Purchasing new assets and upgrading existing capital assets requires a commitment to capital spending. ForOur Board of Directors has approved a $30,000,000 capital budget for fiscal year 2008, we made capital expenditures of $52,861,000, in part2011 which will be used to complete the fielding of an additional data acquisition crew, expand channel count on existing crews, purchase thirty additional2,000 OYO GSR four-channel recording boxes along with three-component geophones and ten INOVA AHV4-364 vibrator energy source units, and replace two I/O System II MRX recording systems on existing crews with ARAM ARIES recording systems. Our Board of Directors approved an initial fiscal 2009 budget of $20,000,000the remainder will be used to purchase additional recording channels,increase channel count, make technical improvements in various phases of the Company’s operations and meet maintenance capital requirements. We believe that these additions will allow the Company to maintain its competitive position as it responds to client desire for higher resolution subsurface images.
 
Clients
 
Our services are marketed by supervisory and executive personnel who contact clients to determine geophysical needs and respond to client inquiries regarding the availability of crews or processing schedules. These contacts are based principally upon professional relationships developed over a number of years.
 
Our clients range from major oil and gas companies to small independent oil and gas operators and also providers of multi-client data libraries. The services we provide to our clients vary according to the size and needs of each client. During fiscal 2008,2010, sales to our two largest clients,client, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and SandRidge Energy, Inc., represented 36% and 20%32% of our revenues, respectively.revenues. The remaining balance of our fiscal 20082010 revenue was derived from varied clients and none represented 10% or more of our fiscal 20082010 revenues. Although 56%32% of our fiscal 20082010 revenues were derived from two clients,one client, we believe that our relationship with these clientsthis client is well founded for continued contractual commitments for the foreseeable future in multiple producing basins across the lower 48 states. While still expected to be a significant clients,client, we do anticipate a fiscal 2009 reduction inthat sales to these two clients.Chesapeake will represent a smaller percentage of our overall revenues during fiscal 2011.
 
We do not acquire data for our own account or for future sale, maintain any multi-client data libraries or participate in oil and gas ventures. The results of a seismic survey conducted for a client belong to that client. It is also our policy that none of our officers, directors or employees actively participate in oil and natural gas ventures. All of our clients’ information is maintained in the strictest confidence.


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Contracts
 
Our data acquisition services are conducted under master service contracts with our clients. These master service contracts define certain obligations for us and for our clients. A supplemental agreement setting forth the terms of a specific project, which may be cancelled by either party on short notice, is entered into for every data acquisition project. The supplemental agreements are either “turnkey” agreements that provide for a fixed fee to be paid to us for each unit of data acquired, or “term” agreements that provide for a fixed hourly, daily or monthly fee during the term of the project or projects. Turnkey agreements generally provide us more profit potential, but involve more risks because of the potential of crew downtime or operational delays. We attempt to negotiate on aproject-by-project basis some level of weather downtime protection within the turnkey agreements. Under the term agreements, we forego an increased profit potential in exchange for a more consistent revenue stream with improved protection from crew downtime or operational delays.
 
We currently operate under both turnkey and term supplemental agreements. The percentage of revenues derived from turnkey contracts has grown in the past few years from approximately half of our revenues in fiscal 2008 to in excess of three-quarters of our revenues in fiscal 2010. Currently, most of our projects are operated under turnkey agreements.


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Competition
 
The acquisition and processing of seismic data for the oil and natural gas industry is a highly competitive business in the United States. Contracts for such services generally are awarded on the basis of price quotations, crew experience and availability of crews to perform in a timely manner, although factors other than price, such as crew safety, performance history and technological and operational expertise are often determinative. Our competitors include companies with financial resources that are significantly greater than our own as well as companies of comparable and smaller size. Our primary competitors are CGG Veritas, Petroleum Geo-Services ASA, Geokinetics Inc., Global Geophysical Services and Tidelands Geophysical Company.
 
Employees
 
As of OctoberSeptember 30, 2008,2010, we employed approximately 1,4361,170 persons, of which 1,3101,056 were engaged in providing energy sources and acquiring data. With respect to the remainder of our employees, thirteenten are engaged in data processing, thirty-oneforty-five are administrative personnel, sixty-eightforty-five are engaged in equipment maintenance and transport and fourteen are officers. Of the employees listed above, tennine are geophysicists. Our employees are not represented by a labor union. We believe we have good relations with our employees.
 
Available Information
 
All of our Annual Reports onForm 10-K, Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q, Current Reports onForm 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on or after May 9, 1995 are available free of charge through our Internet Website, www.dawson3d.com, as soon as reasonably practical after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. Information contained on our Internet Website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report onForm 10-K. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet siteWebsite containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy this information, for a copying fee, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.


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Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS
Item 1A.RISK FACTORS
 
An investment in our common stock is subject to a number of risks discussed below. You should carefully consider these discussions of risk and the other information included in thisForm 10-K. If any of the following risks were actually to occur,These risk factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.operations.
 
Recent decreases inOur business depends on the market pricelevel of exploration and production activities by the oil and natural gas disruptions in the global financial markets and the global economy generally may decrease demand for our seismic services and cause downward pressure on the prices we charge.
Since August 2008, the market price for oil and natural gas has declined significantly. In addition, recent disruptions and instability in the global financial markets and difficulties in worldwide economic conditions have resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of funds from debt and equity capital markets and other capital markets while conditions in the global and domestic economy have increased uncertainty and diminished expectations for many businesses, including producers of oil and natural gas. As a result of these developments, many of our customers may be unable to implement their development plans and may be forced to significantly reduce their capital expenditures. If our customers reduce their capital expenditures, it would result in diminished demand for our seismic services and may cause downward pressure on the prices we charge or the level of work we do for our clients. During the third quarter of 2008, several of our clients reduced the size or delayed seismic projects as a result of the decline in oil and natural gas prices and the disruptions in the capital markets and economy. A significant and prolonged reduction in demand for seismic services would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


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industry. If oil and natural gas prices or the level of capital expenditures by oil and gas companies were to decline, demand for our services would decline and our results of operations would be adversely affected.
 
Demand for our services depends upon the level of spending by oil and gas companies for exploration, production, development and field management activities, which depend, in part, on oil and natural gas prices. Significant fluctuations in oil and natural gas exploration activities and commodity prices have adversely affected the demand for our services and our results of operations in years past and would continue to do so again if there was a sustained decline inthe level of such exploration activities and the prices for oil and natural gas.gas were to decline in the future. While in recent years, the priceprices of oil and natural gas hashave been historically high and exploration activities have been strong, since August 2008, the priceprices of oil and especially natural gas hashave declined significantly.significantly along with the level of exploration activities. In addition to the market priceprices of oil and natural gas, our clients’ willingness to explore, develop and produce depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are influenced by numerous factors over which our management has no control, including general economic conditions and the market price for oil and natural gas and economic conditions.availability of credit. There can be no assurance that the current level of energy prices will not decline furtherbe maintained or that exploration and development activities by our clients will continueresume at the pace prior to be as strong asthe recession that began at the end of 2008. Beginning in recent years. A significant sustained dropfiscal 2009, we experienced a severe reduction in oil and natural gas prices or the inability of our clients to secure funding for new exploration projects would have a negative impact on demand for our services. During the third quarter of 2008, several of ourservices as clients reduced the size or delayed seismic projects as a result of the decline in oil and natural gas prices and the disruptions in the capital markets and economy. Because substantially allAs a result, we reduced the number of our current clients’ projects are focused onoperating data acquisition crews from sixteen in January 2009 to nine as of October 2009. Since the exploration for natural gas, a sustained significant decline inbeginning of fiscal 2010, the financial crisis has eased, the price of natural gas would have a particularly negative effect on theoil has stabilized and demand for our services.services and our financial performance has improved enough to allow us to redeploy three data acquisition crews in fiscal 2010. Any significant decline in exploration or production-related spending by our clients, whether due to a decrease in the market priceprices for oil and natural gas or otherwise, could cause us to alter our capital spending plans and would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Additionally, increases in oil and gas prices may not increase demand for our products and services or otherwise have a positive effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
 
Factors affecting the priceprices of oil and natural gas and our clients’ desire to explore, develop and produce include:
 
 • the level of supply and demand for oil and natural gas;
 
 • the level of prices, and expectations about future prices, for oil and natural gas;
 
 • the ability of oil and gas producers to raise equity capital and debt financing;
 
 • the worldwide political, military and economic conditions, including the length and severity of the recent recession and the effect of such recession on economic activity;
• the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to set and maintain production levels and prices for oil;
 
 • the rate of discovery of new oil and gas reserves and the decline of existing oil and gas reserves;
• the cost of exploring for, developing and producing oil and natural gas;
 
 • the ability of exploration and production companies to generate funds or otherwise obtain capital for exploration, development and production operations;
• technological advances affecting energy exploration, production and consumption;


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• government policies, including environmental regulations and tax policies, regarding the exploration for, and production and development of oil and natural gas reserves;
• levelreserves and the use of taxation relating to the energy industry, including taxation of consumption of energy sources;fossil fuels; and
 
 • weather conditions, including large-scale weather events such as hurricanes that affect oil and gas operations over a wide area or affect prices or locally inclement weather that can preclude or delay our seismic operations.
 
The markets for oil and natural gas have historically been volatile and are likely to continue to be so in the future. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview.”
 
A limited number of customers accountWeakness in the global economy during the past few years decreased demand for a significant portion of our revenues,seismic services, caused downward pressure on the prices we charge and the loss of one of these customers could harmaffected our results of operations; we generally do not require our clientsoperations during the past few years, and continued weakness in the global economy would continue to pay in advance or to secure their obligations to us, so any failure to pay by these clients could harm our results of operations.affect us.
 
AlthoughBeginning in August 2008, disruptions and instability in the global financial markets and a worldwide recession resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of funds from debt and equity capital markets and other capital markets, increased uncertainty and diminished expectations for many businesses, including producers of oil and natural gas. As a result of these circumstances, many of our ten largest customers were unable to implement their development plans and were forced to significantly reduce their capital expenditures during fiscal years 2009 and 2010. As a consequence, beginning in fiscal 2008 and 2007 have varied, these customers accounted for approximately 83% and 88% of our total revenue for these respective periods. For the year ended September 30, 2008, the Company’s two largest clients represented approximately 36% and 20% of total revenues. If any of these


7

significant clients were to terminate their contracts or fail to contract2009, we experienced a severe reduction in demand for our services inand downward pressure on the future because they are acquired, alter their exploration or development strategy, orprices we charged our customers for any other reason,our services, and our results of operations could bewere adversely affected. See “Business — Clients.”
We bearDuring this period we reduced the credit risk if anynumber of data acquisition crews we operated from sixteen in January 2009 to nine as of October 2009 to better align our clients become insolvent and fail to pay amounts owedcapacity to the Company. Although we perform ongoing credit evaluationsreduced demand. Since the beginning of our customers’fiscal 2010, the financial conditions, we generally require no collateral from our customers. Our inability to collect accounts receivable could have a materially adverse effect on our resultscrisis has eased, the price of operations. In addition, from time to time, we experience contractual disputes with our clients regarding the payment of invoices or other matters. While we seek to minimize these disputesoil has stabilized and maintain good relations with our clients, we have in the past, and may in the future, experience disputes that could affect our revenues and results of operations in any period.
Our clients could delay, reduce or cancel their service contracts with us on short notice, which may lead to lower than expected demand and revenues.
Our order book consists of written orders or commitments for our services that we believeand our financial performance has improved. Although demand has improved enough to permit us to redeploy three data acquisition crews in fiscal 2010, current economic conditions remain uncertain and challenging. If economic conditions do not continue to improve or were to worsen, or our customers do not continue to maintain or increase their capital expenditures, demand for our seismic services may continue to be firm. We believeweak, may cause continued downward pressure on the prices we currently have a sufficient order book to sustain operations at full capacity into calendar 2009 on all sixteen crews. However, our clients can delay, reduce or cancel their service contracts with us on short notice. As a result, our order book as of any particular date may not be indicative of actual revenues for any succeeding fiscal period.
The high fixed costs of our operations could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business has high fixed costs. As a result, any significant downtime or low productivity caused by reduced demand, weather interruptions, equipment failures, permit delays or other causes could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our revenues are subject to fluctuations that are beyond our control which could adversely affect our results of operations in any financial period.
Our operating results vary in material respects from quarter to quartercharge and willwould continue to do so in the future. Factors that cause variations include the timing of the receipt and commencement of contracts for data acquisition, permit delays, weather delays, holiday schedules and crew productivity. Combined with our high fixed costs, these revenue fluctuations could produce unexpected adverse results of operations in any fiscal period.
Our operations are subject to weather conditions which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our seismic data acquisition operations could be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. Delays associated with weather conditions could adversely affect our results of operations. See “Business“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Contracts.Overview.”
Our operations are subject to delays related to obtaining land access rights of way from third parties which could affect our results of operations.
Our seismic data acquisition operations could be adversely affected by our inability to obtain timely right of way usage from both public and private landand/or mineral owners. In recent years, it has become more difficult, costly and time-consuming to obtain access rights of way as drilling activities have expanded into more populated areas, and landowners have become more resistant to seismic and drilling activities occurring on their property. Delays associated with obtaining such rights of way could negatively affect our results.
 
We face intense competition in our business that could result in downward pricing pressure and the loss of market share.
 
The acquisition and processing of seismic data for the oil and natural gas industry is a highly competitive business in the United States. Some of our competitors have financial resources that are significantly greater than our own. Competition from these and other competitors could result in downward pricing pressure and the loss of market share. Many contracts are awarded on a bid basis, which may further increase competition based primarily on price. See “Business — Competition.”
Our clients could delay, reduce or cancel their service contracts with us on short notice, which may lead to lower than expected demand and revenues.
Our order book consists of written orders or commitments for our services that we believe to be firm. However, our clients can delay, reduce or cancel their service contracts with us on short notice. As a result, our order book as of any particular date may not be indicative of actual revenues for any succeeding fiscal period.
The high fixed costs of our operations could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business has high fixed costs, which primarily consist of depreciation, maintenance expenses associated with our seismic data acquisition equipment and certain crew costs. In periods of significant downtime or low crew productivity, these fixed costs do not decline as rapidly as our revenues. As a result, any significant downtime or low productivity caused by reduced demand, weather interruptions, equipment failures, permit delays or other causes could adversely affect our results of operations.


8

Our revenues are subject to fluctuations that are beyond our control which could adversely affect our results of operations in any financial period. Weather conditions and delays in obtaining land access rights from third parties have particularly affected our results of operations in past periods and are likely to affect our results in future periods.
Our operating results vary in material respects from quarter to quarter and will continue to do so in the future. Factors that cause variations include the timing of the receipt and commencement of contracts for data acquisition, permit and weather delays, holiday schedules, crew repositioning and crew productivity. Combined with our high fixed costs, these revenue fluctuations could produce unexpected adverse results of operations in any fiscal period.
Our seismic data acquisition operations could be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. Delays associated with weather conditions could adversely affect our results of operations. See “Business — Contracts.”
Our seismic data acquisition operations could also be adversely affected by our inability to obtain timely right of way usage from both public and private landand/or mineral owners. In recent years, it has become more difficult, costly and time-consuming to obtain access rights of way as drilling activities have expanded into more populated areas, and landowners have become more resistant to seismic and drilling activities occurring on their property. Delays associated with obtaining such rights of way could negatively affect our results of operations. See “Business — Data Acquisition.”
Our profitability is determined, in part, by the productivity of our crews and the type of contracts we enter into and is affected by numerous external factors that are beyond our control.
Our revenue is determined, in part, by the contract price we receive for our services, the productivity of our data acquisition crews and the accuracy of our cost estimates. Crew productivity is partly a function of external factors, such as weather and delays in obtaining land access rights, over which we have no control. If our crews encounter operational difficulties or delays on any data acquisition survey our results of operations may vary, and in some cases, may be adversely affected.
In fiscal 2010, most of our projects were performed on a turnkey basis for which we do not managewere paid a fixed price for a defined scope of work or unit of data acquired. The revenue, cost and gross profit realized under our continued growth effectively,turnkey contracts can vary from our estimates because of changes in job conditions, variations in labor and equipment productivity or because of the performance of our subcontractors. Turnkey contracts may also cause us to bear substantially all of the risks of business interruption caused by external factors over which we may have no control, such as weather, obtaining land access rights, crew downtime or operational delays. These variations, delays and risks inherent in turnkey contracts may result in reducing our profitability. See “Business — Contracts.”
A limited number of customers account for a significant portion of our revenues, and the loss of one of these customers could harm our results of operations; we bear the risk if any of our clients become insolvent and fail to pay amounts owed to us, so any failure to pay by these clients could harm our results of operations.
Although our ten largest customers in fiscal 2010 and 2009 have varied, these customers accounted for approximately 70% and 68% of our total revenue for these respective periods. For the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, our largest client represented approximately 32% and 31%, respectively, of total revenues. If this client, or any of our other significant clients were to terminate their contracts or fail to contract for our services in the future because they are acquired, alter their exploration or development strategy or for any other reason, our results of operations could be affected. See “Business — Clients.”
 
We bear the credit risk if any of our clients become insolvent and fail to pay amounts owed to us. Although we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions, we generally require no collateral from our customers. The worldwide recession and the decrease in oil and especially natural gas prices have experienced substantial growth duringaffected the last five fiscal years, adding ten seismic data acquisition crews during this period. This growth has presented a challenge to our systems, processes, resources, personnel, management and other infrastructure and support mechanisms. If we do not manage these growth challenges effectively, our profitabilityfinancial condition and results of operations of many of our clients, and some of our clients have experienced financial difficulties and even filed bankruptcy while others may do so in the future. It is possible that one or more of our clients will become financially distressed and default on their obligations to us. Furthermore, the bankruptcy of one or more of our clients, or some other similar procedure, might make it difficult for us to collect all or a


9

significant portion of amounts owed by the client. Our inability to collect our accounts receivable could be adversely affected,have a materially adverse effect on our management resourcesresults of operations. In addition, from time to time, we experience contractual disputes with our clients regarding the payment of invoices or other matters. While we seek to minimize these disputes and maintain good relations with our clients, we have in the past, and may be divertedin the future, experience disputes that could affect our revenues and our future growth could be impeded.results of operations in any period.
 
We may be unable to attract and retain skilled and technically knowledgeable employees which could adversely affect our business and our growth.
 
Our success depends upon attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals and other technical personnel. A number of our employees are highly skilled scientists and highly trained technicians, and our failure to continue to attract and retain such individuals could adversely affect our ability to compete in the seismic services industry. We may confrontexperience significant and potentially adverse competition for these skilled and technically knowledgeable personnel, particularly during periods of increased demand for seismic services. The increased demand for seismic services during the past few years has also made it difficult for the Company to hire additional skilled persons to join our data acquisition crews. Should this trend continue, the Company’s ability to expand the number of operating data acquisition crews may be impaired. None of our employees are under employment contracts, and we have no key man insurance.
 
Capital requirements for our operations are large. If we are unable to finance these requirements, our abilitywe may not be able to continue our expansion and maintain our profitability could be affected.competitive advantage.
 
Our sources of working capital are limited. We have historically funded our working capital requirements with cash generated from operations, cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks. In the past, we have also funded our capital expenditures and other financing needs through public equity offerings. Our working capital requirements continue to increase, primarily due to the expansion of our infrastructure in response to client demand for more recording channels, which has increased as the industry strives for improved data quality with greater subsurface resolutions.resolution images. If we were to expand our operations at a rate exceeding operating cash flow, or if current demand or pricing of geophysical services were to decrease substantially or if technical advances or competitive pressures required us to acquire new equipment faster than our cash flow could sustain, additional financing could be required. If we were not able to obtain such financing or renew our existing revolving line of credit when needed, our failure could have a negative impact on our ability to pursue expansion and maintain our profitability.competitive advantage. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Our resultsWe rely on a limited number of operations could be adversely affected by asset impairments.key suppliers for specific seismic services and equipment.
 
