UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington,

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K/A

AMENDMENT NO. 1

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934

FORM 10-K
þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

2017

or
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to
Commission file number: 001-36950

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.

number 001-36590

INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 37-1653648

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

11601 North Galayda Street

Houston, Texas

 77086
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)code)

(281) 598-1230
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(281) 598-1230

code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Exchangeeach exchange on Which Registered

which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No   xþ

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  ¨    No   xþ

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  xþ    No  ☐ 
¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site,Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  xþ    No  ☐ 

¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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 this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    xþ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(Check one):
Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerxþ
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (Do(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 ¨
Emerging growth companyþ

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes  þ    No   ☐ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No   ¨þ No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $145,926,499$113,958,200 as of June 30, 2015,2017, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (based on a closing price of $8.87$3.89 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and 16,451,69129,295,167 shares held by non-affiliates.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.)non-affiliates).    Yes  x    No  ¨

As of April 27, 2016, there

There were 37,628,65938,098,248 shares of the registrant’s common stock par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

outstanding as of February 20, 2018.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing

Portions of the proxy statement for the registrant’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,10-K.





INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.
Index to include Items in Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) previously omitted in accordance with General Instruction G.3 from the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on February 18, 2016 (the “Original Filing”).

Other than as described above, no changes have been made in this Amendment No. 1 to any Items in the Original Filing. This Amendment No. 1 does not reflect events occurring after the Original Filing or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
PART III

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance4

Executive Compensation11

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related StockholderStockholders Matters

18

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence22

Principal AccountantAccounting Fees and Services24

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Various statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future revenues, income and capital spending. Our forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “plan,” “goal,” “will” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
a decline in or substantial volatility of crude oil and natural gas commodity prices;
a sustained decrease in domestic spending by the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry;
our inability to implement our business and growth strategy;
fluctuation of our operating results and volatility of our industry;
inability to maintain or increase pricing of our contract drilling services, or early termination of any term contract for which early termination compensation is not paid;
our backlog of term contracts declining rapidly;
the loss of any of our customers, financial distress or management changes of potential customers or failure to obtain contract renewals and additional customer contracts for our drilling services;
overcapacity and competition in our industry;
an increase in interest rates and deterioration in the credit markets;
our inability to comply with the financial and other covenants in debt agreements that we may enter into as a result of reduced revenues and financial performance;
a substantial reduction in borrowing base under our credit facility as a result of a decline in the appraised value of our drilling rigs or reduction in the number of rigs operating;
unanticipated costs, delays and other difficulties in executing our long-term growth strategy;
the loss of key management personnel;
new technology that may cause our drilling methods or equipment to become less competitive;
labor costs or shortages of skilled workers;
the loss of or interruption in operations of one or more key vendors;
the effect of operating hazards and severe weather on our rigs, facilities, business, operations and financial results, and limitations on our insurance coverage;
increased regulation of drilling in unconventional formations;
the incurrence of significant costs and liabilities in the future resulting from our failure to comply with new or existing environmental regulations or an accidental release of hazardous substances into the environment; and
the potential failure by us to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting.

All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those described in (1) Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and (2) Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


PART I

ITEM 1.BUSINESSPART IV
Overview
Except as expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “ICD” refer to Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
We provide land-based contract drilling services for oil and natural gas producers targeting unconventional resource plays in the United States. We construct, own and operate a premium land rig fleet comprised entirely of technologically advanced, custom designed ShaleDriller® rigs that are specifically engineered and designed to optimize the development of our customers’ most technically demanding oil and natural gas properties. We are focused on creating stockholder and customer value through our commitment to operational excellence and our focus on safety.
Our standardized fleet consists of 14 premium 200 Series ShaleDriller rigs, all of which are equipped with our integrated omni-directional walking system that is specifically designed to optimize pad drilling for our customers. Every rig in our fleet is a 1500-hp, AC programmable rig (“AC rig”) designed to be fast-moving between drilling sites and is equipped with 7500 psi mud systems, top drives, automated tubular handling systems and blowout preventer (“BOP”) handling systems. All of our rigs are equipped with bi-fuel capabilities that enable the rig to operate on either diesel or a natural gas-diesel blend.
Our first rig commenced drilling in May 2012. We currently focus our operations on unconventional resource plays located in geographic regions that we can efficiently support from our Houston, Texas facilities in order to maximize economies of scale. Currently, our rigs are operating in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. Our rigs have previously operated in the Mid-Continent and Eaglebine regions.
Our business depends on the level of exploration and production activity by oil and natural gas companies operating in the United States, and in particular, the regions where we actively market our contract drilling services. The oil and natural gas exploration and production industry is a historically cyclical industry characterized by significant changes in the levels of exploration and development activities. Oil and natural gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in those prices significantly affect the levels of those activities. Worldwide political, regulatory, economic, and military events, as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and natural gas price volatility historically, and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Any prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities in the United States and the regions where we market our contract drilling services, whether resulting from changes in oil and natural gas prices or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect our business.
Industry Trends
Land Rig Replacement Cycle
The increase in horizontal drilling in the United States over the past ten years has resulted in an ongoing land-rig replacement cycle in which the contract drilling industry is systematically upgrading its legacy fleets of electrical silicon-controlled rectifier (“SCR”) rigs and mechanical rigs with modern AC rigs that are specifically designed to optimize this type of drilling activity. Additionally, a growing focus on horizontal drilling of longer-reach lateral wells from multi-well pads is driving a further delineation in the United States land rig fleet between pad-optimal rigs specifically designed and engineered for such applications and AC and legacy rigs not specifically engineered for such applications.
The following describes the three different types of rig drives:
Mechanical Rigs. Mechanical rigs were not designed and are not well suited for the demanding requirements of drilling horizontal wells. A mechanical rig powers its systems through a combination of belts, chains and transmissions. This arrangement requires the rig to be rigged up with precise alignment of the belts and chains, which requires substantial time during a rig move. In addition, mechanical power loading of key rig systems, including drawworks, pumps and rotating equipment results in very imprecise control of system parameters, causing lower drill bit life, lower rate of penetration and difficulty maintaining wellbore trajectory.
SCR Rigs. In contrast to mechanical rigs, SCR rigs rely on direct current, or DC, to power the key rig systems. Load is changed by adjusting the amperage supplied to electric motors powering key rig systems. While a substantial improvement over mechanical belts and chains, SCR control is imprecise, and DC power levels normally drift resulting in fluctuations in pump speed and pressure, bit rotation speed, and weight on bit. These fluctuations can cause wellbore deviation, shorter bit life and less optimal rates of penetration. In addition, SCR equipment is heavy and energy inefficient.


AC Rigs. Compared to SCR and mechanical rigs, AC rigs are ideally suited for drilling horizontal wells. The first AC rigs were introduced into the United States land market in the early 2000s, and since that time their use has grown significantly as the use of horizontal drilling has increased. AC rigs use a computer-controlled variable frequency drive ("VFD") to precisely adjust key rig operating parameters and systems allowing for optimization of the rate of penetration, extended bit life and improved control of wellbore trajectory. These factors reduce the amount of time a wellbore is “open hole,” or uncased. Shorter open hole times dramatically reduce adjacent formation damage that can be caused by shale hydration or drilling fluid invasion and enhance the operator’s ability to optimally run and cement casing to complete the drilled well. In addition, when compared to SCR and mechanical rigs, AC rigs are electrically more efficient, produce more torque, utilize regenerative braking, and have digital controls. AC motors are also smaller, lighter and require less maintenance than DC motors.
Shift to Manufacturing Wellbore Model
Following their significant investments made in unconventional resource plays, many exploration and production ("E&P") companies are now focused on developing these investments in a systematic manner. Efficient development of these resource plays involves drilling programs that drill large numbers of wells in succession, as opposed to a single or a few wells designed to delineate a field or hold a lease. We view this as analogous to a manufacturing process that requires an engineered program and is focused on economies of scale to reduce overall field development costs. Cost effective development drilling requires more complex well designs, shorter cycle times, and the use of innovative technology in order to reduce an E&P company’s overall field development costs.
One method in which an E&P operator may reduce overall field development costs is through the use of a multi-well pad development program. Pad drilling involves the drilling of multiple wells from a single location, which provides benefits to the E&P company in the form of per well cost savings and accelerated cash flows as compared to non-pad developments. These cost savings result from reduced time required to move the rig between wells, centralized hydraulic fracturing operations and the efficient installation of central production facilities and pipelines. In addition, by performing drilling operations on one well with simultaneous completion operations on a second well, operators do not have to wait until the entire pad is complete to begin earning a return on their investment. Pad drilling promotes “manufacturing” efficiencies by enabling “batch” drilling, whereby an operator drills all of the wells’ surface holes as the first batch, then drills all of the intermediate sections as the second batch, and concludes with the drilling all of the laterals as the final batch. Efficiencies are created because hole sizes change less frequently, and operators use the same mud system and tools repeatedly. We believe as operators have shifted over time to horizontal drilling, they have implemented pad drilling in order to maximize economics and optimize development plans. In order to maximize the efficiencies gained from pad drilling, a rig must be capable of moving quickly from one well to another and able to address the complexities associated with the growing number of wells per pad. In addition to quickly moving from well to well, omni-directional walking systems are ideally suited for pad drilling because they are capable of efficiently addressing situations on a pad in which wellbores are not precisely aligned or when level variations exist on the pad, which becomes increasingly likely as pads become larger and more complex.
Another method utilized by operators to increase efficiencies and maximize well economics is the drilling of longer lateral horizontal wells. Operators in our target areas have continued to increase the lateral length of their horizontal wells. Longer laterals provide greater production zones as the portion of the wellbore that passes through the target formation increases, optimizing the impact of hydraulic fracturing and stimulation. The drilling of longer laterals necessitates the use of increased horsepower drawworks and top drive systems, which provide maximum torque and rotational control and allows the operator to maintain the integrity of its drilling plan throughout the wellbore. Additionally, higher pressure mud pumps are required to pump fluids through significantly longer wellbores. The competitive advantage of higher pressure mud pumps grows as the lateral length increases, as only high pressure pumps can effectively address the severe pressure drop, while providing the required hydraulic horsepower at the bit face and sufficient flow to remove drill cuttings and keep the hole clean.
Pad Optimal Equipment
Cost effective development drilling in a manufacturing wellbore model requires more complex well designs, shorter cycle times, and the use of innovative technology in order to reduce an E&P company’s overall field development costs. Drilling rigs that are designed to maximize drilling efficiency, reduce cycle times, maximize energy efficiency, increase penetration rates while drilling, and drill longer-reach horizontal wells will reduce an E&P company’s overall field development costs and provide them with greater optionality when designing their field development program. As a result, we believe that E&P companies drilling horizontal wells are going to increasingly demand not only AC rigs that are optimal for horizontal drilling, but premium AC rigs such as our ShaleDriller rig that are "pad optimal" and include the following equipment and design features:
AC Programmable. AC rigs use a variable frequency drive that allows precise computer control of motor speed during operations. This greater control of motor speed provides more precise drilling of the wellbore. Among other attributes,


when compared to electrical SCR rigs and mechanical rigs, AC rigs are electrically more efficient, produce consistent torque, utilize regenerative braking, and have digital controls and AC motors that require less maintenance. AC rigs allow our customers to drill faster, which, in general, eliminates reservoir permeability damage, and to drill wellbores that more precisely track planned trajectories without doglegs. This, in turn, minimizes open hole time and enables our customers to more effectively and efficiently run casing, cement and successfully complete their wells.

Pad Optimized, Omni-Directional Walking System. Our omni-directional walking system is engineered and designed as an integrated part of our ShaleDriller rig’s substructure to optimize pad drilling economics for our customers. Pad drilling involves the drilling of multiple wells from a single location, which provides benefits to the E&P company in the form of cost savings and accelerated cash flows. Our walking system allows our rigs to move in any direction quickly between wellheads, rapidly and efficiently adjust to misaligned wellbores, walk over raised wellheads, and increase operational safety due to fewer required rig up and rig down movements.

Bi-Fuel Capable. All of our ShaleDriller rigs are bi-fuel capable. Bi-fuel operations offer a reduction in carbon emissions and provide significant fuel cost savings for our customers.

Efficient Mobilization Between Drilling Sites. A rig that can rapidly move between drilling sites has become increasingly desired by, and impactful to, E&P companies because it reduces cycle times allowing them to drill more wells in the same period of time. In addition to being specifically designed for moving between wells on a pad, our ShaleDriller rig is designed to move rapidly on conventional rig moves between drilling sites. Our custom designed substructure moves in a single semi-trailer load and allows for automated and rapid rig up and rig down without the use of cranes. This significantly reduces overall move time compared to a traditional substructure design, provides cost savings to our customers, and enables a safer rig up and rig down process.

1500-hp Drawworks. All of our rigs are powered with 1500-hp drawworks and are well suited for the development of the vast majority of our customers’ unconventional resource assets. Compared to a 1000-hp or smaller rig, a 1500-hp rig has superior capability to handle extended drill string lengths required to drill long horizontal wells, which are becoming more common in the markets we serve.

7500psi Mud Systems. The drilling of longer laterals necessitates the use of higher pressure mud pumps to pump fluids through significantly longer wellbores. The competitive advantage of higher pressure mud pumps grows as the lateral length gets longer, as only high pressure pumps can effectively address the severe pressure drop while providing the required hydraulic horsepower at the bit face and sufficient flow to remove drill cuttings and keep the hole clean.
Oil and Natural Gas Prices and Drilling Activity
Both oil and natural gas prices began to decline in the second half of 2014, declined further during 2015 and remained low in 2016. The closing price of oil was as high as $106.06 per barrel during the third quarter of 2014, was $37.13 per barrel on December 31, 2015 and reached a low of $26.19 on February 11, 2016 (West Texas Intermediate - Cushing, Oklahoma (“WTI”) spot price as reported by the United States Energy Information Administration (the “EIA”)). Similarly, natural gas prices (as measured at Henry Hub) declined from an average of $4.37 per MMBtu in 2014, to $2.62 per MMBtu in 2015, $2.52 per MMBtu in 2016. As a result, our industry experienced an exceptional downturn and market conditions have only begun to stabilize and slowly recover.
In November 2016, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) members formally agreed to reduce their production quotas, starting January 1, 2017. These production cuts significantly reduced the overhang of global oil supplies. OPEC members met in December 2017 and agreed to extend the freeze into 2018, and are expected to meet again in June 2018 to review market conditions and the impact of their freeze on global supplies. In addition to OPEC members, certain non-OPEC producers such as Russia have agreed to production cuts, which has also supported crude oil and related energy commodity prices.
As a result of these supply cuts and positive demand trends, crude oil prices recovered to the $45 to $55 per barrel range, with WTI oil prices reaching a three-year high of $66.27 on January 26, 2018. Similarly, natural gas prices at Henry Hub averaged $2.99 per MMBtu in 2017, and have averaged $3.41 per MMBtu in 2018, as of February 20, 2018. While this continued recovery in pricing is promising, there are no indications at this time that oil and natural gas prices and rig counts will recover to their previous highs experienced in 2014.



Due to this deterioration and stabilization of commodity prices well below previous highs, our customers are principally focused on their most economic wells, and driving cost and production efficiencies that deliver the most economic wells with the lowest capital costs. As a result of this drive towards production and cost efficiencies, operators are focusing more of their capital spending on horizontal drilling programs compared to vertical drilling, and are more focused on utilizing drilling equipment and techniques that optimize costs and efficiency. Thus, we believe the rapid market deterioration and stabilization of oil prices well below historical highs has significantly accelerated the pace of the ongoing land rig replacement cycle and continued shift to horizontal drilling from multi-well pads utilizing “pad optimal” rig technology.
As market conditions have improved from trough levels in 2016 and begun to stabilize higher, demand for our ShaleDriller rigs has improved. At December 31, 2017, all of our rigs were under contract and operating. In addition to improving utilization, contract tenors improved with customers signing term contracts of six to twelve months or longer, and at higher dayrates compared to trough levels, with the potential to move higher if market conditions continue to improve. However, if oil prices were to fall below $45 per barrel for any sustained period of time, market conditions and demand for our products and services could deteriorate.
Customer Contracts and Backlog
Drilling contracts are obtained through competitive bidding or as a result of negotiations with customers, and may cover multi-well and multi-year projects. Each of our rigs operates under a separate drilling contract or drilling order subject to a master drilling contract. We perform drilling services on a “daywork” contract basis, under which we charge a specified rate per day. The dayrate under each of our contracts is a negotiated price determined by the location, depth and complexity of the wells to be drilled, operating conditions, the duration of the contract, and market conditions. We have not accepted any, and do not anticipate entering into, any “turn-key” (fixed sum to deliver a hole to a stated depth) or “footage” (fixed rate per foot of hole drilled) contracts. The duration of land drilling contracts can vary from “well-to-well” or to a fixed term ranging from a few months to several years. The revenue generated by a rig in a given year is the product of the dayrate fee and the number of days the rig is earning this fee based on activity and the terms of the contract, referred to as utilization. “Well-to-well” contracts are typically cancelable at the option of either party upon the completion of drilling at a particular site. Fixed-term contracts customarily provide for termination at the election of the customer, with an “early termination payment” to be paid to the drilling contractor if a contract is terminated prior to the expiration of the fixed term. However, under certain limited circumstances, such as destruction of a drilling rig, the drilling contractor’s bankruptcy, sustained unacceptable performance by the drilling contractor or delivery of a rig beyond certain grace and/or liquidated damage periods, no early termination payment would be paid to the drilling contractor. Drilling contracts also contain provisions regarding indemnification against certain types of claims involving injury to persons, property and for acts of pollution, which are subject to negotiation on a contract-by-contract basis.
Under a typical daywork contract, we earn a dayrate fee while the rig is operating, and we earn a moving rate fee while the rig is moving between wells or drilling locations under the contract. If the rig is on standby or is not drilling due to a force majeure event unrelated to damage to the rig, contracts typically provide that we earn a rate during this period of time, which rate may be equal to or less than the operating rate.
Mobilization rates are determined by market conditions and are generally reimbursed by the customer. In most instances, contracts typically provide for additional payments associated with this initial mobilization of a drilling rig and that we receive a demobilization fee at the end of the contract term in certain circumstances equal to the estimated cost to transport the rig from the final drilling location and to compensate us for the estimated demobilization time.
Drilling contracts typically provide that the contractor continues to earn the operating dayrate while a rig is not operating but under repair or maintenance, so long as the non-operating time due to repair and maintenance does not exceed a specified number of hours in a given day or calendar month.


Prior to the significant decline in market conditions that began in late 2014, we were able to regularly obtain long-term contracts with terms between one and three years. Throughout 2015 and 2016, the vast majority of new rig contracts were short-term well-to-well contracts or contracts with terms less than six months. As a result, our contract drilling backlog, or the expected future revenue from executed contracts with original terms of six months or greater, declined significantly from $152.8 million as of December 31, 2014, to $74.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and to $42.5 million as of December 31, 2016. During 2017, as a result of the current stabilization in the market, the majority of our contracts were from six to twelve months. As of December 31, 2017, our backlog was $51.5 million, prior to four contract extensions signed in the first quarter of 2018. Approximately $47.6 million of our backlog at December 31, 2017 is expected to be realized during 2018. Our backlog does not include potential reductions in rates for unscheduled standby during periods in which the rig is moving, on standby or incurring maintenance and repair time in excess of contractually allowed downtime. In addition, rigs under term contracts may realize revenue on a standby-without-crew basis, which allows us to preserve our expected cash margins from the contract but reduces our overall top line revenue. To the extent that we have rigs under term contracts operating on a standby or standby-without-crew basis, our top line revenues will be less than our reported backlog from term contracts.
The following chart summarizes the weighted average number of rigs as of December 31, 2017 that we have operating under term contracts through 2018 and 2019.
 Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Year Ending
 March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 2019
Weighted Average Number of Rigs (1)13.5
 8.2
 3.4
 2.2
 0.6
(1) Weighted average number of rigs calculated based upon the aggregate number of expected revenue days to be realized during the period from term contracts divided by the number of days in the applicable period. Term contracts include all contracts with original terms of 6 months or greater, and exclude well-to-well or short-term contracts.
Since the end of 2017, we have successfully signed new extensions on four contracts. As a result, our backlog as of December 31, 2017, adjusted to include these new extensions signed through February 15, 2018, is $74.5 million, of which $65.4 million is expected to be realized during 2018.
The following chart summarizes the weighted average number of rigs as of February 15, 2018 that we have operating under term contracts through 2018 and 2019.
 Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Quarter Ending Year Ending
 March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 2019
Weighted Average Number of Rigs (1)14.0
 11.1
 7.2
 4.8
 1.3
(1) Weighted average number of rigs calculated based upon the aggregate number of expected revenue days to be realized during the period from term contracts divided by the number of days in the applicable period. Term contracts include all contracts with original terms of 6 months or greater, and exclude well-to-well or short-term contracts.
Our Customers
Customers for contract drilling services in the United States include major oil and natural gas companies, independent oil and natural gas companies, as well as numerous small to mid-sized publicly-traded and privately held oil and natural gas companies. We market our contract drilling services to all such customers. During 2017, our customers representing more than 10% of our revenues were GeoSouthern Energy Corporation, Devon Energy, RSP Permian, LLC, and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. While we would attempt to remarket our rigs if we lost any material customer, given current market conditions, the terms of such new contract, if any were found, may be less favorable than the terms of our current contracts. Therefore, the loss of any material customer could have an adverse effect on our business.
Industry/Competition
To a large degree, our business depends on the level of capital spending by oil and natural gas companies for exploration, development and production activities. A sustained increase or decrease in the price of oil and natural gas could have a material impact on the exploration, development and production activities of our customers and could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


The contract drilling industry is highly competitive and has become even more so under current market conditions. The price for contract drilling services is a key competitive factor in the United States land contract drilling markets, in part because equipment used in our businesses can be moved from one area to another in response to market conditions. In addition to price, we believe the principal competitive factors in our markets are availability and condition of equipment, efficiency of equipment, quality of personnel, service quality, experience and safety record.
Many of our competitors are larger, publicly-held corporations with significantly greater resources and longer operating histories than us. Our largest competitors for high-end AC land drilling contract services are Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Precision Drilling Corporation, Nabors Industries, Ltd. and Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
Many of our larger competitors are able to offer ancillary products and services with their contract drilling services, and recently, some of our larger competitors have begun integrating and offering contract drilling services in connection with directional drilling and other services that we do not offer.
Government and Environmental Regulation
All of our operations and facilities are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to various aspects of our business, including:
drilling of oil and natural gas wells;
the relationships with our employees;
containment and disposal of hazardous materials, oilfield waste, other waste materials and acids; and
use of underground storage tanks.

To date, we do not believe applicable environmental laws and regulations in the United States have required the expenditure by the contract drilling industry of significant resources outside the ordinary course of business. However, compliance costs under existing laws or under any new requirements could become material, and we could incur liability in any instance of noncompliance.
Our business is generally affected by political developments and by federal, state and local laws and regulations that relate to the oil and natural gas industry. The adoption of laws and regulations affecting the oil and natural gas industry for economic, environmental and other policy reasons could increase costs relating to drilling and production, and otherwise have an adverse effect on our operations. Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations currently apply to our operations and may become more stringent in the future. Any suspension or moratorium of the services we provide, whether or not short-term in nature, by a federal, state or local governmental authority, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
In the United States, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes impose liability, without regard to fault or legality of conduct, on classes of persons considered to be responsible for the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include:
current and past owners and operators of the site where the release occurred, and
persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of “hazardous substances” released at the site.

Under CERCLA, such persons may be subject to join and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment.
The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), as amended, and comparable state statutes, regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal and cleanup of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Although CERCLA currently excludes petroleum from the definition of “hazardous substances,” and RCRA excludes certain classes of exploration and production wastes from regulation as hazardous waste under Subtitle C of RCRA, such exemptions by Congress under both CERCLA and RCRA may be deleted, limited, or modified in the future. If such changes are made to CERCLA and/or RCRA, we could be required to remove and remediate previously disposed of materials (including materials disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) from properties (including ground water contaminated with hydrocarbons) and to perform removal or remedial actions to prevent future contamination.
The federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, also known as the Clean Water Act, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended (the “Oil Pollution Act”), and analogous state laws and their respective implementing regulations govern:


the prevention of discharges of pollutants, including oil and produced water spills, into waters of the United States; and
liability for drainage into waters of the United States.
The Oil Pollution Act imposes strict liability for a comprehensive and expansive list of damages from an oil spill into waters from facilities. Liability may be imposed for oil removal costs and a variety of public and private damages. Administrative, civil or criminal penalties may also be imposed for violation of federal safety, construction and operating regulations, and for failure to report a spill or to cooperate fully in a clean-up.
The Oil Pollution Act also expands the authority and capability of the federal government to direct and manage oil spill clean-up and operations, and requires operators to prepare oil spill response plans in cases where it can reasonably be expected that substantial harm will be done to the environment by discharges on or into navigable waters. Failure to comply with ongoing requirements or inadequate cooperation during a spill event may subject a responsible party, such as us, to administrative, civil or criminal actions. Although the liability for owners and operators is the same under the federal Water Pollution Act, the damages recoverable under the Oil Pollution Act are potentially much greater and can include natural resource damages.
Our contract drilling services will be marketed in oil and natural gas producing regions that utilize hydraulic fracturing services to enhance the production of oil and natural gas from formations with low permeability, such as shales. Due to concerns raised relating to potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on groundwater quality and the increased occurrence of seismic activity, legislative and regulatory efforts at the federal level and in some states have been initiated to render permitting and compliance requirements more stringent for hydraulic fracturing or prohibit the activity altogether. Such efforts could have an adverse effect on oil and natural gas production activities, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the contract drilling services that we render for our exploration and production customers.
Our operations are also subject to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations for the control of air emissions, including the federal Clean Air Act. The federal Clean Air Act, and comparable state laws, regulates emissions of various air pollutants through, for example, air emissions permitting programs. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has developed, and continues to develop, stringent regulations governing emissions of toxic air pollutants at specified sources including pursuing the energy extraction sector under a National Enforcement Initiative. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the federal Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations. Finally, more stringent federal, state and local regulations, such as the EPA rules issued in April 2012, which add new requirements for the oil and natural gas sector under the New Source Review Program and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants program, could result in increased costs and the need for operational changes. Any direct and indirect costs of meeting these requirements may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
On December 7, 2009, the EPA announced its findings that emissions of GHG present an “endangerment to human health and the environment.” The EPA based this finding on a conclusion that greenhouse gases are contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climate changes. The EPA began to adopt regulations that would require a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from certain stationary sources and has required monitoring and reporting for other stationary sources. Mandatory reporting requirements for additional regional, federal or state requirements have been imposed and additional requirements may be imposed in the future. New legislation or regulatory programs that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases in areas in which we conduct business could have an adverse effect on our operations and demand for our services. For example, during 2012, the EPA published rules that include standards to reduce methane emissions associated with oil and natural gas production. In May 2016, the EPA finalized regulations that set methane emission standards for new and modified oil and natural gas facilities, including production facilities. In July 2017, the EPA proposed a two-year stay of certain requirements of this rule pending reconsideration of the rule. Currently, our operations are not adversely impacted by existing state and local climate change initiatives and, at this time, it is not possible to accurately estimate how potential future laws or regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions would impact our business. Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events; if any such effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our exploration and production operations.
We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes. The OSHA hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know regulations under Title III of CERCLA and similar state statutes require that we organize and/or disclose information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations. We believe that we are in compliance with these applicable requirements and with other OSHA and comparable requirements.


