NPK International
NPKI
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NZ$1.78 B
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-2960

NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 72-1123385
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

3850 N. CAUSEWAY, SUITE 1770
METAIRIE, LOUISIANA 70002
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(504) 838-8222
(Registrant's telephone number)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
- ------------------- ---------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
8-5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, Series B New York Stock Exchange

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 [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulations S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K [X]

At March 25, 1999, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was $487,619,736. The aggregate market value
has been computed by reference to the closing sales price on such date, as
reported by The New York Stock Exchange.

As of March 25, 1999, a total of 68,884,951 shares of Common Stock, $.01
par value per share, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to this form, the information
required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 hereof) is incorporated by
reference from the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual
Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on May 26, 1999.

Page 1 of 75
===============================================================================
2
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM PAGE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION NUMBER
- ------ ----------- ------
<S> <C> <C>

PART I

1 Business 3

2 Properties 22

3 Legal Proceedings 24

4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 24

PART II

5 Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters 25

6 Selected Financial Data 26

7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 28

7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 40

8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 42

9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 70

PART III

10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 71

11 Executive Compensation 71

12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management 71

13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 71

PART IV

14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on
Form 8-K 73


Signatures 75

Note: The responses to Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 are
included in the registrant's definitive Proxy
Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders
scheduled to be held on May 26, 1999. The required
information is incorporated into this Report by
reference to such document and is not repeated here.
</TABLE>


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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS


GENERAL

Newpark Resources, Inc.("Newpark" or the "Company") is a leading
provider of proprietary environmental services to the oil and gas exploration
and production industry, primarily in the U. S. Gulf Coast market. Services
provided by the Company, either individually or as part of a comprehensive
package, include: (i) processing and disposal of oilfield exploration and
production ("E&P") waste; (ii) drilling fluids and associated engineering and
technical services; (iii) fluids processing and recycling services at the rig
site, (iv) installation, rental and sale of temporary access roads and work
sites ("mat rental") in oilfield and other construction applications; and, (v)
other related on-site environmental and oilfield construction services. Newpark
has begun to offer its drilling fluids, fluids processing and management
services and waste disposal services in an integrated service offering which it
calls "Minimization Management". The Company believes that by offering this
integrated service approach to the needs of its customers it can differentiate
itself from its competitors and provide improved economics for its customers'
drilling operations.

Most of the E&P waste received by Newpark is processed for injection
into environmentally secure geologic formations deep underground. Certain
volumes of waste are delivered to surface disposal facilities. The company
maintains the ability to process E&P waste into a product which can be used as
daily cover material or cell liner and construction material at two municipal
waste landfills, but does not currently utilize this method for a significant
volume of waste. Since 1994, Newpark has been licensed to process E&P waste
contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material ("NORM"). The Company
currently operates under a license that authorizes the injection of NORM into
disposal wells at its Big Hill, Texas, facility, the only offsite facility in
the U. S. Gulf Coast licensed for this purpose. In the fourth quarter of 1997,
Newpark applied for permits to dispose of non-hazardous industrial waste at a
new facility, which will use its E&P waste disposal technology, to be
constructed adjacent to its existing NORM facility. The necessary permits were
issued in the first quarter of 1999, and the Company expects to enter this new
business during the third quarter of 1999.

Newpark is a full service provider of drilling fluids and associated
engineering and technical services in the Gulf Coast market. The Company also
markets its services in Mexico through a joint venture with a Mexican company
and has recently expanded into Canada by the acquisition of two drilling fluids
companies and an environmental service company.

Newpark focuses on providing unique solutions to highly technical
drilling projects involving complex conditions, as these projects require
critical engineering support of the fluids system during the drilling process to
ensure optimal performance at the lowest total well cost. The Company has
developed and begun to market several proprietary and patented products that
substitute for environmentally harmful substances commonly used in drilling
fluids and that contribute to environmental concern in the waste stream created
by drilling. Newpark has recently introduced a new water-based fluid system
incorporating these products, and is marketing the system under the
DeepDrill(TM) name. The Company believes that these new products will benefit
its customers in light of increasingly stringent environmental regulation
affecting the drilling operations.



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The Company has established its own barite grinding capacity to provide
critical raw materials for its drilling fluids operations and assembled the
service infrastructure necessary to participate in the U.S.
Gulf Coast and south Texas markets.

Newpark provides temporary access roads and worksites in unstable soil
conditions, primarily in support of oil and gas exploration operations along the
U.S. Gulf Coast using its patented interlocking wooden mat systems. These mats
are typically rented to the customer for the duration of use, and are
occasionally sold to the customer to provide permanent access to a site or
facility. In 1994, Newpark began marketing its mat services for use in the
construction of pipelines, electrical distribution systems and highways in and
through wetlands environments. This has broadened the geographic area served by
Newpark to include the coastal areas of the Southeastern U.S., particularly
Florida and Georgia. Newpark also markets its mat services to the oil and gas
exploration industries in Venezuela and Canada. In the fourth quarter of 1998,
Newpark began utilizing a new composite plastic mat which, Newpark believes,
will in many applications replace the wooden mats which have been used since
1988. Newpark believes that the plastic mat provides significant economic
benefits due to its lighter weight, greater strength, freedom from repairs and
longer useful life.

Newpark provides other services for its customers' oil and gas
exploration and production activities, including site assessment, waste pit
design, construction and installation, regulatory compliance assistance, site
remediation and closure, and general oilfield construction services, including
hook-up and connection of wells and installation of production equipment.

Newpark was organized in 1932 as a Nevada corporation and in April 1991
changed its state of incorporation to Delaware. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 3850 North Causeway Boulevard, Suite 1770,
Metairie, Louisiana 70002, and its telephone number is (504) 838-8222.

INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS

Demand for Newpark's services has historically been driven by several
factors: (i) commodity pricing, (ii) oil and gas exploration and production
expenditures and activity; (iii) the desire to drill in more environmentally
difficult environments, such as the coastal marsh and inland waters near the
coastline ("transition zone") of the Gulf Coast, (iv) use of more complex
drilling techniques, which tend to generate more waste; and (v) increasing
environmental regulation of E&P waste and NORM.

The demand for most of Newpark's services is related to the level of
oil and gas drilling activity as measured by the Baker-Hughes Rotary Rig Count.
During the fourth quarter of 1997, the number of drilling rigs working in the
U.S. Gulf Coast region reached its highest level since 1990, then began a
decline that has continued into the first quarter of 1999. The rig count in the
Company's principal market peaked in the first quarter of 1998 and had declined
36% by the end of the fourth quarter. That decline has continued during the
first quarter of 1999, recently reaching the lowest level ever recorded in the
history of the indicator, which began over 50 years ago.

