04-HP-876_firstsection.qxd 12/15/04 2:41 PM Page 8 developing future opportunities.  While we have no immediate  plans or announcements regarding ne w rigs, we do have customers expressing interest in projects in the U.S., as well as internationally. We expect that additional inv estments will be accompanied by term contracts and dayrates that provide improved financial returns and that better reflect what we strongly believe to be unparalleled drilling efficiencies and service. S incer ely, December 9, 2004 H ans Helmerich Pr esident