Additionally, environmental laws such as the federal Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, may impact exploration, development and production activities on public or private lands. The ESA provides broad protection for species of fish, wildlife and plants that are listed as threatened or endangered in the United States, and prohibits taking of endangered species. Federal agencies are required to ensure that any action authorized, funded or carried out by them is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or modify their critical habitat. While some of our customers’ properties may be located in areas that are designated as habitat for endangered or threatened species, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA. However, the designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species or the designation of previously unprotected areas as a critical habitat could cause us to incur additional costs or become subject to operating restrictions or bans in the affected areas.
Risks and Insurance
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the drilling business, including:
accidents at the work location;
blow-outs;
cratering;
fires; and
explosions.

These and other hazards could cause:
personal injury or death;
suspension of drilling operations; or
damage or destruction of our equipment and that of others;
damage to producing formations and surrounding areas; and
environmental damage.

Damage to the environment, including property contamination in the form of soil or ground water contamination, could also result from our operations, including through:
oil or produced water spillage;
natural gas leaks; and
fires.

We maintain insurance coverage of types and amounts that we believe to be customary in the industry, but we may not be fully insured against all risks, either because insurance is not available or because of the high premium costs. Such risks include personal injury, well disasters, extensive fire damage, damage to the environment, and other hazards. The insurance coverage that we maintain includes insurance for fire, windstorm and other risks of physical loss to our rigs and other assets, employer’s liability, automobile liability, commercial general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. We cannot assure, however, that any insurance obtained by us will be adequate to cover any losses or liabilities, or that this insurance will continue to be available or available on terms that are acceptable to us. While we carry insurance to cover physical damage to, or loss of, our drilling rigs and other assets, such insurance does not cover the full replacement cost of the rigs or other assets, and we do not carry insurance against loss of earnings resulting from such damage. Liabilities for which we are not insured, or which exceed the policy limits of our applicable insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may experience difficulties in collecting from insurers, or such insurers may deny all or a portion of our claims for insurance coverage.
In addition to insurance coverage, we also attempt to obtain indemnification from our customers for certain risks. These indemnities typically require our customers to hold us harmless in the event of loss of production or reservoir damage. There is no assurance that we will obtain such contractual indemnity, and if obtained, whether such indemnity will be enforceable, whether the customer will be able to satisfy such indemnity or whether such indemnity will be supported by adequate insurance maintained by the customer.
If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or is not an enforceable or recoverable indemnity from a third party, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. See “Risk Factors - Our operations involve operating hazards, which if not insured or indemnified against, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.”


Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 390 employees, none of whom were contract employees or were represented by a union. The number of our employees fluctuates depending on our construction and drilling activities.
Seasonality
Seasonality has not significantly affected our overall operations. However, our drilling operations can be affected by severe winter storms or other weather related events. Additionally, toward the end of some years, we experience slower contracting activity as customers’ capital expenditure budgets are depleted.
Drilling Equipment, Suppliers and Subcontractors
We use many suppliers of drilling equipment and services. Although this drilling equipment and services have historically been available, there is no assurance that such drilling equipment and services will continue to be available on favorable terms or at all. We also utilize numerous manufacturers and independent subcontractors from various trades to supply key components to the rigs that we construct for our use. These key components include masts and substructures, top drives, high pressure mud pumps, pressure control equipment, engines, and VFD control systems. We believe that we have alternative sources for each of these components.
Website Access to Our Periodic SEC Reports
Our internet address is http://www.icdrilling.com. We file and furnish Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Materials we file with the SEC may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding our company that we file and furnish electronically with the SEC.
We may from time to time provide important disclosures to investors by posting them in the investor relations section of our website, as allowed by SEC rules. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual report on Form 10-K and you should not consider information on our website as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We face many challenges and risks in the industry in which we operate. You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our financial statements and related notes, and the documents and other information incorporated by reference herein, before investing in our shares. The risks and uncertainties described are not the only ones we face. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or which we currently consider immaterial may also adversely affect us. If any of these risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business
Significant declines in oil and natural gas prices could continue and adversely affect demand for contract drilling services, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Oil prices began to decline in the second half of 2014 and declined further during 2015 and 2016. The closing price of oil was as high as $106.06 per barrel during the third quarter of 2014, was $37.13 per barrel on December 31, 2015 and reached a low of $26.19 on February 11, 2016 (WTI spot price as reported by the EIA). Similarly, natural gas prices (as measured at Henry Hub) declined from an average of $4.37 per MMBtu in 2014, to $2.62 per MMBtu in 2015, $2.52 per MMBtu in 2016. As a result, our industry experienced an exceptional downturn and market conditions have only begun to stabilize and slowly recover.
Although crude oil prices recovered to the $45 to $55 per barrel range, and natural gas prices at Henry Hub averaged $2.99 per MMBtu in 2017, there are no indications at this time that oil and natural gas prices and rig counts will recover to their previous highs experienced in 2014. We believe the current stabilization in market conditions is predicated on oil prices remaining in the $45 to $55 per barrel or higher range, and if oil prices were to fall below these levels for any sustainable period, demand and pricing for our contract drilling services could decline and have a material adverse affect on our operations and financial condition.
In addition, we currently finance our capital expenditures and operations pursuant to a committed $85.0 million revolving line of credit. A significant portion of our borrowing base is tied to the appraised value of our drilling rigs, which value may decline if market conditions deteriorate further. A significant decline in our borrowing base could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Our amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Facility) also contains certain restrictive covenants, including a leverage and fixed charge ratio covenant based upon the cash flows of the company, and a minimum utilization covenant. Thus, a significant reduction in our cash flows as a result of the decline in demand for our products and services, or significant decline in our operating rig count due to an inability to recontract rigs could reduce or limit the level of funds we are able to borrow under our existing Credit Facility or cause us to violate one or more of our restrictive covenants, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We derive all our revenues from companies in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry, a historically cyclical industry with levels of activity that are significantly affected by the levels and volatility in oil and natural gas prices.
As a provider of land-based contract drilling services, our business depends on the level of exploration and production activity by oil and natural gas companies operating in the United States, and in particular, the regions where we actively market our contract drilling services. The oil and natural gas exploration and production industry is a historically cyclical industry characterized by significant changes in the levels of exploration and development activities. Oil and natural gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in those prices significantly affect the levels of those activities. Worldwide political, regulatory, economic, and military events as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and natural gas price volatility and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Any prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities in the United States and the regions where we market our contract drilling services, whether resulting from changes in oil and natural gas prices or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect us in many ways by negatively impacting:
our revenues, cash flows and profitability;
our ability to recontract drilling rigs upon expiration of existing contracts;
our ability to recontract drilling rigs at profitable dayrates;
our ability to invest in capital expenditures necessary to maintain our drilling fleet and respond to customer requirements;
the fair market value of our drilling rig fleet and other assets;


our ability to obtain additional debt and equity capital required to implement our rig construction and growth strategy, and the cost of that capital; and
our ability to retain skilled rig personnel whom we need to implement our growth strategy.

Depending on the market prices of oil and natural gas, oil and natural gas exploration and production companies may cancel or curtail their drilling programs and may lower production spending on existing wells, thereby reducing demand for our services. Many factors beyond our control affect oil and natural gas prices, including, but not limited to:
the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and natural gas;
the discovery and development rate of new oil and natural gas reserves, especially shale and other unconventional natural gas resources for which we market our rigs;
the rate of decline of existing and new oil and natural gas reserves;
available pipeline and other oil and natural gas transportation capacity;
the levels of oil and natural gas storage;
the ability of oil and natural gas exploration and production companies to raise capital;
economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere;
actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
political instability in the Middle East and other major oil and natural gas producing regions;
governmental regulations, sanctions and trade restrictions, both domestic and foreign;
domestic and foreign tax policy;
weather conditions in the United States;
the pace adopted by foreign governments for the exploration, development and production of their national reserves;
the price of foreign imports of oil and natural gas;
the strength or weakness of the United States dollar;
the overall supply and demand for oil and natural gas; and
the development of alternate energy sources and the long-term effects of worldwide energy conservation measures.

As discussed above, oil and natural gas prices have been volatile historically and, we believe, will continue to be so in the future. We also believe the current stabilization in market conditions for our services is predicated on oil prices remaining in the $45 to $55 per barrel or higher range, and if oil prices were to fall below these levels for any sustainable period, demand and pricing for our contract drilling services could decline and have a material adverse affect on our operations and financial condition.
Oil and natural gas prices, and market expectations of potential changes in these prices, significantly impact the level of worldwide drilling and production services activities. Reduced demand for oil and natural gas generally results in lower prices for these commodities and may impact the economics of planned drilling projects and ongoing production projects, resulting in the curtailment, reduction, delay or postponement of such projects for an indeterminate period of time. When drilling and production activity and spending decline, both dayrates and utilization have also historically declined. Further declines in oil and natural gas prices and the general economy, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth strategy.
In addition, if oil and natural gas prices decline, companies that planned to finance exploration, development or production projects through the capital markets may be forced to curtail, reduce, postpone or delay drilling activities even further, and also may experience an inability to pay suppliers. Adverse conditions in the global economic environment could also impact our vendors’ and suppliers’ ability to meet obligations to provide materials and services in general. If any of the foregoing were to occur, or if current depressed market conditions continue for a prolonged period of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results and our ability to timely and successfully implement our growth strategy.
Any loss of large customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our customer base consists of E&P companies that drill oil and natural gas wells in the United States in the regions where we market our rigs. As of December 31, 2017, we have rigs operating or earning revenues from six different customers, including one customer who has contracted five of our rigs, and two customers that have contracted three of our rigs. It is likely that we will continue to derive a significant portion of our revenue from a relatively small number of customers in the future. Daywork contracts in the contract drilling industry typically do not obligate those customers to order additional services from the drilling contractor beyond those for which they have currently contracted. If a customer decided not to continue to use our services or to terminate an existing contract, or if there is a change of management or ownership of a customer or a material adverse change in the financial condition of one of our customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, cash flows, and financial condition.


If our customers delay paying or fail to pay a significant amount of our outstanding receivables, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
In most cases, we bill our customers for our services in arrears and are, therefore, subject to our customers delaying or failing to pay our invoices. In weak economic environments, we may experience increased delays and failures due to, among other reasons, a reduction in our customers’ cash flow from operations and their access to the credit markets. If our customers delay paying or fail to pay us a significant amount of our outstanding receivables, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations, and financial condition.
We currently have eleven rigs operating under contracts with terms expiring during 2018. If we are unable to continue to operate rigs in the spot-market or renew our expiring contracts or continue their operation in the spot-market, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Upon expiration of a drilling contract, our customers have no obligation to extend the contract term or recontract the drilling rig, and may elect to release the rig. In the event a customer elects to terminate a drilling contract prior to the expiration of its drilling term, all of our current drilling contracts provide that our customers pay an early termination payment. We cannot assure that any replacement contract can be obtained for any of our rigs operating in the spot-market or with terms expiring, and if obtained, that it would be on terms as favorable as those of our existing drilling contracts or at profitable levels. The failure to renew or timely replace one or more of our expiring contracts could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations involve operating hazards, which if not insured or indemnified against, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the drilling and well services industries, including the risks of:
personal injury and loss of life;
blowouts;
cratering;
fires and explosions;
loss of well control;
collapse of the borehole;
damaged or lost drilling equipment; and
damage or loss from extreme weather and natural disasters.

Any of these hazards can result in substantial liabilities or losses to us from, among other things:
suspension of operations;
damage to, or destruction of, our property and equipment and that of others;
damage to producing or potentially productive oil and natural gas formations through which we drill; and
environmental damage.

Although, we seek to protect ourselves from some but not all operating hazards through insurance coverage, some risks are either not insurable or insurance is available only at rates that we consider uneconomical. Depending on competitive conditions and other factors, we attempt to obtain contractual protection against uninsured operating risks from our customers. However, customers who provide contractual indemnification protection may not in all cases maintain adequate insurance or otherwise have the financial resources necessary to support their indemnification obligations. Our insurance or indemnification arrangements may not adequately protect us against liability or loss from all the hazards of our operations. We do not carry loss of business insurance for a rig being out of service.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the potential risks affecting our operations and only in coverage amounts and deductible levels that we believe to be economical. Our insurance coverage includes deductibles which must be met prior to recovery. Additionally, our insurance is subject to exclusions and limitations, and there is no assurance that such coverage will adequately protect us against liability from all potential consequences and damages. The occurrence of a significant event that we have not fully insured or indemnified against or the failure of a customer to meet its indemnification obligations to us could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we may be unable to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable. Incurring a liability for which we are not fully insured or indemnified could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


We operate in a highly competitive industry in which price competition could reduce our profitability.
We encounter substantial competition from other drilling contractors. The competition in the markets in which we operate has intensified as recent mergers among E&P companies have reduced the number of available customers and the downturn in oil prices has decreased demand for drilling rigs and resulted in downward pricing pressure on operating drilling rigs.
Contract drilling companies compete primarily on a regional basis, and the intensity of competition may vary significantly from region to region at any particular time. Most drilling services contracts are awarded on the basis of competitive bids, which also results in price competition.
In addition to pricing, we believe the principal competitive factors in our markets are availability and condition of equipment, quality of personnel, efficiency of equipment, service quality, experience and safety record. The success of our business depends on our ability to offer safe and highly efficient operations, the quality and efficiency of our rigs and the skills and experience of our rig crews.
As a result of competition, we may lose market share or be unable to maintain or increase prices for our present services or to acquire additional business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the failure to maintain an adequate safety record could harm our ability to secure new drilling contracts. As a relatively new contract driller with limited operating history, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain the reputation for safety and quality required to successfully compete against our competition.
We face competition from many competitors with greater resources and greater ability to rapidly respond to changing customer requirements and market conditions.
We compete with large national and multi-national companies that have longer operating histories, greater financial, technical and other resources and greater name recognition than we do. Many of our larger competitors are able to offer ancillary products and services with their contract drilling services, and recently, some of our larger competitors have begun integrating and offering contract drilling services in connection with directional drilling and other services that we do not offer. In this regard, large diversified oilfield service companies have begun to market bundled services, including contract drilling services, in the United States. If any of these combined offerings gain acceptance within the United States market, it could place us at a competitive disadvantage that has an adverse impact on our future results of operations and profitability.
Furthermore, some of our competitors’ greater capabilities in these areas may enable them to better withstand industry downturns, compete more effectively on the basis of price and technology, retain skilled rig personnel, and build new rigs or acquire and refurbish existing rigs so as to be able to place rigs into service more quickly than us in periods of high drilling demand.
In addition, we compete with several smaller companies capable of competing effectively on a regional or local basis. Smaller competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and services and changes in customer requirements.
Finally, some E&P companies perform horizontal and directional drilling on their wells using their own equipment and personnel. Any increase in the development and utilization of in-house drilling capabilities by our customers could decrease the demand for our services and have a material adverse impact on our business.
New technology may cause our drilling methods or equipment to become less competitive.
The drilling industry is subject to the introduction of new drilling and completion methods and equipment using new technologies, some of which may be subject to patent protection. Changes in technology or improvements in competitors’ equipment could make our equipment less competitive or require significant capital investments to build and maintain a competitive advantage. Further, we may face competitive pressure to design, implement or acquire certain new technologies at a substantial cost. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that may allow them to implement new technologies before we can. If we are unable to implement new and emerging technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth strategy.


Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives related to hydraulic fracturing could result in operating restrictions or delays in the completion of oil and natural gas wells that may reduce demand for our activities and could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Hydraulic fracturing is a commonly used process that involves injection of water, sand, and certain chemicals to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation to allow flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations or ordinances restricting or increasing the costs of hydraulic fracturing could potentially increase our costs of operations and cause a decrease in drilling activity levels in the Permian Basin and other unconventional resource plays and an associated decrease in demand for our rigs and service, any or all of which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the Underground Injection Control provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) to exclude certain hydraulic fracturing practices from the definition of “underground injection.” The EPA has asserted regulatory authority over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving diesel fuel and published guidance relating to such practices in February 2014. From time to time, Congress has considered bills to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the SDWA, which would have the effect of allowing the EPA to promulgate new regulations and permitting requirements for hydraulic fracturing, potentially including chemical disclosure requirements. At the state level, several states in which we operate have adopted regulations requiring the disclosure of certain information regarding hydraulic fracturing fluids.
Scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing activities continues in other ways. A number of federal agencies are analyzing, or have been requested to review, a variety of environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing. The EPA conducted a study of the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water and issued a final report in December 2016. This study and other studies that may be undertaken by the EPA or other federal agencies could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or other statutory and/or regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, in June 2016, the EPA published a rule establishing pretreatment standards which prohibit the disposal of unconventional oil and natural gas wastewater at publicly owned treatment works.
In addition, some states and localities have adopted, and others are considering adopting, regulations or ordinances that could restrict hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, that would require, with some exceptions, disclosure of constituents of hydraulic fracturing fluids, or that would impose higher taxes, fees or royalties on natural gas production. Moreover, public debate over hydraulic fracturing and shale natural gas production has been increasing, and has resulted in delays of well permits in some areas.
Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and natural gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of oil and natural gas, including from the developing shale plays, incurred by our customers or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing in the unconventional resource plays where we focus our operations.
We depend on the services of key executives, the loss of whom could materially harm our business.
Our senior executives are important to our success because they are instrumental in setting our strategic direction, operating our business and technology, identifying, recruiting and training key personnel, and identifying customers and expansion opportunities. We also depend on the relationships that our senior management has with many of our customers. Losing the services of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business until a suitable replacement could be found. We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our senior executives. As a result, we are not insured against any losses resulting from the death of our key employees.
Rig upgrade, refurbishment and new rig construction projects, as well as the reactivation of rigs that have been idle for six months or longer, are subject to risks which could cause delays or cost overruns and adversely affect our cash flows, results of operations, and financial position.
New drilling rigs or rigs being upgraded, converted or re-activated following a period of stack may experience start-up complications and may encounter other operational problems that could result in significant delays, uncompensated downtime, reduced dayrates or the cancellation, termination or non-renewal of drilling contracts. Rig construction and upgrade projects are subject to risks of delay or significant cost overruns inherent in any large construction project from numerous factors, including the following:
shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor;
unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment or shipyard construction;


failure of equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards;
financial or operating difficulties of equipment vendors;
unanticipated actual or purported change orders;
inability by us or our customer to obtain required permits or approvals, or to meet applicable regulatory standards in our areas of operations;
unanticipated cost increases between order and delivery;
adverse weather conditions and other events of force majeure;
design or engineering changes; and
work stoppages and other labor disputes.

The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial position.

As we construct additional rigs in the future, we may experience difficulty integrating those rigs into our operations. Additionally, we may incur leverage and add additional financial risk to our business. To the extent we incur additional leverage in our business, it may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and growth strategy.
The process of constructing rigs may involve unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of management’s attention and other resources. We may not be able to successfully manage and integrate new rigs into our existing operations or successfully market our rigs and build market share attributable to drilling rigs that we construct. To the extent we experience some or all of these difficulties, our results of operations, financial condition and growth strategy could be adversely affected.
Expanding our fleet may cause us to incur additional financial leverage, increasing our financial risk and debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth strategy.
Our current estimated backlog of contract drilling revenue may not ultimately be realized.
As of December 31, 2017, our estimated contract drilling backlog for future revenues under term contracts, which we define as contracts with a fixed term of six months or more, was approximately $51.5 million. Our backlog does not include potential reductions in rates for unscheduled standby during periods in which the rig is moving, on standby or incurring maintenance and repair time in excess of contractually allowed downtime. To the extent that we have rigs under term contracts operating on a standby or standby-without-crew basis, our top line revenues will be less than our reported backlog from term contracts.
Fixed-term drilling contracts customarily provide for termination at the election of the customer, with an “early termination payment” to us if a contract is terminated prior to the expiration of the fixed term. Additionally, in certain circumstances, for example, destruction of a drilling rig that is not replaced within a specified period of time, our bankruptcy, or a breach of our contract obligations, the customer may not be obligated to make an early termination payment to us. Additionally, during depressed market conditions, such as those we are currently experiencing, or otherwise, customers may be unable to satisfy their contractual obligations or may seek to terminate, renegotiate or fail to honor their contractual obligations. In addition, we may not be able to perform under these contracts due to events beyond our control, and our customers may seek to cancel or negotiate our contracts for various reasons, including those described above. As a result, we may be unable to realize all of our current contract drilling backlog. In addition, the renegotiation or termination of fixed-term contracts without the receipt of early termination payments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our operating and maintenance costs with respect to our rigs include fixed costs that will not decline in proportion to decreases in dayrates.
We do not expect our operating and maintenance costs with respect to our rigs to necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in operating revenue. Operating revenue may fluctuate as a function of changes in dayrate, but costs for operating a rig and property taxes are generally fixed or only semi-variable regardless of the dayrate being earned. During times of reduced activity, reductions in costs may not be immediate as portions of the crew may be required to prepare our rigs for stacking, after which time the crew members are assigned to active rigs or dismissed. Moreover, when our rigs are mobilized from one geographic location to another, the labor and other operating and maintenance costs can vary significantly. In general, labor costs increase due to higher salary levels, inflation, and increases in workers’ compensation insurance. Equipment maintenance expenses fluctuate depending upon the type of activity the unit is performing and the age and condition of the equipment. Contract preparation expenses vary based on the scope and length of contract preparation required and the duration of the firm contractual period over which such expenditures are amortized.


We participate in a capital intensive business. We may not be able to finance future growth of our operations.
The contract drilling industry is capital intensive. Our cash flow from operations and the continued availability of credit are subject to a number of variables, including general economic conditions, conditions in the oil and natural gas market, and more specifically, our rig utilization rates, operating margins and ability to control costs and obtain contracts in a competitive industry. Our cash flow from operations and present borrowing capacity may not be sufficient to fund our anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements. We may from time to time seek additional financing, either in the form of bank borrowings, sales of debt or equity securities or otherwise. To the extent our capital resources and cash flow from operations are at any time insufficient to fund our activities or repay our indebtedness as it becomes due, we will need to raise additional funds through public or private financing or additional borrowings. We may not be able to obtain any such capital resources in the amount or at the time when needed. Based upon the significant downturn in market conditions, any new sources of debt capital would require substantially higher interest requirements, and any new sources of equity capital could be substantially dilutive to existing shareholders. Any limitations on our access to capital or increase in the cost of that capital could significantly impair our growth strategy. Our ability to maintain our targeted credit profile could affect our cost of capital as well as our ability to execute our growth strategy. In addition, a variety of factors beyond our control could impact the availability or cost of capital, including domestic or international economic conditions, increases in key benchmark interest rates and/or credit spreads, the adoption of new or amended banking or capital market laws or regulations, the re-pricing of market risks and volatility in capital and financial markets. If we are at any time not able to obtain the necessary capital resources, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under applicable debt instruments, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance indebtedness under our Credit Facility depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the interest or principal, when due, on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance indebtedness will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. In the absence of sufficient cash flows and capital resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet debt service and other obligations. Our Credit Facility currently restricts our ability to dispose of assets and our use of the proceeds from such disposition subject to certain defined exceptions. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions, and the proceeds of any such disposition may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet scheduled debt service obligations.
Restrictions in our existing and future debt agreements could limit our growth and our ability to engage in certain activities.
Our Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants, including restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to, among other things:
incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;
make loans to others;
make investments;
merge or consolidate with another entity;
transfer, lease or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;
make certain payments;
create or incur liens;
purchase, hold or acquire capital stock or certain other types of securities;
pay cash dividends;
enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and
engage in certain other transactions without the prior consent of the lenders.