Newpark believes that technological advances that have reduced the risk
and cost of finding oil and gas are an important factor in the economics faced
by the industry. These advances include the use of three-dimensional seismic
data and the computer-enhanced interpretation of



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that data, which increases the likelihood of drilling a successful well, and
improved drilling tools and fluids, which facilitate faster drilling and reduce
the overall cost. These advances also have increased the willingness of
exploration companies to drill in coastal marshes and inland waters, and to
drill deeper wells. Such projects rely heavily on services such as those
provided by Newpark. Deeper wells require the construction of larger locations
to accommodate larger drilling rigs and the equipment for handling drilling
fluids and associated wastes. Such locations are generally in service for
significantly longer periods, generating additional mat rental revenues. Deeper
wells also require more complex drilling fluid programs, which generate wastes
that are more difficult and costly to dispose of than those from simpler systems
used in shallower wells.

The oilfield market for environmental services has grown due to
increasingly stringent regulations restricting the discharge of exploration and
production wastes into the environment. Louisiana, Texas and other states have
enacted comprehensive laws and regulations governing the proper handling of E&P
waste and NORM, and regulations have been proposed in other states. As a result,
generators of waste and landowners have become increasingly aware of the need
for proper treatment and disposal of such waste in both the drilling of new
wells and the remediation of production facilities.

For many years, prior to current regulation, industry practice was to
allow E&P waste to remain in the environment. Onshore, surface pits were used
for the disposal of E&P waste; offshore or in inland waters, E&P waste was
discharged directly into the water. Since 1990, E&P waste has become subject to
increased public scrutiny and increased federal and state regulation. These
regulations have imposed strict requirements for ongoing drilling and production
activities in certain geographic areas, as well as for the remediation of sites
contaminated by past disposal practices and, in many respects, have prohibited
the prior disposal practices. In addition, operators have become increasingly
concerned about long-term liability for remediation, and landowners have become
more aggressive in requiring land restoration. For these reasons, operators are
increasingly retaining service companies such as Newpark to devise and implement
comprehensive waste management techniques to handle waste on an ongoing basis
and to remediate past contamination of oil and gas properties.

The Clean Water Act is the primary legislation resulting in these
regulations. Between 1990 and 1995, substantially all discharges of waste from
drilling and production operations on land (the "onshore subcategory") and in
the transition zone (the "coastal subcategory") were prohibited. This "zero
discharge" standard has become the expected pattern for the industry. Effective
December 4, 1997, discharges of waste from drilling operations in state
territorial waters of the Gulf of Mexico (the "territorial waters subcategory"),
were prohibited. Newpark immediately noticed an increase in waste volume
received from this subcategory in its daily operations. However, as drilling
projects in progress as of that date were completed, most of the rigs
subsequently moved outside of the area covered by those regulations. Since
December 4, 1997, the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico have been the only
surface waters of the United States into which such waste discharges are
allowed. Recent EPA rulemaking efforts have been directed towards the further
restriction of discharges into those waters. Recent Federal Register notices
indicate that such restrictions are expected by January, 2000. More strict
enforcement of the requirements of the Clean Water Act is expected to ultimately
result in similar "zero discharge" regulations affecting the offshore waters of
the Gulf of Mexico. However, the timing of the implementation of these
regulations is uncertain.



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NORM regulations require more stringent worker protection, handling and
storage procedures than those required of E&P waste under Louisiana regulations.
Equivalent rules governing the disposal of NORM have also been adopted in Texas,
and similar regulations have been adopted in Mississippi, New Mexico, and
Arkansas.

BUSINESS STRENGTHS

Proprietary Products and Services. Over the past 15 years, Newpark has
acquired, developed, and continues to improve its patented or proprietary
technology and know-how which has enabled the Company to provide innovative and
unique solutions to oilfield construction and waste disposal problems. The
Company has developed and expects to continue to introduce similarly innovative
products in its drilling fluids business. Newpark believes that increased
customer acceptance of its proprietary products and services will enable it to
take advantage of any upturn in drilling and production activity.

Injection of Waste. Since 1993, Newpark has developed and used
proprietary technology to dispose of E&P waste by low-pressure injection into
unique geologic structures deep underground. In December 1996, Newpark was
issued patents covering its waste processing and injection operations. Newpark
believes that its injection technology is currently the most cost-effective
method for the offsite disposal of oilfield wastes and that this technology is
suitable for disposal of other types of waste. Newpark was recently granted a
new permit to construct and operate a non-hazardous industrial waste injection
disposal facility in Texas.

Patented Mats. Newpark owns or licenses several patents that cover its
wooden mats and subsequent improvements. To facilitate entry into new markets
and reduce the Company's dependence on the supply of hardwoods, Newpark has
obtained the exclusive license for a new patented composite mat manufactured
from recycled plastics and other materials. Through a 49% owned joint venture
that owns and operates the manufacturing facility, Newpark began taking delivery
of these mats in the fourth quarter of 1998. The Company expects that over the
next three years it will convert the majority of its mat fleet to the new
composite product. However, a portion of the fleet will continue to be made up
of the wooden mats.

Low Cost Infrastructure. Newpark has assembled an infrastructure in the
U.S. Gulf Coast region that includes injection disposal sites, transfer
stations, barges, mat inventories, mat service centers, a hardwood sawmill to
produce lumber for the construction of mats, drilling fluids distribution
centers, service facilities and barite mills to supply raw materials for the
make-up of drilling fluids.

Integration of Services. Newpark believes it is one of the few
companies in the U.S. Gulf Coast able to provide a package of integrated
services and offer a "one-stop shop" approach to solving customers' problems.

Beginning in mid-1998, Newpark has offered a unique integrated package
of services that include the provision of the fluids, the on-site processing of
the material returned from the well bore to better separate the cuttings or
tailings from the fluids, and the disposal of the tailings and associated waste
products. Newpark believes that its separation technology is significantly more
effective than conventional equipment, resulting in more complete separation of
fluids from waste, reducing both the quantity of fluids needed to drill the well
and the total volume of waste taken off site for disposal, thereby reducing the
customer's well cost.



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Newpark's mats provide the access roads and work sites for a majority
of the land drilling in the Gulf Coast market. Its on-site and off-site waste
management services are frequently sold in combination with mat rental services.
Newpark's entry into the drilling fluids business has created the opportunity
for it to market drilling fluids with other related services, including
technical and engineering services, disposal of used fluids and other waste
material, construction services, site cleanup and site closure. Consequently,
Newpark believes that it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the
industry trend towards outsourcing and vendor consolidation.

Experience in the Regulatory Environment. Newpark believes that its
operating history provides it with a competitive advantage in the highly
regulated oilfield waste disposal business. As a result of working closely with
regulatory officials and citizens' groups, Newpark has gained acceptance for its
proprietary injection technology and has received a series of permits for the
Company' s disposal facilities, including a permit allowing the disposal of NORM
at Newpark's Big Hill, Texas facility. These permits enable Newpark to expand
its business and operate cost-effectively. Newpark believes that its proprietary
injection method is superior to alternative methods of disposal of oil field
wastes, including landfarming, because injection provides greater assurance that
the waste is permanently isolated from the environment and will not contaminate
adjacent property or groundwater. Newpark further believes that increasing
environmental regulation and activism will inhibit the widespread acceptance of
other disposal methods and the permitting of additional disposal facilities.