We periodically reviewdepend on a limited number of third parties to supply us with specific seismic services and equipment. Any delay in obtaining equipment could delay our portfolioimplementation of equipment for impairment. If we expect significant sustained decreases in oiladditional crews and natural gas pricesrestrict the productivity of existing crews, adversely affecting our business and results of operation. In addition, any adverse change in the future, we may be required to write down the valueterms of our equipment if the future cash flows anticipated to be generated from the related equipment falls below net book value. The recent decline in oil and natural gas prices, if sustained,suppliers’ arrangements could result in future impairments. If we are forced to write down the value of our equipment, these noncash asset impairments could negatively affect our results of operations inoperations.
Certain of our suppliers may also be our competitors. If competitive pressures were to become such that our suppliers would no longer sell to us, we would not be able to easily replace the period in which they are recorded. See discussion of “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” included in “Critical Accounting Policies.”technology with equipment that communicates effectively with our existing technology, thereby impairing our ability to conduct our business.
 
Technological change in our business creates risks of technological obsolescence and requirements for future capital expenditures. If we are unable to keep up with these technological advances, we may not be able to compete effectively.
 
Seismic data acquisition and data processing technologies historically have progressed rather rapidly, and we expect this progression to continue. Our strategy is to regularly upgrade our data acquisition and processing equipment to maintain our competitive position. However, due to potential advances in technology and the related costs associated with such technological advances, we mightmay not be able to fulfill this strategy, thus possibly affecting our ability to compete.


910

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by asset impairments.
We periodically review our portfolio of equipment for impairment. If we expect significant sustained decreases in oil and natural gas prices and reduced demand for our services, we may be required to write down the value of our equipment if the future cash flows anticipated to be generated from the related equipment falls below net book value. If we are forced to write down the value of our equipment, these noncash asset impairments could negatively affect our results of operations in the period in which they are recorded. See discussion of “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” included in “Critical Accounting Policies.”
We operate under hazardous conditions that subject us to risk of damage to property or personal injuries and may interrupt our business.
 
Our business is subject to the general risks inherent in land-based seismic data acquisition activities. Our activities are often conducted in remote areas under extreme weather and other dangerous conditions.conditions, including the use of dynamite as an energy source. These operations are subject to risks of injury to our personnel and equipment.third parties and damage to our equipment, buildings and other improvements in the areas in which we operate. In addition, our crews often operate in areas where the risk of wildfires is present and may be increased by our activities. Our crews are mobile, and equipment and personnel are subject to vehicular accidents. We use diesel fuel which is classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a hazardous material. These risks could cause us to experience equipment losses, injuries to our personnel and interruptions in our business. Delays due to operational disruptions such as equipment losses, personnel injuries and business interruptions could adversely affect our profitability and results of operations.
 
We may be subject to liability claims that are not covered by our master service agreements or by insurance.
 
We could be subject to personal injury or real property damage claims in the normal operation of our business. Such claims may not be covered under the indemnification provisions in our master service agreements to the extent that the damage was due to our or our subcontractors’ negligence, gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
 
In addition, we do not carry insurance against certain risks that we could experience, including business interruption resulting from equipment losses or weather delays. We obtain insurance against certain property and personal casualty risks and other risks when such insurance is available and when our management considers it advisable to do so. Such coverage is not always available or applicable and, when available, is subject to unilateral cancellation by the insuring companies on very short notice. Liabilities for which we are not insured, or which exceed the policy limits of our applicable insurance, could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.
We may be held liable for the actions of our subcontractors.
We often work as the general contractor on seismic data acquisition surveys and consequently engage a number of subcontractors to perform services and provide products. While we obtain contractual indemnification and insurance covering the acts of these subcontractors, and require the subcontractors to obtain insurance for our benefit, there can be no assurance we will not be held liable for the actions of these subcontractors. In addition, subcontractors may cause injury to our personnel or damage to our property that is not fully covered by insurance.
 
Our industry is subject to governmental regulation which may adversely affect our future operations.
 
Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment and archeological sites. We are required to expend financial and managerial resources to comply with such laws and related permit requirements in our operations, and we anticipate that we will continue to be required to do so in the future. The fact that such laws or regulations change frequently makes it impossible for us to predict the cost or impact of such laws and regulations on our future operations. The adoption of laws and regulations that have the effect of reducing or curtailing exploration and production activities by energy companies could also adversely affect our results of operations by reducing the


11

demand for our services. In particular, laws and regulations concerning climate change or regulating hydraulic fracturing could adversely affect our operations and reduce demand for seismic services.
In response to concerns suggesting that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases” (GHG) (including carbon dioxide and methane) may be contributing to global climate change, legislative and regulatory measures to address the concerns are in various phases of discussion or implementation at the national, and state levels. At least one-third of the states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have already taken legal measures intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventoriesand/or greenhouse gas cap and trade programs.
Although various climate change legislative measures have been under consideration by the U.S. Congress, it is not possible at this time to predict whether or when Congress may act on climate change legislation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has promulgated a series of rulemakings and taken other actions that EPA states will result in the regulation of greenhouse gases as “air pollutants” under the existing federal Clean Air Act. Furthermore, in 2010, EPA regulations became effective that require monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions on an annual basis, including extensive GHG monitoring and reporting requirements. While this new rule does not control GHG emission levels from any facilities, it will cause covered facilities to incur monitoring and reporting costs. Moreover, lawsuits have been filed seeking to require individual companies to reduce GHG emissions from their operations. These and other lawsuits relating to GHG emissions may result in decisions by state and federal courts and agencies that could impact our operations.
This increasing governmental focus on global warming may result in new environmental laws or regulations that may negatively affect us, our suppliers and our customers. This could cause us to incur additional direct costs in complying with any new environmental regulations, as well as increased indirect costs resulting from our customers, suppliers or both incurring additional compliance costs that get passed on to us. Moreover, passage of climate change legislation or other federal or state legislative or regulatory initiatives that regulate or restrict emissions of greenhouse gases may curtail production and demand for fossil fuels such as oil and gas in areas where our customers operate and thus adversely affect future demand for our services. Reductions in our revenues or increases in our expenses as a result of climate control initiatives could have adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are currently considering bills entitled, the “Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act,” or the “FRAC Act,” that would amend the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, or the “SDWA,” to repeal an exemption from regulation for hydraulic fracturing. If enacted, the FRAC Act would amend the definition of “underground injection” in the SDWA to encompass hydraulic fracturing activities. Such a provision could require hydraulic fracturing operations to meet permitting and financial assurance requirements, adhere to certain construction specifications, fulfill monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping obligations, and meet plugging and abandonment requirements. The FRAC Act also proposes to require the reporting and public disclosure of chemicals used in the fracturing process, which could make it easier for third parties opposing the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect groundwater. The adoption of any future federal or state laws or implementing regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or otherwise limiting, the hydraulic fracturing process could make it more difficult to complete natural gas wells. Shale gas cannot be economically produced without extensive fracturing. In the event this legislation is enacted, demand for our seismic acquisition services may be adversely affected. While proposed legislation is pending in Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed its existing authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act and recently asserted its intent to regulate hydraulic fracturing operations involving diesel additives.
 
Certain provisions of our charter and bylaws and our shareholder rights plan may make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even in situations that may be viewed as desirable by shareholders.
 
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that authorize the issuance of preferred stock and establish advance notice requirements for director nominations and actions to be taken at shareholder meetings. These provisions could discourage or impede a tender offer, proxy contest or other similar transaction involving


12

control of us,the Company, even in situations that may be viewed as desirable by our shareholders. In addition, we have adopted a shareholder rights plan that would likely discourage a hostile attempt to acquire control of us.the Company.
 
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
 
If, in the future, we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.


10

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 
Item 2.  PROPERTIES
 
Our principal facilities are summarized in the table below.
 
         
  Owned or
   Building Area
Location
 Leased Purpose Square Feet
 
Midland, TX Leased Executive offices and data processing  29,960 
Midland, TX Owned Field office  61,402 
    Equipment fabrication facility    
    Maintenance and repairs shop    
 
We have operating leases in Houston, Denver, and Oklahoma City, Lyon Township, Michigan, and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania for general office space. In addition, we have an operating lease for general office purposes, maintenance and repairs in Lyon Township, Michigan.
 
Our operations are limited to one industry segment and the United States.
 
Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Although we cannot predict the outcomes of any such legal proceedings, our management believes that the resolution of pending legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
On March 14, 2008,For a wildfire in West Texas burned a remote area in which onediscussion of our data acquisition crews was operating. The fire destroyed approximately $2.9 million net book value of our equipment, all of which was covered by our liability insurance, net ofcertain contingencies affecting the deductible. In additionCompany, please refer to Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies” to the loss of equipment, a number of landowners in the fire area suffered damage to their grazing lands, livestock, fences and other improvements. We are currently repairing damage incurredFinancial Statements included herein, which is incorporated by such landowners as a result of the fire. We currently estimate the likely amount of the landowner damages will be less than $1.5 million. We believe any damages paid will be covered by our liability insurance.reference herein.
 
Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF(REMOVED AND RESERVED)


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Part II
Item 5.MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
No matterOur common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol “DWSN.” The table below represents the high and low sales prices per share for the period shown.
         
Quarter Ended High Low
 
December 31, 2008 $46.15  $14.31 
March 31, 2009 $22.23  $9.96 
June 30, 2009 $31.42  $13.13 
September 30, 2009 $35.98  $23.60 
December 31, 2009 $29.61  $21.00 
March 31, 2010 $32.00  $21.68 
June 30, 2010 $31.22  $20.58 
September 30, 2010 $26.91  $20.05 
As of November 19, 2010, the market price for our common stock was $26.23 per share, and we had 164 common stockholders of record, as reported by our transfer agent.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since becoming a public company and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2010. See information regarding material features of the plans in Note 7, “Stock-Based Compensation” to the Financial Statements included herein.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
             
      Number of
      Securities Remaining
      Available for
  Number of
   Future Issuance
  Securities to
   Under Equity
  be Issued
   Compensation Plans
  Upon Exercise
 Weighted-Average Exercise
 (Excluding Securities
  of Outstanding
 Price of
 Reflected in
Plan Category Options Outstanding Options Column (a))
  (a) (b) (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  —   —   — 
Total  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
(1)Although 238,550 shares are available to be issued under the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, the Company does not intend to grant additional shares from this Plan. There are 456,310 shares available to be issued under the 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan.


14

Performance Graph
The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return of the Company’s common stock as compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index and a peer group made up of companies in the Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index. The Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index consists of far larger companies that perform a variety of services as compared to land-based acquisition and processing of seismic data performed by the Company.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Dawson Geophysical Company, the S & P 500 Index
and the Value-Line Oilfield Services Index
                         
  9/05 9/06 9/07 9/08 9/09 9/10
DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY  100.00   98.18   256.23   154.35   90.51   88.10 
                         
S & P 500  100.00   110.79   129.01   100.66   93.70   103.22 
                         
VALUE-LINE OILFIELD SERVICES  100.00   109.83   168.64   131.69   112.03   119.90 
                         
* $100 invested on 9/30/05 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
Copyright© 2010 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.


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Item 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Company’s financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
                     
Years Ended September 30, 2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
 
Operating revenues $205,272  $243,995  $324,926  $257,763  $168,550 
Net (loss) income $(9,352) $10,222  $35,007  $27,158  $15,855 
Basic (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.31  $4.57  $3.57  $2.11 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding  7,777   7,807   7,669   7,602   7,518 
Total assets $235,076  $237,157  $233,621  $195,862  $149,418 
Revolving line of credit $—  $—  $—  $5,000  $— 
Long-term debt-less current maturities $—  $—  $—  $—  $— 
Stockholders’ equity $190,225  $198,379  $185,960  $149,155  $119,208 
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements included elsewhere in thisForm 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Risk Factors” and “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in thisForm 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition services in the lower 48 states of the United States as measured by the number of active data acquisition crews. Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients, mainly domestic oil and natural gas companies. Demand for our services depends upon the level of spending by these companies for exploration, production, development and field management activities, which depends, in part, on oil and natural gas prices. Significant fluctuations in domestic oil and natural gas exploration activities and commodity prices have affected the demand for our services and our results of operations in years past, and such fluctuations continue today to be the single most important factor affecting our business and results of operations.
Beginning in August 2008, the prices of oil and especially natural gas declined significantly from historic highs due to reduced demand from the global economic slowdown, and during 2009 many domestic oil and natural gas companies reduced their capital expenditures due to the decrease in market prices and disruptions in the credit markets. These factors led to a severe reduction in demand for our services and in our industry during 2009 as well as downward pressure on the prices we charge our customers for our services. In order to better align our crew capacity with reduced demand, we reduced the number of data acquisition crews we operated from sixteen in January 2009 to nine as of October 2009. Due to the reductions in the number of our active data acquisition crews and lower utilization rates for our remaining operating crews, we experienced a reduction in operating revenues and, to a lesser extent, in operating costs during calendar 2009 and into calendar 2010.
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we began to experience an increase in demand for our services, particularly in the oil basins. In response to this demand increase, we redeployed three seismic data acquisition crews in fiscal 2010, bringing our current crew count to twelve active crews. While demand has increased during fiscal 2010, it has not yet returned to the levels we experienced in 2008. Consequently, our revenues remain at a lower level than those we reported in fiscal 2008 and 2009, and they may for some time until demand recovers further. In addition, the seismic data acquisition market in the lower 48 United States remains very competitive, which in turn continues to put pressure on the prices we charge for our services. In light of continuing market challenges, we are maintaining our focus on containing costs and maintaining our financial strength. Equipment and


16

key personnel from crews taken out of service continue to be redeployed on remaining crews as needed or otherwise remain available for rapid expansion of crew count as demand and market conditions dictate in the future.
While our revenues are mainly affected by the level of client demand for our services, our revenues are also affected by the pricing for our services that we negotiate with our clients and the productivity of our data acquisition crews, including factors such as crew downtime related to inclement weather, delays in acquiring land access permits, crew repositioning or equipment failure, and whether we enter into turnkey or day rate contracts with our clients. Consequently, our efforts to negotiate favorable contract terms in our supplemental service agreements, to mitigate access permit delays and to improve overall crew productivity may contribute to growth in our revenues. During fiscal 2010, most of our client contracts were turnkey contracts. The percentage of revenues derived from turnkey contracts has grown in the past few years from approximately half of our revenues in fiscal 2008 to in excess of three-quarters of our revenues in fiscal 2010. While turnkey contracts allow us to capitalize on improved crew productivity, we also bear more risks related to weather and crew downtime. Although our clients may cancel their service contracts on short notice, our current order book reflects commitment levels sufficient to maintain operation of our twelve data acquisition crews well into fiscal 2011.
While the markets for oil and natural gas have been submittedvery volatile and are likely to continue to be so in the future, and we can make no assurances as to future levels of domestic exploration or commodity prices, we believe opportunities exist for us to enhance our market position by responding to our clients’ continuing desire for higher resolution subsurface images. If economic conditions were to worsen, our customers reduce their capital expenditures, or there is a significant sustained drop in oil and natural gas prices, it would result in diminished demand for our seismic services, may cause continued downward pressure on the prices we charge and would affect our results of operations. The services we are currently providing are balanced between clients seeking oil and natural gas. In recent years, we have experienced periods in which the services we provided were primarily to clients seeking oil and other periods in which our clients were primarily seeking natural gas.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues decreased 16% to $205,272,000 in fiscal 2010 from $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009. The revenue decrease in fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of previously announced reductions in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 (four crews), third quarter of fiscal 2009 (two crews), and first quarter of 2010 (one crew), a more competitive pricing environment in 2010 and substantially lower utilization rates of the remaining crews. Revenues in fiscal 2010 continued to include high third-party charges related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources. The sustained level of these charges is driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, East Texas and Arkansas. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses decreased 4% to $185,588,000 in fiscal 2010 from $192,839,000 in fiscal 2009 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses associated with operating the data acquisition crews taken out of service during fiscal 2009 and 2010. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
General and administrative expenses were 3.5% of revenues in fiscal 2010 as compared to 3.2% of revenues in fiscal 2009. General and administrative expenses decreased by $725,000 in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. The primary factor in the decrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2010 was a decrease in our bad debt expense.
We recognized $27,126,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2010 as compared to $26,160,000 in fiscal 2009. Depreciation expense increased a relatively modest 4% from fiscal 2009 to 2010 reflecting our limited maintenance capital expenditures in 2009. Our depreciation expense is expected to continue to increase in fiscal 2011 as a result of our increased capital expenditures during fiscal 2010.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2010 were $219,845,000, a decrease of 3% from fiscal 2009 primarily due to the factors described above.


17

Taxes.  Income tax benefit was $4,638,000 for fiscal 2010 as compared to income tax expense of $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009. The effective tax rate for the income tax provision for fiscal 2010 and 2009 was 33.2% and 42.3%, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory federal rate of 35% for certain items such as state and local taxes, non-deductible expenses, expenses related to share-based compensation that were not expected to result in a tax deduction and changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues decreased 25% to $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009 from $324,926,000 in fiscal 2008 as a result of a reduction in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 (four crews) and the third quarter of fiscal 2009 (two crews), a more competitive pricing environment, substantially lower utilization rates for remaining crews and, in the fourth quarter, increased downtime for weather. Recorded in fiscal 2009 revenues are continued high third-party charges primarily related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources, all of which are utilized in areas with limited access. The sustained level of these charges during fiscal 2009 was driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, Arkansas, East Texas and Louisiana. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses decreased 19% to $192,839,000 in fiscal 2009 from $237,484,000 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses of operating the six data acquisition crews taken out of service during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2009. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
General and administrative expenses were 3.2% of revenues in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2.1% of revenues in fiscal 2008. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1,094,000 in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The primary factor in the increase in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2009 was an increase to our allowance for doubtful accounts during the year of $993,000 offset by bad debts during the year of approximately $515,000 resulting in a net allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2009 of $533,000. The deductions against the bad debt allowance were primarily a result of the settlement of a previously disputed invoice for approximately $450,000. We increased the allowance for doubtful accounts during fiscal 2009 based on our review of the past due accounts and client base. During the second quarter, we became aware that one client with an accounts receivable balance of approximately $1,000,000 and two former clients had filed for reorganization under bankruptcy protection. These facts significantly influenced management’s decision to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts during the second quarter.
We recognized $26,160,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2009 as compared to $24,253,000 in fiscal 2008, reflecting the full year of depreciation expense from our fiscal 2008 capital expenditures. Due to market conditions, capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2009 were $226,855,000, a decrease of 16% from fiscal 2008 primarily due to the factors described above.
Taxes.  Income tax expense was $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009 and $21,400,000 for fiscal 2008. The effective tax rate for the income tax provision for fiscal 2009 and 2008 was 42.3% and 37.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate between periods was primarily a result of an increase in the unrecognized tax benefits reserve for prior years, changes in tax rates as a result of the varying states in which we operate from year to year and the increasing impact of permanent tax differences resulting from lower income before income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Introduction.  Our principal sources of cash are amounts earned from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients. Our principal uses of cash are the amounts used to provide these services, including expenses related to our operations and acquiring new equipment. Accordingly, our cash position depends (as do our revenues) on the level of demand for our services. Historically, cash generated from our operations along with cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks have been sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, and to some extent, our capital expenditures.