A breach of any covenant in our Credit Facility would result in a default. A resulting event of default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the payment of the indebtedness outstanding under, and a termination of, our Credit Facility and in a default with respect to, and an acceleration of, the indebtedness outstanding under any other debt agreements. The accelerated indebtedness would become immediately due and payable. If that occurs, we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness. Even if new financing were available at that time, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.
A failure of any of our lenders to honor commitments or advance funds under our Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on our ability to fund our operations and business strategy.
Our Credit Facility limits the amounts we can borrow up to a borrowing base amount, although capped based on lender commitments, which is calculated monthly and is based upon the appraised value of our eligible drilling fleet and a percentage of our eligible accounts receivable. If a rig becomes idle for longer than 90 consecutive days, it is removed from our borrowing base until it is recontracted. The borrowing base under our Credit Facility was $106.7 million as calculated as of December 31, 2017, with lender commitments of $85.0 million.
In the future, we may not be able to access adequate funding under our Credit Facility as a result of a decrease in borrowing base based upon the outcome of a subsequent borrowing base redetermination or an unwillingness or inability on the part of lending counterparties to meet their funding obligations and the inability of other lenders to provide additional funding to cover the defaulting lender’s portion. As a result, we may be unable to implement our respective drilling and development plan, make acquisitions or otherwise carry out business plans, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may be adversely impacted by work stoppages or other labor matters.
We depend on skilled employees to build and operate our rigs, and any prolonged labor disruption involving our employees could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition by disrupting our ability to perform drilling-related services for our customers. Moreover, unionization efforts have been made from time to time within our industry, with varying degrees of success. Any such unionization could increase our costs or limit our flexibility.
Failure to hire and retain skilled personnel could adversely affect our business.
The delivery of our services and products and construction of our rigs requires personnel with specialized skills and experience who can perform physically demanding work. As a result of the volatility of the contract drilling industry and the demanding nature of the work, workers may choose to pursue employment in fields that offer a more desirable work environment at wage rates that are competitive, which occurred during the dramatic industry downturn that began in 2014 and lasted throughout 2016. Between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the United States land rig count, as reported by Baker Hughes, rose by 271 rigs, with a disproportionate amount of this increase occurring in the Company’s target markets of Texas and its contiguous states. This increase in activity has increased competition for, and decreased the availability of, experienced rig crews. This increased competition could result in an increase to our operating costs if we are forced to raise wages to compete for experienced rig crew talent, and could results in increased training and new hire related costs if we are required to train and assimilate lesser experienced crew personnel into our organization.
    Potential inability or lack of desire by workers to commute to our facilities and job sites and competition for workers from competitors or other industries are factors that could affect our ability to attract and retain workers. A significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of our skilled labor force, increases in the wage rates that we must pay, or both. If either or both of these events were to occur, our capacity and profitability could be diminished and our growth potential could be impaired.
Our ability to be productive and profitable will depend upon our ability to employ and retain skilled personnel and we cannot assure that at times of high demand we will be able to retain, recruit and train an adequate number of skilled workers. In addition, our ability to expand our operations will depend in part on our ability to increase the size of our skilled labor force. Our inability to attract and retain skilled workers in sufficient numbers to satisfy our existing service contracts and enter into new contracts could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth strategy.
We depend on a limited number of vendors, some of which are thinly capitalized and the loss of any of which could disrupt our operations.
Our contract drilling operations and our ability to construct new drilling rigs in a timely manner depend on the availability of various rig equipment, including VFD drives and drillers cabins, top drives, mud pumps, engines and drill pipe,


as well as replacement parts, related rig equipment and fuel. Some of these have been in short supply from time to time. In addition, key rig components critical to the construction of our rigs are either purchased from or fabricated by a single or limited number of vendors, including vendors that may compete against us from time to time. For many of these products and services, there are only a limited number of vendors and suppliers available to us.
We do not currently have any long-term supply contracts with any of our suppliers or subcontractors and may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our larger competitors when purchasing from these suppliers and subcontractors. Shortages could occur in these essential components due to an interruption of supply or increased demands in the industry. If we are unable to procure certain of such rig components or services from our subcontractors we would be required to reduce or delay our rig construction and other operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth strategy.
We could be adversely affected if shortages of equipment or supplies occur.
Increased or decreased demand among drilling contractors for consumable supplies, including fuel, and ancillary rig equipment, such as pumps, valves, drillpipe and engines, may lead to delays in obtaining these materials and our inability to operate our rigs in an efficient manner. Most of our contracts provide that our customers purchase the fuel that run our drilling rigs and thus bear the financial impact of increased fuel prices. However, prolonged shortages in the availability of fuel to run our drilling rigs resulting from action of the elements, terrorism or other force majeure events could result in the suspension of our contracts and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We have periodically experienced increased lead times in purchasing ancillary equipment for our drilling rigs. To the extent there are significant delays in being able to purchase important components for our rigs, certain of our rigs may not be available for operation or may not be able to operate as efficiently as expected, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Reduced demand can drive suppliers from the market. With reduced suppliers, consumables for our operations may not be readily available. Additionally, suppliers may experience shortfalls in obtaining their materials and/or labor. Suppliers who have been regular providers to us may experience shortfalls that may lead to delays as we secure other sources.
Legal proceedings could have a negative impact on our business.
The nature of our business makes us susceptible to legal proceedings and governmental investigations from time to time. Lawsuits or claims against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any litigation or claims, even if fully indemnified or insured, could negatively affect our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it more difficult for us to compete effectively or obtain adequate insurance in the future.
Regulatory compliance costs and restrictions, as well as any delays in obtaining permits by our customers for their operations, could impair our business.
The operations of our customers are subject to or impacted by a wide array of regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result of changes in regulations and laws relating to the oil and natural gas industry, including land drilling, our customers’ operations could be disrupted or curtailed by governmental authorities. In most states, our customers are required to obtain permits from one or more governmental agencies in order to perform drilling and completion activities. Such permits are typically required by state agencies, but can also be required by federal and local governmental agencies. The requirements for such permits vary depending on the location where such drilling and completion activities will be conducted. As with all governmental permitting processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit to be issued, and the conditions which may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit. Additionally, the high cost of compliance with applicable regulations may cause customers to discontinue or limit their operations or defer planned drilling, and may discourage companies from continuing development activities. As a result, demand for our services could be substantially affected by regulations adversely impacting the oil and natural gas industry.
We are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant liabilities for penalties, damages or costs of remediation or compliance.
Our operations are subject to federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of natural resources and the environment, health and safety aspects of our operations and waste management, including the transportation and disposal of waste and other materials. These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations on our operations, including the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities, the incurrence of capital expenditures to mitigate or prevent releases of materials from our facilities, the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations and the application of specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in investigations, restrictions or orders suspending well operations, the assessment of administrative,


civil and criminal penalties, the revocation of permits and the issuance of corrective action orders, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There is inherent risk of environmental costs and liabilities in our business as a result of our handling of petroleum hydrocarbons and oilfield and industrial wastes, air emissions and wastewater discharges related to our operations, and historical industry operations and waste disposal practices. Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict, joint and several liability, which means that in some situations, we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was without fault or lawful at the time it occurred or as a result of the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior operators or other third parties. Clean-up costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and costs associated with changes in environmental laws and regulations could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Laws protecting the environment generally have become more stringent over time and are expected to continue to do so, which could lead to material increases in costs for future environmental compliance and remediation. The modification or interpretation of existing laws or regulations, or the adoption of new laws or regulations, could curtail exploratory or developmental drilling for oil and natural gas, could limit well servicing opportunities or impose unforeseen liabilities. We may not be able to recover some or any of our costs of compliance with these laws and regulations from insurance.
Potential listing of species as “endangered” under the federal ESA could result in increased costs and new operating restrictions or delays on our oil and natural gas exploration and production customers, which could adversely reduce the amount of contract drilling services that we provide to such customers.
The federal ESA and analogous state laws regulate a variety of activities, including oil and natural gas development, which could have an adverse effect on species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or their habitats. The designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species or the designation of previously unprotected areas as a critical habitat could cause oil could cause oil and natural gas exploration and production operators to incur additional costs or become subject to operating delays, restrictions or bans in affected areas, which impacts could adversely reduce the amount of drilling activities in affected areas, including support services that we provide to such operators under our contract drilling services segment. Numerous species have been listed or proposed for protected status in areas in which we provide or could in the future provide field services. For instance, the sage grouse, the lesser prairie-chicken and certain wildflower species, among others, are species that have been or are being considered for protected status under the ESA and whose range can coincide with our oil and natural gas production activities. The presence of protected species in areas where operators for whom we provide contract drilling services conduct exploration and production operations could impair such operators’ ability to timely complete well drilling and development and, consequently, adversely affect the amount of contract drilling or other field services that we provided to such operators, which reduction of services could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.
Climate change legislation or regulations restricting or regulating emissions of greenhouse gases could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for our field services.
In response to findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases from industrial and energy sources contribute to increases of carbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans and contribute to global warming and other environmental effects, the EPA has adopted various regulations under the federal Clean Air Act addressing emissions of greenhouse gases that may affect the oil and natural gas industry. During 2012, the EPA published rules that include standards to reduce methane emissions associated with oil and natural gas production. In May 2016, the EPA finalized regulations that set methane emission standards for new and modified oil and natural gas facilities, including production facilities. In July 2017, the EPA proposed a two-year stay of certain requirements of this rule pending reconsideration of the rule. In addition, the United States has been involved in international negotiations regarding greenhouse gas reductions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and was among the 195 nations that signed an international accord in December 2015 with the objective of limiting greenhouse gas emission. The Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016; however, the United States announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on June 1, 2017. The United States’ status and continued participation in these and other initiatives or regulatory changes could result in increased costs of development and production and could have adverse effects on our operations. Additionally, certain U.S. states and regional coalitions of states have adopted measures regulating or limiting greenhouse gases from certain sources or have adopted policies seeking to reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases. The adoption and implementation of any international treaty or of any federal or state legislation or regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions of greenhouse gases from, our equipment and operations could require us to incur costs to comply with such requirements and possibly require the reduction or limitation of emissions of greenhouse gases associated with our operations and other sources within the industrial or energy sectors. Such legislation or regulations could adversely affect demand for the production of oil and natural gas and thus reduce demand for the services we provide to oil and natural gas producers as well as increase our


operating costs by requiring additional costs to operate and maintain equipment and facilities, install emissions controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes and fees relating to emissions, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases may produce changes in climate or weather, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events, which if any such effects were to occur, could have adverse physical effects on our operations, physical assets and field services to exploration and production operators.
The effects of severe weather could adversely affect our operations.
Changes in climate due to global warming trends could adversely affect our operations by limiting, or increasing the costs associated with, equipment or product supplies. In addition, coastal flooding and adverse weather conditions such as increased frequency and/or severity of hurricanes could impair our ability to operate in affected regions of the country. Oil and natural gas operations of our customers located in Louisiana and parts of Texas may be adversely affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, resulting in reduced demand for our services. Repercussions of severe weather conditions may include: curtailment of services; weather-related damage to facilities and equipment; suspension of operations; inability to deliver equipment, personnel and products to job sites in accordance with contract schedules; and loss of productivity. These constraints could delay our operations and materially increase our operating and capital costs. Unusually warm winters also adversely affect the demand for our services by decreasing the demand for natural gas.
Our business is subject to cybersecurity risks and threats.
Threats to information technology systems associated with cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents or attacks continue to grow. It is possible that our business, financial and other systems could be compromised, which might not be noticed for some period of time. Risks associated with these threats include, among other things, loss of intellectual property, disruption of our and customers’ business operations and safety procedures, loss or damage to our worksite data delivery systems, and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events.
Any future implementation of price controls on oil and natural gas would affect our operations.
Certain groups have asserted efforts to have the United States Congress impose some form of price controls on either oil, natural gas, or both. There is no way at this time to know what results these efforts may have. However, any future limits on the price of oil or natural gas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Improvements in or new discoveries of alternative energy technologies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Since our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, any improvement in or new discoveries of alternative energy technologies that increase the use of alternative forms of energy and reduce the demand for oil and natural gas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Liquidity
The borrowing base under our Credit Facility may decline during 2018.
At December 31, 2017, the borrowing base under our Credit Facility was $106.7 million, and we had $36.5 million of availability remaining of our $85.0 million commitment on that date. The borrowing base under the facility is calculated based upon the sum of (1) 85% of our eligible accounts receivable and (2) an advance percentage multiplied by the appraised forced liquidation value of our eligible drilling rigs. In most circumstances, all of accounts receivable are considered eligible unless they are more than 90 days past due.
With respect to the portion of the borrowing base tied to the appraised forced liquidation value of our eligible rigs, a rig is generally included in the borrowing base unless it has ceased earning revenue under a contract for 90 consecutive days or greater, and it will continue to be excluded until such time as a new drilling contract for the rig is executed.
At December 31, 2017, the advance percentage utilized to calculate the borrowing base was 73.75%. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, this advance rate will decline 1.25% each quarter beginning January 1, 2018 through June 2019. Thereafter, through the maturity date, the advance rate remains at 65.0%.
The lenders have the right to reappraise our drilling fleet throughout the year, and there cannot be any assurance that future appraisals will not adversely affect the appraised values of our rigs due to the aging of our rigs or if market conditions decline.


At December 31, 2017, we had 14 rigs that were eligible to be included in the equipment portion of the borrowing base.
If at any time our borrowing base falls below our outstanding balance under our Credit Facility, and we were not able to promptly repay such deficiency, we would be required to repay to the banks any deficiency amount. In such event, if our available cash balances were not sufficient to repay such amounts, we would be required to obtain other debt or equity financing necessary to cure such deficiency, and there can be no assurance that such additional financing sources would be available to us, or available on terms acceptable to us. Any inability to timely cure any deficiency between our borrowing base and Credit Facility balance may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
Our ability to comply with the leverage covenant and fixed charge coverage ratio covenant contained in our Credit Facility is based upon our future cash flows and debt levels.
Our Credit Facility requires us to maintain a leverage ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), not to exceed the following in the respective time periods: 1Q'18 and 2Q'18: 4.0x; 3Q'18 and 4Q'18: 3.75x; 1Q'19 and 2Q'19: 3.5x; 3Q'19: 3.25x; and thereafter 3.0x. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, and certain other gains, losses, and expenses (including up to $2.0 million of Galayda yard costs previously capitalized when construction activities were continuous). As of December 31, 2017, the leverage ratio covenant was not to exceed 4.0x.
The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio ("FCCR") of not less than 1.1 to 1.0. The FCCR is equal to adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures divided by cash interest expense plus scheduled principal payments, cash dividends and capital lease obligations plus cash taxes paid. The following capital expenditures are excluded from the calculation of FCCR: (1) capital expenditures incurred before November 1, 2015 and (2) capital expenditures financed through capital sources other than the Credit Facility on or after July 1, 2017.
Our compliance with each of these covenants depends significantly upon our level of cash flows in 2018 and beyond, which are based upon factors such as spot dayrates and rig utilization that are difficult to predict based upon the downturn in market conditions our industry has experienced. In particular, our ability to comply with our leverage and FCCR covenant in 2018 and beyond is predicated upon market conditions not deteriorating. If we are not able to comply with the covenants contained in our Credit Facility, we would be required to seek a waiver or amendment to the facility, or seek alternative financing sources, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative financing sources. Any failure to comply with the financial covenants contained in our Credit Facility, or to cure any such non-compliance may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
Our ability to complete our two partially completed new build rigs is dependent upon our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and availability under our Credit Facility.
A key component of our growth strategy is completing two new build 200 Series rigs for which we already have made substantial investments. Our ability to complete these projects will be dependent upon adequate availability under our Credit Facility, and more importantly, on our ability to comply with the covenants, including financial covenants, under our Credit Facility after taking into account the increased debt levels we would incur associated with completing these projects. Therefore, there is no assurance that we can complete all of these capital projects and fully execute our near-term growth strategy.
Our Credit Facility contains a subjective acceleration clause, and a springing lock-box arrangement that is triggered when availability under our Credit Facility falls below $10 million. Under applicable accounting rules, outstanding balances under our Credit Facility will be reclassified from long-term to current if this triggering event occurs.
The Credit Facility matures on November 5, 2020. The Credit Facility provides for a springing lock-box arrangement that is only triggered upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility or if availability under the Credit Facility falls below the greater of (A) $10.0 million and (B) the lesser of 10% of the borrowing base or 10% of the total commitments under the facility. The Credit Facility provides that an event of default may occur if a material adverse change to us occurs, which is considered a subjective acceleration clause under applicable accounting rules. Under ASC 470-10-45, because of the existence of this clause, borrowings under the Credit Facility will be required to be classified as current in the event the springing lock-box event occurs, regardless of the actual maturity of the borrowings. We had $48.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2017. Remaining availability of our $85.0 million commitment under the Credit Facility was $36.5 million at December 31, 2017, and we are currently in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility. The lenders have the right to reappraise our drilling fleet in the future as well, and there cannot be any assurance that future appraisals will not adversely affect the appraised values of our rigs due to the aging of our rigs or if market conditions decline.


Increases in interest rates could adversely affect our business.
Our business and operating results can be harmed by factors such as the availability, terms of and cost of capital, increases in interest rates or a reduction in credit rating. These changes could cause our cost of doing business to increase, limit our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, reduce cash flow used for capital expenditures and place us at a competitive disadvantage. For example, total long-term debt at December 31, 2017 included $48.5 million of floating-rate debt attributed to borrowings at an average interest rate of 6.04%, and the impact on annual cash flow of a 10% change in the floating-rate (approximately 0.60%) would be approximately $0.3 million annually based on the floating-rate debt and other obligations outstanding at December 31, 2017; however, there are no assurances that possible rate changes would be limited to such amounts.  A significant reduction in cash flows from operations or the availability of credit could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve our desired growth and operating results.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Our stock price is subject to volatility.
The market price of common stock of companies engaged in the oil and natural gas service industry, including our common stock price, has been highly volatile. Stock price volatility could adversely affect our business operations by, among other things, impeding our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and to obtain additional financing.
In addition to the other risk factors discussed in this section, the price and volume volatility of our common stock may be affected by:
operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;
factors influencing the levels of global oil and natural gas exploration and exploitation activities, such as a downturn in oil prices;
the operating and securities price performance of companies that investors or analysts consider comparable to us;
announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions and other material events by us or our competitors; and
changes in global financial markets and global economies and general market conditions, such as interest rates, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets.

To the extent that the price of our common stock remains at lower levels or it declines further, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or otherwise use our common stock as consideration will be reduced. In addition, increases in our leverage may make it more difficult for us to access additional capital. These factors may limit our ability to implement our operating and growth plans.
Because we have no plans to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future, investors must look solely to stock appreciation for a return on their investment in us.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since our incorporation and our Credit Facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to support our operations and growth. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent on the amount of funds legally available, our financial condition, capital requirements, ability to pay such dividends under our then existing Credit Facility and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
Provisions in our organizational documents and under Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of our company at a premium that a stockholder may consider favorable, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
The existence of some provisions in our organizational documents and under Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of our company that a stockholder may consider favorable, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. The provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that could delay or prevent an unsolicited change in control of our company include:
provisions regulating the ability of our stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters for action at annual meetings of our stockholders;
limitations on the ability of our stockholders to call a special meeting and act by written consent; and
the authorization given to our board of directors to issue and set the terms of preferred stock.



Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock in the event of our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders or rank senior to our common stock, may adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
We intend to evaluate and may attempt to increase our capital resources by offering debt or equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes, convertible notes and classes of preferred stock. In the event of our liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market value of our common stock, or both. Our preferred stock, if issued, could have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that would limit amounts available for distribution to holders of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our common stock bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market value of our common stock and diluting their shareholdings in us.
For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.
In April 2012, President Obama signed into law the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"). We are classified as an emerging growth company (an "EGC") under the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an EGC, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things: (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; (ii) comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer; (iii) provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies; or (iv) hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will remain an EGC for up to five years, although we will lose that status sooner if we have more than $1.07 billion of revenues in a fiscal year, have more than $700 million in market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.
To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to EGCs, we will provide less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not emerging growth companies. If some investors find our common stock to be less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.


Item 15.

ITEM 1B.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules25
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

PART III

None.
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM  2.
PROPERTIES

Board

We own an approximate 14.4 acre corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas 77086. The complex includes approximately 18,000 square feet of Directors

office space and 76,000 square feet of warehouse space. During 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell this property in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As of December 31, 2017, the property is available for sale. We also lease an additional approximate 0.2 acres of land for equipment and supply storage.

Additionally, we lease office space in northwest Houston as a temporary location for our corporate operations after our corporate headquarter offices suffered water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
We believe that all of our existing properties are suitable for their intended uses and are sufficient to support our operations. We do not believe that any single property is material to our operations and, if necessary, we could obtain a replacement facility. We continuously evaluate the needs of our business, and we will purchase or lease additional properties or reduce our properties, as our business requires.
ITEM  3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are the subject of certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such legal proceedings and claims. While the legal proceedings and claims may be asserted for amounts that may be material should an unfavorable outcome be the result, management does not currently expect that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. In addition, management monitors our legal proceedings and claims on a quarterly basis and establishes and adjusts any reserves as appropriate to reflect our assessment of the then-current status of such matters.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information for Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ICD”. The table below presents the high and low daily closing sales prices of the common stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, for the periods indicated:
 High Low
2017:   
First Quarter$7.14
 $4.70
Second Quarter$5.81
 $3.30
Third Quarter$4.22
 $3.03
Fourth Quarter$4.06
 $2.80
2016:   
First Quarter$5.40
 $3.44
Second Quarter$5.88
 $3.76
Third Quarter$5.63
 $4.68
Fourth Quarter$6.97
 $3.93
Holders of Record
As of February 20, 2018, we had 38,098,248 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 20 holders of record. This number includes registered stockholders and does not include stockholders who hold their shares institutionally.
Dividend Policy
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, our Credit Facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends on our common stock, and we do not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on funds legally available, our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, the ability to pay cash dividends under our then existing Credit Facility and other factors deemed relevant by our board.
Stock Performance Graph
The following stock performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent that we specifically incorporate such information by reference into such a filing. The graph and information is included for historical comparative purposes only and should not be considered indicative of future stock performance.
The following graph compares our cumulative total stockholder return during the period from our initial public offering (IPO) on August 7, 2014 to December 31, 2017 with total stockholder return during the same period for the Standard & Poors 500 Index and an index of peer companies. The graph assumes that (i) $100 was invested in our common stock on August 8, 2014 at our IPO price of $11.00 per share, (ii) $100 was invested in each index on August 8, 2014 at the closing price on such date, and (iii) all dividends, if any, were reinvested.


 8/8/2014 9/30/2014 12/31/2014 6/30/2015 12/31/2015 6/30/2016 12/31/2016 6/30/2017 12/31/2017
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.$100.00
 $106.24
 $47.20
 $80.20
 $45.66
 $49.10
 $60.58
 $35.17
 $35.99
S&P 500 Index$100.00
 $102.42
 $107.47
 $108.77
 $108.91
 $113.01
 $121.81
 $133.12
 $148.22
Peer Index$100.00
 $92.85
 $56.16
 $60.68
 $43.34
 $56.95
 $70.06
 $49.54
 $55.87
The index of peer companies consists of: Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Nabors Industries, Ltd., Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., Pioneer Energy Services Corp., Precision Drilling Corporation, Trinidad Drilling Ltd., Superior Energy Services, Inc. and RPC, Inc.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
None.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the fourth quarter of 2017, we withheld shares of our common stock to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of certain stock awards.  These shares are elected annually and serve one-year terms or until their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal or until their successorsdeemed to be “issuer purchases” of shares that are required to be disclosed pursuant to this Item but were not purchased as part of a publicly announced program to repurchase common shares. The following table provides information relating to our repurchase of shares of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands, except average price paid per share):
  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Program (1)
October 1 — October 31 
 $
 
 $
November 1 — November 30 
 $
 
 $
December 1 — December 31 3,515
 $3.44
 
 $
(1)        We do not have been duly elected and qualified. a current share repurchase program authorized by the board of directors.



ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth our selected historical financial data. Our selected historical financial data as of and for the names and agesperiods presented below were derived from our audited financial statements.
Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our directors,future operating results. The share information gives effect to a 1.57-for-1 stock split in the year they first becameform of a directorstock dividend on July 24, 2014. The selected historical financial data presented below is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the positions they holdfinancial statements and related Notes included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
 Year Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
Statement of operations data(1):
         
Revenues$90,007
 $70,062
 $88,418
 $70,347
 $42,786
Operating costs67,733
 43,277
 52,087
 42,654
 28,401
Selling, general and administrative(2)
13,213
 16,144
 14,483
 12,222
 8,911
Depreciation and amortization25,844
 23,808
 21,151
 16,181
 10,186
Goodwill impairment and other charges(3)

 
 
 30,627
 
Asset impairments, net of insurance recoveries(4)
2,568
 3,822
 2,708
 1,711
 
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net1,677
 1,942
 2,940
 19
 (55)
Total cost and expenses111,035
 88,993
 93,369
 103,414
 47,443
Operating loss(21,028) (18,931) (4,951) (33,067) (4,657)
Interest expense(2,983) (3,045) (3,254) (1,648) (257)
Gain on warrant derivative(5)

 
 
 3,189
 1,035
Loss before income taxes(24,011) (21,976) (8,205) (31,526) (3,879)
Income tax expense (benefit)287
 202
 (325) (3,358) (1,882)
Net loss$(24,298) $(22,178) $(7,880) $(28,168) $(1,997)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted)37,762
 33,118
 23,904
 17,078
 12,179
Net loss per share (basic and diluted)$(0.64) $(0.67) $(0.33) $(1.65) $(0.16)
Cash flow data:         
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,933
 $16,973
 $27,379
 $3,809
 $5,997
Net cash used in investing activities(30,094) (20,058) (72,219) (112,686) (59,273)
Net cash provided by financing activities20,623
 4,812
 39,427
 116,904
 18,599
Balance sheet data:         
Total assets$304,645
 $302,107
 $314,789
 $289,547
 $184,968
Long-term debt49,278
 26,078
 62,708
 
 19,780
Total liabilities69,163
 44,855
 82,052
 52,811
 40,096
Total stockholders’ equity235,482
 257,252
 232,737
 236,736
 144,872
(1)There are no other components of comprehensive income or loss.
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2016, includes a one-time retirement payment of $1.5 million.


(3)Represents the impairment of goodwill totaling $11.0 million and accelerated amortization of our rig manufacturing intellectual property totaling $19.6 million.
(4)For the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily represents asset impairment expense associated with the impairment of certain held for sale assets and the impairment of our corporate headquarters as a result of water damage attributable to Hurricane Harvey that affected the Houston area in late August of 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2016, represents asset impairment expense associated with the impairment of certain assets designated as held for sale. For the year ended December 31, 2015, represents asset impairment expense associated with the impairment of various rig components of our last remaining non-walking rig and asset impairment expense associated with damage to a driller's cabin, offset by final insurance recoveries. For the year ended December 31, 2014, represents asset impairment expense associated with damage sustained to the mast and other operating equipment on one of our non-walking rigs, net of insurance claim recoveries. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
(5)Represents a non-cash gain associated with the decrease in the estimated fair value of a warrant to purchase 2.2 million shares issued to Global Energy Services, Inc. in the acquisition transaction that was completed in March 2012. The warrant expired unexercised on March 2, 2015.


ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the Company as of April 29, 2016:

Director Nominee

  

Position and Offices

  Director Since  Age

Thomas R. Bates, Jr.

  Chairman of the Board, Director  2011  66

Byron A. Dunn

  Chief Executive Officer, Director  2011  58

Arthur Einav

  Director  2012  40

Matthew D. Fitzgerald

  Director  2012  58

Edward S. Jacob, III

  President, Chief Operating Officer, Director  2014  63

Daniel F. McNease

  Director  2013  64

Tighe A. Noonan

  Director  2011  59

Director Biographiesfollowing discussion and Qualifications

Described below are the principal occupations and positions and directorships for at least the past five yearsanalysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with "Item 6. Selected Financial Data" and the financial statements and related notes that are included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current directors,expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including without limitation those described in Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management Overview
We were incorporated in Delaware on November 4, 2011. We provide land-based contract drilling services for oil and natural gas producers targeting unconventional resource plays in the United States. We construct, own and operate a premium land rig fleet comprised entirely of technologically advanced, custom designed ShaleDriller rigs that are specifically engineered and designed to optimize the development of our customers’ most technically demanding oil and natural gas properties. Our first rig began drilling in May 2012.

Our standardized fleet consists of 14 premium 200 Series ShaleDriller rigs, all of which are equipped with our integrated omni-directional walking system that is specifically designed to optimize pad drilling for our customers. Every rig in our fleet is a 1500-hp, AC programmable rig (“AC rig”) designed to be fast-moving between drilling sites and is equipped with 7500 psi mud systems, top drives, automated tubular handling systems and blowout preventer (“BOP”) handling systems. All of our rigs are equipped with bi-fuel capabilities that enable the rig to operate on either diesel or a natural gas-diesel blend.

Our business depends on the level of exploration and production activity by oil and natural gas companies operating in the United States, and in particular, the regions where we actively market our contract drilling services. The oil and natural gas exploration and production industry is a historically cyclical industry characterized by significant changes in the levels of exploration and development activities. Oil and natural gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in those prices significantly affect the levels of those activities. Worldwide political, regulatory, economic, and military events, as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and natural gas price volatility historically, and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Any prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities in the United States and the regions where we market our contract drilling services, whether resulting from changes in oil and natural gas prices or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect our business.
Both oil and natural gas prices began to decline in the second half of 2014, declined further during 2015 and remained low in 2016. The closing price of oil was as high as $106.06 per barrel during the third quarter of 2014, was $37.13 per barrel on December 31, 2015 and reached a low of $26.19 on February 11, 2016 (West Texas Intermediate - Cushing, Oklahoma (“WTI”) spot price as reported by the United States Energy Information Administration (the “EIA”)). Similarly, natural gas prices (as measured at Henry Hub) declined from an average of $4.37 per MMBtu in 2014, to $2.62 per MMBtu in 2015, $2.52 per MMBtu in 2016. As a result, our industry experienced an exceptional downturn and market conditions have only begun to stabilize and slowly recover.

In November 2016, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) members formally agreed to reduce their production quotas, starting January 1, 2017. These production cuts significantly reduced the overhang of global oil supplies. OPEC members met in December 2017 and agreed to extend the freeze into 2018, and are expected to meet again in June 2018 to review market conditions and the impact of their freeze on global supplies. In addition to OPEC members, certain additional information regardingnon-OPEC producers such as Russia have agreed to production cuts, which has also supported crude oil and related energy commodity prices.

As a result of these supply cuts and positive demand trends, crude oil prices recovered to the $45 to $55 per barrel range, with WTI oil prices reaching a three-year high of $66.27 on January 26, 2018. Similarly, natural gas prices at Henry Hub averaged $2.99 per MMBtu in 2017, and have averaged $3.41 per MMBtu in 2018, as of February 20, 2018. While this continued recovery in pricing is promising, there are no indications at this time that oil and natural gas prices and rig counts will recover to their individual experience, qualifications, attributesprevious highs experienced in 2014.