Experienced Management Team. Newpark's executive and operating
management team has built and augmented Newpark's capabilities over the past ten
years, allowing it to develop a base of knowledge and a unique understanding of
the oilfield construction and waste disposal markets. Newpark's executive and
operating management team has an average of 22 years of industry experience, and
an average of 10 years with Newpark, including several who have been with
Newpark for 20 years or more. Newpark has strengthened its management team by
retaining key management personnel of the companies it has acquired and by
attracting additional experienced personnel.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Implement Newpark's Minimization Management Concept. Newpark's strategy
is to integrate its operations to provide a "one-stop shop" approach to solving
customers' problems. By integrating its drilling fluids solids control services,
and waste disposal services with other on-site services, Newpark intends to
provide a comprehensive solution to the management of the total fluids stream.
Newpark calls this concept "Minimization Management" and believes that its
ability to provide a comprehensive package of products and services reduces the
total cost to the customer and increases operating efficiency.



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Service and Product Extensions. Newpark believes that it can apply the
waste processing and injection technology it has pioneered and developed in the
oil and gas exploration industry to other industrial waste markets. Initially,
Newpark intends to focus on wastes generated in the petrochemical processing and
refining industries, as many potential customers in these industries are located
in the markets already served by Newpark, and certain wastes generated by these
industries have many of the same characteristics as the E&P waste currently
handled by Newpark. In addition, Newpark will continue to evaluate the
applicability of its injection disposal methods to other industrial waste
streams. Newpark has begun using a composite plastic mat system to enhance its
current mat fleet and expand into new markets. Newpark believes that these
composite mats may have certain military and emergency response applications for
which the wooden mats were not suitable due to their limited storage life.

Cost Reductions. Since the third quarter of 1998, Newpark has
implemented a program of operating cost and expense reductions throughout the
company in order to reposition its operations for the current low level of
activity. Newpark will continue to pursue cost reductions in its existing
operations to increase margins.

Newpark has implemented washwater recycling facilities at its principal
E&P waste transfer stations. These methods allow Newpark to reduce the volume of
waste transported and disposed of in its injection wells. Newpark intends to
continue to consolidate certain facilities, supply and purchasing functions in
its drilling fluids business to eliminate duplicate costs, and take advantage of
manufacturer direct pricing, volume discounts and rail transportation
efficiencies.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

E & P WASTE DISPOSAL

E&P Waste Processing. In most jurisdictions, E&P waste, if not treated
for discharge or disposed of on the location where it is generated, must be
transported to a licensed E&P waste disposal or treatment facility. Three
primary alternatives for offsite disposal of E&P waste are available to
generators in the U.S. Gulf Coast: (i) underground injection (see "Injection
Wells"); (ii) disposal in surface facilities; and (iii) processing and
conversion into a reuse product. In addition, a portion of the waste can be
recycled into a drilling fluids product.

The volume of waste handled by the Company in 1996, 1997 and 1998 is
summarized in the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(barrels in thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Drilling and Production 4,746 5,329 3,588
Remediation Activity 206 92 368
----- ----- -----
Total 4,952 5,421 3,956
</TABLE>


In August 1996, Newpark completed the acquisition of substantially all
of the marine-related E&P waste collection operations, excluding landfarming
facilities and associated equipment of its largest competitor. In the
acquisition, Newpark acquired certain leases associated with five transfer
stations located along the U.S. Gulf Coast and three receiving docks



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at the landfarm facilities now operated by a subsidiary of U. S. Liquids, Inc.
The acquisition significantly increased Newpark's E&P waste disposal business.

Newpark operates nine receiving and transfer facilities located along
the U.S. Gulf Coast from Venice, Louisiana, to Corpus Christi, Texas. Waste
products are collected at the transfer facilities from three distinct
exploration and production markets: offshore; land and inland waters; and from
remediation operations at well sites and production facilities. These facilities
are supported by a fleet of 36 double-skinned barges certified by the U. S.
Coast Guard to transport E&P waste. Waste received at the transfer facilities is
transported by barge through the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to Newpark's
processing and transfer facility at Port Arthur, Texas, and trucked to injection
disposal facilities at Fannett, Texas. Since the third quarter of 1995, the
Fannett facility has served as Newpark's primary E&P waste injection facility.

Improved processing equipment and techniques and increased injection
capacity has reduced the volume of waste processed for reuse and delivered to
local municipal landfills as a reuse product. Landfills are required by
regulations to cover the solid waste deposited in the facility daily with earth
or other inert material. Newpark's reuse product is deposited at either the City
of Port Arthur Municipal Landfill or the City of Beaumont Municipal Landfill for
use as cover or construction material pursuant to contracts with the respective
cities. Newpark also has developed alternative uses for the product as roadbase
material or construction fill material.

NORM Processing and Disposal. Many alternatives are available to the
generator for the treatment and disposal of NORM. These include both chemical
and mechanical methods designed to achieve volume reduction, on-site burial of
encapsulated NORM within old well bores and soil washing and other techniques of
dissolving and suspending the radium in solution for onsite injection of NORM
liquids. When the application of these techniques are not economically
competitive with offsite disposal, or insufficient to bring the site into
compliance with applicable regulations, the NORM must be transported to a
licensed storage or disposal facility. Newpark was initially licensed to operate
a NORM disposal business in September 1994 and began operations October 21,
1994. Since May 21, 1996, Newpark has disposed of NORM by injection disposal at
its Big Hill, Texas facility. During 1998, Newpark received 16,500 barrels of
NORM contaminated waste, as compared to 52,400 barrels in 1997 and 143,500
barrels in 1996.

Non-hazardous Industrial Waste. In September 1997, Newpark began the
licensing process to obtain authority to build and operate a facility that will
process and dispose of non-hazardous industrial waste. The permits were issued
in February 1999, and operations are expected to begin by the third quarter of
1999. Initially, Newpark intends to focus on wastes generated in the
petrochemical processing and refining industries.

Injection Wells. Newpark's injection technology is distinguished from
conventional methods in that it utilizes very low pressure, typically under 100
pounds psi, to move the waste into the injection zone. Conventional wells
typically use pressures of 2,000 pounds psi or more. In the event of a formation
failure or blockage of the face of the injection zone, such pressure can force
waste material beyond the intended zone, posing a potential hazard to the
environment. The low pressure used by Newpark is inadequate to drive the
injected waste from its intended geologic injection zone.

Newpark began using injection for disposal of E&P waste in April 1993.
Under a permit from the Texas Railroad Commission, Newpark began to develop a 50
acre injection well facility in



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the Big Hill Field in Jefferson County, Texas. During 1995, Newpark licensed and
built a new injection well facility at a 400 acre site near Fannett, Texas,
which was placed in service in September 1995 and now serves as Newpark's
primary facility for the disposal of E&P waste. The Company has subsequently
acquired several additional injection disposal sites, and now holds an inventory
of approximately 1,250 acres of injection disposal property in Texas and
Louisiana.