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Cash Flows.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $6,244,000 for fiscal 2010 and $54,598,000 for fiscal 2009. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects our substantial decline in revenues and income beginning in fiscal 2009. In addition, working capital components had the impact of decreasing cash flows in 2010 while increasing cash flows in 2009. Although our cash flows from accounts receivable fluctuated during this period, this did not reflect any change in our collection experience during the period as the average number of days in accounts receivable has remained at approximately fifty-two over the last twelve months. Amounts in our trade accounts receivable that are over sixty days as of September 30, 2010 represent approximately 20.74% of our total trade accounts receivables, which is relatively high compared to historical levels. The remaining outstanding trade account balances after taking into consideration payments received subsequent to September 30, 2010 and additional payments anticipated by management, is more representative of historical levels. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts of $639,000 at September 30, 2010 is adequate to cover exposures related to the remaining trade account balances. As discussed above, the decrease in revenues during fiscal 2010 was not matched by a decrease in operating expenses, and as a result, our margins and net results from operating activities were negatively affected.
Net cash used in investing activities was $13,365,000 in fiscal 2010 and $26,538,000 in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, we reinvested $14,964,000 of our $20,000,000 proceeds of matured treasury investments. At September 30, 2010 a treasury note for $5,000,000 had matured and was reflected as cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet. Approximately $3,000,000 of these funds were invested in certificates of deposit subsequent to September 30, 2010. Due to market conditions, our capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements rather than investing in additional equipment as in the past few years. During fiscal 2010, our capital expenditures increased as discussed below. During fiscal 2009, we used cash generated from operations in excess of capital expenditures to acquire short-term investments. In fiscal 2009, we collected proceeds from an insurance claim on our equipment burned in a March 2008 wildfire of $2,843,000.
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 of $4,000 and $421,000, respectively, primarily represents proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Net cash used by financing activities in fiscal 2008 of $4,254,000 primarily represents the net decrease on our revolving line of credit loan agreement from a balance at September 30, 2007 of $5,000,000 to a zero balance at September 30, 2008. We have not drawn on our revolving line of credit during fiscal years 2010 or 2009.
Capital Expenditures.  For fiscal year 2010, we made capital expenditures of $19,962,000, in part, to a votepurchase OYO GSR recording boxes, expand channel count on existing crews and meet necessary maintenance capital requirements. The Board of Directors has approved an initial fiscal 2011 budget of $30,000,000, which will be used to purchase 2,000 additional OYO GSR four-channel recording boxes along with three-component geophones and ten INOVA AHV4-364 vibrator energy source units, and the remainder will be used to increase channel count, make technical improvements in various phases of our operations and meet maintenance capital requirements. We believe that these additions will allow us to maintain our competitive position as we respond to client desire for higher resolution subsurface images.
We continually strive to supply our clients with technologically advanced3-D data acquisition recording services and data processing capabilities. We maintain equipment in and out of service in anticipation of increased future demand for our services.
Capital Resources.  Historically, we have primarily relied on cash generated from operations, cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks to fund our working capital requirements and, to some extent, capital expenditures. We have also funded our capital expenditures and other financing needs from time to time through public equity offerings.
Our revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Western National Bank. The agreement permits us to borrow, repay and reborrow, from time to time until June 2, 2011 up to $20.0 million based on the borrowing base calculation as defined in the agreement. Our obligations under this agreement are secured by a security holders, throughinterest in our accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral. Interest on the solicitationfacility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus two and one-quarter percent or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent as we direct monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of proxies4%. Interest on the outstanding amount under the loan agreement is payable monthly. The loan agreement contains customary covenants for credit


19

facilities of this type, including limitations on disposition of assets, mergers and reorganizations. We are also obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including maintaining specified ratios with respect to cash flow coverage, current assets and liabilities and debt to tangible net worth. We were in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2010 and November 23, 2010. We have not utilized the line of credit loan agreement during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 or otherwise. However, please refer2009.
On March 31, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering the periodic offer and sale of up to $100.0 million in debt securities, preferred and common stock and warrants. The registration statement allows us to sell securities in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of sale. The terms of any securities offered would be described in a related prospectus to be filed separately with the SEC at the time of the offering. The filing of the shelf registration statement will enable us to act quickly if and when opportunities arise.
The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to our Proxy Statementcontractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of September 30, 2010.
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
  1-3
  3-5
  More than
 
  Total  1 Year  Years  Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $2,082  $738  $749  $581  $14 
                     
We believe that our capital resources and cash flow from operations are adequate to meet our current operational needs. We believe we will be able to finance our capital requirements through cash flow from operations and, if necessary, through borrowings under our revolving line of credit. However, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements and fund future capital requirements will depend principally upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the risks inherent in our business including the demand for our seismic services from clients.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2010, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Effect of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition during the past three fiscal years.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Because of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition.  Our services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, we recognize revenues when revenue is realizable and services are performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate, as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate, as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, we recognize revenue and bill our client for services performed up to the date of cancellation.
We also receive reimbursements for certainout-of-pocket expenses under the terms of our service contracts. We record amounts billed to clients in revenue at the gross amount includingout-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client.


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In some instances, we bill clients in advance of the services performed. In those cases, we recognize the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We prepare our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on our review of past-due accounts, our past experience of historical write-offs and our current client base. While the collectibility of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of our clients.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We review long-lived assets for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting deterioration in the assets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Our forecast of future cash flows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and expenses based on our anticipated future results while considering anticipated future oil and gas prices, which is fundamental in assessing demand for our services. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, we measure the amount of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.
Depreciable Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment.  Our property, plant and equipment are capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Our estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.
Tax Accounting.  We account for our income taxes with the recognition of amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We determine deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining our annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create a variance between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on our provision or benefit for income taxes.
Stock-Based Compensation.  We measure all employee stock-based compensation awards, including stock options and restricted stock, using the fair value method and recognize compensation cost, net of forfeitures, in our financial statements. We record compensation expense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)” as new guidance and clarification for improving disclosures about fair value measurements. ASU2010-06 requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for us as of January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.


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Item 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our primary sources of market risk include fluctuations in commodity prices which affect demand for and pricing of our services as well as interest rate fluctuations. Our revolving line of credit carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our results of operations and our cash flows could be impacted by changes in interest rates. Outstanding balances under our revolving line of credit bear interest at our monthly direction of the lower of the Prime rate minus three-quarters percent or the30-day LIBOR plus two and one-quarter percent, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. At September 30, 2010, we had no balances outstanding on our revolving line of credit. The contractual maturities of our short-term investments range from November 2010 to April 2011. Our short-term investments are classified for accounting purposes asavailable-for-sale. If these short-term investments are not held to maturity, the proceeds obtained when the instruments are sold will be impacted by the current interest rates at the time they are sold. We have not entered into any hedge arrangements, commodity swap agreements, commodity futures, options or other derivative financial instruments. We do not currently conduct business internationally, so we are not generally subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this item appears on pages F-1 through F-23 hereof and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant toRule 13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, with regard to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, for information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 using the criteria set forth inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, has been


22

audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited our financial statements. Their attestation report appears onpage F-3.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange ActRule 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ending September 30, 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Part III
Item 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009 (the “Proxy Statement”),18, 2011, which we expect to be filedfile with the Securities and Exchange Commission notifying security holders aswithin 120 days after September 30, 2010. Certain information with respect to our executive officers is set forth below. Our code of ethics (as defined in Item 406 ofRegulation S-K) was adopted by our Board of Directors on May 25, 2004. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website athttp://www.dawson3d.com in the election“Corporate Governance” area of the “Investor Relations” section. Changes to and waivers granted with respect to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics related to officers identified above, and our other executive officers and directors that we are required to disclose pursuant to applicable rules and selectionregulations of KPMG LLP asthe SEC will also be posted on our independent registered public accounting firm.website.


11

Executive Officers of the RegistrantEquity Compensation Plan Information
             
      Number of
      Securities Remaining
      Available for
  Number of
   Future Issuance
  Securities to
   Under Equity
  be Issued
   Compensation Plans
  Upon Exercise
 Weighted-Average Exercise
 (Excluding Securities
  of Outstanding
 Price of
 Reflected in
Plan Category Options Outstanding Options Column (a))
  (a) (b) (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  —   —   — 
Total  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
(1)Although 238,550 shares are available to be issued under the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, the Company does not intend to grant additional shares from this Plan. There are 456,310 shares available to be issued under the 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan.


14

Performance Graph
 
Set forth below areThe following graph compares the names, ages and positionsfive-year cumulative total return of the Company’s executive officers.common stock as compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index and a peer group made up of companies in the Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index. The Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index consists of far larger companies that perform a variety of services as compared to land-based acquisition and processing of seismic data performed by the Company.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Dawson Geophysical Company, the S & P 500 Index
and the Value-Line Oilfield Services Index
                         
  9/05 9/06 9/07 9/08 9/09 9/10
DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY  100.00   98.18   256.23   154.35   90.51   88.10 
                         
S & P 500  100.00   110.79   129.01   100.66   93.70   103.22 
                         
VALUE-LINE OILFIELD SERVICES  100.00   109.83   168.64   131.69   112.03   119.90 
                         
 
Name
* 		$100 invested on 9/30/05 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
Copyright© 2010 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.


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Age
Position
L. Decker DawsonItem 6.88Chairman of the Board of Directors
Stephen C. Jumper47President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
C. Ray Tobias51Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Christina W. Hagan53Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
Howell W. Pardue72Executive Vice President
K.S. Forsdick57Vice PresidentSELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Company’s financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
                     
Years Ended September 30, 2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
 
Operating revenues $205,272  $243,995  $324,926  $257,763  $168,550 
Net (loss) income $(9,352) $10,222  $35,007  $27,158  $15,855 
Basic (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.31  $4.57  $3.57  $2.11 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding  7,777   7,807   7,669   7,602   7,518 
Total assets $235,076  $237,157  $233,621  $195,862  $149,418 
Revolving line of credit $—  $—  $—  $5,000  $— 
Long-term debt-less current maturities $—  $—  $—  $—  $— 
Stockholders’ equity $190,225  $198,379  $185,960  $149,155  $119,208 
 
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements included elsewhere in thisForm 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Risk Factors” and “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in thisForm 10-K.
Overview
We are the leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition services in the lower 48 states of the United States as measured by the number of active data acquisition crews. Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients, mainly domestic oil and natural gas companies. Demand for our services depends upon the level of spending by these companies for exploration, production, development and field management activities, which depends, in part, on oil and natural gas prices. Significant fluctuations in domestic oil and natural gas exploration activities and commodity prices have affected the demand for our services and our results of operations in years past, and such fluctuations continue today to be the single most important factor affecting our business and results of operations.
Beginning in August 2008, the prices of oil and especially natural gas declined significantly from historic highs due to reduced demand from the global economic slowdown, and during 2009 many domestic oil and natural gas companies reduced their capital expenditures due to the decrease in market prices and disruptions in the credit markets. These factors led to a severe reduction in demand for our services and in our industry during 2009 as well as downward pressure on the prices we charge our customers for our services. In order to better align our crew capacity with reduced demand, we reduced the number of data acquisition crews we operated from sixteen in January 2009 to nine as of October 2009. Due to the reductions in the number of our active data acquisition crews and lower utilization rates for our remaining operating crews, we experienced a reduction in operating revenues and, to a lesser extent, in operating costs during calendar 2009 and into calendar 2010.
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we began to experience an increase in demand for our services, particularly in the oil basins. In response to this demand increase, we redeployed three seismic data acquisition crews in fiscal 2010, bringing our current crew count to twelve active crews. While demand has increased during fiscal 2010, it has not yet returned to the levels we experienced in 2008. Consequently, our revenues remain at a lower level than those we reported in fiscal 2008 and 2009, and they may for some time until demand recovers further. In addition, the seismic data acquisition market in the lower 48 United States remains very competitive, which in turn continues to put pressure on the prices we charge for our services. In light of continuing market challenges, we are maintaining our focus on containing costs and maintaining our financial strength. Equipment and


16

key personnel from crews taken out of service continue to be redeployed on remaining crews as needed or otherwise remain available for rapid expansion of crew count as demand and market conditions dictate in the future.
While our revenues are mainly affected by the level of client demand for our services, our revenues are also affected by the pricing for our services that we negotiate with our clients and the productivity of our data acquisition crews, including factors such as crew downtime related to inclement weather, delays in acquiring land access permits, crew repositioning or equipment failure, and whether we enter into turnkey or day rate contracts with our clients. Consequently, our efforts to negotiate favorable contract terms in our supplemental service agreements, to mitigate access permit delays and to improve overall crew productivity may contribute to growth in our revenues. During fiscal 2010, most of our client contracts were turnkey contracts. The percentage of revenues derived from turnkey contracts has grown in the past few years from approximately half of our revenues in fiscal 2008 to in excess of three-quarters of our revenues in fiscal 2010. While turnkey contracts allow us to capitalize on improved crew productivity, we also bear more risks related to weather and crew downtime. Although our clients may cancel their service contracts on short notice, our current order book reflects commitment levels sufficient to maintain operation of our twelve data acquisition crews well into fiscal 2011.
While the markets for oil and natural gas have been very volatile and are likely to continue to be so in the future, and we can make no assurances as to future levels of domestic exploration or commodity prices, we believe opportunities exist for us to enhance our market position by responding to our clients’ continuing desire for higher resolution subsurface images. If economic conditions were to worsen, our customers reduce their capital expenditures, or there is a significant sustained drop in oil and natural gas prices, it would result in diminished demand for our seismic services, may cause continued downward pressure on the prices we charge and would affect our results of operations. The services we are currently providing are balanced between clients seeking oil and natural gas. In recent years, we have experienced periods in which the services we provided were primarily to clients seeking oil and other periods in which our clients were primarily seeking natural gas.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues decreased 16% to $205,272,000 in fiscal 2010 from $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009. The revenue decrease in fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of previously announced reductions in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 (four crews), third quarter of fiscal 2009 (two crews), and first quarter of 2010 (one crew), a more competitive pricing environment in 2010 and substantially lower utilization rates of the remaining crews. Revenues in fiscal 2010 continued to include high third-party charges related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources. The sustained level of these charges is driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, East Texas and Arkansas. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses decreased 4% to $185,588,000 in fiscal 2010 from $192,839,000 in fiscal 2009 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses associated with operating the data acquisition crews taken out of service during fiscal 2009 and 2010. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
General and administrative expenses were 3.5% of revenues in fiscal 2010 as compared to 3.2% of revenues in fiscal 2009. General and administrative expenses decreased by $725,000 in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. The primary factor in the decrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2010 was a decrease in our bad debt expense.
We recognized $27,126,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2010 as compared to $26,160,000 in fiscal 2009. Depreciation expense increased a relatively modest 4% from fiscal 2009 to 2010 reflecting our limited maintenance capital expenditures in 2009. Our depreciation expense is expected to continue to increase in fiscal 2011 as a result of our increased capital expenditures during fiscal 2010.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2010 were $219,845,000, a decrease of 3% from fiscal 2009 primarily due to the factors described above.


17

Taxes.  Income tax benefit was $4,638,000 for fiscal 2010 as compared to income tax expense of $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009. The effective tax rate for the income tax provision for fiscal 2010 and 2009 was 33.2% and 42.3%, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory federal rate of 35% for certain items such as state and local taxes, non-deductible expenses, expenses related to share-based compensation that were not expected to result in a tax deduction and changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues decreased 25% to $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009 from $324,926,000 in fiscal 2008 as a result of a reduction in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 (four crews) and the third quarter of fiscal 2009 (two crews), a more competitive pricing environment, substantially lower utilization rates for remaining crews and, in the fourth quarter, increased downtime for weather. Recorded in fiscal 2009 revenues are continued high third-party charges primarily related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources, all of which are utilized in areas with limited access. The sustained level of these charges during fiscal 2009 was driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, Arkansas, East Texas and Louisiana. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses decreased 19% to $192,839,000 in fiscal 2009 from $237,484,000 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses of operating the six data acquisition crews taken out of service during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2009. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
General and administrative expenses were 3.2% of revenues in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2.1% of revenues in fiscal 2008. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1,094,000 in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The primary factor in the increase in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2009 was an increase to our allowance for doubtful accounts during the year of $993,000 offset by bad debts during the year of approximately $515,000 resulting in a net allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2009 of $533,000. The deductions against the bad debt allowance were primarily a result of the settlement of a previously disputed invoice for approximately $450,000. We increased the allowance for doubtful accounts during fiscal 2009 based on our review of the past due accounts and client base. During the second quarter, we became aware that one client with an accounts receivable balance of approximately $1,000,000 and two former clients had filed for reorganization under bankruptcy protection. These facts significantly influenced management’s decision to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts during the second quarter.
We recognized $26,160,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2009 as compared to $24,253,000 in fiscal 2008, reflecting the full year of depreciation expense from our fiscal 2008 capital expenditures. Due to market conditions, capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2009 were $226,855,000, a decrease of 16% from fiscal 2008 primarily due to the factors described above.
Taxes.  Income tax expense was $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009 and $21,400,000 for fiscal 2008. The effective tax rate for the income tax provision for fiscal 2009 and 2008 was 42.3% and 37.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate between periods was primarily a result of an increase in the unrecognized tax benefits reserve for prior years, changes in tax rates as a result of the varying states in which we operate from year to year and the increasing impact of permanent tax differences resulting from lower income before income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Introduction.  Our principal sources of cash are amounts earned from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients. Our principal uses of cash are the amounts used to provide these services, including expenses related to our operations and acquiring new equipment. Accordingly, our cash position depends (as do our revenues) on the level of demand for our services. Historically, cash generated from our operations along with cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks have been sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, and to some extent, our capital expenditures.


18

Cash Flows.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $6,244,000 for fiscal 2010 and $54,598,000 for fiscal 2009. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects our substantial decline in revenues and income beginning in fiscal 2009. In addition, working capital components had the impact of decreasing cash flows in 2010 while increasing cash flows in 2009. Although our cash flows from accounts receivable fluctuated during this period, this did not reflect any change in our collection experience during the period as the average number of days in accounts receivable has remained at approximately fifty-two over the last twelve months. Amounts in our trade accounts receivable that are over sixty days as of September 30, 2010 represent approximately 20.74% of our total trade accounts receivables, which is relatively high compared to historical levels. The remaining outstanding trade account balances after taking into consideration payments received subsequent to September 30, 2010 and additional payments anticipated by management, is more representative of historical levels. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts of $639,000 at September 30, 2010 is adequate to cover exposures related to the remaining trade account balances. As discussed above, the decrease in revenues during fiscal 2010 was not matched by a decrease in operating expenses, and as a result, our margins and net results from operating activities were negatively affected.
Net cash used in investing activities was $13,365,000 in fiscal 2010 and $26,538,000 in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, we reinvested $14,964,000 of our $20,000,000 proceeds of matured treasury investments. At September 30, 2010 a treasury note for $5,000,000 had matured and was reflected as cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet. Approximately $3,000,000 of these funds were invested in certificates of deposit subsequent to September 30, 2010. Due to market conditions, our capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements rather than investing in additional equipment as in the past few years. During fiscal 2010, our capital expenditures increased as discussed below. During fiscal 2009, we used cash generated from operations in excess of capital expenditures to acquire short-term investments. In fiscal 2009, we collected proceeds from an insurance claim on our equipment burned in a March 2008 wildfire of $2,843,000.
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 of $4,000 and $421,000, respectively, primarily represents proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Net cash used by financing activities in fiscal 2008 of $4,254,000 primarily represents the net decrease on our revolving line of credit loan agreement from a balance at September 30, 2007 of $5,000,000 to a zero balance at September 30, 2008. We have not drawn on our revolving line of credit during fiscal years 2010 or 2009.
Capital Expenditures.  For fiscal year 2010, we made capital expenditures of $19,962,000, in part, to purchase OYO GSR recording boxes, expand channel count on existing crews and meet necessary maintenance capital requirements. The Board of Directors elects executive officers annually. Executive officers hold office until their successors are electedhas approved an initial fiscal 2011 budget of $30,000,000, which will be used to purchase 2,000 additional OYO GSR four-channel recording boxes along with three-component geophones and have qualified.ten INOVA AHV4-364 vibrator energy source units, and the remainder will be used to increase channel count, make technical improvements in various phases of our operations and meet maintenance capital requirements. We believe that these additions will allow us to maintain our competitive position as we respond to client desire for higher resolution subsurface images.
 