Due to this deterioration and skillsstabilization of commodity prices well below previous highs, our customers are principally focused on their most economic wells, and driving cost and production efficiencies that leddeliver the most economic wells with the lowest capital costs. As a result of this drive towards production and cost efficiencies, operators are focusing more of their capital spending on horizontal drilling programs compared to vertical drilling, and are more focused on utilizing


drilling equipment and techniques that optimize costs and efficiency. Thus, we believe the rapid market deterioration and stabilization of oil prices well below historical highs has significantly accelerated the pace of the ongoing land rig replacement cycle and continued shift to horizontal drilling from multi-well pads utilizing “pad optimal” rig technology.
As market conditions have improved from trough levels in 2016 and begun to stabilize higher, demand for our Board to conclude that eachShaleDriller rigs has improved. At December 31, 2017, all 14 of our directors should serverigs were under contract. In addition to improving utilization, contract tenors are improving with customers willing to sign term contracts of six to twelve months or longer, and at higher dayrates compared to trough levels, with the potential to move higher if market conditions continue to improve. However, the pace and duration of the current recovery is unknown, and if oil prices were to fall below $45 per barrel for any sustained period of time, market conditions and demand for our products and services could deteriorate.
Emerging Growth Company
We are an emerging growth company ("EGC") as defined under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, commonly referred to as the “JOBS Act”.  We will remain an EGC for up to five years from the date of the completion of our initial public offering (the “IPO”) on August 13, 2014, or until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (2) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (3) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
     As an EGC, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not EGCs including, but not limited to: 
not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements related to our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements; and
exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an EGC can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Under this provision, an EGC can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have not elected to avail ourselves of the extended transition period available to EGCs, therefore, we will be subject to new or revised accounting standards at the same time as other public companies that are not EGCs.
Significant Developments
Assets Held for Sale
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we began a review of our rig fleet and other capital equipment with a focus on opportunities to standardize certain rig components across our fleet. The standardization of this equipment creates operating efficiencies in maintaining this equipment, as well as efficiencies when crews transfer between rigs. As a result of our review, we identified several non-standard items which, while fully functional, were less than optimal from an operations perspective. We recorded an asset impairment charge of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, to write down these assets to fair value less estimated cost to sell. Such assets were classified as held for sale on our December 31, 2016 balance sheet. In the second quarter of 2017, we sold $1.6 million of these assets and recognized a loss on the Board. There are no family relationships among anysale of our directorsassets of $0.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we impaired the entire carrying value, or executive officers.

Thomas R. Bates, Jr., Ph.D., Chairman$1.0 million, related to certain of the Board. Dr. Bates has servedassets held for sale, for which management currently believes there is substantial doubt that the third party manufacturer will service and warranty the equipment. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of drilling equipment in assets held for sale is $1.2 million.



During the second quarter of 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell our corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas, in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As a result, we reclassified an aggregate $4.0 million of land, buildings and equipment from property, plant and equipment to assets held for sale on our balance sheet after recognizing a $0.5 million asset impairment charge representing the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, less the estimated costs to sell the related property. In the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an additional asset impairment on the property, reducing assets held for sale, of $0.6 million, as our Chairmana result of water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Board sinceGalayda property in assets held for sale is $3.4 million.
Amendment of Credit Facility
In July 2017, we amended our existing amended and restated credit agreement ("the Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility amendment maintained the aggregate commitments under the facility at $85.0 million and extended the maturity date by two years to November 2011. Dr. Bates has been5, 2020. In addition, the amendment provided for an Adjunct Professoradditional uncommitted $65.0 million accordion feature that allows for future increases in facility commitments.
Interest under the Credit Facility remains unchanged. The amendment contained various changes to the financial and Co-Chairother covenants to accommodate the extension in term, including changes to the leverage ratio covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and rig utilization ratio covenant.
Retirement and Resignation of the Energy MBA Advisory Board in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, where he has taught courses in energy macroeconomics since January 2011. From January 2010 until December 2012, Dr. Bates was a Senior Advisor to Lime Rock Management LP and was a Managing Director at the private equity firm from October 2001 until December 2009, where he was responsible for global investing in oil service and oil service technology. Before joining Lime Rock, Dr. Bates had 25 years of experience in senior oil service management and operations with Schlumberger Ltd., Weatherford Enterra Inc. and Baker Hughes Inc. Dr. Bates presently serves on the board of directors of TETRA Technologies Inc., Alacer Gold Corporation and Vantage Drilling International and previously served on the board of directors of Hercules Offshore, Inc., NATCO Group, Inc., T-3 Energy Services, Inc., and Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA. Dr. Bates graduated from the University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

Byron A. Dunn, Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dunn was one of our original founders and has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a director since our inception in 2011. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Dunn served as a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Energy Services, whose Drilling Group formed the rig manufacturing division of our company upon our formation. From 2010 to 2011, Mr. Dunn served as a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Erin Energy Corp, a NYSE listed international E&P company with operations in China and Africa. Previously Mr. Dunn served as Vice President of National Oilwell Varco (“NOV”), President of NOV’s 3,500 employee, $1.0 billion revenue Eastern Hemisphere Rig Solutions Group and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TTS Marine ASA. Mr. Dunn also chaired the National Oilwell/Varco merger integration task force. Mr. Dunn has over 15 years’ experience in investment banking, last serving as Executive Director of the UBS Global Energy and Power Group. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also holds a CFA charter and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and is a Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors. He serves on the Board of Directors of Brace Industrial Group and as Chairman of its HSE Committee.

Arthur Einav, Director.Mr. Einav has served as a director on our Board of Directors since March 2012. Mr. Einav has served in various positions at Sprott Inc. since May 2010 and is currently Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Sprott Resource Corp. and Sprott Consulting LP and General Counsel at Sprott Inc. Prior to joining the Sprott group of companies, Mr. Einav was an associate at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (“Davis Polk”) from July 2005 until May 2010. Mr. Einav has worked on public and private debt and equity offerings, exchange offers, mergers and acquisitions and debt restructurings in a variety of industries. Prior to joining Davis Polk, Mr. Einav was an associate at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Mr. Einav presently serves as a director of Corsa Coal Corp. and RII North America Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Masters in Business Administration from Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the New York State Bar.

Matthew D. Fitzgerald,Director. Mr. Fitzgerald has served as a director on our Board of Directors since April 2012. Mr. Fitzgerald is now a private investor and volunteer instructor and counselor with SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), an affiliate of the Small Business Administration. From 2009 until July 2013, Mr. Fitzgerald served as President of Total Choice Communications LLC, a wireless retailer in Houston, Texas. Mr. Fitzgerald retired from Grant Prideco, Inc., one of the world’s largest suppliers of drill pipe and drill bits, following its merger with National Oilwell Varco in 2008. He had served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer beginning in January 2004 and as Treasurer beginning in February 2007. Mr. Fitzgerald held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of Veritas DGC from 2001 until January 2004. Mr. Fitzgerald also served as Vice President and Controller for BJ Services Company from 1989 to 2001. He previously served on the board of directors of Rosetta Resources, Inc., and Maverick Oil and Gas, Inc. Mr. Fitzgerald began his career as a certified public accountant with the accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Masters in Accountancy from the University of Florida.

Edward S. Jacob, III,Director, President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Jacob has served as

In June 2016, our President and Chief Operating Officer announced his retirement as an officer and director of ICD effective June 30, 2016.  In connection with his retirement, we entered into a Retirement Agreement on June 9, 2016 (the “Retirement Agreement”), setting out certain terms and conditions governing the executive’s retirement. Under the terms of the Retirement Agreement, we agreed to make certain retirement benefits available to the executive, including a cash retirement payment of approximately $1.5 million which was paid in one lump sum on January 3, 2017 and accelerated vesting of certain outstanding equity awards.  The retirement payment was recorded as accrued salaries in our balance sheet and as selling, general and administrative expense in our statements of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Public Offering of Common Stock
On April 26, 2016, we completed an underwritten public offering of 13,225,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $3.50 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $42.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.
Disposal of Drilling Equipment due to Rig Conversion and Impairment of our last Remaining Non-Walking Rig
During 2017 and 2016, we recorded an additional $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively, loss on disposal associated with the upgrade of the mud systems on our rigs to high pressure status.
During 2015, we began to convert one of our non-walking rigs to pad optimal status, equipped with our 200 Series substructure, omni-directional walking system and 7500psi mud system. As part of this rig conversion, key components of the prior rig were decommissioned and were replaced, including the rig's substructure and mud system components which were no longer compatible with the converted rig. As a result, we recorded a preliminary estimate of the loss on disposal totaling $2.5 million.
During 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million relating to the substructure, mast and various other rig components of our last remaining non-walking rig due to its limited marketability in its current configuration given market conditions.
Our Revenues
We earn contract drilling revenues pursuant to drilling contracts entered into with our customers. We perform drilling services on a “daywork” basis, under which we charge a specified rate per day, or “dayrate.” The dayrate associated with each of our contracts is a negotiated price determined by the capabilities of the rig, location, depth and complexity of the wells to be drilled, operating conditions, duration of the contract and market conditions. The term of land drilling contracts may be for a defined number of wells or for a fixed time period. We generally receive lump-sum payments for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment at the commencement of a new drilling contract. Revenue and costs associated with the initial


mobilization are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the related drilling contract once the rig spuds. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other equipment to an area in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. If a contract is terminated prior to the specified contract term, early termination payments received from the customer are only recognized as revenues when all contractual obligations, such as mitigation requirements, are satisfied. While under contract, our rigs generally earn a reduced rate while the rig is moving between wells or drilling locations, or on standby waiting for the customer. Reimbursements for the purchase of supplies, equipment, trucking and other services that are provided at the request of our customers are recorded as revenue when incurred.  The related costs are recorded as operating expenses when incurred. Revenue is presented net of any sales tax charged to the customer that we are required to remit to local or state governmental taxing authorities.
Our Operating Costs
Our operating costs include all expenses associated with operating and maintaining our drilling rigs. Operating costs include all “rig level” expenses such as labor and related payroll costs, repair and maintenance expenses, supplies, workers' compensation and other insurance, ad valorem taxes and equipment rental costs. Also included in our operating costs are certain costs that are not incurred at the “rig level.” These costs include expenses directly associated with our operations management team as well as our safety and maintenance personnel who are not directly assigned to our rigs but are responsible for the oversight and support of our operations and safety and maintenance programs across our fleet.
Our operating costs also include costs and expenses associated with construction activities at our Galayda yard location to the extent that construction activities cease or are not continuous. As a result of the significant downturn in industry conditions, we substantially reduced our rig construction activities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and into 2016. As a result, we began expensing a portion of our Galayda yard construction costs during the fourth quarter of 2015 and expect to continue expensing such costs until we resume continuous rig construction activities.
During 2017 and 2016, our operating costs also included approximately $1.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of costs associated with the reactivation of idle and standby rigs. These costs include costs associated with recommissioning the rig, the hiring and training of new crews and the purchase of supplies and other consumables required for the operation of the rigs.
How We Evaluate our Operations
We regularly use a number of financial and operational measures to analyze and evaluate the performance of our business and compensate our employees, including the following:
Safety Performance. Maintaining a strong safety record is a critical component of our business strategy. We believe we are one of the few land drillers that utilizes a safety management system that complies with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s SEMS II workplace safety rules. We measure safety by tracking the total recordable incident rate for our operations. In addition, we closely monitor and measure compliance with our safety policies and procedures, including “near miss” reports and job safety analysis compliance.
Utilization. Rig utilization measures the total amount of time that our rigs are earning revenue under a contract during a particular period. We measure utilization by dividing the total number of Operating Days for a rig by the total number of days the rig is available for operation in the applicable calendar period. A rig is available for operation commencing on the earlier of the date it spuds its initial well following construction or when it has been completed and is actively marketed. “Operating Days” represent the total number of days a rig is earning revenue under a contract, beginning when the rig spuds its initial well under the contract and ending with the completion of the rig’s demobilization.
Revenue Per Day. Revenue per day measures the amount of revenue that an operating rig earns on a daily basis during a particular period. We calculate revenue per day by dividing total contract drilling revenue earned during the applicable period by the number of Operating Days in the period. Revenues attributable to costs reimbursed by customers are excluded from this measure.
Operating Cost Per Day. Operating cost per day measures the operating costs incurred on a daily basis during a particular period. We calculate operating cost per day by dividing total operating costs during the applicable period by the number of Operating Days in the period. Operating costs attributable to costs reimbursed by customers are excluded from this measure.


Operating Efficiency and Uptime. Maintaining our rigs’ operational efficiency is a critical component of our business strategy. We measure our operating efficiency by tracking each drilling rig’s unscheduled downtime on a daily, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
Results of Operations
The following summarizes our financial and operating data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
 Year Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2017 December 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
Revenues$90,007
 $70,062
 $88,418
Costs and expenses     
Operating costs67,733
 43,277
 52,087
Selling, general and administrative13,213
 16,144
 14,483
Depreciation and amortization25,844
 23,808
 21,151
Asset impairments, net of insurance recoveries2,568
 3,822
 2,708
Loss on disposition of assets, net1,677
 1,942
 2,940
Total cost and expenses111,035
 88,993
 93,369
Operating loss(21,028) (18,931) (4,951)
Interest expense(2,983) (3,045) (3,254)
Loss before income taxes(24,011) (21,976) (8,205)
Income tax expense (benefit)287
 202
 (325)
Net loss$(24,298) $(22,178) $(7,880)
Other financial and operating data     
Number of completed rigs (end of year)14
 14
 14
Rig operating days (1)
4,707
 3,385
 3,732
Average number of operating rigs (2)
12.90
 9.25
 10.22
Rig utilization (3)
96.0% 73.6% 85.0%
Average revenue per operating day (4)
$18,137
 $19,661
 $22,921
Average cost per operating day (5)
$12,899
 $10,274
 $12,857
Average rig margin per operating day$5,238
 $9,387
 $10,064
Oil price per Bbl (6) (end of year)
$60.46
 $53.75
 $37.13
Natural gas price per Mcf (7) (end of year)
$3.69
 $3.71
 $2.28
(1)Rig operating days represent the number of days our rigs are earning revenue under a contract during the period, including days that standby revenues are earned. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 there were 77.9, 882.1 and 471.3 operating days in which the Company earned revenue on a standby basis, respectively, including 69.0, 839.0 and 125.5 standby-without-crew days, respectively.
(2)Average number of operating rigs is calculated by dividing the total number of rig operating days in the period by the total number of calendar days in the period.
(3)Rig utilization is calculated as rig operating days divided by the total number of days our drilling rigs are available during the applicable period.
(4)Average revenue per operating day represents total contract drilling revenues earned during the period divided by rig operating days in the period. Excluded in calculating average revenue per operating day are revenues associated with the reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs paid by customers of $4.6 million, $3.5 million and $2.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in calculating average revenue per operating day for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $1.8 million of early termination revenues associated with a contract termination at the end of the first quarter of 2016.


(5)
Average cost per operating day represents total operating costs incurred during the period divided by rig operating days in the period. The following costs are excluded in calculating average cost per operating day: (i) out-of-pocket costs reimbursed by customers of $4.6 million, $3.5 million and $2.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, (ii) new crew training costs of $0.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, (iii) construction overhead costs expensed due to reduced rig construction activity of $1.1 million, $1.5 million and $0.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, (iv) rig reactivation costs associated with the redeployment of previously stacked rigs, excluding new crew training costs (included in (ii) above), of $1.0 million and $3.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and (v) out-of-pocket expenses of $0.1 million, net of insurance recoveries, incurred as a result of damage to one of our rig's mast during the first quarter of 2017.
(6)WTI spot price as reported by the United States Energy Information Administration.
(7)Henry Hub spot price as reported by the United States Energy Information Administration.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $90.0 million, representing a 28.5% increase over revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $70.1 million. This increase was primarily related to an increase in the average number of operating rigs between periods, offset by lower average revenue per operating day. The average number of rigs operating increased to 12.9 during 2017, compared to 9.25 during 2016 and revenue per operating day decreased to $18,137 during 2017 compared to revenue per operating day of $19,661 during 2016. This decrease in average revenue per day resulted primarily from lower average day rates as compared to the prior year and a director sincehigher early termination rate on a rig in 2016.
Operating Costs
Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $67.7 million, representing a 56.5% increase over operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $43.3 million. This increase was related to an increase in the average number of operating rigs between periods and a decrease in the number of rigs operating on a standby-without-crew basis, which incur minimal operating costs. There were 69 standby-without-crew days in 2017, compared to 839 standby-without-crew days in 2016. On a cost per operating day basis, our cost per day increased to $12,899 during 2017, compared to cost per day of $10,274 during 2016. This increase was primarily due to the decrease in the number of rigs operating on a standby-without-crew basis as compared to the prior year. Additionally, during 2017 and 2016, our operating costs also included approximately $1.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of costs associated with the reactivation of idle and standby rigs. These costs include costs associated with recommissioning the rig, the hiring and training of new crews and the purchase of supplies and other consumables required for the operation of the rigs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $13.2 million, representing a 18.2% decrease over selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $16.1 million. This decrease primarily relates to the recognition of $1.5 million of retirement expense in 2016, as well as higher incentive compensation expense in 2016, offset by higher training expenses in the current year.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $25.8 million, representing a 8.6% increase compared to $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was directly related to the introduction of new drilling rigs constructed or upgraded by us in 2016 and 2017. We begin depreciating our rigs on a straight-line basis when they commence drilling operations.
Asset Impairments, net of Insurance Recoveries
During the second quarter of 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell our corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas, in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As a result, we reclassified an aggregate $4.0 million of land, buildings and equipment from property, plant and equipment to assets held for sale on our balance sheet after recognizing a $0.5 million asset impairment charge representing the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, less the estimated costs to sell the related property. In the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an additional asset impairment on the property, reducing assets held


for sale, of $0.6 million, as a result of water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
During the fourth quarter of 2017, we impaired the entire carrying value, or $1.0 million, related to certain of the assets held for sale, for which management currently believes there is substantial doubt that the third party manufacturer will service and warranty the equipment. Additionally, in 2017, we recorded $0.5 million of impairment expense on certain other damaged drilling equipment.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we began a review of our rig fleet and other capital equipment with a focus on opportunities to standardize certain rig components across our fleet. The standardization of this equipment creates operating efficiencies in maintaining this equipment, as well as efficiencies when crews transfer between rigs. As a result of our review, we identified several non-standard items which, while fully functional, were less than optimal from an operations perspective. We recorded an asset impairment charge of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, to write down these assets to fair value less estimated cost to sell. Such assets were classified as held for sale on our December 31, 2016 balance sheet.
Loss on Disposition of Assets
A loss on the disposition of assets totaling $1.7 million was recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a loss on the disposition of assets totaling $1.9 million in the prior year comparable period.
During 2017, we upgraded mud pumps on three rigs and as a result disposed of certain related equipment for a loss of $0.8 million. We also sold certain held for sale assets for a loss of $0.8 million. Additionally, there was a net loss of $0.1 million related to the sale or disposition of miscellaneous drilling equipment.
During 2016, we upgraded mud pumps on five rigs and as a result disposed of certain related equipment for $1.8 million. Additionally, there was a net loss of $0.1 million related to the sale or disposition of miscellaneous drilling equipment.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Credit Facility debt balances were higher in 2017, incurring higher interest expense compared to 2016, as our Credit Facility debt balance was paid down with the proceeds from the secondary offering completed in April 2016. This was offset by higher interest expense in 2016 associated with the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs as a result of the reduction in the aggregate commitments of our Credit Facility amended in April 2016 of $0.5 million.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $0.3 million compared to income tax expense of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. During 2015, we changed our method of calculating our allowable deduction for the Texas margin tax.  As a result, we filed an amended tax return in Texas for 2013 to claim a $0.1 million refund.  This refund was received in 2016. The effective tax rate was 1.2% for the year ended 2017 compared to 0.9% for the year ended 2016. Taxes in the current year relate to state taxes. Taxes in the prior year relate to Texas margin tax.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $70.1 million, representing a 20.8% decrease over revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $88.4 million. This decrease was primarily related to a reduction in the average number of operating rigs between periods and lower average revenue per operating day. The average number of rigs operating declined to 9.25 during 2016, compared to 10.22 during 2015 and revenue per operating day decreased to $19,661 during 2016 compared to revenue per operating day of $22,921 during 2015. This decrease in average revenue per day resulted primarily from lower average day rates as compared to 2015 and an increase in rigs earning revenue on a standby-without-crew basis.
Operating Costs
Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $43.3 million, representing a 16.9% decrease over operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $52.1 million. This decrease was related to a reduction in the average number of operating rigs and an increase in the number of rigs operating on a standby-without-crew basis during 2016 as they incurred minimal operating costs, partially offset by rig reactivation and crew staging costs of approximately $3.5 million related to seven rigs that were reactivated during 2016. On a cost per operating day basis, our cost per day decreased to $10,274


during 2016, compared to cost per day of $12,857 during 2015. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in the number of rigs earning revenue on a standby-without-crew basis during 2016.    
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $16.1 million, representing a 11.5% increase over selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $14.5 million. This increase primarily relates to the recognition of $1.5 million of expense associated with the retirement of one of our executive officers in June 2016, and increased incentive compensation expense, offset by lower professional fees and other expenses as compared to the prior year.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $23.8 million, representing a 12.6% increase compared to $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was directly related to the introduction of new drilling rigs constructed or upgraded by us in 2015 and 2016. We begin depreciating our rigs on a straight-line basis when they commence drilling operations.
Asset Impairments, net of Insurance Recoveries
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we began a review of our rig fleet and other capital equipment with a focus on opportunities to standardize certain rig components across our fleet. The standardization of this equipment will create operating efficiencies in maintaining this equipment, as well as efficiencies when crews transfer between rigs.  As a result of this review, we identified several non-standard items which, while fully functional, are less than optimal from an operations perspective. We recorded a non-cash charge of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, to write down these assets to estimated fair value less cost to sell. Such assets were classified as held-for-sale on our December 31, 2016 balance sheet.
In 2015 we recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million relating to the substructure, mast and various other rig components of our last remaining non-walking rig due to its limited marketability in its current configuration given market conditions. Additionally, we recorded a net impairment of $0.4 million associated with damage to a driller's cabin as well as the impairment of various other drilling equipment during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.
Loss on Disposition of Assets
A loss on the disposition of assets totaling $1.9 million was recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to a loss on the disposition of assets totaling $2.9 million in the prior year comparable period.
During 2016, we upgraded mud pumps on five rigs and as a result disposed of certain related equipment for $1.8 million. Additionally, there was a net loss of $0.1 million related to the sale or disposition of miscellaneous drilling equipment.
During 2015, we began to convert one of our non-walking rigs to pad optimal status, equipped with our 200 series substructure, multi-directional walking system and 7500psi mud system. As part of this rig conversion, key components of the prior rig were decommissioned and replaced, including the rig's substructure and mud system components. As a result, we recorded a preliminary estimate of the loss on disposal of assets totaling $2.5 million related to the disposal of drilling equipment which was no longer compatible with the converted rig. Additionally in 2015, there was a loss of $0.4 million related to the sale or disposition of miscellaneous drilling equipment.


Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $3.0 million, as compared to $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of the paydown of debt of our Credit Facility with the proceeds from the secondary offering completed in April 2016. Additionally, as a result of the reductions in the aggregate commitments of our Credit Facility amended in April 2016 and October 2015, we wrote off $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the original and amended Credit Facility recorded prior to the April 2016 and October 2015 amendments.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The income tax expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $0.2 million compared to an income tax benefit of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, we changed our method of calculating our allowable deduction for the Texas margin tax.  As a result, we filed an amended tax return in Texas for 2013 to claim a $0.1 million refund.  This refund was received in 2016. The effective tax rate was 0.9% for the year ended 2016 compared to 4.0% for the year ended 2015. All taxes in both 2016 and 2015 relate to Texas margin tax.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity as of December 31, 2017 included approximately $36.5 million of our $85.0 million commitment availability under our Credit Facility and $2.5 million of cash.  The aggregate commitments under our Credit Facility are currently $85.0 million, and the borrowing base under our Credit Facility at December 31, 2017, was $106.7 million. Our principal use of capital has been the construction of land drilling rigs and associated equipment, working capital and inventories to support our drilling operations. Our first drilling rig was completed and began operating in May 2012. As of December 31, 2017, we had 14 200 Series rigs. Our primary sources of capital to date have been funds received from our initial private placement, our IPO, our April 2016 public offering of common stock, and cash flows from operations and our Credit Facility.
Public Offering of Common Stock
On April 26, 2016, we completed an underwritten public offering of 13,225,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $3.50 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $42.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.
Cash Flows
 Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,933
 $16,973
 $27,379
Net cash used in investing activities(30,094) (20,058) (72,219)
Net cash provided by financing activities20,623
 4,812
 39,427
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents$(4,538) $1,727
 $(5,413)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $4.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $17.0 million during the same period in 2016. Factors affecting changes in operating cash flows are similar to those that impact net earnings, with the exception of non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains or losses on disposals of assets, stock-based compensation, deferred taxes and amortization of deferred financing costs. Additionally, changes in working capital items such as accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expense, accounts payable and accrued liabilities can significantly affect operating cash flows. Cash flows from operating activities during 2017 were lower as a result of an increase in net loss of $2.1 million, adjusted for non-cash items, of $34.4 million compared to $35.0 million in 2016. This was offset by working capital changes that decreased cash flows from operating activities in 2017 by $5.1 million compared to working capital changes that increased cash flows from operating activities $4.2 million in 2016.


Cash provided by operating activities was $17.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $27.4 million during the same period in 2015. Factors affecting changes in operating cash flows are similar to those that impact net earnings, with the exception of non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains or losses on disposals of assets, stock-based compensation, deferred taxes and amortization of deferred financing costs. Additionally, changes in working capital items such as accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expense, accounts payable and accrued liabilities can significantly affect operating cash flows. Cash flows from operating activities during 2016 were lower as a result of an increase in net loss of $14.3 million, adjusted for non-cash items, of $35.0 million compared to $31.7 million in 2015. This was offset by working capital changes that increased cash flows from operating activities in 2016 by $4.2 million compared to $3.6 million in 2015.
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $30.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $20.1 million during the same period in 2016. This increase was attributable to higher maintenance capital expenditures as a result of the increase in operating rigs versus standby-without-crew. Our primary activities in 2017 related to rig upgrades and maintenance capital expenditures. During 2017, cash payments of $31.3 million for capital expenditures were offset by proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $1.3 million. Cash payments during 2017 included approximately $6.2 million associated with equipment purchased in 2016. During the 2016 period, cash payments of $21.1 million for capital expenditures were offset by the receipt of insurance proceeds of $0.2 million and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $0.9 million.
Cash used in investing activities was $20.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $72.2 million during the same period in 2015. This decrease was attributable to lower capital expenditures as a result of less favorable market conditions. Our primary activities in 2016 related to rig upgrades, purchases of long lead time items for future new build rigs and maintenance capital expenditures. During 2016, cash payments of $21.1 million for capital expenditures were offset by insurance proceeds of $0.2 million and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $0.9 million. Cash payments during 2016 included approximately $4.5 million associated with equipment purchased in 2015. During the 2015 period, cash payments of $75.5 million for capital expenditures were offset by the receipt of insurance proceeds of $2.9 million and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $0.4 million.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $20.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $4.8 million during the same period in 2016. During 2017, we made borrowings under our Credit Facility of $44.5 million, offset by repayments under our Credit Facility of $21.7 million, restricted stock units withheld for taxes paid of $0.9 million, financing costs paid associated with the amendment to the Credit Facility of $0.5 million, the purchase of $0.2 million of treasury stock and payments for capital lease obligations of $0.6 million.
Cash provided by financing activities was $4.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $39.4 million during the same period in 2015. During 2016, we received proceeds of $42.9 million from a public offering and made borrowings under our Credit Facility of $49.0 million, offset by repayments under our Credit Facility of $86.0 million, financing costs paid associated with the amendment to the Credit Facility of $0.2 million and the purchase of $0.4 million of treasury stock and payments for capital lease obligations of $0.5 million.
Future Liquidity Requirements
Our liquidity as of December 31, 2017 included approximately $36.5 million of availability of our $85.0 million commitment under our Credit Facility and $2.5 million of cash. The aggregate commitments under our Credit Facility are currently $85.0 million, and the borrowing base under our Credit Facility at December 31, 2017 was $106.7 million.
We expect our future capital and liquidity needs to be related to funding capital expenditures for our next new build rig, capital spare inventory, operating expenses, maintenance capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under our Credit Facility will adequately finance all of our purchase commitments, capital expenditures and other cash requirements over the next twelve months.
You should read "Item 1A Risk Factors" in particular, "Risks Related to Our Liquidity", for additional information regarding risks surrounding our operations and financial liquidity.