Newpark has identified a number of additional sites in the U.S. Gulf
Coast region as suitable for disposal facilities, has received permits for one
additional site in Texas, and plans to file for additional permit authority in
Louisiana. Newpark believes that its current processing and disposal capacity
will be adequate to provide for expected future demand for its oilfield waste
disposal and other environmental services.

Newpark believes that its patented injection technology has application
to other industrial waste markets and waste streams. In January 1997, Newpark
acquired approximately 400 acres of mineral assets, including 120 surface acres
adjacent to its Big Hill site, part of which it is developing into an industrial
waste disposal facility. A permit was received for this facility in March, 1999,
and operations are expected to begin in the third quarter of 1999.

FLUIDS SALES AND ENGINEERING

Newpark entered the drilling fluids market as a means of distributing
recycled products recovered from its waste business and to provide
environmentally safe high performance fluid systems. In response to weak pricing
due to current market conditions, the Company has temporarily suspended its
offsite recycling operations, but maintains the capability of producing this
product, and expects to resume recycling operations when market conditions
permit. The capacity to provide complete drilling fluids service to its
customers was a key step towards implementation of Newpark's Minimization
Management strategy. Newpark focuses on highly technical drilling projects
involving complex conditions, such as deep horizontal drilling or deep water
drilling. These projects require constant monitoring and critical engineering
support of the fluids system during the drilling process.

In February 1997, Newpark completed the acquisition of SBM (now known
as Newpark Drilling Fluids, Inc.), a full-service provider of drilling fluids
and associated engineering and technical services to the onshore and offshore
oil and gas exploration industry in the Gulf Coast market. Newpark has
subsequently expanded its drilling fluids operations through additional
acquisitions in order to broaden its customer base and obtain the services of
key employee-owners of the acquired companies. During 1997, these acquisitions
included four retail drilling fluids companies, one wholesale drilling fluids
company and one specialty chemical company. In November 1997, Newpark completed
the acquisition of certain Louisiana and Texas assets of Anchor Drilling Fluids
USA, Inc., which have enhanced Newpark's service capability in the offshore Gulf
of Mexico. During 1998, the Company completed ten acquisitions by which it
extended its service area to west Texas, Oklahoma, and Canada, and strengthened
its market position on the Gulf Coast.

In May 1997, Newpark acquired a specialty milling company that grinds
barite and other industrial minerals at facilities in Houston, Texas and New
Iberia, Louisiana. The acquisition and subsequent expansion of that company's
milling capacity has provided Newpark access to critical raw materials for its
drilling fluids operations. The Company has also entered into several



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contract grinding agreements under which contract mills grind raw barite
supplied by Newpark for a fixed fee. These agreements help assure the Company
adequate supplies of raw materials.

MAT RENTAL AND INTEGRATED SERVICES

Mat rental and sales.

In 1988, Newpark acquired the right to use, in Louisiana and Texas, a
patented prefabricated interlocking wooden mat system for the construction of
drilling and work sites, which displaced the use of individual hardwood boards.
This system is quicker to install and remove than individual hardwood boards,
substantially reducing labor costs. Prefabricated mats are also stronger, easier
to repair and maintain, and generate less waste material during construction and
removal. In 1994, Newpark acquired the exclusive right to use this system in the
continental U.S. for the life of the patent. The most recent patents expire in
2007. The original holder of the patent continues to fabricate the mats for
Newpark and acts as a distributor of mats for non-oilfield applications. As of
December 31, 1998, Newpark had approximately 186,000 wooden mats in inventory,
including mats in Venezuela and Canada.

Beginning in 1994, Newpark began exploring other products which could
substitute for wood in the construction of mats. In 1997, the Company formed a
joint venture to manufacture a new plastic mat designed to be lighter, stronger,
and more durable than the wooden mats currently in use. The manufacturing
facility was completed in the third quarter of 1998 and immediately began
production of the new composite mats. Newpark has taken delivery of 3,500 of the
composite mats since production began in September 1998. Newpark expects the
facility's production rate to increase to approximately 3,000 mats per month by
the fourth quarter of 1999. While the Company intends to replace a large portion
of its wooden mats with composite mats, it will maintain some level of wooden
mats in its fleet.

Markets. Newpark provides mats to the oil and gas industry to ensure
all-weather access to exploration and production sites in the unstable soil
conditions common along the onshore Gulf of Mexico. Newpark also provides access
roads and temporary work sites to the pipeline, electrical utility and highway
construction industries where protection of the soil is required by
environmental regulations or to assure productivity in unstable soil conditions.
Newpark has performed projects in connection with pipeline, electrical utility
and highway construction projects in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Louisiana.
Revenue from this source was approximately $5.8 in 1996, approximately $1.4
million in 1997 and approximately $4.5 million in 1998. Newpark believes that
the decline in revenues in 1997 was caused by deferral of capital expenditures
in the electric utility industry while the industry adjusted to deregulation and
that the subsequent increase in 1998 reflects the resumption of normal capital
spending patterns.

Rerentals and Sales. Drilling and work sites are typically rented by
the customer for an initial period of 60 days. Often, the customer extends the
rental term for additional 30 day periods, resulting in additional revenues to
Newpark. These rerental revenues provide higher margins because only minimal
incremental depreciation and maintenance costs accrue to each rerental period.
Factors which may increase rerental revenue include: (i) the trend toward
increased activity in the "transition zone"; (ii) a trend toward deeper
drilling, taking a longer time to reach the desired target; and (iii) the
increased frequency of commercial success, requiring logging, testing, and
completion (hook-up), extending the period during which access to the site is
required. Occasionally, the mats are purchased by the customer when a site is
converted into a permanent worksite.



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International Markets.

Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has enacted legislation designed
to speed the opening of its petroleum sector to foreign investment, including
international oil companies, in furtherance of a national objective of
increasing that country's production of oil to five million barrels per day by
the year 2005. Many of the international oil companies investing in Venezuela
are existing customers of Newpark. As of December 31, 1998, Newpark had
approximately 19,000 mats in inventory in Venezuela. Newpark expects that
activity in Venezuela will increase as further exploration concessions are
granted.

Canada. The Company began shipping mats to Canada in the first quarter
of 1998, and believes that the Canadian market will develop somewhat more
quickly than other international markets. At December 31, 1998, approximately
7,000 mats had been shipped to this new market.

Other Integrated Services

Promulgation and enforcement of increasingly stringent environmental
regulations affecting drilling and production sites has increased the scope of
services required by the oil companies. Often it is more efficient for the site
operator to contract with a single company that can provide all-weather site
access and provide the required onsite and offsite environmental services on a
fully integrated basis. Newpark provides a comprehensive range of environmental
services necessary for its customers' oil and gas exploration and production
activities. These services include:

Site Assessment. Site assessment work begins prior to installation of
mats on a drilling site, and generally begins with a study of the proposed well
site, which includes site photography, background soil sampling, laboratory
analysis and investigation of flood hazards and other native conditions. The
assessment determines whether the site has previously been contaminated and
provides a baseline for later restoration to pre-drilling condition.

