Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. reported that for the month of December 2011, the Company had an average of 233 drilling rigs operating, including 222 rigs in the United States and 11 rigs in Canada. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company had an average of 232 drilling rigs operating, including 220 rigs in the United States and 12 rigs in Canada.

Average drilling rigs operating reported in the Company's monthly announcements represent the average number of the Company's drilling rigs that were operating under a drilling contract. The Company cautioned that numerous factors in addition to average drilling rigs operating can impact the Company's operating results and that a particular trend in the number of drilling rigs operating may or may not indicate a trend in or be indicative of the Company's financial performance. The Company intends to continue providing monthly updates on drilling rigs operating shortly after the end of each month.

Tags: Patterson-UTI Energy