Long-term Debt
In November 2014, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions led by CIT Finance, LLC, that provided for a committed $155.0 million Credit Facility and an additional uncommitted $25.0 million accordion feature that allowed for future increases in the facility. In 2015, we amended the Credit Facility to provide for a springing lock-box arrangement and, in light of market conditions and our reduced capital plans, reduce aggregate commitments to $125.0 million and modify certain maintenance covenants. In 2016, we amended the Credit Facility to reduce aggregate commitments to $85.0 million and further modify certain maintenance covenants. In connection with this amendment, we expensed certain previously deferred debt issuance costs totaling $0.5 million reflecting the reduction in borrowing capacity. In 2017, we amended the Credit Facility to extend the maturity date by two years to November 5, 2020 and provide for an additional uncommitted $65.0 million accordion feature that allowed for future increases in facility commitments. Interest under the Credit Facility remained unchanged. The amendment contained various changes to the financial and other covenants to accommodate the extension in term, including changes to the leverage ratio covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and rig utilization ratio covenant.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by all of our assets and are unconditionally guaranteed by all of our current and future direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base formula that allows for borrowings of up to 85% of eligible trade accounts receivable not more than 90 days outstanding, plus up to a certain percentage, the "advance rate", of the appraised forced liquidation value of our eligible, completed and owned drilling rigs. As of December 31, 2017, the advance rate was 73.75%. The advance rate declines 1.25% each quarter beginning January 1, 2018 through June 2019. Thereafter, through the maturity date, the advance rate remains at 65.0%. Rigs that remain idle for 90 consecutive days or longer are removed from the borrowing base until they are contracted. In addition, rigs are appraised two times a year and are subject to upward or downward revisions as a result of market conditions as well as the age of the rig.
At our election, interest under the Credit Facility is determined by reference at our option to either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus 4.5% or (ii) a “base rate” equal to the higher of the prime rate published by JP Morgan Chase Bank or three-month LIBOR plus 1%, plus in each case, 3.5%, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.05%. We also pay, on a quarterly basis, a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the Credit Facility commitment. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 6.04%.
The amended Credit Facility contains various financial covenants including a leverage covenant, springing fixed charge coverage ratio and rig utilization ratio. Additionally, there are restrictive covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock; transfer or sell assets; pay dividends or distributions; redeem subordinated indebtedness; make certain types of investments or make other restricted payments; create or incur liens; consummate a merger; consolidation or sale of all or substantially all assets; and engage in business other than a business that is the same or similar to the current business and reasonably related businesses. The Credit Facility does, however, permit us to incur up to $20.0 million of additional indebtedness for the purchase of additional rigs or rig equipment. As of December 31, 2017, we are in compliance with these covenants.     
Under the Credit Agreement, as amended, for purposes of calculating EBITDA, non-cash stock-based compensation is added back to EBITDA as well as up to $2.0 million per year of previously capitalized construction costs that was incurred in 2017.
The Credit Facility provides that an event of default may occur if a material adverse change to ICD occurs, which is considered a subjective acceleration clause under applicable accounting rules. In accordance with ASC 470-10-45, because of the existence of this clause, borrowings under the Credit Facility will be required to be classified as current in the event the springing lock-box event occurs, regardless of the actual maturity of the borrowings. The Fourth Amendment reduced the requirement for a mandatory lock-box trigger from $15.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility to $10.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility.
We had $48.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2017. Remaining availability of our $85.0 million commitment under the Credit Facility was $36.5 million at December 31, 2017.
Additionally, included in our long-term debt are capital leases. During the first quarter of 2016, our vehicle lease agreements were amended, which resulted in a change in the classification of certain leases from operating leases to capital leases. On the amendment date we recorded $0.8 million in capital lease obligations, representing the lesser of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments on the conversion date. These leases generally have initial terms of 36 months and are paid monthly.


Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2017, we had contractual obligations as described below. Our obligations include non-cancelable capital leases, as well as "off balance sheet arrangements" whereby the liabilities associated with non-cancelable operating leases and unconditional purchase obligations are not fully reflected in our balance sheets.
(in thousands) 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total
Credit Facility $
 $
 $48,541
 $
 $48,541
Interest on long-term debt 3,242
 3,241
 2,829
 
 9,312
Capital and operating leases 759
 627
 306
 
 1,692
Purchase obligations 3,683
 
 
 
 3,683
Total contractual obligations $7,684
 $3,868
 $51,676
 $
 $63,228
Our long-term debt as of December 31, 2017 consisted of amounts due under our Credit Facility. Interest on long-term debt is related to our estimated future contractual interest obligations on long-term indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2017 under our Credit Facility. We use our incremental borrowing rate at the inception of each capital lease to calculate the interest on the capital leases. Our capital leases relate to certain vehicles and our operating leases relate primarily to real estate and certain vehicles.
Our purchase obligations relate primarily to outstanding purchase orders for rig equipment or components ordered but not received. We have made progress payments on these orders of approximately $0.8 million that could be forfeited if we were to cancel these orders.
Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates
The financial statements are impacted by the accounting policies and estimates and assumptions used by management during their preparation. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities if not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies and estimates used in our financial statements. Other significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 to the financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Our revenues are principally derived from contract drilling services. We record contract drilling revenue for daywork contracts daily as work progresses, assuming collectability is reasonably assured. Daywork drilling contracts provide that revenue is earned daily based on a specified rate per day over the term of the contract which can be for a specific period of time or a specified number of wells. We generally receive lump-sum payments for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment at the commencement of a new drilling contract. Revenue and costs associated with the mobilization are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the related drilling contract once the rig spuds. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other equipment to an area in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. If a contract is terminated prior to the specified contract term, early termination payments received from the customer are only recognized as revenues when all contractual obligations, such as mitigation requirements, are satisfied. Reimbursements for the purchase of supplies, equipment, trucking and other services that are provided at the request of our customers are recorded as revenue when incurred.  The related costs are recorded as operating expenses when incurred. Revenue is presented net of any sales tax charged to the customer that we are required to remit to local or state governmental taxing authorities.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. All property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Major overhauls and upgrades are capitalized and depreciated over their remaining useful life.





Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Estimated Useful Life
Buildings20-39 years
Drilling rigs and related equipment3-20 years
Machinery, equipment and other3-7 years
Vehicles2-5 years
Software2-7 years
We review our assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparison of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the carrying amount of the asset. If the carrying value of such assets is less than the estimated undiscounted cash flow, an impairment charge is recorded in the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2017, we determined that there were no conditions that existed that would suggest rig carrying values may not be recoverable.
During the second quarter of 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell our corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas, in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As a result, we reclassified an aggregate $4.0 million of land, buildings and equipment from property, plant and equipment to assets held for sale on our balance sheet after recognizing a $0.5 million asset impairment charge representing the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, less the estimated costs to sell the related property. In the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an additional asset impairment on the property, reducing assets held for sale, of $0.6 million, as a result of water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
In 2016, we began a review of our rig fleet and other capital equipment with a focus on opportunities to standardize certain rig components across our fleet. The standardization of this equipment creates operating efficiencies in maintaining this equipment, as well as efficiencies when crews transfer between rigs.  As a result of our review, we identified several non-standard items which, while fully functional, were less than optimal from an operations perspective. We recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, to write down these assets to fair value less estimated cost to sell. Such assets were classified as held for sale on our December 31, 2016 balance sheet. In the second quarter of 2017, we sold $1.6 million of these assets and recognized a loss on the sale of assets of $0.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we impaired the entire carrying value, or $1.0 million, related to certain of the assets held for sale, for which management currently believes there is substantial doubt that the third party manufacturer will service and warranty the equipment.
In 2015, due to depressed industry conditions, we carried out an impairment evaluation for each of our drilling rigs. Based on the evaluation, during the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded an impairment of $3.6 million related to the substructure, mast and various other rig components of our last remaining non-walking rig due to its limited marketability in its current configuration given market conditions. Additionally, we also recorded an impairment, net of insurance recoveries, of $0.4 million associated with the damage to the driller's cabin and the impairment of various other drilling equipment during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Capitalized Interest
We capitalize interest costs related to rig construction projects. Interest costs are capitalized during the construction period based on the weighted average interest rate of the related debt. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we record deferred income taxes based upon differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and use enacted tax rates and laws that we expect will be in effect when we realize those assets or settle those liabilities. We review deferred tax assets for a valuation allowance based upon management’s estimates of whether it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will be fully realized in a future period.


We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant taxing authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.
Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense (benefit) line item in our statement of operations.
New tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was enacted on December 22, 2017. ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment even though the effective date for most provisions is for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Since our federal deferred tax asset was fully offset by a valuation allowance the overall net adjustment to our tax provision in the three months ended December 31, 2017 due to the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% did not materially affect our financial statements. Significant provisions that are not yet effective but may impact income taxes in future years include: the repeal of the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, the limitation on the current deductibility of net interest expense in excess of 30% of adjusted taxable income for levered balance sheets, a limitation on utilization of net operating losses generated after tax year 2017 to 80% of taxable income, the unlimited carryforward of net operating losses generated after tax year 2017, temporary 100% expensing of certain business assets, additional limitations on certain general and administrative expenses, and changes in determining the excessive compensation limitation. Currently, we do not anticipate paying cash federal income taxes in the near term due to any of the legislative changes, primarily due to the availability of our net operating loss carryforwards. Future interpretations relating to the recently enacted U.S. federal income tax legislation which vary from our current interpretation and possible changes to state tax laws in response to the recently enacted federal legislation may have a significant effect on this projection.
Stock-Based Compensation
We record compensation expense over the applicable requisite service period for all stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value of the award. The expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our statement of operations or capitalized in connection with rig construction activity.
Other Matters
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are party to certain arrangements defined as “off-balance sheet arrangements” that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.  These arrangements relate to non-cancelable operating leases and unconditional purchase obligations not fully reflected on our balance sheets. See Note 11 in Part II “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information.
Emerging Growth Company
We have not elected to avail ourselves of the extended transition period available to emerging growth companies ("EGCs") as provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards, therefore, we will be subject to new or revised accounting standards at the same time as other public companies that are not EGCs.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, followed by the issuance of certain additional related accounting standards updates (collectively codified in "ASC 606"), to provide guidance on the recognition of revenue from customers. Under ASC 606, an entity will recognize revenue, when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. ASC 606 also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty, if any, of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We have substantially completed our evaluation of the impact ASC 606 will have on our financial statements. ASC 606 will not have a material impact on the timing of our revenue recognition, however, certain revenues and costs historically presented on a gross basis in our financial statements may be presented on a net basis. We adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective approach, which requires us to apply the new revenue standard to (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii) all existing revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018 through a cumulative effect adjustment to equity. In accordance with this approach, our revenues for periods


prior to January 1, 2018 will not be adjusted. Given that ASC 606 will not impact the timing of our revenue recognition, no cumulative effect adjustment was required as of January 1, 2018. As mentioned above, certain of our reimbursable revenues may be presented on a net basis beginning as of January 1, 2018, depending on whether we are deemed to be the principal or the agent in the arrangement, which we will evaluate on a case by case basis. Our reimbursable revenues have historically been less than 3% of our total revenues.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all public business entities. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial statements and have engaged a third party consultant to assist us on this evaluation process.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as additional guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments.  The new guidance requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. In addition, the guidance amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The new guidance is effective for SEC filers for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the initial stages of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our accounts receivable.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows, to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We expect the implementation of this standard to change the classification of the described transactions within our statement of cash flows.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVEAND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to a variety of market risks including risks related to potential adverse changes in interest rates and commodity prices. We actively monitor exposure to market risk and continue to develop and utilize appropriate risk management techniques. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or to speculate on changes in commodity prices.
Interest Rate Risk
Total long-term debt at December 31, 2017 included $48.5 million of floating-rate debt attributed to borrowings at an average interest rate of 6.04%. As a result, our annual interest cost in 2018 will fluctuate based on short-term interest rates. The impact on annual cash flow of a 10% change in the floating-rate (approximately 0.60%) would be approximately $0.3 million annually based on the floating-rate debt and other obligations outstanding at December 31, 2017; however, there are no assurances that possible rate changes would be limited to such amounts.
Commodity Price Risk
The demand for contract drilling services is a result of E&P companies spending money to explore and develop drilling prospects in search of oil and natural gas. This customer spending is driven by their cash flow and financial strength, which is affected by trends in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices. Crude oil prices are determined by a number of factors including supply and demand, worldwide economic conditions and geopolitical factors. Crude oil and natural gas prices have historically been volatile and very difficult to predict. This volatility can lead many E&P companies to base their capital spending on much more conservative estimates of commodity prices. As a result, demand for contract drilling services is not always purely a function of the movement of current commodity prices.


Following the November 2016 decision by OPEC to reduce production quotas, oil prices recovered to the $45 to $55 per barrel range. More recently, oil prices began to recover further, reaching a three year high of $66.27 on January 26, 2018. While this continued recovery in pricing is promising, there are no indications at this time that oil and natural gas prices and rig counts will recover to their previous highs experienced in 2014.
Due to this deterioration and stabilization of commodity prices well below previous highs, our customers are principally focused on their most economic wells, and driving cost and production efficiencies that deliver the most economic wells with the lowest capital costs. As a result of this drive towards production and cost efficiencies, operators are focusing more of their capital spending on horizontal drilling programs compared to vertical drilling, and are more focused on utilizing drilling equipment and techniques that optimize costs and efficiency. Thus, we believe the rapid market deterioration and stabilization of oil prices well below historical highs has significantly accelerated the pace of the ongoing land rig replacement cycle and continued shift to horizontal drilling from multi-well pads utilizing “pad optimal” rig technology.
As market conditions have improved from trough levels in 2016 and begun to stabilize higher, demand for our ShaleDriller rigs has improved. At December 31, 2017, all of our rigs were under contract. In addition to improving utilization, contract tenors are improving with customers being willing to sign term contracts of six to twelve months or longer, and at higher dayrates compared to trough levels. However, the pace and duration of the current recovery is unknown, and if commodity prices were to fall below $45 for any sustained period of time, market conditions and demand for our products and services could deteriorate.
Credit and Capital Market Risk

Our customers may finance their drilling activities through cash flow from operations, the incurrence of debt or the
issuance of equity. Any deterioration in the credit and capital markets, as currently being experienced, can make it difficult for our customers to obtain funding for their capital needs. A reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in commodity prices, or a reduction of available financing may result in a reduction in customer spending and the demand for our drilling services. This reduction in spending could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.     
Houston, Texas
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Houston, Texas
February 26, 2018



Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value and share amounts)

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$2,533
 $7,071
Accounts receivable, net18,056
 11,468
Inventories2,710
 2,336
Assets held for sale4,637
 3,915
Prepaid expenses and other current assets2,957
 3,102
Total current assets30,893
 27,892
Property, plant and equipment, net272,388
 273,188
Other long-term assets, net1,364
 1,027
Total assets$304,645
 $302,107
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   
Liabilities   
Current portion of long-term debt$533
 $441
Accounts payable11,627
 10,031
Accrued liabilities6,969
 7,821
Total current liabilities19,129
 18,293
Long-term debt49,278
 26,078
Deferred income taxes, net683
 396
Other long-term liabilities73
 88
Total liabilities69,163
 44,855
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

Stockholders’ equity   
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 38,246,919 and 37,831,723 shares issued, respectively; and 37,985,225 and 37,617,920 shares outstanding, respectively380
 376
Additional paid-in capital326,616
 323,918
Accumulated deficit(89,645) (65,347)
Treasury stock, at cost, 261,694 and 213,803 shares, respectively(1,869) (1,695)
Total stockholders’ equity235,482
 257,252
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$304,645
 $302,107
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues$90,007
 $70,062
 $88,418
Costs and expenses     
Operating costs67,733
 43,277
 52,087
Selling, general and administrative13,213
 16,144
 14,483
Depreciation and amortization25,844
 23,808
 21,151
Asset impairments, net of insurance recoveries2,568
 3,822
 2,708
Loss on disposition of assets, net1,677
 1,942
 2,940
Total cost and expenses111,035
 88,993
 93,369
Operating loss(21,028) (18,931) (4,951)
Interest expense(2,983) (3,045) (3,254)
Loss before income taxes(24,011) (21,976) (8,205)
Income tax expense (benefit)287
 202
 (325)
Net loss$(24,298) $(22,178) $(7,880)
Loss per share:     
Basic and diluted$(0.64) $(0.67) $(0.33)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:     
Basic and diluted37,762
 33,118
 23,904
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except share amounts)

 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Treasury
Stock
 Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 Shares Amount 
  
Balances at December 31, 201424,455,709
 $245
 $272,751
 $(35,289) $(971) $236,736
Restricted stock forfeited(14,419) 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units vested13,636
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock(51,267) (1) 1
 
 (315) (315)
Stock-based compensation
 
 4,196
 
 
 4,196
Net loss
 
 
 (7,880) 
 (7,880)
Balances at December 31, 201524,403,659
 $244
 $276,948
 $(43,169) $(1,286) $232,737
Restricted stock forfeited(8,182) 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units vested74,968
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock(77,525) 
 
 
 (409) (409)
Public offering, net of offering costs13,225,000
 132
 42,788
 
 
 42,920
Stock-based compensation
 
 4,182
 
 
 4,182
Net loss
 
 
 (22,178) 
 (22,178)
Balances at December 31, 201637,617,920
 $376
 $323,918
 $(65,347) $(1,695) $257,252
Restricted stock forfeited(3,195) 
 
 
 
 
RSUs vested, net of shares withheld for taxes418,391
 4
 (867) 
 
 (863)
Purchase of treasury stock(47,891) 
 
 
 (174) (174)
Stock-based compensation
 
 3,565
 
 
 3,565
Net loss
 
 
 (24,298) 
 (24,298)
Balances at December 31, 201737,985,225
 $380
 $326,616
 $(89,645) $(1,869) $235,482
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities     
Net loss$(24,298) $(22,178) $(7,880)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities     
Depreciation and amortization25,844
 23,808
 21,151
Asset impairments, net of insurance recoveries2,568
 3,822
 2,708
Stock-based compensation3,565
 4,249
 3,542
Stock-based compensation - executive retirement
 (67) 
Loss on disposition of assets, net1,677
 1,942
 2,940
Deferred income taxes287
 203
 193
Amortization of deferred financing costs434
 532
 629
Write-off of deferred financing costs
 504
 394
Bad debt expense
 
 132
Changes in operating assets and liabilities     
Accounts receivable(6,588) 6,772
 755
Inventories(301) 55
 (263)
Prepaid expenses and other assets133
 212
 (853)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities1,612
 (2,881) 4,339
Income taxes payable
 
 (408)
Net cash provided by operating activities4,933
 16,973
 27,379
Cash flows from investing activities     
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(31,347) (21,106) (75,532)
Proceeds from insurance claims
 188
 2,899
Proceeds from the sale of assets1,253
 860
 414
Net cash used in investing activities(30,094) (20,058) (72,219)
Cash flows from financing activities     
Borrowings under Credit Facility44,451
 49,048
 140,610
Repayments under Credit Facility(21,662) (86,004) (100,421)
Public offering proceeds, net of offering costs
 42,920
 
Purchase of treasury stock(174) (409) (315)
RSUs withheld for taxes(863) 
 
Financing costs paid(530) (217) (447)
Payments of capital lease obligations(599) (526) 
Net cash provided by financing activities20,623
 4,812
 39,427
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(4,538) 1,727
 (5,413)
Cash and cash equivalents     
Beginning of year7,071
 5,344
 10,757
End of year$2,533
 $7,071
 $5,344
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements


1. Nature of Operations and Recent Developments
Except as expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms "we," "us," "our," "ICD," and the "Company" refer to Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.
We provide land-based contract drilling services for oil and natural gas producers targeting unconventional resource plays in the United States. We construct, own and operate a fleet comprised entirely of custom designed ShaleDriller rigs.
Our standardized fleet currently consists of 14 premium 200 Series ShaleDriller rigs, all of which are equipped with our Executive Viceintegrated omni-directional walking system that is specifically designed to optimize pad drilling for our customers. Every rig in our fleet is a 1500-hp, AC programmable rig (“AC rig”) designed to be fast-moving between drilling sites and is equipped with 7500 psi mud systems, top drives, automated tubular handling systems and blowout preventer (“BOP”) handling systems. All of our rigs are equipped with bi-fuel capabilities that enable the rig to operate on either diesel or a natural gas-diesel blend.
Our first rig began drilling in May 2012. We currently focus our operations on unconventional resource plays located in geographic regions that we can efficiently support from our Houston, Texas facilities in order to maximize economies of scale. Currently, our rigs are operating in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. Our rigs have previously operated in the Mid-Continent and Eaglebine regions.
Our business depends on the level of exploration and production activity by oil and natural gas companies operating in the United States, and in particular, the regions where we actively market our contract drilling services. The oil and natural gas exploration and production industry is a historically cyclical industry characterized by significant changes in the levels of exploration and development activities. Oil and natural gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in those prices significantly affect the levels of those activities. Worldwide political, regulatory, economic, and military events, as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and natural gas price volatility historically, and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Any prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities in the United States and the regions where we market our contract drilling services, whether resulting from changes in oil and natural gas prices or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect our business.
Oil and Natural Gas Prices and Drilling Activity
Both oil and natural gas prices began to decline in the second half of 2014, declined further during 2015 and remained low in 2016. The closing price of oil was as high as $106.06 per barrel during the third quarter of 2014, was $37.13 per barrel on December 31, 2015 and reached a low of $26.19 on February 11, 2016 (West Texas Intermediate - Cushing, Oklahoma (“WTI”) spot price as reported by the United States Energy Information Administration (the “EIA”)). Similarly, natural gas prices (as measured at Henry Hub) declined from an average of $4.37 per MMBtu in 2014, to $2.62 per MMBtu in 2015, and to $2.52 per MMBtu in 2016. As a result, our industry experienced an exceptional downturn and market conditions have only begun to stabilize and slowly recover.
In November 2016, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) members formally agreed to reduce their production quotas, starting January 1, 2017. These production cuts significantly reduced the overhang of global oil supplies. OPEC members met in December 2017 and agreed to extend the freeze into 2018, and are expected to meet again in June 2018 to review market conditions and the impact of their freeze on global supplies. In addition to OPEC members, certain non-OPEC producers such as Russia have agreed to production cuts, which has also supported crude oil and related energy commodity prices.

As a result of these supply cuts and positive demand trends, crude oil prices recovered to the $45 to $55 per barrel range, with WTI oil prices reaching a three-year high of $66.27 on January 26, 2018. Similarly, natural gas prices at Henry Hub averaged $2.99 per MMBtu in 2017, and have averaged $3.41 per MMBtu in 2018, as of February 20, 2018. While this continued recovery in pricing is promising, there are no indications at this time that oil and natural gas prices and rig counts will recover to their previous highs experienced in 2014.

As market conditions have improved from trough levels in 2016 and begun to stabilize higher, demand for our ShaleDriller rigs has improved. At December 31, 2017, all of our rigs were under contract. In addition to improving utilization, contract tenors are improving with customers willing to sign term contracts of six to twelve months or longer, and at


higher dayrates compared to trough levels. However, the pace and duration of the current recovery is unknown, and if oil prices were to fall below $45 per barrel for any sustained period of time, market conditions and demand for our products and services could deteriorate.
Assets Held for Sale
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we began a review of our rig fleet and other capital equipment with a focus on opportunities to standardize certain rig components across our fleet. The standardization of this equipment creates operating efficiencies in maintaining this equipment, as well as efficiencies when crews transfer between rigs. As a result of our review, we identified several non-standard items which, while fully functional, were less than optimal from an operations perspective. We recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, to write down these assets to estimated fair value less estimated cost to sell. Such assets were classified as held for sale on our December 31, 2016 balance sheet. In the second quarter of 2017, we sold $1.6 million of these assets and recognized a loss on the sale of assets of $0.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we impaired the entire carrying value, or $1.0 million, related to certain of the assets held for sale, for which management currently believes there is substantial doubt that the third party manufacturer will service and warranty the equipment. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of drilling equipment in assets held for sale is $1.2 million.
During the second quarter of 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell our corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas, in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As a result, we reclassified an aggregate $4.0 million of land, buildings and equipment from property, plant and equipment to assets held for sale on our balance sheet after recognizing a $0.5 million asset impairment charge representing the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, less the estimated costs to sell the related property. In the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an additional asset impairment on the property, reducing assets held for sale, of $0.6 million, as a result of water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Galayda property in assets held for sale is $3.4 million.
Amendment of Credit Facility
In July 2017, we amended our existing amended and restated credit agreement ("the Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility amendment maintained the aggregate commitments under the facility at $85.0 million and extended the maturity date by two years to November 5, 2020. In addition, the amendment provided for an additional uncommitted $65.0 million accordion feature that allows for future increases in facility commitments.
Interest under the Credit Facility remains unchanged. The amendment contained various changes to the financial and other covenants to accommodate the extension in term, including changes to the leverage ratio covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and rig utilization ratio covenant.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These audited financial statements include all the accounts of ICD, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). As we had no items of other comprehensive income in any period presented, no other comprehensive income is presented.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider short-term, highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable is comprised primarily of amounts due from our customers for contract drilling services. Accounts receivable are reduced to reflect estimated realizable values by an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection experience and specific review of current individual accounts. Receivables are written off when they are deemed to be uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $8 thousand as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Inventories
Inventory is stated at lower of cost or market and consists primarily of supplies held for use in our drilling operations. Cost is determined on an average cost basis.


Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, including renewals and betterments, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. All property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Major overhauls and upgrades are capitalized and depreciated over their remaining useful life.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Estimated
Useful Life
Buildings20-39 years
Drilling rigs and related equipment3-20 years
Machinery, equipment and other3-7 years
Vehicles2-5 years
Software2-7 years
We own substantially all of our rig assembly yard and corporate offices located in Houston, Texas. We lease a number of vehicles and land for equipment and inventory storage. Leases are evaluated at inception or at any subsequent material modification to determine if the lease should be classified as a capital or operating lease.
We review our assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparison of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the carrying amount of the asset. If the carrying value of such assets is less than the estimated undiscounted cash flow, an impairment charge is recorded in the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value.
Construction in progress represents the costs incurred for drilling rigs that remain under construction at the end of the period. This includes third party costs relating to the purchase of rig components as well as labor, material and other identifiable direct and indirect costs associated with the construction of the rig.
Capitalized Interest
We capitalize interest costs related to rig construction projects. Interest costs are capitalized during the construction period based on the weighted average interest rate of the related debt. Capitalized interest amounted to $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Financial Instruments and Fair value
Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, there exists a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market;
Level 2Quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that have been adjusted for items such as effects of restrictions for transferability and those that are not quoted but are observable through corroboration with observable market data, including quoted market prices for similar assets; and
Level 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability only used when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date
This hierarchy requires us to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value.
The carrying value of certain of our assets and liabilities, consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments.
The fair value of our long-term debt is determined by Level 3 measurements based on quoted market prices and terms for similar instruments, where available, and on the amount of future cash flows associated with the debt, discounted using our current borrowing rate for comparable debt instruments (the Income Method). Based on our evaluation of the risk free rate, the market yield and credit spreads on comparable company publicly traded debt issues, we used an annualized discount rate,


including a credit valuation allowance, of 5.6%. The fair value of our lease obligations is determined using Level 3 measurements using our current incremental borrowing rate. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt totaled $50.6 million and $26.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, compared to a carrying amount of $49.3 million and $26.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of our assets held for sale is determined using Level 3 measurements.
Fair value measurements are applied with respect to our non-financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis, which would consist of measurements primarily of long-lived assets. There were no transfers between levels of the hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Our revenues are principally derived from contract drilling services. We record contract drilling revenue for daywork contracts daily as work progresses, assuming collectability is reasonably assured. Daywork drilling contracts provide that revenue is earned daily based on specified rates per day for various activities over the term of the contract, which can be for a specific period of time or a specified number of wells. We generally receive lump-sum payments for the mobilization of rigs and other drilling equipment at the commencement of a new drilling contract. Revenue and costs associated with the initial mobilization are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the related drilling contract once the rig spuds. Costs incurred to relocate rigs and other equipment to an area in which a contract has not been secured are expensed as incurred. If a contract is terminated prior to the specified contract term, early termination payments received from the customer are only recognized as revenues when all contractual obligations, such as mitigation requirements, are satisfied. Reimbursements for the purchase of supplies, equipment, trucking and other services that are provided at the request of our customers are recorded as revenue when incurred.  The related costs are recorded as operating expenses when incurred. Revenue is presented net of any sales tax charged to the customer that we are required to remit to local or state governmental taxing authorities.
Stock-Based Compensation
We record compensation expense over the applicable requisite service period for all stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value of the award. The expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our statements of operations or capitalized in connection with rig construction activity.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we record deferred income taxes based upon differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and use enacted tax rates and laws that we expect will be in effect when we realize those assets or settle those liabilities. We review deferred tax assets for a valuation allowance based upon management’s estimates of whether it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will be fully realized in a future period.
We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant taxing authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.
Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense (benefit) line item in our statements of operations.
New tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was enacted on December 22, 2017. ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment even though the effective date for most provisions is for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Since our federal deferred tax asset was fully offset by a valuation allowance, the overall net adjustment to our tax provision in the three months ended December 31, 2017 due to the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% did not materially affect our financial statements. Significant provisions that are not yet effective but may impact income taxes in future years include: the repeal of the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, the limitation on the current deductibility of net interest expense in excess of 30% of adjusted taxable income for levered balance sheets, a limitation on utilization of net operating losses generated after tax year 2017 to 80% of taxable income, the unlimited carryforward of net operating losses generated after tax year 2017, temporary 100% expensing of certain business assets, additional limitations on certain general and administrative expenses, and changes in determining the excessive compensation limitation. Currently, we do not anticipate paying cash federal income taxes in the near term due to any of the legislative changes, primarily due to the availability of our net operating loss carryforwards.  Future interpretations relating to the recently enacted U.S. federal income tax legislation which vary from our


current interpretation and possible changes to state tax laws in response to the recently enacted federal legislation may have a significant effect on this projection.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include depreciation of property, plant and equipment, impairment of property, plant and equipment, and the collectibility of accounts receivable.
Other Matters
We have not elected to avail ourselves of the extended transition period available to emerging growth companies ("EGCs") as provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards, therefore, we will be subject to new or revised accounting standards at the same time as other public companies that are not EGCs.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, followed by the issuance of certain additional related accounting standards updates (collectively codified in "ASC 606"), to provide guidance on the recognition of revenue from customers. Under ASC 606, an entity will recognize revenue, when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. ASC 606 also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty, if any, of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We have substantially completed our evaluation of the impact ASC 606 will have on our financial statements. ASC 606 will not have a material impact on the timing of our revenue recognition, however, certain revenues and costs historically presented on a gross basis in our financial statements may be presented on a net basis. We adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective approach, which requires us to apply the new revenue standard to (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii) all existing revenue contracts as of January 1, 2018 through a cumulative effect adjustment to equity. In accordance with this approach, our revenues for periods prior to January 1, 2018 will not be adjusted. Given that ASC 606 will not impact the timing of our revenue recognition, no cumulative effect adjustment was required as of January 1, 2018. As mentioned above, certain of our reimbursable revenues may be presented on a net basis beginning as of January 1, 2018, depending on whether we are deemed to be the principal or the agent in the arrangement, which we will evaluate on a case by case basis. Our reimbursable revenues have historically been less than 3% of our total revenues.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all public business entities. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial statements and have engaged a third party consultant to assist us on this evaluation process.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as additional guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments.  The new guidance requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. In addition, the guidance amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The new guidance is effective for SEC filers for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the initial stages of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our accounts receivable.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows, to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update addresses the following


eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We expect the implementation of this standard to change the classification of the described transactions within our statement of cash flows.
3. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Rig components and supplies$2,710
 $2,336
We determined that no reserve for obsolescence was needed at December 31, 2017 or 2016. No inventory obsolescence expense was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Major classes of property, plant, and equipment, which include capital lease assets, consisted of the following (in millions):
 December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Land$
 $1,344
Buildings
 4,206
Drilling rigs and related equipment332,338
 294,002
Machinery, equipment and other1,246
 1,571
Capital leases1,786
 1,129
Vehicles555
 405
Software818
 806
Construction in progress20,706
 31,974
Total$357,449
 $335,437
Less: Accumulated depreciation(85,061) (62,249)
Total Property, plant and equipment, net$272,388
 $273,188
Repairs and maintenance expense included in operating costs in our statements of operations totaled $14.3 million, $7.7 million and $10.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Depreciation expense was $25.8 million, $23.8 million and $21.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, property, plant and equipment in our balance sheets included $1.3 million of vehicles under capital lease, which is net of $0.5 million of accumulated amortization.  As of December 31, 2016, property, plant and equipment in our balance sheets included $0.8 million of vehicles under capital lease, net of $0.3 million of accumulated amortization. 
During 2017, our management committed to a plan to sell our corporate headquarters and rig assembly yard complex in order to relocate to office space and a yard facility more suitable to our needs. As a result, we reclassified an aggregate $4.0 million of land, buildings and equipment from property, plant and equipment to assets held for sale on our balance sheet, after recognizing a $0.5 million asset impairment charge representing the difference between the carrying value and the fair value, less the costs to sell the related property.  In the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an additional asset impairment on the property, reducing assets held for sale, of $0.6 million, as a result of water related damage from the heavy rainfall that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.


During 2017 and 2016, we recorded an additional $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively, loss on disposal associated with the upgrade of the mud systems on our rigs to high pressure status.
During 2015, we began to convert one of our non-walking rigs to pad optimal status, equipped with our 200 Series substructure, omni-directional walking system and 7500psi mud system. As part of this rig conversion, key components of the prior rig were decommissioned and replaced, including the rig's substructure and various mud system components which were no longer compatible with the converted rig. As a result, we recorded a preliminary estimate of the related disposal loss totaling $2.5 million.
During 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million relating to the substructure, mast and various other rig components of our last remaining non-walking rig due to its limited marketability in its current configuration given market conditions.
5. Supplemental Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
 December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Accrued salaries and other compensation (1)
$2,646
 $3,784
Insurance507
 787
Deferred revenues762
 1,139
Property, sales and other tax2,693
 1,943
Other361
 168
 $6,969
 $7,821
(1) In June 2016, our President and Chief Operating Officer announced his retirement as an officer and director of ICD effective June 30, 2016. In connection with his retirement, we entered into a Retirement Agreement on June 9, 2016 (the “Retirement Agreement”), setting out certain terms and conditions governing the executive’s retirement. Under the terms of the Retirement Agreement, we agreed to make certain retirement benefits available to the executive, including a cash retirement payment of approximately $1.5 million which was paid in one lump sum on January 3, 2017 and accelerated vesting of certain outstanding equity awards. The retirement payment was recorded as accrued salaries in our balance sheet and as selling, general and administrative expense in our statements of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Supplemental cash flow information:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2015
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information     
Cash paid during the year for interest$2,680
 $2,198
 $3,173
Cash (received) paid during the year for taxes
 (133) 22
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities     
Stock-based compensation capitalized as property, plant and equipment
 
 654
Change in property, plant and equipment purchases in accounts payable(882) 1,670
 (14,750)
Additions to property, plant & equipment through capital leases1,102
 1,293
 


6. Long-term Debt
Our Long-term Debt consisted of the following:    
  December 31,
(in thousands) 2017 2016
Credit Facility due November 5, 2020 $48,541
 $25,752
Capital lease obligations 1,270
 767
  49,811
 26,519
Less: current portion (533) (441)
Long-term debt $49,278
 $26,078
Credit Facility

In November 2014, we entered into our Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions led by CIT Finance, LLC, that provided for a committed $155.0 million Credit Facility and an additional uncommitted $25.0 million accordion feature that allowed for future increases in the facility. In 2015, we amended the Credit Facility to provide for a springing lock-box arrangement and, in light of market conditions and our reduced capital plans, reduce aggregate commitments to $125.0 million and modify certain maintenance covenants. In 2016, we amended the Credit Facility to reduce aggregate commitments to $85.0 million and further modify certain maintenance covenants. In connection with this amendment, we expensed certain previously deferred debt issuance costs totaling $0.5 million reflecting the reduction in borrowing capacity. In 2017, we amended the Credit Facility to extend the maturity date by two years to November 5, 2020 and provide for an additional uncommitted $65.0 million accordion feature that allows for future increases in facility commitments.

Interest under the Credit Facility remains unchanged. The amendment contained various changes to the financial and other covenants to accommodate the extension in term, including changes to the leverage ratio covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and rig utilization ratio covenant.

The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by all of our assets and are unconditionally guaranteed by all of our current and future direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base formula that allows for borrowings of up to 85% of eligible trade accounts receivable not more than 90 days outstanding, plus up to a certain percentage, the "advance rate", of the appraised forced liquidation value of our eligible, completed and owned drilling rigs. As of December 31, 2017, the advance rate was 73.75%. The advance rate declines 1.25% each quarter beginning January 1, 2018 through June 2019. Thereafter, through the maturity date, the advance rate remains at 65.0%. Rigs that remain idle for 90 consecutive days or longer are removed from the borrowing base until they are contracted. In addition, rigs are appraised two times a year and are subject to upward or downward revisions as a result of market conditions as well as the age of the rig.

At our election, interest under the Credit Facility is determined by reference at our option to either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus 4.5% or (ii) a “base rate” equal to the higher of the prime rate published by JP Morgan Chase Bank or three-month LIBOR plus 1%, plus in each case, 3.5%, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.05%. We also pay, on a quarterly basis, a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the Credit Facility commitment. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 6.04%.
The amended Credit Facility contains various financial covenants including a leverage covenant, springing fixed charge coverage ratio and rig utilization ratio. Additionally, there are restrictive covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock; transfer or sell assets; pay dividends or distributions; redeem subordinated indebtedness; make certain types of investments or make other restricted payments; create or incur liens; consummate a merger; consolidation or sale of all or substantially all assets; and engage in business other than a business that is the same or similar to the current business and reasonably related businesses. The Credit Facility does, however, permit us to incur up to $20.0 million of additional indebtedness for the purchase of additional rigs or rig equipment. As of December 31, 2017, we are in compliance with these covenants.     
Under the Credit Agreement, as amended, for purposes of calculating EBITDA, non-cash stock-based compensation is added back to EBITDA, as well as up to $2.0 million per year of previously capitalized construction costs that was incurred in 2017.


The Credit Facility provides that an event of default may occur if a material adverse change to ICD occurs, which is considered a subjective acceleration clause under applicable accounting rules. In accordance with ASC 470-10-45, because of the existence of this clause, borrowings under the Credit Facility will be required to be classified as current in the event the springing lock-box event occurs, regardless of the actual maturity of the borrowings. The Fourth Amendment reduced the requirement for a mandatory lock-box trigger from $15.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility to $10.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility.
We had $48.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2017. Remaining availability of our $85.0 million commitment under the Credit Facility was $36.5 million at December 31, 2017.

Capital Lease Obligations
During the first quarter of 2016, our vehicle lease agreements were amended, which resulted in a change in the classification of certain leases from operating leases to capital leases. On the amendment date we recorded $0.8 million in capital lease obligations, representing the lesser of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments on the conversion date. These leases generally have initial terms of 36 months and are paid monthly.
7. Income Taxes
The components of the income tax benefit are as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$
 $
 $
State
 (1) (518)
 $
 $(1) $(518)
Deferred:     
Federal$
 $
 $
State287
 203
 193
 $287
 $203
 $193
Income tax expense (benefit)$287
 $202
 $(325)
The following is a reconciliation of the income tax benefit that was recorded compared to taxes provided at the United States statutory rate:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2015
Income tax benefit at the statutory federal rate (35%)$(8,404) $(7,691) $(2,871)
Effect of federal rate change to ending deferred tax assets and liabilities7,994
 
 
Nondeductible expenses34
 23
 148
Valuation allowance(1,377) 7,063
 2,261
State taxes, net of federal benefit9
 204
 (211)
Stock-based compensation and other2,031
 603
 348
Income tax expense (benefit)$287
 $202
 $(325)
Effective tax rate1.2% 0.9% 4.0%


Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Deferred income tax assets   
Bad debts$2
 $3
Stock-based compensation1,344
 3,050
Accrued liabilities and other29
 49
Deferred revenue180
 413
Net operating losses29,274
 31,130
Total net deferred tax assets$30,829
 $34,645
Deferred income tax liabilities   
Prepaids$(210) $(378)
Property, plant and equipment(18,906) (20,890)
Total net deferred tax liabilities$(19,116) $(21,268)
Valuation allowance$(12,396) $(13,773)
Net deferred tax liability$(683) $(396)
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a total of $131.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards, which begin to expire in 2031.
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), resulting in significant modifications to existing law. The Company has completed the accounting for the effects of the Act during 2017. Our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, reflect the effects of the Act which includes a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Accordingly, our deferred tax assets and liabilities were revalued at the newly enacted rates expected to be effective in 2018 and forward. Since our federal deferred tax asset was fully offset by a valuation allowance, the overall net adjustment to our tax provision in the three months ended December 31, 2017 due to the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% did not materially affect our financial statements.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) imposes limitations on a corporation’s ability to utilize its NOLs if it experiences an ownership change. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain shareholders in the stock of the corporation by more than 50 percentage points over a three year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of the NOLs would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382. The Company believes it incurred an ownership change in April 2016.  The Company is subject to an annual limitation on the usage of its NOL, however, the Company also believes that the entire NOL that existed in April 2016 will be fully available to the Company over the life of the NOL carryforward period.  Management will continue to monitor the potential impact of Section 382 with respect to its NOL carryforward.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement methodology for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As of December 31, 2017, we had no unrecognized tax benefits. We file income tax returns in the United States and in various state jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, we are subject to United States federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax periods 2012 and forward. Our federal and state tax returns for 2012 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. Although we cannot predict the outcome of future tax examinations, we do not anticipate that the ultimate resolution of these examinations will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future income in periods in which the deferred tax assets can be utilized. In all years presented, we determined that the deferred tax assets did not meet the more likely than not threshold of being utilized and thus recorded a valuation allowance.  All of our deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2017 relates to state taxes.


Estimated interest and penalties related to potential underpayment on any unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of tax expense in the statement of operations. We have not recorded any interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits.
8. Stock-Based Compensation
In March 2012, we adopted the 2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) providing for common stock-based awards to employees and to non-employee directors. The 2012 plan was subsequently amended in August 2014 and June 2016. The 2012 Plan, as amended, permits the granting of various types of awards, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, and up to 4,754,000 shares were authorized for issuance. Restricted stock and restricted stock units may be granted for no consideration other than prior and future services. The purchase price per share for stock options may not be less than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Stock options expire ten years after the grant date. We have the right to satisfy option exercises from treasury shares and from authorized but unissued shares. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 1,740,917 shares were available for future awards.
In the first quarter of 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The FASB issued this accounting standard in an effort to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payments and improve the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. Our policy is to account for forfeitures of share-based compensation awards as they occur.

A summary of compensation cost recognized for stock-based payment arrangements is as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016 2015
Compensation cost recognized:     
Stock options$
 $81
 $430
Restricted stock and restricted stock units3,565
 4,101
 3,766
Total stock-based compensation$3,565
 $4,182
 $4,196
There was no stock-based compensation capitalized in connection with rig construction activity during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and approximately $0.7 million in stock-based compensation was capitalized in connection with rig construction activity during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Stock Options
Certain options were granted on March 2, 2012 and began vesting on their date of grant, with 25% of such options vesting on the grant date, and 25% of such options vesting on each anniversary thereafter until fully vested on March 2, 2015. A subsequent grant of 15,700 options was made in August 2012, one third of which vest on each anniversary of the grant date over three years. In December 2012, we granted an additional 229,613 stock options that vest over five years in three equal tranches commencing on the third year anniversary date and each year thereafter.
In February 2013, we granted an additional 119,320 stock options that vest over four years. No stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015.
No options were exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. It is our policy that in the future any shares issued upon option exercise will be issued initially from any available treasury shares or otherwise as newly issued shares.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors. The fair value of the options is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the stock awards, which are generally the vesting periods.


The following summary reflects the stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 Options 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2017935,720
 $12.74
Granted
 
Exercised
 
Forfeited/expired(252,770) 12.74
Outstanding at December 31, 2017682,950
 $12.74
Exercisable at December 31, 2017682,950
 $12.74
The number of options exercisable at December 31, 2017 was 682,950 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.3 years and a weighted-average exercise price of $12.74 per share.

As of December 31, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options. The fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was zero, $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards consist of grants of our common stock that vest ratably over three to four years. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the estimated fair market value of our shares on the grant date. As of December 31, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.
A summary of the status of our restricted stock awards and of changes in restricted stock outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Outstanding at January 1, 2017147,368
 $10.67
Granted
 
Vested(144,173) 10.72
Forfeited/expired(3,195) 8.35
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 $
Restricted Stock Units
We have granted restricted stock units ("RSUs") to key employees under the 2012 Plan. We have granted three-year time vested RSUs, as well as performance-based and market-based RSUs, where each unit represents the right to receive, at the end of a vesting period, up to two shares of ICD common stock with no exercise price. Exercisability of the market-based RSUs is based on our total shareholder return ("TSR") as measured against the TSR of a defined peer group and vesting of the performance-based RSUs is based on our cumulative EBITDA, safety or uptime performance statistics, as defined in the restricted stock unit agreement, over a three year period. We used a Monte Carlo simulation model to value the TSR market-based RSUs. The fair value of the performance-based RSUs is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. During the restriction period, the RSUs may not be transferred or encumbered, and the recipient does not receive dividend equivalents or have voting rights until May 2014. Before joining us, Mr. Jacob servedthe units vest. As of December 31, 2017, there was $2.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years.
No RSUs were issued during the year ended December 31, 2015.


The assumptions used to value our TSR market-based RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 were a a risk-free interest rate of 0.93%, an expected volatility of 56.3% and an expected dividend yield of 0.0%. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation, these RSUs were valued at $4.15.
The assumptions used to value our TSR market-based RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 were a a risk-free interest rate of 1.30%, an expected volatility of 55.5% and an expected dividend yield of 0.0%. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation, these RSUs were valued at $5.62.
A summary of the status of our RSUs as of December 31, 2017, and of changes in RSUs outstanding during the Presidentyear ended December 31, 2017, is as follows:

RSUs Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Outstanding at January 1, 20171,030,658
 $7.18
Granted656,631
 5.76
Vested and converted(350,895) 8.45
Forfeited/expired(343,074) 9.14
Outstanding at December 31, 2017993,320
 $5.11

9. Stockholders’ Equity and Chief Executive OfficerLoss per Share
As of Keen Energy (“Keen”) from March 2009 until October 2012. Mr. Jacob evaluated business opportunities from October 2012 until joining us in February 2013. Prior to Keen, Mr. JacobDecember 31, 2017, we had a distinguished careertotal of 37,985,225 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding, including zero shares of restricted stock. We also had 261,694 shares held as treasury stock. Total authorized common stock is 100,000,000 shares.
On April 26, 2016, we completed an underwritten public offering of 13,225,000 shares of common stock at Grey Wolf, Inc.a price to the public of $3.50 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $42.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“Grey Wolf”EPS”), a are computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted losses per share computations is as follows:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except for per share data)2017 2016 2015
Net loss (numerator)$(24,298) $(22,178) $(7,880)
Loss per share:     
  Basic and diluted$(0.64) $(0.67) $(0.33)
Shares (denominator):     
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding-basic37,762
 33,118
 23,904
Net effect of dilutive stock options, warrants and restricted stock units
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted37,762
 33,118
 23,904
For all years presented, the computation of diluted loss per share excludes the effect of certain outstanding stock options, warrants and restricted stock units because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The number of options that were excluded from diluted loss per share were 682,950, 935,720, and 956,653 during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A warrant to purchase 2,198,000 shares of our common stock was anti-dilutive in the year ended December 31, 2015 and expired unexercised March 31, 2015. RSUs, which are not participating securities and are excluded from our diluted loss per share because they are anti-dilutive were 993,320, 1,030,658 and 463,413 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


10. Segment and Geographical Information
We report one segment because all of our drilling operations are all located in the United States and have similar economic characteristics. We build rigs and engage in land contract drilling company,for oil and natural gas in the United States. Corporate management administers all properties as a whole rather than as discrete operating segments. Operational data is tracked by rig; however, financial performance is measured as a single enterprise and not on a rig-by-rig basis. Allocation of capital resources is employed on a project-by-project basis across our entire asset base to maximize profitability without regard to individual areas.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding purchase commitments to a number of suppliers totaling $3.7 million related primarily to the construction of drilling rigs. We have paid deposits of $0.8 million related to these commitments.
Lease Commitments
We lease certain land, equipment and vehicles under non-cancelable operating and capital leases. Future minimum lease payments under operating and capital lease commitments, with lease terms in excess of one year subsequent to December 31, 2017, were as follows:
(in thousands) 
2018$759
2019627
2020306
Thereafter
 $1,692
Rent expense was $3.9 million, $2.3 million, and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with two key executives, with original terms of three years, that automatically extend a year prior to expiration, provided that neither party has provided a written notice of termination before that date.   These agreements provide for aggregate minimum annual cash compensation of $0.8 million and aggregate cash severance payments totaling $2.9 million for termination by ICD without cause, or termination by the employee for good reason, both as defined in the agreements. 
Contingencies
Our operations inherently expose us to various liabilities and exposures that could result in third party lawsuits, claims and other causes of action. While we insure against the risk of these proceedings to the extent deemed prudent by our management, we can offer no assurance that the type or value of this insurance will meet the liabilities that may arise from February 1999 untilany pending or future legal proceedings related to our business activities. There are no current legal proceedings that we expect will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
12. Concentration of Market and Credit Risk
We derive all our revenues from drilling services contracts with companies in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry, a historically cyclical industry with levels of activity that are significantly affected by the levels and volatility in oil and natural gas prices. We have a number of customers that account for 10% or more of our revenues. For 2017, these customers included GeoSouthern Energy Corporation (33%), Devon Energy (17%), RSP Permian, LLC (16%) and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (11%). For 2016, these customers included Parsley Energy, LP (22%), Silver Hill Energy Partners, LLC (17%), Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (16%) and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (11%). For 2015, these customers included Parsley Energy, LP (18%), Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (18%), Laredo Petroleum, Inc. (14%), COG Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of Concho Resources, Inc. (13%) and Elevation Resources, LLC (11%).
As of December 2008, serving as Senior Vice President31, 2017, GeoSouthern Energy Corporation (25%), Devon Energy (20%), RSP Permian, LLC (19%), BHP Billiton Petroleum (15%) and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (14%) accounted for 10% or more of Operations. Whileour accounts


receivable. As of December 31, 2016, Parsley Energy, LP (20%), Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (19%), GEP Haynesville, LLC (17%), Energen Corporation (16%), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (14%) and Silver Hill Energy Partners, LLC (14%) accounted for 10% or more of our accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2015, Devon Energy Corporation (27%), Parsley Energy LP (18%), Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. (17%) and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (13%) accounted for 10% or more of our accounts receivable.
We compete with large national and multi-national companies that have longer operating histories, greater financial, technical and other resources and greater name recognition than ICD. Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be affected by these factors. Additionally, these factors could impact our ability to obtain additional debt and equity capital required to implement our rig construction and growth strategy, and the cost of that capital.
We have concentrated credit risk for cash by maintaining deposits in major banks, which may at Grey Wolf, Mr. Jacob also served as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Jacob left Grey Wolf when it was acquiredtimes exceed amounts covered by Precision Drilling Company in December 2008. Prior to working at Grey Wolf, Mr. Jacob served as Executive Vice President of Bayard Drilling Technologies, Inc.insurance provided by the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“Bayard”FDIC”), operating 88 land rigs in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. Prior to joining Bayard, Mr. Jacob spent 13 years in various sales, marketing and operations management positions with Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. Mr. Jacob is a 2007 graduate. We monitor the financial health of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Mr. Jacob currently serves as the Chairmanbanks and have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk. As of the Executive CommitteeDecember 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.9 million in cash and cash equivalents in excess of the BoardFDIC limits. Our trade receivables are with a variety of Directors of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (the “IADC”)E&P and served as the Chairman of the Board of the IADC during 2015. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Association of Drilling Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute. Mr. Jacob has received the IADC’s Distinguished Service Award and 2014 Contractor of the Year Award. Mr. Jacob has also served on the API Executive Committee for Drilling and Production Operations.

Daniel F. McNease,Director. Mr. McNease has served as a director on our Board of Directors since April 2013. Mr. McNease has served as the Chairman of AXON EP, Inc. since July 2009 and as a Member of the Advisory Board at HitecVision AS since January 2010. From 2007 through 2013, he served as a Director of Dockwise Ltd. From 2004 through 2008, Mr. McNease served as President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Rowan Companies plc (“Rowan”), a provider of land and offshore contract drilling services and a manufacturer of rigs and drilling equipment. In total, Mr. McNease spent 34 years at Rowan, serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2003 to 2008, President from 2002 to 2008 and as Executive Vice President of

Rowan and President of its drilling subsidiaries from 1999 to 2002. Mr. McNease is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and the Columbia University Executive Program. He is a member of the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

Tighe A. Noonan,Director. Mr. Noonan has served as a director on our Board of Directors since November 2011. Mr. Noonan is a founding shareholder partner and has served as a Partner of 4D Global Energy Advisors SAS since its formation in 2002, and he has been continuously involved in energy finance since 1982. After 13 years of experience in commercial and investment banking with the Barclays Group (BZW) in New York and Paris, notably in the energy sector, Mr. Noonan joined Société Générale in 1995, where he was Managing Director, Global Head of Oil and Gas Project Finance. Following studies at Swarthmore College (USA), Mr. Noonan received an advanced degree in economics and finance from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques and the University of Grenoble (France). Mr. Noonan presently serves on the board of directors of Finoil SpA, GES-Global Energy Services, Inc., Lampogas SpA, Dulevo International SpA, Aladdin Middle East Ltd., and ORS International Ltd. and certain subsidiaries of the aforementioned. He also serves as Chairman of 4D Global Energy Investments plc, 4D Global Energy Development Capital Fund plc, and 4D Global Energy Development Capital Fund II plc.

Stockholder Nominations

No material changes have been made to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.