Pit Design, Construction and Drilling Waste Management. Where permitted
by regulations and landowners, under its Environmentally Managed Pit ("EMP")
Program, Newpark constructs waste pits at drilling sites and monitors the waste
stream produced in drilling operations and the contents and condition of the
pits with the objective of minimizing the amount of waste generated on the site.
Where possible, Newpark disposes of waste onsite by landfarming, through
chemical and mechanical treatment of liquid waste and by annular injection into
a suitably permitted underground formation. Waste water treated onsite may be
reused in the drilling process or, where permitted, discharged into adjacent
surface waters.

Regulatory Compliance. Throughout the drilling process, Newpark assists
the operator in interfacing with the landowner and regulatory authorities.
Newpark also assists the operator in obtaining necessary permits and in
complying with record maintenance and reporting requirements.




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Site Remediation.

E&P Waste (Drilling). At the completion of the drilling process, under
applicable regulations, wastewater on the site may be chemically and/or
mechanically treated to eliminate its waste-like characteristics and discharged
into surface waters. Other waste that may not remain on the surface of the site
may be land-farmed on the site or injected under permit into geologic formations
to minimize the need for offsite disposal. Any waste that cannot, under
regulations, remain onsite is manifested and transported to an authorized
facility for processing and disposal at the direction of the generator or
customer.

E&P Waste (Production). Newpark also provides services to remediate
production pits and inactive waste pits, including those from past oil and gas
drilling and production operations. Newpark provides the following remediation
services: (i) analyzing of the contaminants present in the pit and determining
whether remediation is required by applicable state regulation; (ii) treating
waste onsite and, where permitted, reintroducing that material into the
environment; and (iii) removing, containerizing and transportating E&P waste to
Newpark's processing facility.

NORM. In January 1994, Newpark became a licensed NORM contractor,
allowing Newpark to perform site remediation work at NORM contaminated
facilities in Louisiana and Texas, and subsequently have received licenses to
perform NORM remediation in other states. Because of the need for increased
worker-protective equipment, extensive decontamination procedures and other
regulatory compliance issues at NORM facilities, the cost of providing such
services is materially greater than at E&P waste facilities and such services
generate proportionately higher revenues and operating margins than similar
services at E&P waste facilities.

Site Closure. Site closure services are designed to restore a site to
its pre-drilling condition, replanted with native vegetation. Closure also
involves delivery of test results indicating that closure has been completed in
compliance with applicable regulations. This information is important to the
customer because the operator is subject to future regulatory review and audits.
In addition, the information may be required on a current basis if the operator
is subject to a pending regulatory compliance order.

General Oilfield Construction Services. Newpark performs general
oilfield construction services throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast area between
Corpus Christi, Texas and Pensacola, Florida. General oilfield services
performed by Newpark include preparing work sites for the installation of mats,
connecting wells and placing them in production, laying flow lines and infield
pipelines, building permanent roads, grading, lease maintenance (the maintenance
and repair of producing well sites), cleanup and general roustabout services.
General oilfield services are typically performed under short-term time and
material contracts, which are obtained by direct negotiation or bid.

Wood Product Sales. Newpark owns a sawmill in Batson, Texas, which
provides access to adequate quantities of hardwood lumber in support of its mat
business. The mill's products include lumber, timber, and wood chips, as well as
bark and sawdust. Pulp and paper companies in the area supply a large proportion
of the hardwood logs processed at the sawmill and, in turn, are the primary
customers for wood chips created in the milling process. Newpark believes that
the capacity of the sawmill will be sufficient to meet its anticipated needs for
the foreseeable future.



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SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Newpark believes that its sources of supply for any materials or
equipment used in its businesses are adequate for its needs and that it is not
dependent upon any one supplier. Newpark acquires the majority of its hardwood
needs in its mat business from its own sawmill. The hardwood logs are obtained
from loggers who operate in relatively close proximity to the mill. Barite used
in Newpark's drilling fluids business is provided by its specialty milling
company and, to a limited extent, by E&P waste recycling. In addition, barite is
obtained from third party mills under contract grinding arrangements. The raw
barite ore used by the mills is obtained under supply agreements from foreign
sources. Other materials used in the drilling fluids business are obtained from
various third party suppliers. No serious shortages or delays have been
encountered in obtaining any raw materials and Newpark does not currently
anticipate any such shortages or delays.

Newpark obtains certain patented chemical compounds under long-term
supply contracts with various chemical manufacturers. Newpark owns the patent
rights for these products, and if the current supplier is unable to provide the
products in sufficient quantities, Newpark believes that it can arrange suitable
supply agreements with other manufacturers.

The new composite mats, which are intended to substantially replace the
Company's current mat fleet, are manufactured through a joint venture in which
Newpark has a 49% interest. The resins, chemicals and other materials used to
manufacture the mats are widely available in the market.

Logging activities are generally conducted during the drier weather
months of May through November. During this period, inventory increases
significantly at the sawmill and is consumed throughout the remainder of the
year. Raw barite is imported primarily from China and India. Due to the lead
times involved in obtaining barite, a 90 day or greater supply of barite is
maintained at the grinding facilities at all times.

PATENTS AND LICENSES

Newpark seeks patents and licenses on new developments whenever
feasible. On December 31, 1996, Newpark was granted a U.S. patent on its E&P
waste and NORM waste processing and injection disposal system. Newpark has the
exclusive, worldwide license for the life of the patent to use, sell and lease
the wooden and composite mats that it uses in connection with its site
preparation business. The licensor of the wooden mats continues to fabricate the
mats for Newpark and has the right to sell mats in locations where Newpark is
not engaged in business, but only after giving Newpark the opportunity to take
advantage of the opportunity itself. Newpark has the exclusive right to the use
and resale of the new composite mats. Both licenses are subject to a royalty
which Newpark can satisfy by purchasing specified quantities of mats annually
from the licensor. In its drilling fluids business, the Company has obtained a
patent on its DeepDrillTM product and owns the patent on the two primary
components of this product. The Company has obtained the exclusive right to use
two patented oilfield processing units, which are essential to its MM process.

The utilization of proprietary technology and systems is an important
aspect of Newpark's business strategy. For example, Newpark relies on a variety
of unpatented proprietary technologies and know-how in the processing of E&P
waste. Although Newpark believes that this



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technology and know-how provide it with significant competitive advantages in
the environmental services business, competitive products and services have been
successfully developed and marketed by others. Newpark believes that its
reputation in its industry, the range of services offered, ongoing technical
development and know-how, responsiveness to customers and understanding of
regulatory requirements are of equal or greater competitive significance than
its existing proprietary rights.

CUSTOMERS

Newpark's customers are principally major and independent oil and gas
exploration and production companies operating in the U.S. Gulf Coast area, with
the vast majority of Newpark's customers concentrated in Louisiana and Texas.