Set forth below are descriptionsWe continually strive to supply our clients with technologically advanced3-D data acquisition recording services and data processing capabilities. We maintain equipment in and out of the principal occupations during at least the past five yearsservice in anticipation of the Company’s executive officers.increased future demand for our services.
 
L. Decker Dawson.Capital Resources.  Mr. Dawson foundedHistorically, we have primarily relied on cash generated from operations, cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks to fund our working capital requirements and, to some extent, capital expenditures. We have also funded our capital expenditures and other financing needs from time to time through public equity offerings.
Our revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Western National Bank. The agreement permits us to borrow, repay and reborrow, from time to time until June 2, 2011 up to $20.0 million based on the Companyborrowing base calculation as defined in 1952. He servedthe agreement. Our obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in our accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral. Interest on the facility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus two and one-quarter percent or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent as Presidentwe direct monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. Interest on the outstanding amount under the loan agreement is payable monthly. The loan agreement contains customary covenants for credit


19

facilities of this type, including limitations on disposition of assets, mergers and reorganizations. We are also obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including maintaining specified ratios with respect to cash flow coverage, current assets and liabilities and debt to tangible net worth. We were in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2010 and November 23, 2010. We have not utilized the line of credit loan agreement during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
On March 31, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering the periodic offer and sale of up to $100.0 million in debt securities, preferred and common stock and warrants. The registration statement allows us to sell securities in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of sale. The terms of any securities offered would be described in a related prospectus to be filed separately with the SEC at the time of the Company until being elected as Chairmanoffering. The filing of the Boardshelf registration statement will enable us to act quickly if and when opportunities arise.
The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to our contractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of DirectorsSeptember 30, 2010.
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
  1-3
  3-5
  More than
 
  Total  1 Year  Years  Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $2,082  $738  $749  $581  $14 
                     
We believe that our capital resources and cash flow from operations are adequate to meet our current operational needs. We believe we will be able to finance our capital requirements through cash flow from operations and, if necessary, through borrowings under our revolving line of credit. However, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements and fund future capital requirements will depend principally upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the risks inherent in our business including the demand for our seismic services from clients.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2010, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Effect of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition during the past three fiscal years.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Because of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition.  Our services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, we recognize revenues when revenue is realizable and services are performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate, as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate, as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, we recognize revenue and bill our client for services performed up to the date of cancellation.
We also receive reimbursements for certainout-of-pocket expenses under the terms of our service contracts. We record amounts billed to clients in revenue at the gross amount includingout-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client.


20

In some instances, we bill clients in advance of the services performed. In those cases, we recognize the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We prepare our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on our review of past-due accounts, our past experience of historical write-offs and our current client base. While the collectibility of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of our clients.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We review long-lived assets for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting deterioration in the assets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Our forecast of future cash flows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and expenses based on our anticipated future results while considering anticipated future oil and gas prices, which is fundamental in assessing demand for our services. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, we measure the amount of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.
Depreciable Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment.  Our property, plant and equipment are capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Our estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.
Tax Accounting.  We account for our income taxes with the recognition of amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We determine deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining our annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create a variance between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on our provision or benefit for income taxes.
Stock-Based Compensation.  We measure all employee stock-based compensation awards, including stock options and restricted stock, using the fair value method and recognize compensation cost, net of forfeitures, in our financial statements. We record compensation expense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)” as new guidance and clarification for improving disclosures about fair value measurements. ASU2010-06 requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for us as of January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.


21

Item 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our primary sources of market risk include fluctuations in commodity prices which affect demand for and pricing of our services as well as interest rate fluctuations. Our revolving line of credit carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our results of operations and our cash flows could be impacted by changes in interest rates. Outstanding balances under our revolving line of credit bear interest at our monthly direction of the lower of the Prime rate minus three-quarters percent or the30-day LIBOR plus two and one-quarter percent, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. At September 30, 2010, we had no balances outstanding on our revolving line of credit. The contractual maturities of our short-term investments range from November 2010 to April 2011. Our short-term investments are classified for accounting purposes asavailable-for-sale. If these short-term investments are not held to maturity, the proceeds obtained when the instruments are sold will be impacted by the current interest rates at the time they are sold. We have not entered into any hedge arrangements, commodity swap agreements, commodity futures, options or other derivative financial instruments. We do not currently conduct business internationally, so we are not generally subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this item appears on pages F-1 through F-23 hereof and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant toRule 13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Dawson was reelected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and retired as Chiefour Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to 1952, Mr. Dawson was a geophysicist with Republic Exploration Company, a geophysical company. Mr. Dawson served as President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists(1989-1990), received its Enterprise Award in 1997 and was awarded honorary membership in 2002. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors in 1981 and is an honorary life member of such association. He was inducted into the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum’s Hall of Fame in 1997.
Stephen C. Jumper.  Mr. Jumper, a geophysicist, joined the Company in 1985, was elected Vice President of Technical Services in September 1997 and was subsequently elected President, Chief Operating Officer and Director in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Jumper was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Prior to 1997, Mr. Jumper served the Company as manager of technical services with an emphasis on3-D processing. Mr. Jumper has served the Permian Basin Geophysical Society as Second Vice President (1991), First Vice President (1992) and as President (1993).
C. Ray Tobias.  Mr. Tobias joined the Company in 1990, and was elected Vice President in September 1997 and Executive Vice President and Director in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Tobias was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Tobias supervises client relationships and survey cost quotations to clients. He has served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors and is Past President of the Permian Basin Geophysical Society. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tobias was employed by Geo-Search Corporation where he was an operations supervisor.
Christina W. Hagan.  Ms. Hagan joined the Company in 1988, and was elected Chief Financial Officer and Vice President in 1997 and Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in January 2003. In January 2004, Ms. Hagan was elected asall material respects, with regard to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, for information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer. Prior thereto, Ms. Hagan served the CompanyOfficer, as Controller and Treasurer. Ms. Hagan is a certified public accountant.appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Howell W. Pardue.  Mr. Pardue joined the Company in 1976 as Vice President of Data Processing and Director. Mr. Pardue was elected Executive Vice President of Data Processing in 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pardue was employed in data processing for 17 years by Geosource, Inc. and its predecessor geophysical company.Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
K.S. Forsdick.  Mr. Forsdick joined the Company in 1993 and was elected Vice President in January 2001. Mr. ForsdickOur management is responsible for soliciting, designingestablishing and bidding seismic surveysmaintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for prospective clients. Priorexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to joiningfuture periods are subject to the Company, Mr. Forsdickrisk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 using the criteria set forth inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was employed by Grant Geophysical Company and Western Geophysical Company and was responsible for marketing and managing land and marine seismic surveys for domestic andeffective. Our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, has been


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international operations. He has servedaudited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited our financial statements. Their attestation report appears on the Governmental Affairs Committeepage F-3.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange ActRule 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) of the International AssociationSecurities Exchange Act of Geophysical Contractors.1934) during the quarter ending September 30, 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
 
Part IIIII
 
Item 5.10.  MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITYDIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2010. Certain information with respect to our executive officers is set forth below. Our common stock tradescode of ethics (as defined in Item 406 ofRegulation S-K) was adopted by our Board of Directors on May 25, 2004. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website athttp://www.dawson3d.com in the Nasdaq Stock Market® under“Corporate Governance” area of the symbol “DWSN.” The table below represents“Investor Relations” section. Changes to and waivers granted with respect to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics related to officers identified above, and our other executive officers and directors that we are required to disclose pursuant to applicable rules and regulations of the high and low sales prices per share for the period shown.
         
Quarter Ended
 High  Low 
 
December 31, 2006 $40.26  $26.56 
March 31, 2007 $53.82  $30.50 
June 30, 2007 $63.89  $48.03 
September 30, 2007 $85.67  $51.52 
December 31, 2007 $83.86  $64.67 
March 31, 2008 $78.00  $48.75 
June 30, 2008 $79.95  $56.41 
September 30, 2008 $65.93  $40.27 
SEC will also be posted on our website.
 
As of November 28, 2008, the market price for our common stock was $20.145 per share and we had 177 common stockholders of record, as reported by our transfer agent.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since becoming a public company and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2008. See information regarding material features of the plans in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” “Stock-Based Compensation” to the Financial Statements included herein.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
             
        Number of
 
        Securities Remaining
 
        Available for
 
  Number of
     Future Issuance
 
  Securities to
     Under Equity
 
  be Issued
     Compensation Plans
 
  Upon Exercise
  Weighted-Average Exercise
  (Excluding Securities
 
  of Outstanding
  Price of
  Reflected in
 
Plan Category
 Options  Outstanding Options  Column (a)) 
  (a)  (b)  (c) 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  23,250  $17.91   943,550(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  —   —   — 
Total  23,250  $17.91   943,550(1)
             
      Number of
      Securities Remaining
      Available for
  Number of
   Future Issuance
  Securities to
   Under Equity
  be Issued
   Compensation Plans
  Upon Exercise
 Weighted-Average Exercise
 (Excluding Securities
  of Outstanding
 Price of
 Reflected in
Plan Category Options Outstanding Options Column (a))
  (a) (b) (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  —   —   — 
Total  151,000  $18.91   694,860(1)
 
(1)Although 238,550 shares are available to be issued under the 2000 Incentive Stock Plan and the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, the Company does not intend to grant additional shares from eitherthis Plan. There are 705,000456,310 shares available to be issued under the 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan.


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Performance Graph
 
The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return of the Company’s common stock as compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index and a peer group made up of companies in the Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index. The Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index consists of far larger companies that perform a variety of services as compared to land-based acquisition and processing of seismic data performed by the Company.
 
Comparison of5-Year 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Dawson Geophysical Company, the S & P 500 Index
and the Value-Line Oilfield Services Industry Index
 
 
                        
                        
 9/03 9/04 9/05 9/06 9/07 9/08 9/05 9/06 9/07 9/08 9/09 9/10
DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY  100.00   303.63   439.04   431.06   1124.96   677.65   100.00   98.18   256.23   154.35   90.51   88.10 
                                                
S & P 500  100.00   113.87   127.82   141.62   164.90   128.66   100.00   110.79   129.01   100.66   93.70   103.22 
                                                
VALUE-LINE OILFIELD SERVICES  100.00   143.93   218.50   237.51   360.99   282.31   100.00   109.83   168.64   131.69   112.03   119.90 
                                    
 
* $100 invested on9/30/0305 in stock & index-includingor index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
 
Copyright© 20082010 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.


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Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Company’s financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
                                        
Years Ended September 30
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 
Years Ended September 30, 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts)    (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
Operating revenues $324,926  $257,763  $168,550  $116,663  $69,346  $205,272  $243,995  $324,926  $257,763  $168,550 
Net income $35,007  $27,158  $15,855  $10,016  $8,618 
Net income per common share $4.57  $3.57  $2.11  $1.50  $1.55 
Net (loss) income $(9,352) $10,222  $35,007  $27,158  $15,855 
Basic (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.31  $4.57  $3.57  $2.11 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding  7,669   7,602   7,518   6,706   5,559   7,777   7,807   7,669   7,602   7,518 
Total assets $233,621  $195,862  $149,418  $114,127  $56,759  $235,076  $237,157  $233,621  $195,862  $149,418 
Revolving line of credit $—  $5,000  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $5,000  $— 
Long-term debt-less current maturities $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $— 
Stockholders’ equity $185,960  $149,155  $119,208  $101,904  $50,282  $190,225  $198,379  $185,960  $149,155  $119,208 
In March 2005, we successfully completed a public offering of 1,800,000 shares of common stock such that weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding in 2005 reflect these additional shares for a portion of the year.
 
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements included elsewhere in thisForm 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Risk Factors” and “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in thisForm 10-K.
 
Overview
 
We are the leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition services in the lower 48 states of the United States as measured by the number of active data acquisition crews. Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients, mainly domestic oil and natural gas companies. Demand for our services depends upon the level of spending by these companies for exploration, production, development and field management activities, which depends, in part, on oil and natural gas prices. Significant fluctuations in domestic oil and natural gas exploration activities and commodity prices have affected the demand for our services and our results of operations in years past, and such fluctuations continue today to be the single most important factor affecting our business and results of operations. In the past few years, substantially all of our clients have been focused on the exploration for and production of natural gas.
 
Our returnBeginning in August 2008, the prices of oil and especially natural gas declined significantly from historic highs due to profitability in fiscal 2004 after several years of losses was directly related to an increase inreduced demand from the level of exploration forglobal economic slowdown, and during 2009 many domestic oil and natural gas reserves bycompanies reduced their capital expenditures due to the petroleum industry since 2003. The increased level of exploration was a function of higherdecrease in market prices for oil and natural gas. As a result ofdisruptions in the increase in domestic exploration spending, we experienced an increased demand for our seismic data acquisition and processing services during this period, particularly from entities seeking natural gas reserves. Since August 2008 the price of oil and natural gas has declined significantly and there has been a significant disruption in global credit markets. AsThese factors led to a result of these factors, during the third quarter of 2008 several of our clients reduced the size of or delayed seismic projects. While the markets for oil and natural gas have been very volatile and are likely to continue to be volatilesevere reduction in the future and we can make no assurances as to future levels of domestic exploration or commodity prices, we believe opportunities exist for us to enhance our market position by responding to our clients’ continuing desire for higher resolution subsurface images. We have continued to experience high demand for our services despite recent fluctuationsand in oil and natural gas prices. However, a significant sustained dropour industry during 2009 as well as downward pressure on the prices we charge our customers for our services. In order to better align our crew capacity with reduced demand, we reduced the number of data acquisition crews we operated from sixteen in oil and natural gas prices orJanuary 2009 to nine as of October 2009. Due to the inabilityreductions in the number of our clientsactive data acquisition crews and lower utilization rates for our remaining operating crews, we experienced a reduction in operating revenues and, to secure fundinga lesser extent, in operating costs during calendar 2009 and into calendar 2010.
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we began to experience an increase in demand for new exploration projects would haveour services, particularly in the oil basins. In response to this demand increase, we redeployed three seismic data acquisition crews in fiscal 2010, bringing our current crew count to twelve active crews. While demand has increased during fiscal 2010, it has not yet returned to the levels we experienced in 2008. Consequently, our revenues remain at a negative impactlower level than those we reported in fiscal 2008 and 2009, and they may for some time until demand recovers further. In addition, the seismic data acquisition market in the lower 48 United States remains very competitive, which in turn continues to put pressure on demandthe prices we charge for our services. In light of continuing market challenges, we are maintaining our focus on containing costs and maintaining our financial strength. Equipment and


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our services. Because substantially allkey personnel from crews taken out of our current clients are focusedservice continue to be redeployed on the explorationremaining crews as needed or otherwise remain available for rapid expansion of crew count as demand and production of natural gas, a sustained significant declinemarket conditions dictate in the price of natural gas in particular would have a negative effect on the demand for our services.future.
 
We continue to focus on increasing the revenues and profitability of our existing crews by upgrading our recording capacity, expanding the channel count on existing crews, adding to our energy source fleet and utilizing related technologies. While our revenues are mainly affected by the level of client demand for our services, our revenues are also affected by the pricing for our services that we negotiate with our clients and the productivity of our data acquisition crews, including factors such as crew downtime related to inclement weather, delays in acquiring land access permits, crew repositioning or equipment failure.failure, and whether we enter into turnkey or day rate contracts with our clients. Consequently, our successful efforts to negotiate more favorable contract terms in our supplemental service agreements, to mitigate access permit delays and to improve overall crew productivity may contribute to growth in our revenues. During fiscal 2010, most of our client contracts were turnkey contracts. The percentage of revenues derived from turnkey contracts has grown in the past few years from approximately half of our revenues in fiscal 2008 to in excess of three-quarters of our revenues in fiscal 2010. While turnkey contracts allow us to capitalize on improved crew productivity, we also bear more risks related to weather and crew downtime. Although our clients may cancel their supplemental service agreements with uscontracts on short notice, we believe we currently have a sufficientour current order book reflects commitment levels sufficient to sustain operations at full capacitymaintain operation of our twelve data acquisition crews well into calendar 2009 on all sixteen crews.fiscal 2011.
 
Fiscal 2008 Highlights
Our financial performanceWhile the markets for fiscal 2008 significantly improved when comparedoil and natural gas have been very volatile and are likely to continue to be so in the future, and we can make no assurances as to future levels of domestic exploration or commodity prices, we believe opportunities exist for us to enhance our market position by responding to our financial performanceclients’ continuing desire for fiscal 2007 ashigher resolution subsurface images. If economic conditions were to worsen, our customers reduce their capital expenditures, or there is a significant sustained drop in oil and natural gas prices, it would result of the continuing strongin diminished demand for our seismic services, duemay cause continued downward pressure on the prices we charge and would affect our results of operations. The services we are currently providing are balanced between clients seeking oil and natural gas. In recent years, we have experienced periods in which the services we provided were primarily to high levels of explorationclients seeking oil and development activities, particularly by entitiesother periods in which our clients were primarily seeking natural gas reserves. As a result of continuing high demand, we:gas.
 
• Repaid all $20,000,000 outstanding under the Company’s revolving line of credit in the fourth quarter;
• Replaced an I/O System II MRX recording system on an existing crew with a 7,500 channel ARAM ARIES recording system;
• Replaced an I/O System II MRX recording system on an existing crew with an 8,000 channel ARAM ARIES recording system;
• Took delivery of thirty ION vibrator energy source units;
• Added four IVI Enviro mini-vibrator energy source units used to operate in urban and sensitive environments. The Company now operates eight such units;
• Increased channel count from 102,000 to in excess of 117,000;
• Redeployed an existing I/O System II MRX recording system on an additional crew bringing the total of the Company’s operating data acquisition crews to sixteen; and
• Operated in West Texas, South Texas, Fort Worth Basin of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Utah, Montana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Louisiana, Nevada and New York.
Results of Operations
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 20082010 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 20072009
 
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues increased 26% from $257,763,000decreased 16% to $205,272,000 in fiscal 20072010 from $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009. The revenue decrease in fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of previously announced reductions in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 (four crews), third quarter of fiscal 2009 (two crews), and first quarter of 2010 (one crew), a more competitive pricing environment in 2010 and substantially lower utilization rates of the remaining crews. Revenues in fiscal 2010 continued to include high third-party charges related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources. The sustained level of these charges is driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, East Texas and Arkansas. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses decreased 4% to $185,588,000 in fiscal 2010 from $192,839,000 in fiscal 2009 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses associated with operating the data acquisition crews taken out of service during fiscal 2009 and 2010. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
General and administrative expenses were 3.5% of revenues in fiscal 2010 as compared to 3.2% of revenues in fiscal 2009. General and administrative expenses decreased by $725,000 in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. The primary factor in the decrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2010 was a decrease in our bad debt expense.
We recognized $27,126,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2010 as compared to $26,160,000 in fiscal 2009. Depreciation expense increased a relatively modest 4% from fiscal 2009 to 2010 reflecting our limited maintenance capital expenditures in 2009. Our depreciation expense is expected to continue to increase in fiscal 2011 as a result of our increased capital expenditures during fiscal 2010.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2010 were $219,845,000, a decrease of 3% from fiscal 2009 primarily due to the factors described above.