Executive Officers

Our executive officers serve at the discretionother oilfield service companies. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our Board.customers, and we generally do not require collateral. We have presented below information aboutdo occasionally require deposits from customers whose creditworthiness is in question prior to providing services to them.

13. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
A summary of our executive officersunaudited quarterly financial data is as of April 29, 2016.

follows:
 Year Ended December 31, 2017
 Quarter Ended
(in thousands, except for per share data)March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenue$20,236
 $21,285
 $23,445
 $25,041
Operating loss(5,593) (5,584) (5,178) (4,673)
Income tax expense46
 34
 30
 177
Net loss(6,269) (6,304) (5,980) (5,745)
Loss per share:       
   Basic and diluted$(0.17) $(0.17) $(0.16) $(0.15)

 Year Ended December 31, 2016
 Quarter Ended
(in thousands, except for per share data)March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenue$22,455
 $15,155
 $14,464
 $17,988
Operating income (loss)567
 (3,101) (6,710) (9,687)
Income tax expense4
 31
 32
 135
Net loss(414) (4,191) (7,198) (10,375)
Loss per share:       
   Basic and diluted$(0.02) $(0.12) $(0.19) $(0.28)



SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
       
(in thousands)Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017:       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$8
 $
 $
 $8
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets$13,773
 $(1,377) $
 $12,396
Year Ended December 31, 2016:       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$8
 $
 $
 $8
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets$6,710
 $7,063
 $
 $13,773
Year Ended December 31, 2015:       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$129
 $132
 $(253) $8
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets$4,449
 $2,261
 $
 $6,710




Name

ITEM 9.
Age

Position

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Byron A. Dunn(1)

58
None.
ITEM  9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017 at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.
Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer

Edward S. Jacob, III(2)

63President and Chief Operating Officer

Philip A. Choyce

49Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

David C. Brown

69Senior Vice President—Construction and Engineering

J. Scott Thompson

61Senior Vice President—Human Resources and Administration

Michael J. Harwell

47Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

Christopher K. Menefee

38Vice President—Business Development

Aaron W. Mueller

37Vice President—HSE

(1)For biographical information on Mr. Dunn, see “—Board of Directors” beginning on page 5.
(2)For biographical information on Mr. Jacob, see “—Board of Directors” beginning on page 5.

Philip A. Choyce,Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Choyce is one of our original founders and has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, since March 2012 andconducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as our Senior Vice President and General Counsel from November 2011 until March 2012. From 2009 until 2011, Mr. Choyce wasof December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the ownercriteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of The Choyce Firm, which provided legal services to domestic and international oil and gas services companies. Mr. Choyce served as the Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of Grant Prideco, Inc., oneSponsoring Organizations of the world’s largest suppliersTreadway Commission (the 2013 framework). Based on this assessment using this criteria, our management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of drill pipe and drill bits, from its spinoff into a new public company in 2000 until its sale to National Oilwell Varco in 2008. Prior to joining Grant Prideco, Mr. Choyce was a Senior Associate at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. Mr. Choyce began his career as a certified public accountant at Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Choyce graduated from Texas A&MUniversity with a B.B.A. in accounting in 1989, and received his law degree from the University of Texas in Austin in 1993.

David C. Brown,Senior Vice President—Construction and Engineering. Mr. Brown has served as our Senior Vice President—Construction and Engineering since May 2014 and as our Vice President—Organizational Effectiveness from March 2012 to May 2014. Mr. Brown retired in 2010 from Lanzhou LS-National Oilwell Petroleum Engineering Company where he served as the Chief Operating Officer since 2006. From 2000 to 2005 Mr. Brown was the Vice President of Manufacturing and Chief Health, Safety and Environmental and Quality Officer of National Oilwell. He co-chaired the National Oilwell/Varco integration in 2004 and 2005. Mr. Brown held various operating positions within National Oilwell, Oilwell and U.S. Steel beginning in 1969. He is a graduateDecember 31, 2017.

Attestation Report of the UniversityIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Pursuant to the provisions of Pittsburghthe JOBS Act, this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm as we are an “emerging growth company.”
ITEM  9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.


PART III
ITEM 10.     DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 business days of December 31, 2017.
Our board of directors has adopted a degree in industrial engineering.

J. Scott Thompson.Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all our officers and employees, a Code of Ethics for Senior Vice President—Human Resources and Administration. Mr. Thompson has served as Senior Vice President—Human Resources and Administration since October 2014. Prior to joiningOfficers of the Company Mr. Thompson served as the Director, Learning & Development at Noble Energy, Inc. (“Noble”) from May 2012and a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, which applies to October 2014, where he directed the learning and organizational development activities of Noble.From December 2009 to May 2012, Mr. Thompson was Vice President—Environmental Operations at Carbo Ceramics. From April 2006 to November 2009, Mr. Thompson served as Senior Vice President—Human Resources and Administration at NATCO Group, Inc. From February 1979 to April 2005, Mr. Thompson worked at Schlumberger Limited in various management, sales and human resource roles. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a degree in Business Management.

Michael J. Harwell,Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Harwell has served asall our Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer since August 1, 2012. Prior to joining us, Mr. Harwell served from 2005 to 2012 as the Vice President and Corporate Controller for Landry’s, Inc. (“Landry’s”), a restaurant, gaming and entertainment company. Prior to joining Landry’s, Mr. Harwell served as Vice President and Corporate Controller for NetVersant Solutions, Inc., a Houston based start-up company specializing in high-end network infrastructure projects. Mr. Harwell also held various positions with Nabors Industries, Ltd., a publicly-traded drilling contractor, the most recent of which was Corporate Controller. After graduating from Texasdirectors. A&M University with a B.B.A. in accounting, Mr. Harwell, a certified public accountant, joined Ernst & Young LLP and remained with the accounting firm until 1994.

Christopher K. Menefee, Vice President—Business Development. Mr. Menefee has served as our Vice President—Business Development since May 2012. Mr. Menefee began his oilfield career in 1997 at Rowan Companies, Inc. In 2001, Mr. Menefee transferred from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to Rowan’s Land Division where he held field operational roles and was the Health and Safety Manager. Mr. Menefee moved to Rowan’s corporate headquarters as the Director of Marketing in 2006. In this role, he was responsible for the marketing, sales and contracting of Rowan’s domestic and international rig fleet. Mr. Menefee graduated from The University of Mississippi in Oxford with a B.A. in Psychology. He is a Director of the International Association of Drilling Contractors and is currently Chairman of the IADC Houston Chapter.

Aaron W. Mueller,Vice President—Health, Safety and Environmental. Mr. Mueller has served as our Vice President—Health, Safety and Environmental since February 2013 and Director of Marketing and Sales from August 2012 until February 2013. Prior to joining us, Mr. Mueller served as a driller on both land and offshore rigs with Rowan Companies, Inc., where he began his career as a college roustabout in 2001. Mr. Mueller was named Project Manager of New Builds in 2006 within LeTourneau Drilling Systems, a Rowan Company, where he managed the rig component assembly and delivery for the construction of Rowan’s 2000-hp land drilling rigs project. Mr. Mueller also served as Land Drilling Division Safety Manager as well as Corporate Safety Specialist at Rowan Companies plc, where he managed all HSE aspects associated with Rowan’s 25 rig land drilling fleet and 30 offshore domestic and international offshore jack-up drilling fleet. Additionally, Mr. Mueller served as the Quality Systems Manager and Global Training Manager responsible for the creation, certification and management of Rowan’s global corporate management system. Mr. Mueller is a member of the IADC, theAmerican Petroleum Institute, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Association of Drilling Engineers.

Corporate Governance

We are committed to adhering to sound principles of ethical conduct and good corporate governance. We have adopted a number of corporate governance policies and practices designed to promote the long-term interests of our stockholders, maintain internal checks and balances, strengthen management accountability, engender public trust and foster responsible decision making and accountability. The following are certain of the important corporate governance policies and practices we have adopted.

Committee Charters

We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees of the Board. Each committee charter outlines the authority and responsibilities delegated by the Board to the respective committee; enumerates membership requirements for the committee, including any applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) membership requirements; and sets forth a framework for committee meetings. Summaries copy of each of the committee charters are set forth below under the heading “—Board Committees.” Copiesthese codes of each of our committee chartersbusiness conduct and ethics is available on our website at http://icdrilling.investorroom.com/corporategovernance.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Ethics—Employees”), which provides the basic principles and guidelines to foster a culture of honesty and accountability and to establish standards of integrity, honesty and ethical conduct that all our officers and employees must follow. We have adopted a separate code of ethics that applies to our directors, including employee directors, which is described in more detail below. A copy of our Code of Ethics—Employees is available on our website at http://icdrilling.investorroom.com/code_of_conduct.icdrilling.investorroom.com. Stockholders may also request a printed copy of the Codeeither code of Ethics—Employees,business conduct and ethics, free of charge, by contacting our Corporate Secretary,us at Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., 11601 N. Galayda Street, Houston, TX  77086 or by telephone at (281) 598-1230 or by emailing Investor.relations@icdrilling.com. Any waiver of any of the Codecodes of Ethics—Employeesbusiness conduct and ethics for executive officers or directors may be made only by our Board or a Board committee to which the Board has delegated that authority and will be promptly disclosed to our stockholders as required by applicable U.S.United States federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. Amendments to the Codeeither code of Ethics—Employeesbusiness conduct and ethics must be approved by our Board and will be promptly disclosed (other than technical, administrative or non-substantive changes) on our website.

Code


ITEM 11.     EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Ethics for Senior Officers of the Company

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers of the Company (“Code of Ethics—Senior Officers”), supplementing the Code of Ethics-Employees, that sets forth the ethical principles byShareholders, which our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and other executives of the Company are expected to conduct themselves when carrying out their duties. A copy of our Code of Ethics—Senior Officers is available on our website at http://icdrilling.investorroom.com/code_of_conduct. Stockholders may also request a printed copy of the Code of Ethics—Senior Officers, free of charge, by contacting our Corporate Secretary, at Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., 11601 N. Galayda Street, Houston, TX 77086 or by telephone at (281) 598-1230 or by emailing Investor.relations@icdrilling.com. Amendments to the Code of Ethics—Senior Officers must be approved by our Board and will be promptly disclosed (other than technical, administrative or non-substantive changes) on our website.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors (“Code of Ethics—Directors”), which provides the basic principles and guidelines to foster a culture of honesty and accountability and to establish standards of integrity, honesty and ethical conduct that all members of our Board must follow. A copy

of our Code of Ethics—Directors is available on our website at http://icdrilling.investorroom.com/code_of_conduct. Stockholders may also request a printed copy of the Code of Ethics—Directors, free of charge, by contacting our Corporate Secretary, at Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., 11601 N. Galayda Street, Houston, TX 77086 or by telephone at (281) 598-1230 or by emailing Investor.relations@icdrilling.com. Any waiver of the Code of Ethics—Directors may be made only by our Board or a Board committee to which the Board has delegated that authority and will be promptly disclosed to our stockholders as required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. Amendments to the Code of Ethics—Directors must be approved by our Board and will be promptly disclosed (other than technical, administrative or non-substantive changes) on our website.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Corporate Governance Guidelines”) in compliancefiled with the corporate governance rulesSEC within 120 business days of the NYSE. The Corporate Governance Guidelines provide a flexible framework within which the Board and its committees operate. The Corporate Governance Guidelines cover, among other things, director qualification standards, responsibilities of directors, Board access to management and advisors, compensation of directors, Chief Executive Officer evaluation and succession planning. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website at http://icdrilling.investorroom.com/corporategovernance.

Related Person Transaction Policy

We have adopted a Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Related Person Transaction Policy”), which provides guidelines for the review and approval of certain transactions, arrangements or relationships involving the Company and any of our directors (or nominees for director), executive officers, stockholder owing more than 5% of the Company and any immediate family members of any such person. As a general matter, we discourage such “related person transactions” because they present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest and may create the appearance that decisions are based on considerations other than the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. In addition, our Related Person Transaction Policy is designed to assist the Board in preparing the disclosure that SEC rules require to be included in the Company’s applicable filings under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Exchange Act. Please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Policies and Procedures for Identifying, Assessing and Approving Related Person Transactions” for additional information regarding our Related Person Transaction Policy. In addition to our Related Person Transaction Policy, which applies only to the persons enumerated above in specified circumstances, we have also adopted a Conflicts of Interest Policy, described in more detail below, that facilities the general review of possible conflicts of interest for all our employees and our directors.

Conflicts of Interest Policy

We have adopted a Conflicts of Interest Policy (the “Conflicts of Interest Policy”), which provides guidelines and procedures regarding the timely and proper disclosure of possible conflicts of interest a Company employee or director may have in order to allow the Company to review each such possible conflict. Under our Conflicts of Interest Policy, a conflict arises when an individual’s private interest interferes in any way with the interests of the Company as a whole. Our Conflicts of Interest Policy is designed to prohibit directors, officers or other employees from engaging in any business or conduct or entering into any agreement or arrangement that would give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest and provides guidance on how to report potential conflicts of interest. The Conflicts of Interest Policy supplements our Related Person Transaction Policy and each of our codes of ethics.

Board Committees

Our Board has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A description of each committee, its function and charter, are provided below:

Audit Committee

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee’s duties include, but are not limited to, oversight of the following: (1) our accounting and financial reporting process, (2) the integrity of our financial statements, (3) our independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, (4) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors and (5) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Bates, McNease and Fitzgerald (chairman). Each member of the Audit Committee is “financially literate” as defined in the NYSE listing standards. Mr. Fitzgerald, chairman of the Audit Committee, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.

Under rules implemented by the NYSE and SEC, we are required to have an audit committee comprised of at least three directors who meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act. We have determined that Messrs. Bates, McNease and Fitzgerald are independent under the standards established by both the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.

The Audit Committee met seven times during 2015.

Compensation Committee

Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) establishing salaries, incentive and other forms of compensation for our executive officers, (2) reviewing non-employee director compensation, (3) administering the Company’s incentive compensation and equity plans, (4) reviewing the risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices, and (5) overseeing regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters.

In connection with these purposes, the Board has delegated to the Compensation Committee the overall responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring compensation for our executive officers. Together with management (with the exception of compensation matters related to our Chief Executive Officer, for which management is not involved), and any other counsel or other advisors deemed appropriate by it, the Compensation Committee reviews and makes a final determination with regard to executive compensation. For example, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of our executive officers and makes appropriate adjustments based on Company performance, achievement of predetermined goals and changes in an officer’s duties and responsibilities. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for approving all employment agreements related to our executive officers.

In addition, our Board has delegated to the Compensation Committee the responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring the compensation for our non-employee directors. Our Compensation Committee establishes, reviews and approves the compensation of our non-employee directors and makes appropriate adjustments based on their performance, duties and responsibilities and the competitive environment. Our Compensation Committee’s primary objectives in establishing and implementing director compensation are to: (1) ensure the ability to attract, motivate and retain the talent necessary to provide qualified Board leadership, and (2) use the appropriate mix of long-term and short-term compensation to ensure high Board and/or committee performance.

The Compensation Committee charter provides that the committee may, in its sole discretion, retain, obtain advice from or terminate a compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of the director, chief executive officer or executive officer compensation. The Compensation Committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of any such compensation consultant and has sole authority to approve any such consultant’s fees. The Compensation Committee has retained Pearl Meyer & Partners (“PM&P”), a national executive and director compensation strategy and governance consulting firm, to review and provide recommendations concerning components of the Company’s executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee concluded that no conflict of interest existed that would prevent PM&P from independently representing the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Bates, Einav and McNease (chairman). Our Board has affirmatively determined that each of Messrs. Bates, Einav and McNease meets the definition of independent director for purposes of serving on the Compensation Committee under applicable NYSE rules.

The Compensation Committee met four times during 2015.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Pursuant to its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee duties include, but are not limited to: (1) monitoring the implementation of sound corporate governance principles and practices, (2) identifying individuals believed to be qualified to become directors of the Company, (3) selecting or recommending candidates for all directorships to be filled, and (4) overseeing the evaluation of the Board.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of three directors, Messrs. Einav (chairman), Fitzgerald and McNease.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met twice during 2015.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reporting persons are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of reports we received and the written representations from our directors and officers, we believe that all filings required to be made under Section 16(a) were timely made for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

2017.
Item 11.Executive Compensation

We are currently considered an emerging growth company for purposes of the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules. In accordance with such rules, we are required to provide a Summary Compensation Table and an Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table, as well as limited narrative disclosures. Further, our reporting obligations extend only to the individuals serving as our chief executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our named executive officers (“Named Executive Officers”) were:

Name

ITEM 12. 

Principal Position During 2015

Byron A. Dunn

Chief Executive Officer

Edward S. Jacob, III

President and Chief Operating Officer

Philip A. Choyce

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes, with respect

Pursuant to our Named Executive Officers,General Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item the information relating to the compensation earned for services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Name and Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)(2)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
  Stock
Awards
($)(4)
  Option
Awards
($)(5)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(6)
  Total
($)
 

Byron A. Dunn

  2015    464,000    —      185,211    —      —      19,878    669,089  

(Chief Executive Officer)

  2014    363,077    407,321    —      3,536,254    —      14,350    4,321,002  
  2013    300,000    315,000    —      —      —      774    615,774  

Edward S. Jacob, III(7)

  2015    353,000    —      126,814    —      —      —      479,814  

(President and Chief

Operating Officer)

  2014    301,923    297,543    —      1,742,699    —      —      2,342,165  
  2013    237,807    259,875    —      712,990    509,200    1,051    1,720,923  

Philip A. Choyce

  2015    319,000    —      106,960    —      —      19,878    445,838  

(Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer)

  2014    245,769    195,585    —      1,748,240    —      9,100    2,198,694  
  2013    200,000    150,000    —      —      —      269    350,269  

(1)Amounts reflected in this column include total annual salary paid during the applicable fiscal year.
(2)Amounts reflected in this column represent bonuses earned during the applicable year.
(3)Amounts reflected in this column represent performance-based incentive compensation earned under a plan during the applicable year, excluding discretionary components not based on performance criteria and thus reported as bonus.
(4)Amounts reflected in this column reflect the value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted during the applicable fiscal year, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Values represent the fair market value of such restricted stock on the date of grant. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 9 to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.
(5)Amounts reflected in this column reflect the value of stock option awards granted during the applicable fiscal year, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 9 to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.
(6)All other compensation is comprised entirely of health insurance and life insurance premiums paid by us on behalf of the named executive officer.
(7)Mr. Jacob began employment with us on February 2, 2013. Mr. Jacob was appointed our President and Chief Operating Officer in May 2014.

Bonus Payments and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

During 2013, we did not implement a bonus or incentive compensation program tied to any objective measure of performance. All bonuses paid to our named executive officers relating to fiscal 2013 were entirely discretionary and based upon subjective factors.

For 2014, our Board implemented a bonus and incentive compensation program partially tied to objective performance measures for 2014. The bonuses paid for fiscal 2014 were based upon the achievement of the actual performance metrics set forth in the table above as well as a subjective component, which the Compensation Committee determined for fiscal 2014 to be equal to 60%disclosed in our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the overall target bonus. However, due to the nature of the program and its discretionary components, all of the components were deemed to be bonus compensation for purposes of the Summary Compensation Table.

For 2015, our Board implemented a bonus and incentive compensation program tied 50% to objective performance measures at the corporate level and a 50% discretionary component tied to achievement of personal objectives. Payments based on the objective performance measures of this program are included in the non-equity incentive compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.

For our Named Executive Officers (as defined by Section 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K), the 2015 weighting for corporate objectives for purposes of determining the portion of bonus to be paid with respect to corporate level performance measures were as follows:

Name

  TRIR Adjusted
EBITDA
 Utilization

Byron A. Dunn

  33% 33% 33%

Edward S. Jacob, III

  33% 33% 33%

Philip A. Choyce

  20% 40% 40%

The entry, target and over-achievement performance objectives and actual performance for each corporate objective measure for 2015 were as follows:

   2015 Criteria    

Bonus Criteria

  Entry  Target  OA  Actual 

Safety (TRIR)(1)

   1.21    1.1    .99    1.8  

Adjusted EBITDA ($’000s)

  $20,021   $22,246   $24,471   $25,391  

Rig Utilization(2)

   69.8  77.6  85.4  76

Discretionary (Personal Objectives)

   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A  

Total

     

(1)Total Recordable Incidence Rate (“TRIR”).
(2)Calculated based upon a 14 rig fleet, including decommissioned rigs and rigs undergoing conversion or upgrade.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, Byron A. Dunn, Edward S. Jacob, III and Philip A. Choyce were paid cash bonuses equal to $185,211, $126,814 and $106,960, respectively, based upon the Company’s performance relative to established objective performance measures set forth in the table above. Although the Board of Directors determined that all or a significant portion of each Named Executive Officer’s discretionary personal objectives were achieved during 2015, in light of the significant downturn in market conditions, no portion of the earned personal objective bonus was paid for 2015.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2015 Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information for each of our Named Executive Officers regarding the number of shares subject to both exercisable and unexercisable stock options, the number of shares of restricted stock awards and performance-based restricted stock units that had not vested asSEC within 120 business days of December 31, 2015:

        Option Awards  Stock Awards 

Name

 Grant
Date
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Option,
Exercisable

(#)(1)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Option,
Unexercisable

(#)(1)
  Option
Exercise
Price

($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested

(#)(2)
  Market
value of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested

($)(3)
  Equity
incentive
plan awards:
number of
unearned
shares, units
or other
rights that
have not
vested

(#)(4)
  Equity
incentive
plan awards:
market or
payout value
of unearned
shares, units
or other
rights that
have not
vested

($)(3)
 

Byron A. Dunn(5)

  3/2/2012    400,350    —      12.74    3/2/2022    —      —      —      —    
  8/13/2014    —      —      —      —      116,436    588,002    116,436    588,002  

Edward S. Jacob, III

  2/1/2013    59,660    59,660    12.74    2/1/2023    14,523    73,341    —      —    
  8/13/2014    —      —      —      —      57,382    289,779    57,380    289,769  

Philip A. Choyce

  3/2/2012    157,000    —      12.74    3/2/2022    —      —      —      —    
  8/13/2014    —      —      —      —      57,563    290,693    57,562    290,688  

(1)These stock options were issued under our 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The stock options granted on February 1, 2013 vest in one-fourth increments on each anniversary of2017.
ITEM 13.     CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item the grant date. Options granted in 2012 were fully vested in 2015.
(2)These shares represent restricted stock awards issued under our 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The restricted stock awards granted on February 1, 2013 were granted in connection with the commencement of Mr. Jacob’s employment with the Company and vest in one fourth increments on December 31 of each year. The restricted stock awards granted on August 13, 2014 were granted in connection with the completion of the Company’s IPO and vest in one-third increments on each anniversary of the date of grant.
(3)The market value is based upon the applicable number of shares shown in the table multiplied by $5.05, the closing market price of our stock on December 31, 2015.
(4)These units represent performance based restricted stock units issued under our 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Such awards are subject to a performance period and a performance achievement (either earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) or Total Shareholder Return). The performance based restricted stock units are subject to three-year cliff vesting. The disclosed number of unearned units is based upon a target level of performance achievement.
(5)The stock options attributed to Mr. Dunn are held through limited partnerships over which Mr. Dunn shares voting and dispositive control.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information concerning exercisesto be disclosed in our definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of stock options and vesting of restricted stock of each of our named executive officers during fiscal 2015:

Option Exercises and Stock Vested—2015

   Option Awards   Stock Awards 
Name  Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
   Value
Realized on Exercise
($)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
   Value
Realized on Vesting
($)(1)
 

Byron A. Dunn

   —      $—       58,218    $362,698  

Edward S. Jacob, III

   —      $—       43,213    $252,081  

Philip A. Choyce

   —      $—       28,782    $179,312  

(1)Value determined based upon the closing price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date.

Employment, Severance or Change in Control Agreements with Named Executive Officers

We have entered into employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. In connectionShareholders, which will be filed with the completion of our IPO, we amended and restated our employment agreements with each of our Named

Executive Officers on August 13, 2014. Under the terms of the amended and restated employment agreements, Messrs. Dunn, Jacob and Choyce are paid annual salaries of $464,000, $353,000 and $319,000, respectively and are eligible to receive target bonuses, payable at the discretion of the Board equal to 100%, 90% and 70%, respectively, of their annual salaries. Each employment agreement is for a term of three years; provided, however, that if neither the Company nor the employee has provided written notice of termination at least one year prior to the scheduled expiration of the then current term of the agreement (the “renewal date”), the employment term automatically extends for one additional year, so as to expire two years from such renewal date.

Each of our Named Executive Officers is subject to a non-compete agreement restricting such officer from competing in the U.S. land contract drilling industry for a period of 12 months following termination of employment.

Under the Named Executive Officer’s employment agreements, each officer is entitled to receive a severance payment in the event such officer’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason.” Such severance payment will be payable in a lump sum and will be equal to the following:

all accrued and unpaid salary and prior fiscal year bonus earned but not paid as of the date of termination;

a pro rata portion of the executive officer’s target bonus for the fiscal year in which termination of employment occurs; and

two (2) times the sum of (x) the executive officer’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination of employment and (y) the executive officer’s target annual bonus; provided however, if Mr. Dunn’s termination is in connection with a change of control, he will receive three (3) times the sum of (x) his annual base salary in effect at the time of termination of employment and (y) his target annual bonus

Under the employment agreements, “cause” is deemed to exist if any of the following occurs:

willful and continued failure to comply with the reasonable written directives of the Company for a period of thirty (30)SEC within 120 business days after written notice from the Company;

willful and persistent inattention to duties for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice from the Company, or the commission of acts within employment with the Company amounting to gross negligence or willful misconduct;

misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or committing any fraud against the Company or against any other person or entity in the course of employment with the Company;

misappropriation of any corporate opportunity, or otherwise obtaining personal profit from any transaction which is adverse to the interests of the Company or to the benefits of which the Company is entitled;

conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude;

willful failure to comply in any material respect with the terms of the employment agreement and such non-compliance continues uncured after thirty (30) days after written notice from the Company; or

chronic substance abuse, including abuse of alcohol, drugs or other substances or use of illegal narcotics or substances, for which the executive officer fails to undertake treatment immediately after requested by the Company or to complete such treatment and which abuse continues or resumes after such treatment period, or possession of illegal narcotics or substances on Company premises or while performing the executive officer’s duties and responsibilities.

Under the employment agreements, “good reason” is deemed to exist if any of the following occurs:

any action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of the employment agreement and such action or inaction continues uncured after thirty (30) days following written notice from the executive officer;

the assignment to the executive officer of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the executive officer’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by the employment agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company within 30 days of receipt of written notice thereof given by the executive officer;

any failure by the Company to comply with the payment provisions of the employment agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company as soon as reasonable possible, but no later than 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof given by the executive officer;

a change in the geographic location at which the executive officer must perform services to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Houston, Texas or the location at which the executive officer normally performs such services as of the date of the employment agreement; or

in the event a change of control has occurred, the assignment to the executive officer to any position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities that are not (A) as a senior executive officer with the ultimate parent company of the entity surviving or resulting from such change of control and (B) substantially identical to the executive officer’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities as contemplated by the employment agreement.

2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Our Board has adopted, and our stockholders have approved, the Independence Contract Drilling 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”). Our 2012 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase our common stock, both incentive options that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and nonqualified options that are not intended to satisfy such requirements, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units, other stock-based awards and certain cash awards.