During the year ended December 31, 1998, approximately 44% of Newpark's
revenues were derived from 20 major customers, including five major oil
companies, and no one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's
consolidated revenues. Given current market conditions and the nature of the
products involved, Newpark does not believe that the loss of any single customer
would have a material adverse effect upon Newpark.

Newpark performs services either pursuant to standard contracts or
under longer term negotiated agreements. As most of Newpark's agreements with
its customers are cancelable upon limited notice, Newpark's backlog is not
significant.

Newpark does not derive a significant portion of its revenues from
government contracts of any kind.

COMPETITION

Newpark operates in several niche markets where it is a leading
provider of services. In Newpark's disposal business, Newpark often competes
with its major customers, who continually evaluate the decision whether to use
internal disposal methods or utilize a third party disposal company such as
Newpark. Other product markets are fragmented and highly competitive, with many
competitors providing similar products and services to the industry. In the
drilling fluids industry, Newpark faces competition from both larger companies
that may have broader geographic coverage, and smaller companies that may have
lower capital cost structures.

Newpark believes that the principal competitive factors in its
businesses are price, reputation, technical proficiency, reliability, quality,
breadth of services offered and managerial experience. Newpark believes that it
effectively competes on the basis of these factors and that its competitive
position benefits from its proprietary position with respect to the patented mat
system used in its site preparation business, its proprietary treatment and
disposal methods for both E&P waste and NORM waste streams and its ability to
provide its customers with an integrated well site management program including
environmental, drilling fluids and general oilfield services. Additionally, it
is often more efficient for the site operator to contract with a single company
that can prepare the well site and provide the required onsite and offsite
environmental services. Newpark believes that its ability to provide a number of
services as part of a comprehensive program enables Newpark to price its
services competitively.



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ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURES

Newpark has sought to comply with all applicable regulatory
requirements concerning environmental quality. Newpark has made, and expects to
continue to make, the necessary expenditures for environmental protection and
compliance at its facilities, but does not expect that these will become
material in the foreseeable future. No material expenditures for environmental
protection or compliance were made during 1997 or 1998.

Newpark derives a significant portion of its revenue from providing
environmental services to its customers. These services have become necessary in
order for these customers to comply with regulations governing the discharge of
materials into the environment. Substantially all of Newpark's capital
expenditures made in the past several years, and those planned for the
foreseeable future, are directly or indirectly influenced by the needs of
customers to comply with such regulations.

EMPLOYEES

At February 28, 1999, Newpark employed 1,242 full and part-time
personnel, none of which are represented by unions. Newpark considers its
relations with its employees to be satisfactory.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

Newpark deals primarily with E&P waste and NORM in its waste disposal
business. E&P waste and NORM are generally described as follows:

E&P Waste. Oilfield Exploration and Production Waste, or E&P waste, is
waste generated in the exploration for or production of oil and gas. These
wastes typically contain levels of oil and grease, salts or chlorides, and heavy
metals in excess of concentration limits defined by state regulators. E&P waste
also includes soils which have become contaminated by these materials. In the
environment, oil and grease and chlorides disrupt the food chain and have been
determined by regulatory authorities to be harmful to plant and animal life.
Heavy metals are toxic and can become concentrated in living tissues.

NORM. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, or NORM, is present
throughout the earth's crust at very low levels. Among the radioactive elements,
only Radium 226 and Radium 228 are slightly soluble in water. Because of their
solubility, which can carry them into living plant and animal tissues, these
elements may present a hazard. Radium 226 and Radium 228 can be leached out of
hydrocarbon bearing strata deep underground by salt water which is produced with
the hydrocarbons. Radium can coprecipitate with scale out of the production
stream as it is drawn to the surface and encounters a pressure or temperature
change in the well tubing or production equipment, forming a rust-like scale.
This scale contains radioactive elements which, over many years, can become
concentrated on tank bottoms or at water discharge points at production
facilities. Thus, NORM waste is E&P waste that has become contaminated with
these radioactive elements above concentration levels defined by state
regulatory authorities.

Newpark's business is affected both directly and indirectly by
governmental regulations relating to the oil and gas industry in general, as
well as environmental, health and safety regulations that have specific
application to Newpark's business. Newpark, through the routine course of
providing its services, handles and profiles hazardous regulated material for
its



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customers. Newpark also handles, processes and disposes of nonhazardous
regulated materials. This section discusses various federal and state pollution
control and health and safety programs that are administered and enforced by
regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA"), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the Texas
Department of Health, the Texas Railroad Commission, the Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. These
programs are applicable or potentially applicable to Newpark's current
operations. Although Newpark intends to make capital expenditures to expand its
environmental services capabilities in response to customers' needs, Newpark
believes that it is not presently required to make material capital expenditures
to remain in compliance with federal, state and local provisions relating to the
protection of the environment.

RCRA. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended in
1984 ("RCRA"), is the principal federal statute governing hazardous waste
generation, treatment, storage and disposal. RCRA and state hazardous waste
management programs govern the handling and disposal of "hazardous wastes". The
EPA has issued regulations pursuant to RCRA, and states have promulgated
regulations under comparable state statutes, that govern hazardous waste
generators, transporters and owners and operators of hazardous waste treatment,
storage or disposal facilities. These regulations impose detailed operating,
inspection, training and emergency preparedness and response standards and
requirements for closure, financial responsibility, manifesting of waste,
record-keeping and reporting, as well as treatment standards for any hazardous
waste intended for land disposal.

Newpark's primary operations involve E&P waste, which is exempt from
classification as a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste. Many state counterparts to
RCRA also exempt E&P waste from classification as a hazardous waste; however,
extensive state regulatory programs govern the management of such waste. In
addition, in performing other services for its customers, Newpark is subject to
both federal (RCRA) and state solid or hazardous waste management regulations as
contractor to the generator of such waste.

Proposals have been made in the past to rescind the exemption that
excludes E&P waste from regulation as hazardous waste under RCRA. Repeal or
modification of this exemption by administrative, legislative or judicial
process could require Newpark to change significantly its method of doing
business. There is no assurance that Newpark would have the capital resources
available to do so, or that it would be able to adapt its operations to the
changed regulations.

Subtitle I of RCRA regulates underground storage tanks in which liquid
petroleum or hazardous substances are stored. States have similar regulations,
many of which are more stringent in some respects than the federal regulations.
The implementing regulations require that each owner or operator of an
underground tank notify a designated state agency of the existence of such
underground tank, specifying the age, size, type, location and use of each such
tank. The regulations also impose design, construction and installation
requirements for new tanks, tank testing and inspection requirements, leak
detection, prevention, reporting and cleanup requirements, as well as tank
closure and removal requirements.

Newpark has a number of underground storage tanks that are subject to
the requirements of RCRA and applicable state programs. Violators of any of the
federal or state regulations may be subject to enforcement orders or significant
penalties by the EPA or the applicable state agency.



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Newpark is not aware of any existing conditions or circumstances that would
cause it to incur liability under RCRA for failure to comply with regulations
applicable to underground storage tanks. However, cleanup costs associated with
releases from these underground storage tanks or costs associated with changes
in environmental laws or regulations could be substantial and could have a
material adverse effect on Newpark's consolidated financial statements.