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Taxes.  Income tax benefit was $4,638,000 for fiscal 2010 as compared to income tax expense of $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009. The effective tax rate for the income tax provision for fiscal 2010 and 2009 was 33.2% and 42.3%, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory federal rate of 35% for certain items such as state and local taxes, non-deductible expenses, expenses related to share-based compensation that were not expected to result in a tax deduction and changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues decreased 25% to $243,995,000 in fiscal 2009 from $324,926,000 in fiscal 2008 as a result of continuing high demand for our services. Revenue growtha reduction in active crew count during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily the result of the addition of new seismic data acquisition crews in September 2007 and May 20082009 (four crews) and the upgradingthird quarter of recording systems on existingfiscal 2009 (two crews), a more competitive pricing environment, substantially lower utilization rates for remaining crews along withand, in the fourth quarter, increased channel counts and productivity on existing crews.downtime for weather. Recorded in fiscal 20082009 revenues are continued high third-party charges primarily related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies and dynamite energy sources, all of which are utilized in areas with limited access. The sustained level of these charges during fiscal 20082009 was driven by our continued operations in areas with limited access in the Appalachian Basin, the Rocky Mountains, the Fayetteville Shale,Arkansas, East Texas and the Arkoma Basin.Louisiana. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
 
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses increased 25% from $190,117,000decreased 19% to $192,839,000 in fiscal 2007 to2009 from $237,484,000 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to reductions in field personnel and other expenses of operating the full year of service for the three acquisition crews deployed in fiscal 2007 and the additional crew placed into service in fiscal 2008. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.


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General and administrative expenses were 2.1% of revenues in fiscal 2008 as compared to 2.4% of revenues in fiscal 2007. While the ratio of general and administrative expenses to revenue declined in fiscal 2008 due to the increase in revenues, the actual dollar amount increased. The increase of $567,000 from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008 reflects ongoing expenses necessary to support expanded field operations.
We recognized $24,253,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 2008 as compared to $18,103,000 in fiscal 2007, reflecting the full year of depreciation expense from our fiscal 2007 capital expenditures. Our depreciation expense is expected to continue to increase in fiscal 2009 as a result of our significant capital expenditures in fiscal 2008.
Our total operating costs for fiscal 2008 were $268,499,000, an increase of 25% from fiscal 2007 primarily due to the factors described above.
Taxes.  Our effective tax rates for fiscal 2008 and 2007 were 37.9% and 38.9%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily a result of changes in state tax rates as a result of the varying states in which we operate from year to year.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007 Versus Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006
Operating Revenues.  Our operating revenues increased 53% from $168,550,000 in fiscal 2006 to $257,763,000 in fiscal 2007 as a result of continuing high demand for our services. Revenue growth in fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the addition of three seismicsix data acquisition crews along with pricing and productivity improvements realized from the expanded capabilities of existing crews. Recorded in the fourth quarter revenues are continued high third-party charges primarily related to the use of helicopter support services, specialized survey technologies, and dynamite energy sources all of which are utilized in areas with limited access. The sustained increase in these charges during fiscal 2007 was driven by our continued geographic expansion in response to increased exploration activities in the Appalachian Basin, the Rocky Mountains, the Fayetteville Shale, and the Arkoma Basin. We are reimbursed for these charges by our clients.
Operating Costs.  Our operating expenses increased 51% from $125,848,000 in fiscal 2006 to $190,117,000 in fiscal 2007 primarily due to the full yeartaken out of service forduring the twelfth crew fielded insecond and third quarters of fiscal 2006 and thestart-up and ongoing expenses of the three acquisition crews deployed in fiscal 2007.2009. As discussed above, reimbursed charges have a similar impact on operating costs.
 
General and administrative expenses were 2.4%3.2% of revenues in fiscal 20072009 as compared to 2.9%2.1% of revenues in fiscal 2006. While2008. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1,094,000 in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The primary factor in the ratio ofincrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2009 was an increase to revenue declinedour allowance for doubtful accounts during the year of $993,000 offset by bad debts during the year of approximately $515,000 resulting in a net allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2009 of $533,000. The deductions against the bad debt allowance were primarily a result of the settlement of a previously disputed invoice for approximately $450,000. We increased the allowance for doubtful accounts during fiscal 20072009 based on our review of the past due accounts and client base. During the second quarter, we became aware that one client with an accounts receivable balance of approximately $1,000,000 and two former clients had filed for reorganization under bankruptcy protection. These facts significantly influenced management’s decision to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts during the increase in revenues, the actual dollar amount increased. The increase of $1,387,000 from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007 reflects ongoing expenses necessary to support expanded field operations.second quarter.
 
We recognized $18,103,000$26,160,000 of depreciation expense in fiscal 20072009 as compared to $13,338,000$24,253,000 in fiscal 2006,2008, reflecting the full year of depreciation expense from our fiscal 20062008 capital expenditures. Our depreciation expense is expectedDue to continue to increase in fiscal 2008 as a result of our significantmarket conditions, capital expenditures in fiscal 2007.2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements.
 
Our total operating costs for fiscal 20072009 were $214,415,000, an increase$226,855,000, a decrease of 49%16% from fiscal 20062008 primarily due to the factors described above.
 
Taxes.  OurIncome tax expense was $7,493,000 for fiscal 2009 and $21,400,000 for fiscal 2008. The effective tax ratesrate for the income tax provision for fiscal 20072009 and 2006 were 38.9%2008 was 42.3% and 37.1%37.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006between periods was primarily a result of an increase in the unrecognized tax benefits reserve for prior years, changes in tax legislation that impact the Company’s tax expense and changes in state tax rates as a result of the varying states in which we operate from year to year.year and the increasing impact of permanent tax differences resulting from lower income before income taxes.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Introduction.  Our principal sourcesources of cash isare amounts earned from the seismic data acquisition services we provide to our clients. Our principal uses of cash are the amounts used to provide these services, including expenses related to our operations and acquiring new equipment. Accordingly, our cash position depends (as do our revenues) on the level of demand for our services. Historically, cash generated from our operations along with cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks have been sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, and to some extent, our capital expenditures.


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Cash Flows.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $50,930,000$6,244,000 for fiscal 20082010 and $51,427,000$54,598,000 for fiscal 2007. These amounts2009. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects our substantial decline in revenues and income beginning in fiscal 2009. In addition, working capital components had the impact of decreasing cash flows in 2010 while increasing cash flows in 2009. Although our cash flows from accounts receivable fluctuated during this period, this did not reflect an increaseany change in total revenues resulting from our expanded business and an increasecollection experience during the period as the average number of days in accounts receivable without a correlating increase in accounts payable. The increase in accounts receivable derives principally from an increasehas remained at approximately fifty-two over the last twelve months. Amounts in our trade receivables. This increaseaccounts receivable that are over sixty days as of September 30, 2010 represent approximately 20.74% of our total trade accounts receivables, which is relatively high compared to historical levels. The remaining outstanding trade account balances after taking into consideration payments received subsequent to September 30, 2010 and additional payments anticipated by management, is more representative of historical levels. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts of $639,000 at September 30, 2010 is adequate to cover exposures related to the remaining trade account balances. As discussed above, the decrease in trade receivables is consistent with the growth in our revenues during fiscal 2008,2010 was not matched by a decrease in operating expenses, and the number of days that sales remain on account is consistent with fiscal 2007. In addition, accounts receivable contains anticipated insurance proceeds for the equipment lost on March 14, 2008. See discussion of fire in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”as a result, our margins and Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Financial Statements included in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”net results from operating activities were negatively affected.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $53,240,000$13,365,000 in fiscal 20082010 and $51,664,000$26,538,000 in fiscal 2007. These results primarily represent2009. In fiscal 2010, we reinvested $14,964,000 of our $20,000,000 proceeds of matured treasury investments. At September 30, 2010 a treasury note for $5,000,000 had matured and was reflected as cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet. Approximately $3,000,000 of these funds were invested in certificates of deposit subsequent to September 30, 2010. Due to market conditions, our capital expenditures in both years, and fiscal 2007 includes activity2009 were limited to necessary maintenance capital requirements rather than investing in additional equipment as in the short-term investment portfolio. Capitalpast few years. During fiscal 2010, our capital expenditures were funded primarily withincreased as discussed below. During fiscal 2009, we used cash generated from operations in both years and, duringexcess of capital expenditures to acquire short-term investments. In fiscal 2007, with cash2009, we collected proceeds from an insurance claim on our short-term investments.equipment burned in a March 2008 wildfire of $2,843,000.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 of $4,000 and $421,000, respectively, primarily represents proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Net cash used by financing activities in fiscal 2008 of $4,254,000 primarily represents the net decrease on our revolving line of credit loan agreement from a balance at September 30, 2007 of $5,000,000 to a zero balance at September 30, 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2007 was $7,048,000 primarily representing the draw down of $5,000,000 fromWe have not drawn on our revolving line of credit and proceeds from the exercise of stock options.during fiscal years 2010 or 2009.
 
Capital Expenditures.  For fiscal year 2008,2010, we made capital expenditures of $52,861,000$19,962,000, in part, to complete the fielding of an additional data acquisition crew,purchase OYO GSR recording boxes, expand channel count on existing crews purchase additional energy source units, and replace two I/O System II MRX recording systems on existing crews with ARAM ARIES recording systems.meet necessary maintenance capital requirements. The Board of Directors has approved an initial fiscal 20092011 budget of $20,000,000$30,000,000, which will be used to purchase 2,000 additional OYO GSR four-channel recording channels,boxes along with three-component geophones and ten INOVA AHV4-364 vibrator energy source units, and the remainder will be used to increase channel count, make technical improvements in various phases of the Company’sour operations and meet maintenance capital requirements. We believe that these additions will allow the Companyus to maintain itsour competitive position as it respondswe respond to client desire for higher resolution subsurface images.
 
We continually strive to supply our clients with technologically advanced3-D data acquisition recording services and data processing capabilities. We maintain equipment in and out of service in anticipation of increased future demand for our services.
 
Capital Resources.  Historically, we have primarily relied on cash generated from operations, cash reserves and short-term borrowings from commercial banks to fund our working capital requirements and, to some extent, capital expenditures. From time to time, weWe have also funded our capital expenditures and other financing needs from time to time through public equity offerings.
 
Our revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Western National Bank. In January 2008, we renewed the agreement for an additional year, and on June 2, 2008, we amended the agreement to increase the borrowing limit to $40.0 million. The agreement permits us to borrow, repay and reborrow, from time to time until June 2, 2009,2011 up to $40.0 million.$20.0 million based on the borrowing base calculation as defined in the agreement. Our obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in our accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral. Interest on the facility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus two and one-quarter percent or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent as we direct monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. Interest on the outstanding amount under the loan agreement is payable monthly. The loan agreement contains customary covenants for credit


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facilities of this type, including limitations on disposition of assets, mergers and reorganizations. We are also obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including maintaining specified ratios with respect to cash flow coverage, current assets and liabilities and debt to tangible net worth. We were in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 20082010 and December 8, 2008. On July 5, 2007, we borrowed $5.0 million underNovember 23, 2010. We have not utilized the priorline of credit loan agreement for working capital purposes. during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
On March 21, 2008,31, 2009, we borrowed an additional $5.0 million,filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering the periodic offer and on June 16, 2008, we borrowed an additional $10.0sale of up to $100.0 million in each case, for working capital purposes. Asdebt securities, preferred and common stock and warrants. The registration statement allows us to sell securities in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of September 30, 2008, we had repaidsale. The terms of any securities offered would be described in a related prospectus to be filed separately with the $20.0 million balance,SEC at the time of the offering. The filing of the shelf registration statement will enable us to act quickly if and no amounts were outstanding as of December 8, 2008.when opportunities arise.


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The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to our contractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of September 30, 2008.2010.
 
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
  1-3
  3-5
  More than
 
  Total  1 Year  Years  Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $1,778  $569  $1,042  $167  $— 
                     
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
  1-3
  3-5
  More than
 
  Total  1 Year  Years  Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $2,082  $738  $749  $581  $14 
                     
 
We believe that our capital resources and cash flow from operations are adequate to meet our current operational needs. We believe we will be able to finance our capital requirements including the continued expansion of our capital equipment through cash flow from operations and, if necessary, through borrowings under our revolving line of credit and, if necessary, from capital markets offerings.credit. However, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements and fund future capital requirements will depend principally upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the risks inherent in our business including the demand for our seismic services from clients.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2008,2010, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Effect of Inflation
 
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition during the past three fiscal years.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.periods. Because of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Revenue Recognition.  Our services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, we recognize revenues when revenue is realizable and services are performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate, as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate, as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, we recognize revenue and bill our client for services performed up to the date of cancellation.
We also receive reimbursements for certainout-of-pocket expenses under the terms of our service contracts. We record amounts billed to clients in revenue at the gross amount includingout-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client.


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In some instances, we bill clients in advance of the services performed. In those cases, we recognize the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We prepare our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on our review of past-due accounts, our past experience of historical write-offs and our current client base. While the collectibility of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of our clients.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  We review long-lived assets for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting deterioration in the assetsassets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset.assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Our forecast of future cash flows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and future gross marginsexpenses based on our historicalanticipated future results and analysis ofwhile considering anticipated future oil and gas prices, which is fundamental in assessing demand for our services. If we are unable to achieve thesethe carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, anwe measure the amount of possible impairment charge would be recorded.by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.


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Depreciable Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment.  Our property, plant and equipment are capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Our estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change. We depreciate these capitalized items
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.
 
Tax Accounting.  We account for our income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (“SFAS 109”), “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We determine deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate and reducingin effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining our annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create a variance between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on our provision or benefit for income taxes.
 
Stock-Based Compensation.  We account for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) (“SFAS 123(R)”), “Share-Based Payment.” We measure all employee stock-based compensation awards, including stock options and restricted stock, using athe fair value method and recognize compensation cost, net of forfeitures, in our financial statements. We adopted SFAS 123(R) beginning October 1, 2005 for stock-based compensation awards granted after that date and for nonvested awards outstanding at that date using the modified prospective application method. We record compensation expense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006,January 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”),Accounting Standards Update2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements.Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)” SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Further, the standard establishes a frameworkas new guidance and clarification for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands certainimproving disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 isASU2010-06 requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position157-2(“FSP 157-2”), “Effective Dateus as of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We do not expect theJanuary 1, 2010. The adoption of SFAS 157 tothis guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.


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In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 159 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (“SFAS 162”), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” Under SFAS 162, the GAAP hierarchy will now reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB. SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 162 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Our primary sources of market risk include fluctuations in commodity prices which affect demand for and pricing of our services andas well as interest rate fluctuations. AsOur revolving line of June 16, 2008, we had borrowed $20.0 millioncredit carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our results of operations and our cash flows could be impacted by changes in interest rates. Outstanding balances under our revolving line of credit loan agreement with Western National Bank. Through January 18, 2008,bear interest payable


20

underat our monthly direction of the revolving linelower of credit was variable based upon the then current prime rate. Beginning on January 19, 2008, interest on the outstanding amount under the line of credit loan agreement is payable monthly at an annualPrime rate equal to eitherminus three-quarters percent or the30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”),LIBOR plus two and one-quarter percent, or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent at our direction, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. As of September 30, 2008, we had repaid the $20.0 million balance, and no amounts were outstanding as of December 8, 2008.
At September 30, 2008,2010, we didhad no balances outstanding on our revolving line of credit. The contractual maturities of our short-term investments range from November 2010 to April 2011. Our short-term investments are classified for accounting purposes asavailable-for-sale. If these short-term investments are not have any short-term investments.held to maturity, the proceeds obtained when the instruments are sold will be impacted by the current interest rates at the time they are sold. We have not entered into any hedge arrangements, commodity swap agreements, commodity futures, options or other derivative financial instruments. We do not currently conduct business internationally, so we are not generally subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk.
 
Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
The information required by this item appears on pages F-1 through F-20F-23 hereof and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant toRule 13a-1513a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2008,2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, with regard to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, for information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined inRule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of September 30, 20082010 using the criteria set forth inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of September 30, 2008,2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008,2010, has been


22

audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited our financial statements. Their attestation report appears onpage F-3.


21

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange ActRule 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ending September 30, 20082010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
Part III
 
Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009,18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2008.2010. Certain information with respect to our executive officers is set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this report.below. Our code of ethics (as defined in Item 406 ofRegulation S-K) was adopted by our Board of Directors on May 25, 2004. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website athttp://www.dawson3d.com in the “Corporate Governance” area of the “Investor Relations” section. Changes to and waivers granted with respect to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics related to officers identified above, and our other executive officers and directors that we are required to disclose pursuant to applicable rules and regulations of the SEC will also be posted on our website.
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of the Company’s executive officers.
NameAgePosition
L. Decker Dawson90Chairman of the Board of Directors
Stephen C. Jumper49President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
C. Ray Tobias53Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Christina W. Hagan55Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
Howell W. Pardue74Executive Vice President
K.S. Forsdick59Senior Vice President
The Board of Directors elects executive officers annually. Executive officers hold office until their successors are elected and have qualified.
Set forth below are descriptions of the principal occupations during at least the past five years of the Company’s executive officers.
L. Decker Dawson.  Mr. Dawson founded the Company in 1952. He served as President of the Company until being elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Dawson was reelected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to 1952, Mr. Dawson was a geophysicist with Republic Exploration Company, a geophysical company. Mr. Dawson served as President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists(1989-1990), received its Enterprise Award in 1997 and was awarded honorary membership in 2002. He was Chairman of the Board of


23

Directors of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors in 1981 and is an honorary life member of such association. He was inducted into the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum’s Hall of Fame in 1997.
Stephen C. Jumper.  Mr. Jumper, a geophysicist, joined the Company in 1985, was elected Vice President of Technical Services in September 1997 and was subsequently elected President, Chief Operating Officer and Director in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Jumper was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Prior to 1997, Mr. Jumper served the Company as manager of technical services with an emphasis on3-D processing. Mr. Jumper has served the Permian Basin Geophysical Society as Second Vice President (1991), First Vice President (1992) and as President (1993).
C. Ray Tobias.  Mr. Tobias joined the Company in 1990 and was elected Vice President in September 1997 and Executive Vice President and Director in January 2001. In January 2006, Mr. Tobias was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Tobias supervises client relationships and survey cost quotations to clients. He has served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors and served as President of the Permian Basin Geophysical Society. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tobias was employed by Geo-Search Corporation where he was an operations supervisor.
Christina W. Hagan.  Ms. Hagan joined the Company in 1988 and was elected Chief Financial Officer and Vice President in 1997 and Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer in January 2003. In January 2004, Ms. Hagan was elected as Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer. Prior thereto, Ms. Hagan served the Company as Controller and Treasurer. Ms. Hagan is a certified public accountant.
Howell W. Pardue.  Mr. Pardue joined the Company in 1976 as Vice President of Data Processing and Director. Mr. Pardue was elected Executive Vice President of Data Processing in 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pardue was employed in data processing for 17 years by Geosource, Inc. and its predecessor geophysical company.
K.S. Forsdick.  Mr. Forsdick joined the Company in 1993, was elected Vice President in January 2001 and was subsequently elected Senior Vice President in March 2009. Mr. Forsdick is responsible for soliciting, designing and bidding seismic surveys for prospective clients. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Forsdick was employed by Grant Geophysical Company and Western Geophysical Company and was responsible for marketing and managing land and marine seismic surveys for domestic and international operations. He has served on the Governmental Affairs Committee of the International Association of Geophysical Contractors.
Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009,18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2008.2010.
 
Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The information required with respect to our equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 5 of thisForm 10-K. Other information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009,18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2008.2010.
 
Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009,18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2008.2010.
 
Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on January 27, 2009,18, 2011, which we expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 30, 2008.2010.


2224

 
Part IV
 
Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
(1) Financial Statements.
 