As of April 29, 2016, we had authorized and reserved for issuance under our 2012 Plan approximately 3.5 million shares of our common stock, including 794,630 outstanding shares under restricted stock awards, 884,764 shares under restricted stock unit awards, 786,305 shares under performance based restricted stock unit awards assuming the maximum number of shares are awarded, and 956,653 shares under stock options to purchase our common stock. There are currently 31,648 additional shares of common stock available for grant under the 2012 Plan.

Our employees are eligible to receive awards under our 2012 Plan. In addition, (1) the non-employee directors of our Company and (2) the consultants, agents, representatives, advisors and independent contractors who render services to our Company and its affiliates that are not in connection with the offer and sale of our Company’s securities in a capital raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for our Company’s securities are eligible to receive awards settled in shares of our common stock, other than incentive stock options, under our 2012 Plan.

Our Board administers our 2012 Plan with respect to awards to non-employee directors, and our Compensation Committee administers our 2012 Plan with respect to awards to employees and other non-employee service providers other than non-employee directors. In administering awards under our 2012 Plan, our

Board or the Compensation Committee, as applicable, has the power to determine the terms of the awards granted under our 2012 Plan, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each award and the exercisability of the awards. The Compensation Committee also has full power to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which awards will be made and to make all other determinations and take all other actions advisable for the administration of the plan.

Indemnification Agreements

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with all of our directors and our Named Executive Officers. These indemnification agreements are intended to permit indemnification to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. It is possible that the applicable law could change the degree to which indemnification is expressly permitted.

The indemnification agreements cover expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred as a result of the fact that such person, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, is made or threatened to be made a party to any suit or proceeding. The indemnification agreements generally cover claims relating to the fact that the indemnified party is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of us or any of our affiliates, or is or was serving at our request in such a position for another entity. The indemnification agreements also obligate us to promptly advance all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any claim. The indemnitee is, in turn, obligated to reimburse us for all amounts so advanced if it is later determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification. The indemnification provided under the indemnification agreements is not exclusive of any other indemnity rights; however, double payment to the indemnitee is prohibited.

We are not obligated to indemnify the indemnitee with respect to claims brought by the indemnitee against us, except for:

claims regarding the indemnitee’s rights under the indemnification agreement;

claims to enforce a right to indemnification under any statute or law; and

counter-claims against us in a proceeding brought by us against the indemnitee.

We have also agreed to obtain and maintain director and officer liability insurance for the benefit of each of the above indemnitees. These policies include coverage for losses for wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure our performance under the indemnification agreements. Each of the indemnitees is named as an insured under such policies and provided with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of our directors and officers.

Compensation Committee Membership

During 2015, Messrs. Bates, Einav and McNease served on our Compensation Committee. No member of the Compensation Committee has served as an officer or employee of the Company. None of the members of the Compensation Committee has had any substantial business dealings with the Company. None of our executive officers are now, or at any time has been, a member of the compensation committee or board of directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers has been a member of the Compensation Committee of our Board.

Director Compensation

We currently provide independent members of our Board with an annual retainer in the amount of $35,000 payable in quarterly installments. Each director also receives $1,500 per Board or committee meeting attended in person and $1,500 per board or committee meeting attended telephonically. The chairman of the Board is

provided with an annual retainer of $20,000 payable in quarterly installments and the chairman of each Board committee is provided with the following annual retainers payable in quarterly installments: $15,000 (audit), $10,000 (compensation) and $10,000 (nominating and governance). We reimburse directors for travel and lodging expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings.

Independent directors are eligible to receive equity compensation awards under our 2012 Plan. No awards were granted to directors in 2015.

The following table summarizes, with respect to our directors, information relating to the compensation earned for services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Director

  Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
   Stock
Awards
($)
   Total ($) 

Thomas R. Bates, Jr.

  $79,000    $—      $79,000  

Matthew D. Fitzgerald

  $72,500    $—      $72,500  

Daniel F. McNease

  $70,500    $—      $70,500  

Tighe A. Noonan(1)

  $45,500    $—      $45,500  

Arthur Einav(1)

  $69,000    $—      $69,000  

(1)Cash fees due to Mr. Noonan and Mr. Einav were assigned to 4D Global Energy Investments plc and Sprott Resource Partnership, respectively.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information, as of April 29, 2016, for: (1) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; (2) each of our directors and director nominees; (3) each of our named executive officers (as such term is defined by the SEC); and (4) all directors and executive officers as a group.

Footnote 1 to the following table provides a brief explanation of what is meant by the term “beneficial ownership.” The number of shares beneficially owned, the shares acquirable within 60 days and the percentages of beneficial ownership are based on 37,628,659 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 29, 2016, the number of shares owned on April 29, 2016 and the number of shares acquirable within 60 days of April 29, 2016 by the named person assuming no other person exercised options, with the exception of the amounts reported in filings on Schedule 13G or 13D, which amounts are based on holdings as of December 31, 2015, or as otherwise2017.

ITEM 14.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item the information to be disclosed in such filings orour definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the footnotes below.

To our knowledge and except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in this table have the sole voting power with respect to all shares of common stock listed as beneficially owned by them.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owners(1)(2)

 Shares
Beneficially
Owned(3)
  Shares
Acquirable
within 60
days(4)
  Total  Percent of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
 

5% Stockholders:

    

Sprott Resource Corp.(5)

  4,537,272    —      4,537,272    12.1

4D Global Energy Advisors SAS(6)

  2,562,500    —      2,562,500    6.8

Lime Rock Partners III, L.P.(7)

  2,119,500    —      2,119,500    5.6

Jennison Associates LLC(8)

  2,498,066    —      2,498,066    6.6

Prudential Financial, Inc.(8)(9)

  2,499,166    —      2,499,166    6.6

FMR LLC(10)

  3,468,613    —      3,468,613    9.2

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Thomas R. Bates, Jr.(11)

  30,122    —      30,122    *  

Byron A. Dunn(12)

  343,206    400,350    743,556    2.0

Arthur Einav(5)(13)

  8,182    —      8,182    *  

Matthew D. Fitzgerald(14)

  23,122    —      23,122    *  

Edward S. Jacob, III(15)

  132,343    89,490    221,833    *  

Daniel F. McNease(16)

  20,122    —      20,122    *  

Tighe A. Noonan(6)(17)

  2,570,682    —      2,570,682    6.8

Philip A. Choyce(18)

  153,048    157,000    310,048    *  

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (13 persons):

  3,468,589    841,073    4,309,662    11.5

*Less than 1%.
(1)“Beneficial ownership” is a term broadly defined by the SEC in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act and includes more than the typical forms of stock ownership, that is, stock held in the person’s name. The term also includes what is referred to as “indirect ownership” meaning ownership of shares as to which a person has or shares investment or voting power, or a person who, through a trust or proxy, prevents the person from having beneficial ownership.
(2)The address for each Named Executive Officer and director set forth in the table, unless otherwise indicated, is c/o Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., 11601 N. Galayda Street, Houston, Texas 77086.
(3)Amounts shown include common stock and restricted stock awards beneficially owned as of April 29, 2016, with the exception of the amounts reported in filings on Schedule 13G or 13D, which amounts are based on holdings as of December 31, 2015, or as otherwise disclosed in such filings. Where unvested restricted stock awards have been included, a footnote has been provided to set forth the unvested amount and the vesting schedule for such shares. Performance based restricted stock units that have been granted, but not yet earned, have been excluded from this figure.
(4)Reflects the number of shares that could be purchased upon the exercise of options, warrants or other right of conversion held by the named person as of April 29, 2016 or within 60SEC within 120 business days of April 29, 2016.
(5)

As reported on Schedule 13D as of August 13, 2014 and filed with the SEC on August 21, 2014, Sprott Resources Corp. (“Sprott”) has sole voting power over 4,525,000 shares and sole dispositive power of 4,525,000 shares. The shares Sprott is deemed to beneficially own and have sole voting and dispositive power over are directly owned by Sprott Resource Partnership, a general partnership controlled by Sprott. Sprott’s business address is Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, 200 Bay Street, Suite 2750, P.O. Box 90, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J2. A member of our Board, Arthur Einav, is a Managing Director and the General

Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Sprott. Mr. Einav expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares, beneficially owned by Sprott except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(6)As reported on Schedule 13G as of August 7, 2014 and filed with the SEC on August 18, 2014, 4D Global Energy Advisors SAS (“4D”) has shared voting power over 2,562,500 shares and shared dispositive power of 2,562,500 shares. The shares 4D may be deemed to beneficially own and have shared voting and dispositive power over are directly held by 4D Global Energy Investments plc, which 4D is the appointed Alternative Investment Fund Advisor of. In addition, one of our directors, Tighe Noonan, may be deemed a beneficial owner of these shares due to his position as the general manager of 4D. Mr. Noonan and 4D expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of these securities. 4D’s business address is 15 rue de La Baume, Paris, France 75008.
(7)As reported on Schedule 13G/A as of December 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016, Lime Rock Partners III, LP (“Lime Rock”) directly holds 549,500 shares of our common stock. LRP GP III, Inc. (“LRP GP”) is the general partner of Lime Rock Partners GP III, L.P. (“Lime Rock Partners GP”), which is the general partner of Lime Rock. John T. Reynolds (“Reynolds”) and Jonathan C. Farber (“Farber”) are the sole directors of LRP GP. Global Energy Services Operating, LLC (“GES”) directly holds 1,570,000 shares of our common stock. GES Global Energy Services, Inc. (“GES Corp.”) directly owns 100% of the equity interests of GES. IDM Delaware, Inc. (f/k/a IDM Group, Ltd.) (“IDM”) directly owns 100% of the equity interests of GES Corp. Lime Rock owns a majority of the equity interests in IDM. Therefore, Lime Rock, LRP GP, Lime Rock Partners GP, Reynolds and Farber may be deemed to share the right to dispose of or to direct the disposition of and may be deemed to share the power to vote or direct the vote of 1,570,000 shares of our common stock through its indirect ownership of GES. IDM, GES Corp, Lime Rock, LRP GP, Lime Rock Partners GP, Reynolds and Farber each disclaim beneficial ownership of the reported shares of our common stock except to the extent of such person’s pecuniary interest therein, and the Schedule 13G shall not be deemed an admission that IDM, GES Corp, Lime Rock, LRP GP, Lime Rock Partners GP, Reynolds and Farber are the beneficial owners of the reported common stock for the purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or any other purpose. Lime Rock, Farber and Reynolds’s business address is 274 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
(8)As reported on Schedule 13G/A as of December 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on February 15, 2016, Jennison Associates LLC (“Jennison”) has sole voting power over 2,498,066 shares and shared dispositive power of 2,498,066 shares. Jennison furnishes investment advice to several investment companies, insurance separate accounts and institutional clients (the “Jennison Managed Portfolios”). As a result of its role as an investment advisor of the Jennison Managed Portfolios, Jennison may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of our common stock owned by such Jennison Managed Portfolios. Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”) indirectly owns 100% of the equity interests in Jennison and may, therefore, be deemed to have the power to exercise or to direct the exercise of such voting and/or dispositive power that Jennison may have with respect to our common stock owned by the Jennison Managed Portfolios. Jennison and Prudential did not file a joint Schedule 13G/A, and as such, shares reported as beneficially owned by Jennison on its Schedule 13G/A may also be reported as beneficially owned by Prudential on the 13G/A filed by Prudential. Jennison’s business address is 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
(9)As reported on Schedule 13G/A as of December 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on January 28, 2016, Prudential has sole voting power over 1,100 shares, shared voting power over 2,498,066 shares, sole dispositive power of 1,100 shares and shared dispositive power of 2,498,066 shares. The shares Prudential may be deemed to beneficially own are held through its parent/subsidiary relationship with Jennison and Quantitative Management Associates LLC. Prudential’s filing should not be construed as an admission that Prudential is, for purposes of Section 13 or 16 of the Exchange Act, the beneficial owner of the shares. Prudential’s business address is 751 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey, 07102.
(10)

Amounts reported do not reflect any shares that may have been beneficially acquired by FMR in connection with the Company’s recent public offering of common stock that closed April 26, 2016. As reported on Schedule 13G/A as of December 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on February 12, 2016, FMR LLC (“FMR”) has sole dispositive power of 3,468,613 shares. The shares FMR may be deemed to beneficially own are held through certain of its affiliates and subsidiaries and other companies. Members of the family of

Edward C. Johnson, III, including Abigail P. Johnson, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of a shareholder’s voting agreement, may be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR. Neither FMR nor Edward C. Johnson, III, nor Abigail P. Johnson has sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act (the “Fidelity Funds”) and advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR, which power overrides the Fidelity Funds’ boards of trustees. Fidelity Management & Research Company carries out voting of shares under written guidelines established by the Fidelity Funds’ board of trustees. FMR’s address is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
(11)Includes 8,182 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Bates with voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 20, 2016 and August 20, 2017. Excludes 17,500 shares underlying restricted stock units that will not vest until February 22, 2017.
(12)Shares acquirable within 60 days include options to purchase 400,350 shares of common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 2016. Includes 78,500 shares owned by A2L, Ltd, over which Mr. Dunn shares voting and dispositive control, 105,975 shares of common stock owned by Field Rock Partners, Limited Partnership, over which Mr. Dunn shares voting and dispositive control and 116,436 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Dunn with voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 13, 2016 and August 13, 2017. Excludes 240,000 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units that will vest ratably on each of February 22, 2017, February 22, 2018 and February 22, 2019. Also excludes 232,872 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics, on August 13, 2017 and 40,335 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics, on February 22, 2019.
(13)Excludes 4,525,000 shares owned by Sprott, for whom Mr. Einav serves as an executive officer, because Mr. Einav does not have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the shares beneficially owned by Sprott. Includes 8,182 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Einav with voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 20, 2016 and August 20, 2017. Excludes 17,500 shares underlying restricted stock units that will not vest until February 22, 2017.
(14)Includes 8,182 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Fitzgerald with voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 20, 2016 and August 20, 2017. Excludes 17,500 shares underlying restricted stock units that will not vest until February 22, 2017.
(15)Shares acquirable within 60 days includes options to purchase 89,490 shares of common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 2016, and excludes options to purchase 29,830 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 2016. Includes 57,382 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Jacob with voting rights and will vest ratably on August 13, 2016 and August 13, 2017. Also includes 19,363 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Jacob with voting rights and will vest ratably on December 31, 2016. Excludes 120,000 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units that will vest ratably on each of February 22, 2017, February 22, 2018 and February 22, 2019. Also excludes 114,760 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics on August 13, 2017 and 20,175 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics, on February 22, 2019.
(16)Includes 8,182 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. McNease with voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 20, 2016 and August 20, 2017. Excludes 17,500 shares underlying restricted stock units that will not vest until February 22, 2017.
(17)

Includes 2,562,500 shares that Mr. Noonan may be deemed to beneficially own through his indirect ownership and position as founding shareholder Partner of 4D. Mr. Noonan expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities, except to the extent of his primary interest therein. Excludes shares owned by GES, of which Mr. Noonan is a director of the ultimate parent, because Mr. Noonan does not have sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the shares beneficially owned by GES. Includes 8,182 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Noonan with

voting rights and will vest ratably on each of August 20, 2016 and August 20, 2017. Excludes 17,500 shares underlying restricted stock units that will not vest until February 22, 2017.
(18)Shares acquirable within 60 days includes options to purchase 157,000 shares of common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 2016. Includes 57,563 shares of restricted stock that will not vest within 60 days of April 29, 2016, but which provide Mr. Choyce with voting rights and will vest ratably on August 13, 2016 and August 13, 2017. Excludes 110,000 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units that will vest ratably on each of February 22, 2017, February 22, 2018 and February 22, 2019. Also excludes 115,124 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics, on August 13, 2017 and 18,495 shares of common stock underlying performance restricted stock units that may potentially vest, based upon achievement of performance metrics, on February 22, 2019.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Our Equity Compensation Plan

The following sets forth certain information regarding our equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2015.

Plan Category Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights (A)
  Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights (B)
  Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities reflected
in Column (A)) (C)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)

  956,653   $12.74    31,648  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  —      —      —    

Total

  956,653    12.74    31,648  

2017.



PART IV
(1)Represents our 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. For additional information, see “Executive Compensation—2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan.”
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Certain Relationships

(a) List of filed documents:
(1) Financial Statements
Our Financial Statements and Related Person Transactions

Policiesaccompanying footnotes are included under Part II, “Item 8. Financial Statements and Procedures for Identifying, AssessingSupplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation and Approving Related Person Transactions

We maintain a “Related Person Transaction Policy” that provides guidelines for the reviewQualifying Accounts is included under Part II, “Item 8. Financial Statements and approvalSupplementary Data” of certain transactions, arrangements or relationships involving the Company and any of our directors (or nominees for director), executive officers, stockholder owing more than 5% of the Company and any immediate family members of any such person (“Related Person”). As a general matter, we discourage such “related person transactions” because they present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest and may create the appearance that decisions are basedthis Annual Report on considerations other than the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. Such related person transactions are also subject to our Conflicts of Interest Policy and our Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics, which restrict the ability of our directors, officers and employees to engage in business or conduct or entering into any agreement or arrangement that would give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest. See “Corporate Governance” above for additional information on each of these governance policies. Each year, we are required to disclose certain transactions between the Company and a Related Person, as well as our policies concerning related person transactions. Our Related Person Transaction Policy is intended to assist us in complying with the disclosure obligations concerning these transactions under applicable SEC rules.

Pursuant to our Related Person Transaction Policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is generally required to review the material facts and either approve or disapprove, those related party

transactions, in which (1) the aggregate amount involved exceeds, or is expected to exceed, $120,000 in any calendar year and (2) any Related Person has or will have a direct or indirect interest (other than solely as a result of being a director of, or holding less than a 10% beneficial ownership interest in, another entity). Thereafter, on at least an annual basis, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to review and assess any ongoing transaction, arrangement or relationship with the Related Person to confirm that such transaction, arrangement or relationship remains appropriate. Any member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee who is a Related Person with respect to the transaction will be recused from the review and approval process.

We annually distribute a questionnaire to our executive officers and directors requesting certain information regarding, among other things, their immediate family members, employment and beneficial ownership interests. This information is then reviewed for any conflicts of interest under the Conflicts of Interest Policy, the Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Related Person Transaction Policy. Additionally, the Nominating & Governance Committee and the Board review any related person transactions involving non-employee directors as part of the annual determination of their independence.

Related Person Transactions

Since January 1, 2016, we have not entered into any transactions with related persons requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, except that the son of our President and Chief Operating Officer began working in a sales capacity at, and became a minority owner of, a vendor from which we purchase oilfield equipment and related supplies. Total purchases from this vendor during 2015 were $148,000. Transactions with this vendor were approved in accordance with our Related Person Transaction Policy.

Director Independence

Our Board has determined that Messrs. Bates, Einav, Fitzgerald, McNease and Noonan are each independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. Messrs. Dunn and Jacob are not considered independent due to their current employment relationship with us.

In evaluating each director’s independence, the Board considered all of the objective independence standards under any applicable NYSE listing standards and SEC rules as well as subjectively considered each of our directors’ direct and indirect relationships with the Company, including the following:

Form 10-K.
Mr. Einav’s position as Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Sprott Resources Corp. (“Sprott”) and Sprott’s business relationships with the Company during the last three fiscal years;(3) Exhibits

Mr. McNease’s position as a director of AXON EP, Inc. (“AXON”) and AXON’s business relationship with the Company during the last three fiscal years;

Mr. Noonan’s position as a founding shareholder partner and partner of 4D Global Energy Advisors SAS (“4D”) and 4D’s business relationship with the Company, 4D’s business relationships and Mr. Noonan’s position as a director of the ultimate parent of Global Energy Services Operating, LLC (“GES”) and GES’s business relationships with the Company during the last three fiscal years;

Mr. Bates’ former position as a director of the ultimate parent of GES and GES’s business relationship with the Company during the last three fiscal years; and

Mr. Fitzgerald’s former position as a director of Rosetta Resources Inc. (“Rosetta”) and Rosetta’s business relationship with the Company during the last three fiscal years.

Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Audit and Other Fee Information

Set forth below is a summary of certain fees paid to BDO USA, LLP, (“BDO”) for services related to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

   Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Audit Fees(1)

  $295,970  

Audit-Related Fees

   —    

Tax Fees

   —    

All Other Fees

   —    
  

 

 

 

Total

  $295,970  

(1)“Audit Fees” consisted of amounts incurred for services performed in association with our annual financial statement audit, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the filing of our registration statements, including our Form S-3 Shelf registration statement, and other services normally provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in connection with regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal year shown.

Set forth below is a summary of certain fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PWC”), our auditors with respect to our 2014 financial statements, for services related to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Audit Fees(1)

  $20,000    $1,074,500  

Audit-Related Fees

   —       —    

Tax Fees

   —       —    

All Other Fees

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $20,000    $1,074,500  

(1)“Audit Fees” consisted of amounts incurred for services performed in association with our annual financial statement audit, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the filing of our registration statements, including our Form S-1 related to our initial public offering and Form S-3 shelf registration statement, and other services normally provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in connection with regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal year shown.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services

The charter of the Audit Committee requires that the Audit Committee pre-approve all audit services and, subject to any applicable exceptions, any permissible non-audit services to be performed for the Company by BDO. The Audit Committee may delegate this authority to one or more members of the Audit Committee and such delegate(s) must present their pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next meeting. The charter of the Audit Committee also requires that the Audit Committee confirm that BDO is not engaged to perform any of the non-audit services set forth in an exhibit to the Audit Committee charter. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Audit Committee pre-approved 100% of the services described above opposite the captions “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “Other Fees.”

PART IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(b) The list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K isare listed in subparagraph (b) below.

(b) Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Exhibit Index belowaccompanying this Annual Report on Form 10-K and isare incorporated herein by reference

reference.


ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrantregistrant has duly caused this reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on April 29, 2016.

authorized.
INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.
By:

/s/ Byron A. Dunn

Byron A. Dunn
Chief Executive Officer and Director

EXHIBIT INDEX

INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.
Date:February 26, 2018By:/s/    Byron A. Dunn
Name:Byron A. Dunn
Title:President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Byron A. Dunn and Philip A. Choyce, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date:
February 26, 2018By:/s/    Byron A. Dunn
Name:Byron A. Dunn
Title:
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

February 26, 2018By:/s/    Philip A. Choyce
Name:   Philip A. Choyce
Title:Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary (Principal Financial Officer)
February 26, 2018By:/s/    Michael J. Harwell
Name:    Michael J. Harwell
Title:

Vice President - Finance and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2018By:/s/ Thomas R. Bates, Jr.
Name:    Thomas R. Bates, Jr.
Title:Director
February 26, 2018By:/s/ James D. Crandell
Name:    James D. Crandell
Title:Director
February 26, 2018By:/s/ Matthew D. Fitzgerald
Name:    Matthew D. Fitzgerald
Title:Director
February 26, 2018By:/s/ Daniel F. McNease
Name:    Daniel F. McNease
Title:Director
February 26, 2018By:/s/ Tighe A. Noonan
Name:    Tighe A. Noonan
Title:Director



Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms
Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms
AC programmable rigAn AC electric rig with programmable controls.
BasinA large depression on the Earth’s surface in which sediments accumulate and may be a source of oil and natural gas.
BlowoutAn uncontrolled flow of reservoir fluids into the wellbore, and in extreme cases to the surface.
BOPBlowout preventer; a large valve at the top of a well that may be closed to prevent a loss of pressure.
CompletionThe process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or in the case of a dry hole, abandonment.
CrateringCaving in of a well that has already been drilled.
DayrateThe daily fee paid to the drilling contractor, which includes the cost of renting the drilling rig.
Daywork contractA contract under which the drilling contractor is paid a certain price or rate for work performed as requested by the operator over a 24-hour period, with the price determined by the location, depth and complexity of the well to be drilled, operating conditions, the duration of the contract and the competitive forces of the market.
E&PExploration and production.
GHGGreenhouse gases.
Horizontal drillingA subset of the more general term “directional drilling,” used where the departure of the wellbore from vertical exceeds about 80 degrees.
HpHorsepower.
Hydraulic fracturingA stimulation treatment routinely performed on oil and natural gas wells in low permeability reservoirs.
PadLocation where well operators perform drilling operations on multiple wells from a single drilling site.
ReservoirA subsurface body of rock having sufficient permeability to store and transmit fluids.
Rig downTo take apart equipment for storage and portability of the rig.
Rig upTo prepare and assemble the drilling rig for drilling; and to install tools and machinery before drilling is started.
Top driveA device that turns the drillstring while suspended from the derrick above the rig floor.
Unconventional resourceA term for oil and natural gas that is produced from lower permeability reservoirs by unconventional means, such as horizontal drilling and multistage fracturing.
UtilizationRig utilization percentage is calculated as rig operating days divided by the total number of days our drilling rigs are available in the applicable period.


Walking rigA land drilling rig that is capable of lifting legs through hydraulic lifts and moving to a nearby location without having to rig down and disassembling the rig. A “multi-directional” or “omni-directional” walking rig has the ability to walk on either the X or Y axis. A “walking” rig is technologically superior to a “skidding” rig, which requires disconnecting the rig and engaging hydraulic cylinders to push the rig across steel skid beams.
WellboreThe hole drilled by the bit that is equipped for oil or natural gas production on a completed well. Also called well or borehole.



EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit NumberDocument DescriptionIncorporated by Reference Herein
    3.1
    3.2
    4.1
    4.2Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., dated March 2, 2012Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Draft Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on May 13, 2014(377-00611)
    4.3
    4.4
  10.1Registration Rights Agreement by and among Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., FBR Capital Markets & Co., Sprott Resource Partnership, Independence Contract Drilling LLC, 4D Global Energy Investments plc and Global Energy Services Operating, LLC, dated March 2, 2012Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on June 19, 2014 (Registration No.333-196914)
  10.2Acknowledgement and Registration Rights Agreement, entered into as of July 17, 2014, by and among Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., FBR Capital Markets & Co., Sprott Resource Partnership, Independence Contract Drilling LLC, and Global Energy Services Operating, LLCIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on July 18, 2014 (Registration No.333-196914)

Exhibit NumberDocument DescriptionIncorporated by Reference Herein
  10.3Credit Agreement, dated effective as of May 10, 2013, by and among Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., the Lenders party thereto and CIT Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, and Swingline LenderIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on July 18, 2014 (Registration No.333-196914)
  10.4First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated effective as of February 21, 2014, by and among Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., the Lenders party thereto and CIT Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as Issuing Bank and as Swingline LenderIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on July 18, 2014 (Registration No.333-196914)
  10.5Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated effective as of May 12, 2014, by and among Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., the Required Lenders party thereto and CIT Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as Issuing Bank and as Swingline LenderIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registration Statement onForm S-1 filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on July 18, 2014 (Registration No.333-196914)
  10.6
  10.7
  10.8
  10.9

Document Description
  10.10
  10.11Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement between Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. and Edward S. Jacob, III, dated August 13, 2014Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on September 19, 2014 (File No.001-36590)
  10.12
  10.13



  10.14
  10.15
  10.16
  10.17
  10.18

Exhibit NumberDocument DescriptionIncorporated by Reference Herein
  10.19
  10.20
  10.21
  16.1
  23.1 Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 23.1 of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
  23.2Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLCIncorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 23.2 of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
  31.1* 



 
  32.1** 

Exhibit NumberDocument DescriptionIncorporated by Reference Herein
101.INS101.INS*XBRL Instance Document Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.INS of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
101.SCH101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.SCH of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
101.CAL101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.CAL of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
101.DEF101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.DEF of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
101.LAB101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.LAB of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)
101.PRE101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 



Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 101.PRE of the Annual Report onForm 10-K filed by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. on February 18, 2016 (File No.001-36590)

*Filed herewith.
**Furnished, not filedfiled.
H
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

31



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