The following financial statements of the Company appear on pages F-1 through F-19F-21 and are incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 8:
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Balance Sheets

Statements of Operations

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Financial Statements
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
 
The following financial statement schedule appears onpage F-20F-22 and is hereby incorporated by reference:
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the three years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006.2008.
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
(3) Exhibits.
 
The information required by this item 15(a)(3) is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Annual Report ofForm 10-K and is hereby incorporated by reference.


2325

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Midland, and the State of Texas, on the 9th23rd day of December, 2008.November, 2010.
 
DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
 By: /s/  Stephen C. Jumper
Stephen C. Jumper
President and Chief
Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
       
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
     
/s/  L. Decker Dawson

L. Decker Dawson		 Chairman of the Board of Directors 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Stephen C. Jumper

Stephen C. Jumper		 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Paul H. Brown

Paul H. Brown		 Director 12-9-0811-23-10
/s/  Craig W. Cooper

Craig W. Cooper		Director11-23-10
     
/s/  Gary M. Hoover

Gary M. Hoover		 Director 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Jack D. Ladd

Jack D. Ladd		 Director 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Ted R. North

Ted R. North		 Director 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Tim C. Thompson

Tim C. Thompson		 Director 12-9-0811-23-10
     
/s/  Christina W. Hagan

Christina W. Hagan		 Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) 12-9-0811-23-10


2426

 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     
Financial Statements of Dawson Geophysical Company
 Page
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated December 9, 2008November 23, 2010
  F-2 
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20082010 and 20072009
  F-4 
Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008
  F-5 
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008
  F-6 
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008
  F-7 
Notes to Financial Statements
  F-8 
Financial Statement Schedule:    
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008
  F-20F-22 


F-1

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Dawson Geophysical Company:
 
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Dawson Geophysical Company (the Company) as of September 30, 20082010, and 2007,2009, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2008.2010. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedule II. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dawson Geophysical Company as of September 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2008,2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Paymentin fiscal year 2006.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Dawson Geophysical Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008,2010, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated December 9, 2008November 23, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
KPMG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
December 9, 2008November 23, 2010


F-2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Dawson Geophysical Company:
 
We have audited Dawson Geophysical Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008,2010 based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Dawson Geophysical Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures, as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Dawson Geophysical Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008,2010, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheets of Dawson Geophysical Company as of September 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2008,2010, and the related financial statement schedule, and our report dated December 9, 2008,November 23, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
 
KPMG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
December 9, 2008November 23, 2010


F-3

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
                
 September 30,
 September 30,
  September 30,
 September 30,
 
 2008 2007  2010 2009 
ASSETS
ASSETS
ASSETS
Current assets:
                
Cash and cash equivalents $8,311,000  $14,875,000  $29,675,000  $36,792,000 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $55,000 in September 2008 and $176,000 in September 2007  76,221,000   56,707,000 
Short-term investments  20,012,000   25,267,000 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $639,000 and $533,000 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively  57,726,000   40,106,000 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  877,000   815,000   7,856,000   7,819,000 
Current deferred tax asset  873,000   693,000   1,764,000   1,694,000 
          
Total current assets  86,282,000   73,090,000   117,033,000   111,678,000 
Property, plant and equipment
  250,519,000   207,427,000   248,943,000   240,820,000 
Less accumulated depreciation  (103,180,000)  (84,655,000)  (130,900,000)  (115,341,000)
          
Net property, plant and equipment  147,339,000   122,772,000   118,043,000   125,479,000 
          
 $233,621,000  $195,862,000 
Total assets $235,076,000  $237,157,000 
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
                
Accounts payable $15,308,000  $12,816,000  $14,274,000  $6,966,000 
Revolving line of credit  —   5,000,000 
Accrued liabilities:                
Payroll costs and other taxes  3,363,000   2,325,000   3,625,000   2,720,000 
Other  14,869,000   14,263,000   7,963,000   10,600,000 
Deferred revenue  993,000   2,922,000   204,000   2,230,000 
          
Total current liabilities  34,533,000   37,326,000   26,066,000   22,516,000 
Deferred tax liability
  13,128,000   9,381,000   18,785,000   16,262,000 
Stockholders’ equity:
                
Preferred stock-par value $1.00 per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding  —   —   —   — 
Common stock-par value $.331/3 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,794,744 and 7,658,494 shares issued and outstanding in each period
  2,598,000   2,553,000 
Common stock-par value $.331/3 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,902,106 and 7,822,994 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009 respectively
  2,634,000   2,608,000 
Additional paid-in capital  87,051,000   85,090,000   90,406,000   89,220,000 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax  4,000   18,000 
Retained earnings  96,311,000   61,512,000   97,181,000   106,533,000 
          
Total stockholders’ equity  185,960,000   149,155,000   190,225,000   198,379,000 
          
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $235,076,000  $237,157,000 
 $233,621,000  $ 195,862,000      
     
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.


F-4

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                        
 Years Ended September 30,  Years Ended September 30, 
 2008 2007 2006  2010 2009 2008 
Operating revenues $324,926,000  $257,763,000  $168,550,000  $205,272,000  $243,995,000  $324,926,000 
Operating costs:                        
Operating expenses  237,484,000   190,117,000   125,848,000   185,588,000   192,839,000   237,484,000 
General and administrative  6,762,000   6,195,000   4,808,000   7,131,000   7,856,000   6,762,000 
Depreciation  24,253,000   18,103,000   13,338,000   27,126,000   26,160,000   24,253,000 
              
  268,499,000   214,415,000   143,994,000   219,845,000   226,855,000   268,499,000 
Income from operations  56,427,000   43,348,000   24,556,000 
(Loss) income from operations  (14,573,000)  17,140,000   56,427,000 
Other income (expense):                        
Interest income  497,000   749,000   582,000   185,000   249,000   497,000 
Interest expense  (482,000)  (145,000)  —   —   —   (482,000)
Other (expense) income  (35,000)  506,000   75,000 
Other income (expense)  398,000   326,000   (35,000)
              
Income before income tax  56,407,000   44,458,000   25,213,000 
Income tax expense:            
(Loss) income before income tax  (13,990,000)  17,715,000   56,407,000 
Income tax benefit (expense):            
Current  (17,834,000)  (13,906,000)  (4,886,000)  7,102,000   (5,193,000)  (17,834,000)
Deferred  (3,566,000)  (3,394,000)  (4,472,000)  (2,464,000)  (2,300,000)  (3,566,000)
              
  (21,400,000)  (17,300,000)  (9,358,000)  4,638,000   (7,493,000)  (21,400,000)
              
Net income $35,007,000  $27,158,000  $15,855,000 
Net (loss) income $(9,352,000) $10,222,000  $35,007,000 
              
Net income per common share $4.57  $3.57  $2.11 
Basic (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.31  $4.57 
              
Net income per common share-assuming dilution $4.53  $3.54  $2.09 
Diluted (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.30  $4.53 
              
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding  7,669,124   7,601,889   7,518,372   7,777,404   7,807,385   7,669,124 
              
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding-assuming dilution  7,728,651   7,669,462   7,599,555 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding- assuming dilution  7,777,404   7,853,531   7,728,651 
              
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.


F-5

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
                                                
       Accumulated
            Accumulated
     
 Common Stock Additional
 Other
      Common Stock Additional
 Other
     
 Number
   Paid-in
 Comprehensive
 Retained
    Number
   Paid-in
 Comprehensive
 Retained
   
 of Shares Amount Capital Income (Expense) Earnings Total  of Shares Amount Capital Income (Loss) Earnings Total 
Balance September 30, 2005
  7,484,044  $2,495,000  $80,987,000  $(77,000) $18,499,000  $101,904,000 
Balance September 30, 2007
  7,658,494  $2,553,000  $85,090,000  $         —  $61,512,000  $149,155,000 
Impact of adopting certain provisions ofASC 740-10
                  (208,000)  (208,000)
Net income                  35,007,000   35,007,000 
Excess tax benefit of employee stock plan          440,000           440,000 
Stock-based compensation expense          836,000           836,000 
Issuance of common stock as compensation  6,500   2,000   423,000           425,000 
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation  94,500   31,000   (32,000)          (1,000)
Exercise of stock options  35,250   12,000   294,000           306,000 
             
Balance September 30, 2008
  7,794,744   2,598,000   87,051,000   —   96,311,000   185,960,000 
Net income                  15,855,000   15,855,000                   10,222,000   10,222,000 
Other comprehensive income net of tax:                                                
Unrealized loss on securities:                        
Unrealized holding gain arising during period              35,000         
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income              31,000         
Income tax benefit              (22,000)        
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period              31,000         
Income tax expense              (13,000)        
      
Other comprehensive income              44,000       44,000               18,000       18,000 
      
Comprehensive income for the period                      15,899,000                       10,240,000 
Excess tax benefit of employee stock plan          180,000           180,000           5,000           5,000 
Stock-based compensation expense          289,000           289,000           1,667,000           1,667,000 
Issuance of common stock as compensation  18,450   6,000   560,000           566,000   5,000   2,000   89,000           91,000 
Exercise of stock options  46,750   16,000   354,000           370,000   23,250   8,000   408,000           416,000 
                          
Balance September 30, 2006
  7,549,244   2,517,000   82,370,000   (33,000)  34,354,000   119,208,000 
Net income                  27,158,000   27,158,000 
Other comprehensive income net of tax:                        
Realization of gains on investments              51,000         
Balance September 30, 2009
  7,822,994   2,608,000   89,220,000   18,000   106,533,000   198,379,000 
Net loss                  (9,352,000)  (9,352,000)
Other comprehensive loss net of tax:                        
Realization of losses on investment              (28,000)        
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period              3,000         
Income tax benefit              (18,000)                      11,000         
      
Other comprehensive income              33,000       33,000 
Other comprehensive loss              (14,000)      (14,000)
      
Comprehensive income for the period                      27,191,000 
Excess tax benefit of employee stock plan          1,312,000           1,312,000 
Stock-based compensation expense          588,000           588,000 
Issuance of common stock as compensation  3,000   1,000   119,000           120,000 
Exercise of stock options  106,250   35,000   701,000           736,000 
             
Balance September 30, 2007
  7,658,494   2,553,000   85,090,000   —   61,512,000   149,155,000 
Adoption of FIN 48                  (208,000)  (208,000)
Net income                  35,007,000   35,007,000 
Excess tax benefit of employee stock plan          440,000           440,000 
Comprehensive loss for the period                      (9,366,000)
Stock-based compensation expense          836,000           836,000           1,398,000           1,398,000 
Issuance of common stock as compensation  6,500   2,000   423,000           425,000   8,340   3,000   182,000           185,000 
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation  94,500   31,000   (32,000)          (1,000)  84,100   28,000   (28,000)          — 
Exercise of stock options  35,250   12,000   294,000           306,000   250       4,000           4,000 
Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation  (13,578)  (5,000)  (370,000)          (375,000)
                          
Balance September 30, 2008
  7,794,744  $2,598,000  $87,051,000  $—  $96,311,000  $185,960,000 
Balance September 30, 2010
  7,902,106  $2,634,000  $90,406,000  $4,000  $97,181,000  $190,225,000 
             
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.


F-6

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                        
 Years Ended September 30,  Years Ended September 30, 
 2008 2007 2006  2010 2009 2008 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Net income $35,007,000  $27,158,000  $15,855,000 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Net (loss) income $(9,352,000) $10,222,000  $35,007,000 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation  24,253,000   18,103,000   13,338,000   27,126,000   26,160,000   24,253,000 
Noncash compensation  1,259,000   707,000   855,000   1,583,000   1,758,000   1,259,000 
Deferred income tax expense  3,566,000   3,394,000   4,472,000   2,464,000   2,300,000   3,566,000 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  (440,000)  (1,312,000)  (180,000)  —   (5,000)  (440,000)
Provision for bad debts  256,000   993,000   32,000 
Other  443,000   995,000   119,000   (343,000)  106,000   443,000 
Change in current assets and liabilities:                        
Increase in accounts receivable  (15,711,000)  (10,633,000)  (17,378,000)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses  (62,000)  (125,000)  437,000 
Increase in accounts payable  2,900,000   646,000   4,779,000 
Increase in accrued liabilities  1,644,000   10,435,000   2,773,000 
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable  (17,876,000)  31,641,000   (15,743,000)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets  (37,000)  (6,942,000)  (62,000)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable  6,181,000   (7,960,000)  2,900,000 
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities  (1,732,000)  (4,912,000)  1,644,000 
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue  (1,929,000)  2,059,000   673,000   (2,026,000)  1,237,000   (1,929,000)
              
Net cash provided by operating activities  50,930,000   51,427,000   25,743,000   6,244,000   54,598,000   50,930,000 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Capital expenditures, net of noncash capital expenditures summarized below in noncash investing activities  (18,835,000)  (4,192,000)  (53,269,000)
Acquisition of short-term investments  (14,964,000)  (25,313,000)  — 
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments  20,000,000   —   — 
Proceeds from disposal of assets  29,000   537,000   453,000   434,000   124,000   29,000 
Capital expenditures, net of noncash capital expenditures summarized below in noncash investing activities  (53,269,000)  (58,701,000)  (35,477,000)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments  —   —   8,993,000 
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments  —   6,500,000   5,000,000 
Proceeds on fire insurance claim  —   2,843,000   — 
              
Net cash used in investing activities  (53,240,000)  (51,664,000)  (21,031,000)  (13,365,000)  (26,538,000)  (53,240,000)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  306,000   736,000   369,000   4,000   416,000   306,000 
Proceeds from revolving line of credit  15,000,000   5,000,000   —   —   —   15,000,000 
Repayment on revolving line of credit  (20,000,000)  —   —   —   —   (20,000,000)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement  440,000   1,312,000   180,000   —   5,000   440,000 
              
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities  (4,254,000)  7,048,000   549,000 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities  4,000   421,000   (4,254,000)
              
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  (6,564,000)  6,811,000   5,261,000   (7,117,000)  28,481,000   (6,564,000)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
  14,875,000   8,064,000   2,803,000   36,792,000   8,311,000   14,875,000 
              
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 $8,311,000  $14,875,000  $8,064,000  $29,675,000  $36,792,000  $8,311,000 
              
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                        
Cash paid for interest expense $541,000  $145,000  $—  $—  $—  $541,000 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes $18,812,000  $10,259,000  $4,177,000  $839,000  $13,222,000  $18,812,000 
       
Cash received during the period for income taxes $8,125,000  $—  $— 
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Accrued purchases of property and equipment $382,000  $790,000  $4,900,000  $1,127,000  $—  $382,000 
Unrealized loss on investments $—  $—  $(10,000)
       
Equipment purchase through asset trade in $2,260,000  $—  $— 
Equipment purchase through reduction of insurance proceeds $—  $638,000  $— 
Unrealized gain on investments $3,000  $31,000  $— 
 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.


F-7

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization and Nature of Operations
 
Founded in 1952, the Company acquires and processes2-D,3-D and multi-component seismic data for its clients, ranging from major oil and gas companies to independent oil and gas operators as well as providers of multi-client data libraries.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
For purposes of the financial statements, the Company considers demand deposits, certificates of deposit, overnight investments, money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Short-Term Investments
 
The Company accounts for its short-term investments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115 (“SFAS No. 115”), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company classifies its investments consisting of U.S. Treasury Securities and FDIC guaranteed bonds as “available-for-sale”“available-for-sale” and records the net unrealized holding gains and losses as accumulated comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. The cost of short-term investments sold is based on the specific identification method.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,short-term investments, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate theirthe fair values based on theirthe short-term nature.nature of the financial instruments. The fair value of investments is based on quoted market prices.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments whichthat potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk as defined by SFAS No. 105, “Disclosure of Information About Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Financial Instruments with Concentrations of Credit Risk,” at any given time may consist of cash and cash equivalents, money market funds and overnight investment accounts, short-term investments, trade and trade accounts receivable.other receivables and other current assets. At September 30, 20082010 and 2007,2009, the Company had deposits inwith domestic banks in excess of federally insured limits. Management believes the credit risk associated with these deposits is minimal. Money market funds seek to preserve the value of the investment, but it is possible to lose money investing in these funds. The Company invests funds overnight under a repurchase agreement with its bank which is collateralized by securities of the United States Federal agencies. The Company invests primarily in short-term U.S. Treasury Securities which itSecurities. During fiscal 2009, the Company also invested funds in FDIC guaranteed bonds. The Company believes all of its investments are a low risk investment.investments. The Company’s sales are to clients whose activities relate to oil and natural gas exploration and production. The Company generally extends unsecured credit to these clients; therefore, collection of receivables may be affected by the economy surrounding the oil and natural gas industry. The Company closely monitors extensions of credit and may negotiate payment terms that mitigate risk. The Company’s analysis of historical collections of accounts receivable and other relevant data does not substantiate an increased allowance for doubtful accounts. At September 30, 2008,2010, sales to the Company’s two largest clientsclient represented 56%32% of its revenues and 54%25% of its revenues net of third-party charges as compared to 56%31% and 50%22%, respectively, at September 30, 2007. At September 30, 2006, sales to the Company’s two largest clients represented 35% of its revenues.2009. The remaining balance of the Company’s fiscal 20082010 revenues was derived from varied clients and none represented 10% or more of its fiscal 20082010 revenues.


F-8

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment are capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Management’s estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change.
 
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.


F-8

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting a deterioration in the assets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset.assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Management’s forecast of future cash flowflows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and future gross marginsexpenses based on the Company’s historicalanticipated future results and analysis ofwhile considering anticipated future oil and natural gas prices which is fundamental in assessing demand for the Company’s services. If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the fair value. No impairment charges were recognized in the Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 or 2006.2008.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, the Company recognizes revenues when revenue is realizable and services have been performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, revenue is recognized and the customer is billed for services performed up to the date of cancellation.
 
The Company receives reimbursements for certainout-of-pocket expenses under the terms of the service contracts. Amounts billed to clients are recorded in revenue at the gross amount includingout-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client.
 
In some instances, customers are billed in advance of services performed. In those cases, the Company recognizes the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Management prepares its allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on its review of past-due accounts, its past experience of historical write-offs and its current client base. While the collectibility of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of the Company’s clients.
 
Tax Accounting
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition ofby recognizing amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and by using an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Management determines deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred


F-9

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate and reducingin effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assetsasset will not be realized. Management’s methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining the annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create variances between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on the Company’s provision or benefit for income taxes.


F-9

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
Preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. ActualBecause of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS 123(R) (“SFAS 123(R)”), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to measuremeasures all employee stock-based compensation awards, including stock options and restricted stock, using athe fair value method and recognizerecognizes compensation cost, net of forfeitures, in its financial statements for all awards granted after that date and for nonvested awards outstanding at that date using the modified prospective application method.statements. The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-basedrecords compensation awardsexpense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
2.  Short-term Investments
 
The Company adopted the 2000 Incentive Stock Plan during fiscal 1999 (the “2000 Plan”), which provides options to purchase 500,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock of the Company. The option price is the market valuecomponents of the Company’s common stock at date of grant. Optionsshort-term investments are exercisable 25% annually from the date of the grant and the options expire five years from the date of grant. The 2000 Plan provides that 50,000 of the 500,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock may be awarded to officers, directors and employees of the Company for the purpose of additional compensation.as follows:
 
                 
  As of September 30, 2010 (in 000’s) 
  Amortized
  Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Estimated
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Fair Value 
 
Short-term investments:                
U.S. Treasury bills $14,991  $2  $—  $14,993 
FDIC guaranteed bonds  5,015   4   —   5,019 
                 
Total $20,006  $6(a) $—  $20,012 
                 
In fiscal 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2004 Plan”) which provides 375,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock of the Company. The 2004 Plan operates like the 2000 Plan except that of the 375,000 shares, up to 125,000 shares may be awarded to officers, directors, and employees of the Company and up to 125,000 shares may be awarded with restrictions for the purpose of additional compensation.
 
(a)Other comprehensive income reflected on the Balance Sheet reflects unrealized gains and losses net of the tax effect of approximately $2,000.
Although shares are available under the 2000 and 2004 Plans, the Company does not intend to issue shares from these plans in the future.
                 
  As of September 30, 2009 (in 000’s) 
  Amortized
  Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Estimated
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Fair Value 
 
Short-term investments:                
U.S. Treasury bills $9,987  $7  $—  $9,994 
U.S. Treasury notes  10,153   20   —   10,173 
FDIC guaranteed bonds  5,096   4   —   5,100 
                 
Total $25,236  $31(a) $—  $25,267 
                 
 
In fiscal 2007, the Company adopted the Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (“the Plan”). The Plan provides 750,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock of the Company which may be awarded to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company in various forms including options, grants, restricted stock grants and others. Stock option grant prices awarded under the Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock subject to such option on the grant date, and the term of stock options shall extend no more than ten years after the grant date. The Plan was approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting on January 23, 2007.
Incentive Stock Options:
(a)Other comprehensive income reflected on the Balance Sheet reflects unrealized gains and losses net of the tax effect of approximately $13,000.
 
The Company estimatesCompany’s short-term investments have contractual maturities ranging from November 2010 to April 2011. These investments have been classified asavailable-for-sale.
3.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
At September 30, 2010 and 2009 the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities. Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payables and other current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value of each stock option onat the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the expected vesting term of 48 months. As the Company has not historically declared dividends, the dividend yield used in the calculation is zero. Actualrespective balance sheet dates.


F-10

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
value realized, if any, is dependent on the future performance of the Company’s common stockThe Company measures certain financial assets and overall stock market conditions. There is no assurance the value realized by an optionee will beliabilities at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes model.
A summary of the Company’s employee stock options as of September 2008, 2007 and 2006, and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below.
                 
        Weighted
    
     Weighted
  Average
    
  Number of
  Average
  Remaining
    
  Optioned
  Exercise
  Contractual
  Aggregate Intrinsic
 
  Shares  Price  Term in Years  Value ($000) 
 
Balance as of September 30, 2005  224,500  $8.87   2.65  $4,803 
                 
Granted  —  $—         
Exercised  (46,750) $7.90         
Expired  (6,500) $9.27         
                 
Balance as of September 30, 2006  171,250  $9.12   2.22  $3,535 
                 
Granted  —  $—         
Exercised  (106,250) $6.93         
Forfeited  (6,500) $15.82         
                 
Balance as of September 30, 2007  58,500  $12.35   1.60  $3,875 
                 
Granted  —  $—         
Exercised  (35,250) $8.68         
                 
Balance as of September 30, 2008  23,250  $17.91   1.08  $650 
                 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2008  15,000  $17.91   1.08  $420 
                 
No options were granted during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $1,812,000, $4,650,000 and $1,029,000, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $201,000, $367,000 and $549,000, respectively.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of September 30, 2008 and changes during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 is presented below.
         
  Number of
  Weighted Average
 
  Nonvested
  Grant Date
 
  Share Awards  Fair Value 
 
Nonvested Shares Outstanding September 30, 2007  24,000  $14.52 
Granted  —   — 
Vested  (15,750)  12.74 
Forfeited  —   — 
         
Nonvested Shares Outstanding September 30, 2008  8,250  $17.91 
         
Outstanding options at September 30, 2008 expire November 2009 and have an exercise price of $17.91. As of September 30, 2008 there was approximately $7,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards to be recognized in October 2008.
Stock options issued under the Company’s 2004 Plan are incentive stock options. No tax deduction is recorded when options are awarded. If an exercise and sale of vested options results inon a disqualifying disposition, a tax deduction for the Company occurs. For the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 excess tax benefits from


F-11

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
disqualifying dispositions of options of $440,000 and $1,312,000, respectively, were reflected in both cash flows from operating activities and cash flows from financing activities on the Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements during the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $306,000 and $736,000, respectively.recurring basis, including short-term investments.
 
The Company recognized compensation expensefair value measurements of $78,000, $83,000 and $289,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, associated with stock option awards. This amount is included in wages inthese short-term investments were determined using the Statements of Operations.following inputs:
 
                 
  As of September 30, 2010 (in 000’s) 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: 
     Quoted Prices in
  Significant Other
  Significant
 
     Active Markets for
  Observable
  Unobservable
 
     Identical Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
  Total  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
 
Short-term investments:                
U.S. Treasury bills $14,993  $14,993  $—  $— 
FDIC guaranteed bonds  5,019   5,019   —   — 
                 
Total $20,012  $20,012  $—  $— 
                 
Stock Awards:
 
The Company granted 5,500 restricted shares during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 33,000 restricted shares during the third quarter fiscal 2008, each from the 2006 Plan. The fair value of the restricted stock granted equals the market price on the grant date and vests after three years.
         
  Number of
  Weighted Average
 
  Restricted
  Grant Date
 
  Share Awards  Fair Value 
 
Nonvested Restricted Shares Outstanding September 30, 2007  56,000  $27.05 
Granted  38,500  $67.25 
         
Nonvested Restricted Shares Outstanding September 30, 2008  94,500  $43.43 
         
                 
  As of September 30, 2009 (in 000’s) 
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: 
     Quoted Prices in
  Significant Other
  Significant
 
     Active Markets for
  Observable
  Unobservable
 
     Identical Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
  Total  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
 
Short-term investments:                
U.S. Treasury bills $9,994  $9,994  $—  $— 
U.S. Treasury notes  10,173   10,173   —   — 
FDIC guaranteed bonds  5,100   5,100   —   — 
                 
Total $25,267  $25,267  $—  $— 
                 
 
The Company’s tax benefit with regards to restricted stock awards is consistent withInvestments in U.S. Treasury bills and notes and FDIC guaranteed corporate bonds classified asavailable-for-sale are measured using unadjusted quoted market prices (Level 1) at the tax election of the recipient of the award. No elections under IRC Section 83(b) have been made for the restricted stock awards grantedreporting date provided by the Company. As a result, the compensation expense recorded for restricted stock generated in a deferred tax asset for the Company equal to the tax effect of the amount of compensation expense recorded.
The Company recognized compensation expense of $758,000 in fiscal 2008 related to restricted stock awards. This amount is included in wages in the Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2008 there was approximately $2,773,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over 1.7 years.
The Company granted 3,000 shares with immediate vesting to outside directors in each of the first quarters of fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 as compensation. The grant date fair value equaled $69.64, $39.77 and $31.65 in each quarter, respectively. The Company granted 2,000 shares with immediate vesting to employees as compensation in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The grant date fair value equaled $55.22. The Company granted 500 and 1,000 shares with immediate vesting to employees as compensation during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The grant date fair value equaled $69.22 and $70.46, respectively. No stock awards were granted during the remaining periods of fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006. The Company recognized expense of $423,000, $119,000 and $353,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as well as the related tax benefit associated with these awards in fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.


F-12

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)Company’s investment custodian.
 
2.4.  Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment, together with annual depreciation rates, consist of the following:
 
                        
 September 30,    September 30,   
 2008 2007 Useful Lives  2010 2009 Useful Lives 
Land, building and other $5,350,000  $4,435,000   3 to 40 years  $6,467,000  $5,589,000   3 to 40 years 
Recording equipment  160,516,000   141,648,000   5 to 10 years   155,949,000   149,444,000   5 to 10 years 
Vibrator energy sources  58,750,000   39,900,000   10 to 15 years   59,103,000   58,745,000   10 to 15 years 
Vehicles  25,713,000   21,059,000   2 to 10 years   27,133,000   26,856,000   2 to 10 years 
Other(a)  190,000   385,000   —   291,000   186,000   — 
          
  250,519,000   207,427,000       248,943,000   240,820,000     
Less accumulated depreciation  (103,180,000)  (84,655,000)      (130,900,000)  (115,341,000)    
          
Net property, plant and equipment $147,339,000  $122,772,000      $118,043,000  $125,479,000     
          
 
(a)Other represents accumulated costs associated with equipment fabrication and modification not yet completed.


F-11

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
3.5.  Other Current LiabilitiesSupplemental Balance Sheet Information
Accounts receivable consist of the following at September 30, 2010 and 2009:
         
  September 30, 
  2010  2009 
 
Trade and accrued trade receivables $54,697,000  $33,910,000 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  (639,000)  (533,000)
Insurance receivable associated with fire damage  —   1,836,000 
Accrued receivable for workers’ compensation stop loss policy  3,668,000   4,893,000 
         
Total accounts receivable $57,726,000  $40,106,000 
         
Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following at September 30, 2010 and 2009:
         
  September 30, 
  2010  2009 
 
Prepaid expenses and other $616,000  $591,000 
Income tax receivable  7,240,000   7,228,000 
         
Total prepaid expenses and other assets $7,856,000  $7,819,000 
         
 
Other current liabilities consist of the following at September 30, 20082010 and 2007:2009:
 
                
 September 30,  September 30, 
 2008 2007  2010 2009 
Accrued self insurance reserves $6,704,000  $6,373,000  $5,318,000  $6,698,000 
Accrued bonus and profit sharing  3,855,000   3,078,000   —   1,014,000 
Income taxes payable  1,262,000   2,314,000 
Accrued payables associated with fire  794,000   — 
Income and franchise taxes payable  879,000   674,000 
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities  2,254,000   2,498,000   1,766,000   2,214,000 
          
Total other current liabilities $14,869,000  $14,263,000  $7,963,000  $10,600,000 
          
 
4.6.  Debt
 
The Company’s revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Western National Bank. In January 2008, the Company renewed the agreement for an additional year, and on June 2, 2008, the agreement was amended to increase the borrowing limit to $40.0 million. The agreement permits the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow, from time to time until June 2, 2009,2011, up to $40.0 million.$20.0 million based on the borrowing base calculation as defined in the agreement. The Company’s obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral. Interest on the facility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus two and one-quarter percent or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent as the Company directs monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. Interest on the outstanding amount under the loan agreement is payable monthly. The loan agreement contains customary covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on disposition of assets, mergers and reorganizations. The Company is also obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including maintaining specified ratios with respect to cash flow coverage, current assets and liabilities and debt to tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 20082010 and December 8, 2008. On July 5, 2007,November 23, 2010. The Company has not utilized the Company borrowed $5.0 million under the priorline of credit loan agreement for working capital purposes. On March 21, 2008,during the Company borrowed an additional $5.0 million, and on June 16, 2008, it borrowed an additional $10.0 million, in each case, for working capital purposes. As offiscal years ended September 30, 2008,2010 or 2009.
7.  Stock-Based Compensation
At September 30, 2010, the Company had repaidtwo stock-based compensation plans. Each plan, the $20.0 million balance,awards outstanding under these plans and no amountsthe associated accounting treatment are outstanding asdiscussed below.
In fiscal 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2004 Plan”) which provides 375,000 shares of December 8, 2008.authorized but unissued common stock of the Company. The option price is the market value of


F-13F-12

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable 25% annually from the date of the grant, and the options expire five years from the date of grant. The 2004 Plan provides that of the 375,000 shares, up to 125,000 shares may be awarded to officers, directors, and employees of the Company, and up to 125,000 shares may be awarded with restrictions for the purpose of additional compensation. Although shares are available under the 2004 Plan, the Company does not intend to issue shares from this plan in the future.
In fiscal 2007, the Company adopted the Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (“the Plan”). The Plan provides 750,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock of the Company which may be awarded to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company in various forms including options, grants, restricted stock grants and others. Stock option grant prices awarded under the Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock subject to such option on the grant date, and the term of stock options shall extend no more than ten years after the grant date.
Incentive Stock Options:
The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The expected term represents the average period that the Company expects stock options to be outstanding and is determined based on the Company’s historical experience. The risk free interest rate used by the Company as the discounting interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates on the grant date for securities with maturity dates of approximately the expected term. As the Company has not historically declared dividends and does not expect to declare dividends over the near term, the dividend yield used in the calculation is zero. Actual value realized, if any, is dependent on the future performance of the Company’s common stock and overall stock market conditions. There is no assurance the value realized by an optionee will be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes model.
The fair values of stock options granted during 2009 were $8.59 and $10.49 using the Black-Scholes model and included the following assumptions:
         
  Group A  Group B 
 
Expected term  4 years   6 years 
Expected volatility  57.57%   56.85% 
Risk free interest rate  1.67%   2.82% 
Expected dividend yield  —   — 
A summary of the Company’s employee stock options as of September 30, 2010, as well as activity during the year then ended is presented below.
                 
        Weighted
    
     Weighted
  Average
    
  Number of
  Average
  Remaining
  Aggregate
 
  Optioned
  Exercise
  Contractual
  Intrinsic
 
  Shares  Price  Term in Years  Value ($000) 
 
Balance as of September 30, 2009  152,000  $18.91         
Granted  —   —         
Exercised  (250)  18.91      $1 
Forfeited  (750)  18.91         
                 
Balance as of September 30, 2010  151,000  $18.91   8.172  $1,169 
                 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2010  37,750  $18.91   8.172  $292 
                 
No options were granted during fiscal 2010 and 2008. During fiscal 2009, 152,000 options were issued to employees of the Company. These options vest 25% annually from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. These options had a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.91. The total intrinsic value of


F-13

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
options exercised during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,000, $206,000 and $1,812,000, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $719,000, $148,000 and $201,000, respectively.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested stock option awards as of September 30, 2010 and changes during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 is presented below.
         
  Number of
  Weighted Average
 
  Nonvested
  Grant Date
 
  Share Awards  Fair Value 
 
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2009  152,000  $18.91 
Granted  —   — 
Vested  (38,000)  18.91 
Forfeited  (750)  18.91 
         
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2010  113,250  $18.91 
         
Outstanding options at September 30, 2010 expire in December 2018 and have an exercise price of $18.91. As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $765,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
Stock options issued under the Company’s 2006 Plan are incentive stock options. No tax deduction is recorded when options are awarded. If an exercise and sale of vested options results in a disqualifying disposition, a tax deduction for the Company occurs. For the year ended September 30, 2010, there were no excess tax benefits from disqualifying dispositions. For fiscal years ended 2009 and 2008, excess tax benefits from disqualifying dispositions of options of $5,000 and $440,000, respectively, were reflected in both cash flows from operating activities and cash flows from financing activities on the Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $4,000 and $416,000, respectively.
The Company recognized compensation expense associated with stock option awards of $363,000, $315,000 and $78,000 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This amount is included in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations.
Stock Awards:
The Company granted 84,100 and 38,500 shares of restricted stock to employees in fiscal 2010 and 2008, respectively. There were no restricted stock grants in fiscal 2009. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards in 2010 and 2008 was $23.33 and $67.25, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock granted equals the market price on the grant date and vests after three years.
         
  Number of
  Weighted Average
 
  Restricted
  Grant Date
 
  Share Awards  Fair Value 
 
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2009  94,500  $43.43 
Granted  84,100  $23.33 
Vested  (56,000) $27.05 
         
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2010  122,600  $37.12 
         
The Company’s tax benefit with regards to restricted stock awards is consistent with the tax election of the recipient of the award. No elections under IRC Section 83(b) have been made for the restricted stock awards granted by the Company. As a result, the compensation expense recorded for restricted stock resulted in a deferred tax asset for the Company equal to the tax effect of the amount of compensation expense recorded.
The Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $1,035,000, $1,352,000 and $758,000 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This amount is included in operating or general and


F-14

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
administrative expense as appropriate in the Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $2,300,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.
The Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees in 2010, 2009 and 2008:
         
    Weighted Average
  Number of
 Grant Date
  Shares Granted Fair Value
 
2010  8,340  $22.11 
2009  5,000  $18.19 
2008  6,500  $65.30 
The Company recognized expense of $185,000, $91,000 and $423,000 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as well as the related tax benefit associated with these awards.
5.8.  Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company provides a 401(k) plan as part of its employee benefits package in order to retain quality personnel. During 20082010, 2009 and 2007,2008, the Company elected to match 100% of the employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s gross salary. During 2006, the Company elected to match 100% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 5% of the participant’s gross salary. The Company’s matching contributions for fiscal 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 20062008 were approximately $1,117,000, $912,000$1,270,000, $1,213,000 and $724,000,$1,117,000, respectively.
 
6.9.  Advertising Costs
 
Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $288,000, $292,000,$256,000, $181,000 and $136,000$288,000 during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, respectively.
 
7.10.  Income Taxes
 
The Company recorded income tax expensebenefit in the current year of $21,400,000$4,638,000 as compared to $17,300,000income tax expense of $7,493,000 and $21,400,000 in 2007.2009 and 2008, respectively. The increasedecrease in the provision for 20082010 from 20072009 is primarily athe result of a substantial increaseshift from net income in income before income taxes resultingfiscal 2009 to net losses in increased federal and state income taxes. The Company fully utilized its federal alternative minimum tax credits during 2007.fiscal 2010.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations:
 
                        
 Year Ended September 30,  Year Ended September 30, 
 2008 2007 2006  2010 2009 2008 
Current Federal $16,082,000  $11,778,000  $3,935,000  $(7,342,000) $3,770,000  $16,082,000 
Current State  1,752,000   2,128,000   951,000   240,000   1,423,000   1,752,000 
Deferred Federal  3,296,000   3,280,000   4,599,000   2,817,000   1,921,000   3,296,000 
Deferred State  270,000   114,000   (127,000)  (353,000)  379,000   270,000 
              
Total $21,400,000  $17,300,000  $9,358,000  $(4,638,000) $7,493,000  $21,400,000 
              


F-15

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows:
 
             
  Year Ended September 30, 
  2008  2007  2006 
 
Tax expense computed at statutory rates $19,743,000  $15,560,000  $8,573,000 
Change in valuation allowance  (18,000)  (2,000)  90,000 
State income tax  1,270,000   1,505,000   569,000 
Other  405,000   237,000   126,000 
             
Income tax expense $21,400,000  $17,300,000  $9,358,000 
             
             
  Year Ended September 30, 
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate of 35% $(4,896,000) $6,200,000  $19,743,000 
Change in valuation allowance  (39,000)  (12,000)  (18,000)
State income tax (benefit) expense  (82,000)  1,089,000   1,270,000 
Other  379,000   216,000   405,000 
             
Income tax (benefit) expense $(4,638,000) $7,493,000  $21,400,000 
             
The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:
         
  September 30, 
  2010  2009 
 
Deferred tax assets:        
Receivables $129,000  $199,000 
Restricted stock  802,000   978,000 
Workers’ compensation  368,000   408,000 
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward  484,000   — 
Other  580,000   716,000 
         
Total gross deferred tax assets  2,363,000   2,301,000 
Less valuation allowance  (19,000)  (58,000)
         
Total net deferred tax assets  2,344,000   2,243,000 
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Property and equipment  (19,363,000)  (16,798,000)
Other  (2,000)  (13,000)
         
Total gross deferred tax liabilities  (19,365,000)  (16,811,000)
         
Net deferred tax liability $(17,021,000) $(14,568,000)
         
Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability $1,764,000  $1,694,000 
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability  (18,785,000)  (16,262,000)
         
Total net deferred tax liability $(17,021,000) $(14,568,000)
         
At September 30, 2010, the Company had a net operating loss (NOL) for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $19,047,000. The Company intends to carryback the federal portion of the net operating loss for two years to offset against prior taxable income. In addition to the federal net operating loss, the Company also had state net operating losses that will affect state tax of approximately $484,000 at September 30, 2010. State net operating losses will begin to expire in 2015. Carryback provisions are not allowed by states, so the entire state net operating losses give rise to a deferred tax asset. The Company expects to have taxable income in which to use the state net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. As such, no valuation allowance was considered necessary related to the state net operating losses.
At September 30, 2010, all of the valuation allowance of $19,000 was related to the Company’s deferred tax assets for capital loss carryforwards that are deemed more likely than not to not be realized in the foreseeable future.


F-14F-16

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:
         
  September 30, 
  2008  2007 
 
Deferred tax assets:        
Net operating loss carryforwards $—  $19,000 
Receivables  20,000   64,000 
Restricted stock  464,000   183,000 
Workers’ compensation  493,000   355,000 
Other  430,000   343,000 
         
Total gross deferred tax assets  1,407,000   964,000 
Less valuation allowance  (70,000)  (88,000)
         
Total deferred tax assets  1,337,000   876,000 
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Property and equipment  (13,592,000)  (9,564,000)
         
Total gross deferred tax liabilities  (13,592,000)  (9,564,000)
         
Net deferred tax liability $(12,255,000) $(8,688,000)
         
Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability $873,000  $693,000 
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset/liability  (13,128,000)  (9,381,000)
         
Total net deferred tax liability $(12,255,000) $(8,688,000)
         
At September 30, 2008, substantially all of the valuation allowance of $70,000 was related to the Company’s deferred tax assets for capital loss carryforwards that are deemed more likely than not realizable in the foreseeable future.
In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which became effective for the Company on October 1, 2007. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon re-examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $208,000, which was accounted for as a reduction to retained earnings as of October 1, 2007. The liability included $137,000 in taxes and $71,000 in penalties and interest.
The following presents a roll forward of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
 
            
 Unrecognized
  September 30, 
 Benefits  2010 2009 
Balance as of October 1, 2007 $137,000 
Balance at beginning of fiscal year $416,000  $135,000 
Increase (decrease) in prior year tax positions  —   —   350,000 
Increase (decrease) in current year tax positions  —   —   — 
Settlement with taxing authorities  —   —   — 
Expiration of statutes of limitations  (2,000)  (181,000)  (69,000)
        
Balance as of September 30, 2008 $135,000 
Balance at end of fiscal year $235,000  $416,000 
        


F-15

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of September 30, 20082010, the Company has recognized $228,000$344,000 of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of which $93,000$109,000 related to penalties and interest. The Company expects approximately $83,000$75,000 of the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits to settle or lapse in the statutes of limitations by December 31, 2008.September 30, 2011.
 
Interest and penalty costs related to income taxes are classified as income tax expense. The tax years generally subject to future examination by tax authorities are for years ending September 30, 20042006 and after. While it is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months, the Company does not expect any change to have a significant impact on its results of operations. The recognition of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $344,000 would have an immaterial effectimpact on the effective tax rate.
The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. In fiscal 2009, the Company’s net accrued interest and penalties increased by approximately $55,000. In fiscal 2010, the Company’s net accrued interest and penalties decreased by approximately $54,000.
 
8.11.  Net Income (loss) per Common Share
 
The Company accounts for earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period.
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share:share.
 
             
  2008  2007  2006 
 
Numerator:
            
Net income and numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share: income available to common shareholders $35,007,000  $27,158,000  $15,855,000 
             
Denominator:
            
Denominator for basic net income per common share-weighted average common shares  7,669,124   7,601,889   7,518,372 
Effect of dilutive securities-employee stock options and restricted stock grants  59,527   67,573   81,183 
             
Denominator for diluted net income per common share-adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions  7,728,651   7,669,462   7,599,555 
             
Net income per common share $4.57  $3.57  $2.11 
             
Net income per common share-assuming dilution $4.53  $3.54  $2.09 
             
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Numerator:
            
Net (loss) income and numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share — income available to common shareholders $(9,352,000) $10,222,000  $35,007,000 
             
Denominator:
            
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per common share-weighted average common shares  7,777,404   7,807,385   7,669,124 
Effect of dilutive securities-employee stock options and restricted stock grants  —   46,146   59,527 
             
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per common share-adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions  7,777,404   7,853,531   7,728,651 
             
Basic (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.31  $4.57 
             
Diluted (loss) income per common share $(1.20) $1.30  $4.53 
             


F-17

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company had a net loss in 2010, therefore the denominator for diluted loss per common share is the same as the denominator for basic loss per common share. Because the Company had a net loss the effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock on the computation of diluted loss per common share would be anti-dilutive.
 
9.12.  Major Customers
 
The Company operates in only one business segment, contract seismic data acquisition and processing services. The major customers in 2008, 2007fiscal 2010, 2009 and 20062008 have varied. Sales to these customers, as a percentage of operating revenues that exceeded 10%, were as follows:
 
                  
 
2008
 2007 2006  2010 2009 2008
A
  36%  49%  24%  32%  31%  36%
B
  20%  —   —   —   —   20%
C
  —   —   11%
 
Although 36% and 20%32% of the Company’s fiscal 20082010 revenues were derived from two clients,one client (“A”), the Company believes that the relationships arerelationship is well founded for continued contractual commitments for the foreseeable future in multiple producing basins across the lower 48 states. However,Although not a client in 2010, the Company anticipates a reduction in sales in


F-16

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
fiscal 2009 to these two clients. The Company’s client “C”“B” in the table above continues to be a client and acts as an agent for other entities that are the actual purchasersremained one of the Company’s services.clients in 2009; however, sales to this customer as a percentage of operating revenue did not exceed 10%.
 
10.13.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
On March 14, 2008, a wildfire in West Texas burned a remote area in which one of the Company’s data acquisition crews was operating. The fire destroyed approximately $2.9 million net book value of the Company’s equipment, all of which was covered by the Company’s liability insurance, net of the deductible. In addition to the loss of equipment, a number of landowners in the fire area suffered damage to their grazing lands, livestock, fences and other improvements. The Company is currently repairingrepaired damage incurred by such landowners as a result of the fire. The total cost to repair landowner damages was approximately $1.8 million. In fiscal 2009, the Company received insurance proceeds for equipment losses sustained by the Company during the fire and for the Company’s debrispick-up costs. In fiscal 2010, the Company received insurance proceeds for all costs to repair landowner damages.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, one of the Company’s clients filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As of September 30, 2010, this client had an accounts receivable balance with the Company of approximately $1.0 million. On October 29, 2010 the Bankruptcy Court approved a compromise settlement between the Company and the former client’s Liquidating Trustee. The Company believes that the current allowance for doubtful accounts will cover estimated exposures related to the bankruptcy.
On October 4, 2010, a wildfire in Douglas, Wyoming burned an area in which one of the Company’s data acquisition crews was operating. The fire destroyed an immaterial amount of the Company’s equipment. In addition to the loss of equipment, a number of landowners in the fire area suffered damage to their grazing lands, livestock, fences, equipment and other improvements. Although the Company cannot currently estimatesestimate the likely amount of the landowner damages, will be less than $1.5 million. Thethe Company believes any damages paid will be covered byits insurance coverage is adequate to cover losses related to the Company’s liability insurance.fire.
 
From time to time, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the Company cannot predict the outcomes of any such legal proceedings, management believes that the resolution of pending legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as the Company believes it is adequately indemnified and insured.
On November 21, 2008, the Company received written notice dated November 14, 2008 from a client disputing approximately $1.4 million in charges payable for seismic work performed by the Company. The Company believes that the disputed charges are owed to the Company, and the Company intends to seek full payment from the client.
 
The Company experiences contractual disputes with its clients from time to time regarding the payment of invoices or other matters. While the Company seeks to minimize these disputes and maintain good relations with its clients, the Company has in the past, and may in the future, experience disputes that could affect its revenues and results of operations in any period.
 
The Company has non-cancelable operating leases for office space in Midland, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, and Lyon Township, Michigan.Michigan and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.


F-18

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to the Company’s contractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of September 30, 2008.2010.
 
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
        More than
 
  Total  1 Year  1-3 Years  3-5 Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $1,778  $569  $1,042  $167  $— 
                     
                     
  Payments Due by Period (in 000’s) 
     Less than
        More than
 
  Total  1 Year  1-3 Years  3-5 Years  5 Years 
 
Operating lease obligations $2,082  $738  $749  $581  $14 
                     
 
Some of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed increases of the minimum rental rate during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related expense on a straight linestraight-line basis and records the difference between the amount charged to expense and the rent paid as deferred rent. Rental expense under the Company’s operating leases with initial terms exceeding one year was $528,000, $432,000$619,000, $575,000 and $274,000$528,000 for fiscal 2008, 20072010, 2009 and 2006,2008, respectively.
 
As of September 30, 2008,November 23, 2010, the Company recognizedhad unused letters of credit totaling $3,580,000. The Company’s letters of credit principally back obligations associated with the Company’s self-insured retention on workers’ compensation claims.
 
11.14.  Rights Agreement
 
On July 13, 1999,8, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized and declared a dividend to the holders of record at the close of business on July 23, 19992009 of one Right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. When exercisable, each Right will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share (a “Fractional Share”) of a Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Shares”), at a purchase price of $130.00 per Fractional Share, subject to adjustment (the “Purchase Price”). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) effective as of the close of business on July 23, 2009 as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights Agreement replaced the previous rights plan that was originally adopted in 1999 which expired on July 23, 2009.
Initially, the Rights are attached to all certificates representing outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Rights will only separate from the Common Stock and a “Distribution Date” will only occur, with certain exceptions, upon the earlier of (i) ten days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “Acquiring Person”) has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or (ii) ten business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person’s becoming an Acquiring Person. In certain circumstances, the Distribution Date may be deferred by the Board of Directors.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire at the close of business on July 23, 2019, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company as described below.
In the event (a “Flip-In Event”) that a person becomes an Acquiring Person (except pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock at a price and on terms that a majority of the directors of the Company who are not, and are not representatives, nominees, Affiliates or Associates of, an Acquiring Person or the person making the offer determines to be fair to and otherwise in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (a “Permitted Offer”)), each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise of such Right, a number of shares of Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a Current Market Price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the occurrence of any Triggering Event, all Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by or transferred to an Acquiring Person (or by certain related parties) will be null and void in the circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement. However, Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of any Flip-In Event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the Company as set forth below.


F-17F-19

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, ofIn the Company (the “Preferred Shares”event (a “Flip-Over Event”) at an exercise price of $50.00 per Right. The rights are not currently exercisable and will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummating of which would result in attaining the triggering percentage. The Rights are subject to redemption by the Company for $.01 per Rightthat, at any time prior to the tenth dayfrom and after the first public announcement of a triggering acquisition.
Iftime an Acquiring Person becomes such, (i) the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after(other than certain mergers that follow a person has acquired beneficial ownership of 20%Permitted Offer), or (ii) 50% or more of the Company’s common stock,assets, cash flow or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right will entitle its holder(except Rights that are voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to purchase, at the Right’s then currentreceive, upon exercise, price, a number of the acquired Company’s shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a market value of two times such price. In addition, if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than the acquiring person or group)Current Market Price equal to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the Company’s shares of common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price.price of the Right. Flip-In Events and Flip-Over Events are collectively referred to as “Triggering Events.”
 
Subsequent toAt any time until ten days following the acquisition byfirst date of public announcement of the occurrence of a Flip-In Event, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Right, payable, at the option of the Company, in cash, shares of Common Stock or such other consideration as the Board of Directors may determine. After a person or groupbecomes an Acquiring Person, the right of beneficial ownershipredemption is subject to certain limitations in the Rights Agreement.
At any time after the occurrence of 20% or more of the Company’s common stocka Flip-In Event and prior to a person’s becoming the acquisition of beneficial ownershipowner of 50% or more of the Company’s common stock,shares of Common Stock then outstanding or the Boardoccurrence of Directors ofa Flip-Over Event, the Company may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such acquiring personan Acquiring Person or group,an affiliate or an associate of an Acquiring Person, which will have become null and void and nontransferable)void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock,and/or other equity securities deemed to have the Company’s common stock (orsame value as one one-hundredthshare of a Preferred Share)Common Stock, per Right.Right, subject to adjustment.
 
The Rights dividend distribution was made on July 23, 1999, payableUntil a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to shareholders of record at the close of business on that date. The Rights will expire on July 23, 2009.vote or to receive dividends.
 
12.15.  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006,January 2010, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”),Accounting Standards Update2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements.Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)” SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Further, the standard establishes a frameworkas new guidance and clarification for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands certainimproving disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 isASU2010-06 requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position157-2(“FSP 157-2”), “Effective DateCompany as of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).January 1, 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 tothis guidance did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 159 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (“SFAS 162”), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” Under SFAS 162, the GAAP hierarchy will now reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB. SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 162 to have a material impact on itsCompany’s financial statements.
 
13.16.  Subsequent Events
 
The Company received written notice from a client disputing outstanding receivables on November 21, 2008. Seehas evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date (September 30, 2010) through the issue date of thisForm 10-K and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred other than those described above in Note 10,13, “Commitments and Contingencies,Contingencies.” for additional information.


F-18F-20

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
14.17.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
                 
  Quarter Ended 
  December 31  March 31  June 30  September 30 
 
Fiscal 2007:                
Operating revenues $53,654,000  $59,935,000  $68,637,000  $75,537,000 
Income from operations $8,468,000  $8,568,000  $12,595,000  $13,717,000 
Net income $5,435,000  $5,368,000  $7,561,000  $8,794,000 
Net income per common share $.72  $.71  $.99  $1.15 
Net income per common share assuming dilution $.71  $.70  $.98  $1.14 
Fiscal 2008:                
Operating revenues $77,599,000  $78,363,000  $84,568,000  $84,396,000 
Income from operations $12,217,000  $13,143,000  $16,145,000  $14,922,000 
Net income $7,704,000  $8,292,000  $9,707,000  $9,304,000 
Net income per common share $1.01  $1.08  $1.27  $1.21 
Net income per common share assuming dilution $1.00  $1.07  $1.26  $1.20 
                 
  Quarter Ended 
  December 31  March 31  June 30  September 30 
 
Fiscal 2009:                
Operating revenues $80,216,000  $64,625,000  $52,319,000  $46,835,000 
Income (loss) from operations $12,445,000  $9,951,000  $(2,337,000) $(2,919,000)
Net income (loss) $7,734,000  $6,170,000  $(1,626,000) $(2,056,000)
Net income (loss) per common share $1.00  $0.79  $(0.21) $(0.26)
Net income (loss) per common share assuming dilution $0.99  $0.79  $(0.21) $(0.26)
Fiscal 2010:                
Operating revenues $36,330,000  $48,585,000  $61,178,000  $59,179,000 
(Loss) income from operations $(6,720,000) $(4,330,000) $(1,571,000) $(1,952,000)
Net (loss) income $(4,216,000) $(2,706,000) $(1,019,000) $(1,411,000)
Net (loss) income per common share $(0.54) $(0.35) $(0.13) $(0.18)
Net (loss) income per common share assuming dilution $(0.54) $(0.35) $(0.13) $(0.18)
Net income (loss) per common share (basic) and net income (loss) per common share assuming dilution (diluted) are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal annual basic and diluted earnings per share.


F-19F-21

 
Schedule II
 
Dawson Geophysical Company
 
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
                 
  Balance at
  Charged to
     Balance at
 
  Beginning
  Costs and
     End of
 
  of Period  Expenses  Deductions  Period 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts*:                
Fiscal Year:                
2008 $176,000  $32,000  $153,000  $55,000 
2007  148,000   51,000   23,000   176,000 
2006  331,000   20,000   203,000   148,000 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:                
Fiscal Year:                
2008 $88,000  $(18,000) $—  $70,000 
2007  90,000   (2,000)  —   88,000 
2006  —   90,000   —   90,000 
                 
  Balance at
  Charged to
     Balance at
 
  Beginning
  Costs and
     End of
 
  of Period  Expenses  Deductions  Period 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts*:                
Fiscal Year:                
2010 $533,000  $256,000  $150,000  $639,000 
2009  55,000   993,000   515,000   533,000 
2008  176,000   32,000   153,000   55,000 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:                
Fiscal Year:                
2010 $58,000  $(39,000) $—  $19,000 
2009  70,000   (12,000)  —   58,000 
2008  88,000   (18,000)  —   70,000 
 
*Deductions related to allowance for doubtful accounts represent amounts that have been deemed uncollectible and written off by the Company.


F-20F-22

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
     
Number
 
Exhibit
 
 3.1 Second Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (filed on February 9, 2007 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the first quarter ended December 31, 2006 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference and filed on November 28, 2007 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed on August 7, 2007 as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the third quarter ended June 30, 2007 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 4.1 Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, LLC (f/k/a Chasemellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.), as Rights Agent, dated July 13, 1999 (filed on December 11, 2003 as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.1† Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), dated November 28, 2006 (filed on January 29, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.2† Dawson Geophysical Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (filed on March 12, 2004 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement onForm S-8 (FileNo. 333-113576) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.3† Dawson Geophysical Company 2000 Incentive Stock Plan (filed on August 3, 2001 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement onForm S-8 (FileNo. 333-66666) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.4† Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on February 11, 2008 as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.5† Form of Stock Option Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on February 11, 2008 as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.6† Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on August 6, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.7† Form of Stock Option Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on August 6, 2007 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.8† Description of Profit Sharing Plan (filed on December 3, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.9† Description of Profit Sharing Plan (filed on September 29, 2008 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.10 Form of Master Geophysical Data Acquisition Agreement (filed on December 11, 2003 as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.11 Revolving Line of Credit Loan Agreement, dated June 2, 2008, between the Company and Western National Bank (filed on June 5, 2008 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.12 Security Agreement, dated June 2, 2008, between the Company and Western National Bank (filed on June 5, 2008 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K and incorporated herein by reference).
 23.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 31.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dawson Geophysical Company pursuant toRule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
Number Exhibit
 
 3.1 Second Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (filed on February 9, 2007 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the first quarter ended December 31, 2006 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference and filed on November 28, 2007 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 3.2* Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended.
 3.3 Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company (filed on July 9, 2009 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 4.1 Rights Agreement effective as of July 23, 2009 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A the form of Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock setting forth the terms of the Preferred Stock, as Exhibit B the form of Rights Certificate and as Exhibit C the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock (filed on July 9, 2009 as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.1† Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), dated November 28, 2006 (filed on January 29, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.2† Dawson Geophysical Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (filed on March 12, 2004 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement onForm S-8 (FileNo. 333-113576) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.3† Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on February 11, 2008 as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.4† Form of Stock Option Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on February 11, 2008 as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.5† Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on August 6, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.6† Form of Stock Option Agreement for the 2006 Plan (filed on August 6, 2007 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.7† Description of Profit Sharing Plan (filed on December 3, 2007 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.8† Description of Profit Sharing Plan (filed on September 29, 2008 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.9† Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation (filed on February 9, 2009 as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.10 Form of Master Geophysical Data Acquisition Agreement (filed on December 11, 2003 as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.11 Master Geophysical Data Acquisition Agreement between SandRidge Energy, Inc. and the Company, dated December 19, 2006 (filed on February 9, 2009 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.12 Master Service Contract between Chesapeake Operating, Inc. and the Company, dated December 18, 2003 (filed on February 9, 2009 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.13 Revolving Line of Credit Loan Agreement, dated June 2, 2009, between the Company and Western National Bank (filed on June 5, 2009 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 000-10144) and incorporated herein by reference).
 10.14 Security Agreement, dated June 2, 2009, between the Company and Western National Bank (filed on June 5, 2009 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K and incorporated herein by reference).
 23.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

     
Number
 
Exhibit
 
31.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dawson Geophysical Company pursuant toRule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 31.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dawson Geophysical Company pursuant toRule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 32.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dawson Geophysical Company pursuant toRule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. Pursuant to SEC Release34-47551, this Exhibit is furnished to the SEC and shall not be deemed to be “filed.”
 32.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dawson Geophysical Company pursuant toRule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. Pursuant to SEC Release34-47551, this Exhibit is furnished to the SEC and shall not be deemed to be “filed.”
 
*Filed herewith.
 
†Identifies exhibit that consists of or includes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.