CERCLA. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act, as amended in 1986 ("CERCLA"), provides for immediate response
and removal actions coordinated by the EPA in response to certain releases of
hazardous substances into the environment and authorizes the government, or
private parties, to respond to the release or threatened release of hazardous
substances. The government may also order persons responsible for the release to
perform any necessary cleanup. Liability extends to the present owners and
operators of waste disposal facilities from which a release occurs, persons who
owned or operated such facilities at the time the hazardous substances were
released, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances
and waste transporters who selected such facilities for treatment or disposal of
hazardous substances. CERCLA has been interpreted to create strict, joint and
several liabilities for the costs of removal and remediation, other necessary
response costs and damages for injury to natural resources.

Among other things, CERCLA requires the EPA to establish a National
Priorities List ("NPL") of sites at which hazardous substances have been or are
threatened to be released and that require investigation or cleanup. The NPL is
subject to change, with additional sites being added and remediated sites being
removed from the list. In addition, the states in which Newpark conducts
operations have enacted similar laws and keep similar lists of sites which may
be in need of remediation.

Although Newpark primarily handles oilfield waste classified as E&P
waste, this waste typically contains constituents designated by the EPA as
hazardous substances under RCRA, despite the current exemption of E&P waste from
hazardous substance classification or another applicable federal statute. Where
Newpark's operations result in the release of hazardous substances, including
releases at sites owned by other entities where Newpark performs its services,
Newpark could incur CERCLA liability. Previously owned businesses also may have
disposed or arranged for disposal of hazardous substances that could result in
the imposition of CERCLA liability on Newpark in the future. In particular,
divisions and subsidiaries previously owned by Newpark were involved in
extensive mining operations at facilities in Utah and Nevada and in waste
generation and management activities in numerous other states. These activities
involved substances that may be classified as RCRA hazardous substances. Any of
those sites or activities potentially could be the subject of future CERCLA
damage claims.

With the exception of the sites discussed in "Environmental
Proceedings" below, Newpark is not aware of any present claims against it that
are based on CERCLA or comparable state statutes. Nonetheless, the
identification of additional sites at which clean-up action is required could
subject Newpark to liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on
Newpark's consolidated financial statements.

The Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of
pollutants, including E&P waste, into waters of the United States. The Clean
Water Act establishes a system of standards, permits and enforcement procedures
for the discharge of pollutants from industrial and municipal wastewater
sources. The law sets treatment standards for industries and waste water



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treatment plants, requires permits for industrial and municipal discharges
directly into waters of the United States and requires pretreatment of
industrial waste water before discharge into municipal systems. The Clean Water
Act gives the EPA the authority to set pretreatment limits for direct and
indirect industrial discharges.

In addition, the Clean Water Act prohibits certain discharges of oil or
hazardous substances and authorizes the federal government to remove or arrange
for removal of such oil or hazardous substances. Under the Clean Water Act, the
owner or operator of a vessel or facility from which oil or a hazardous
substance is discharged into navigable waters may be liable for penalties, the
costs of cleaning up the discharge and natural resource damage caused by the
spill.

Newpark treats and discharges wastewaters at certain of its facilities.
These activities are subject to the requirements of the Clean Water Act, and
comparable state statutes, and federal and state enforcement of these
regulations.

The Clean Water Act also imposes requirements that are applicable to
Newpark's customers and are material to its business. EPA Region 6, which
includes Newpark's market, continues to issue new and amended National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") general permits further limiting or
restricting substantially all discharges of produced water from the Oil and Gas
Extraction Point Source Category into waters of the United States. These permits
include:

1) Onshore subcategory permits for Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and
New Mexico issued in February, 1991 (56 Fed. Reg. 7698). These
permits completely prohibit the discharge of drilling fluids,
drill cuttings, produced water or sand, and various other
oilfield wastes generated by onshore operations into waters of
the United States. These permits have the effect of requiring
that most oilfield wastes follow established state disposal
programs. These general permits expired on February 25, 1996,
but pursuant to EPA policy, they are considered to remain in
effect until reissued by the EPA or superseded by other EPA
action.

2) Permits for produced water and produced sand discharges into
coastal waters of Louisiana and Texas were issued on January 9,
1995 (60 Fed. Reg. 2387). Coastal means "waters of the United
States...located landward of the territorial seas". Under these
regulations, all such discharges were required to cease by
January 1, 1997.

3) The Outer Continental Shelf ("OSC") permit covering oil and gas
operations in federal waters in the Gulf (seaward of the
Louisiana and Texas territorial seas) was reissued in November
1992 and modified in December 1993. The existing permit was
combined with a new source permit on August 9, 1996 (61 Fed.
Reg. 41609). This permit prohibits certain discharges of
drilling fluids and drill cuttings and includes stricter limits
for oil and grease concentrations in produced waters to be
discharged. These limits are based on the Best Available
Treatment ("BAT") requirements contained in the Oil and Gas
Offshore Subcategory national guidelines which were published
March 4, 1993. Additional requirements include toxicity testing
and bioaccumulation monitoring studies of proposed discharges.
The general permit for the Western portion of the Gulf of Mexico
was reissued on November 2, 1998 (63 Fed. Reg. 58722) with very
few changes. However, on February 3, 1999 (64 Fed. Reg. 5488)
the EPA issued a proposed rule that will establish effluent
limitation guidelines for synthetic-based and



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other non-aqueous drilling fluids. One of the proposed
guidelines is a discharge limit of 10.2 % for drilling fluid
retained on cuttings. Newpark believes that companies will
likely require additional solids handling technology in order to
achieve the proposed limit and that it has access to technology
capable of meeting this standard. The comment period for this
proposed rule currently is scheduled to end on May 4, 1999.

4) A permit for the territorial seas of Louisiana was issued on
November 4, 1997 (62 Fed. Reg. 59687). The permit became
effective on December 4, 1997, except for the water quality
based limits and certain monitoring requirements that became
effective May 4, 1998. The permit prohibits the discharge of
drilling fluids, drill cuttings and produced sand. Produced
water discharges are limited for oil and grease, toxic metals,
organics, and chronic toxicity. The territorial seas part of the
Offshore Subcategory begins at the line of ordinary low water
along the part of the coast which is in direct contact with the
open sea, and extends out three nautical miles. This permit
covers both existing sources and new sources. All discharges in
state waters must comply with any more stringent requirements
contained in Louisiana Water Quality Regulations, LAC
33.IX.7.708. Newpark believes that a similar permit will be
proposed for the Texas territorial seas in the future.

The combined effect of all these permits closely approaches a "zero
discharge standard" affecting all waters except those of the OCS. Newpark and
many industry participants believe that these permits and the requirements of
the Clean Water Act may ultimately lead to a total prohibition of overboard
discharge in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act provides for federal, state and
local regulation of emissions of air pollutants into the atmosphere. Any
modification or construction of a facility with regulated air emissions must be
a permitted or authorized activity. The Clean Air Act provides for
administrative and judicial enforcement against owners and operators of
regulated facilities, including substantial penalties. In 1990, the Clean Air
Act was reauthorized and amended, substantially increasing the scope and
stringency of the Clean Air Act's requirements. The Clean Air Act has very
little impact on Newpark's operations.

Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 contains
liability provisions for cleanup costs, natural resource damages and property
damages resulting from discharges of oil into navigable waters, as well as
substantial penalty provisions. The OPA also requires double hulls on all new
oil tankers and barges operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States. All marine vessels operated by Newpark already meet this
requirement.

State Regulation. In 1986, the Louisiana Department of Natural
Resources ("DNR") promulgated Order 29-B. Order 29-B contains extensive rules
governing pit closure and the generation, treatment, storage, transportation and
disposal of E&P waste. Under Order 29-B, onsite disposal of E&P waste is limited
and is subject to stringent guidelines. If these guidelines cannot be met, E&P
waste must be transported and disposed of offsite in accordance with the
provisions of Order 29-B. Moreover, under Order 29-B, most, if not all, active
waste pits must be closed or modified to meet regulatory standards; those pits
that continue to be allowed may be used only for a limited time. A material
number of these pits may contain concentrations of radium that are sufficient to
require the waste material to be categorized as NORM.



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The DNR issued three emergency rules for oilfield waste testing during
1998. The rules call for comprehensive and systematic testing of oilfield waste
disposed at commercial facilities throughout the State of Louisiana. All E&P
waste generated within or without Louisiana, including offshore Louisiana (state
and federal waters), that is to be transported to a commercial facility in the
State of Louisiana must be sampled at the point of generation in accordance with
the emergency rule. Newpark understands that the DNR intends to use the
collected data to revise Statewide Order 29-B, possibly as early as the summer
of 1999. The three rules were effective as of May 1, August 29 and October 1,
1998, and each rule, by law, remained effective for a period of only 120 days.
The DNR has continued the requirement for oilfield waste testing in a fourth
emergency rule that became effective as of January 29, 1999.

Rule 8 of the Texas Railroad Commission also contains detailed
requirements for the management and disposal of E&P waste and Rule 94 governs
the management and disposal of NORM. In addition, Rule 91 regulates the cleanup
of spills of crude oil from oil and gas exploration and production activities,
including transportation by pipeline. In general, contaminated soils must be
remediated to total petroleum hydrocarbons content of less than 1%. The State of
Texas also has established an Oilfield Cleanup Fund to be administered by the
Texas Railroad Commission to plug abandoned wells if the Commission deems it
necessary to prevent pollution, and to control or clean up certain oil and gas
wastes that cause or are likely to cause pollution of surface or subsurface
water. Other states (New Mexico, Mississippi, Arkansas) where the Company
operates have similar regulations. Oklahoma is presently in the process of
drafting NORM oil and gas regulations. Newpark recently received the first
specific license to conduct NORM remediation in Arkansas.

Many states maintain licensing and permitting procedures for the
construction and operation of facilities that emit pollutants into the air. In
Texas, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (the "TNRCC") requires
companies that emit pollutants into the air to apply for an air permit or to
satisfy the conditions for an exemption. Newpark has obtained certain air
permits and believes that it is exempt from obtaining other air permits at its
Texas facilities, including its Port Arthur, Texas, E&P waste facility. Newpark
met with the TNRCC and filed for an air permit exemption for its Port Arthur
facility in the fall of 1991, which exemption was granted by the TNRCC. A
subsequent renewal letter was filed and granted in 1995. Based upon
communications with the TNRCC, Newpark expects that its operations at the Port
Arthur facility will continue to remain exempt from air permitting requirements.
However, should it not remain exempt, Newpark believes that compliance with the
permitting requirements of the TNRCC would not have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial statements of Newpark.

Other Environmental Laws. Newpark is subject to the Occupation Safety
and Health Act that imposes requirements for employee safety and health and
applicable state provisions adopting worker health and safety requirements.
Moreover, it is possible that other developments, such as increasingly stricter
environmental, safety and health laws, and regulations and enforcement policies
thereunder, could result in substantial additional regulation of Newpark and
could subject to further scrutiny Newpark's handling, manufacture, use or
disposal of substances or pollutants. Newpark cannot predict the extent to which
its operations may be affected by future enforcement policies as applied to
existing laws or by the enactment of new statutes and regulations.



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RISK MANAGEMENT

Newpark's business exposes it to substantial risks. For example,
Newpark's environmental services routinely involve the handling, storage and
disposal of nonhazardous regulated materials and waste, and in some cases,
handling of hazardous regulated materials and waste for its customers which are
generators of such waste. Newpark could be held liable for improper cleanup and
disposal, which liability could be based upon statute, negligence, strict
liability, contract or otherwise. As is common in the oil and gas industry,
Newpark often is required to indemnify its customers or other third-parties
against certain risks related to the services performed by Newpark, including
damages stemming from environmental contamination.

Newpark has implemented various procedures designed to ensure
compliance with applicable regulations and reduce the risk of damage or loss.
These include specified handling procedures and guidelines for regulated waste,
ongoing training and monitoring of employees and maintenance of insurance
coverage.

Newpark carries a broad range of insurance coverages that management
considers adequate for the protection of its assets and operations. This
coverage includes general liability, comprehensive property damage, workers'
compensation and other coverage customary in its industries; however, this
insurance is subject to coverage limits and certain policies exclude coverage
for damages resulting from environmental contamination. Newpark could be
materially adversely affected by a claim that is not covered or only partially
covered by insurance. There is no assurance that insurance will continue to be
available to Newpark, that the possible types of liabilities that may be
incurred by Newpark will be covered by its insurance, that Newpark's insurance
carriers will meet their obligations or that the dollar amount of such
liabilities will not exceed Newpark's policy limits.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Newpark's corporate offices in Metairie, Louisiana, consisting of
approximately 7,000 square feet, are occupied at an annual rental of
approximately $138,000 under a lease expiring in December 2002.

Newpark owns an office building in Lafayette, Louisiana, consisting of
approximately 35,000 square feet, to house the administrative offices of its E&P
waste disposal and mat and integrated services segments.

The Company leases a total of approximately 39,000 square feet of
office space in Houston, Texas, to house the administrative offices of its
fluids sales and engineering segment. These various leases have an aggregate
annual rent of $367,000 and expire at various terms through October 2000.

Newpark's Port Arthur, Texas, E&P waste facility, which is used in its
E&P waste disposal segment, is subject to annual rentals aggregating
approximately $556,000 under three separate leases. A total of six acres are
under lease with various expiration dates through September 2002, all with
extended options to renew.



22
23

Newpark owns two injection disposal sites, which are used in its E&P
waste disposal segment, in Jefferson County, Texas, one on 50 acres of land and
the other on 400 acres. Eight wells are currently operational at these sites. In
January 1997, Newpark completed the purchase of 120 acres located adjacent to
one of the disposal sites. Newpark plans to use this property as an industrial
waste injection disposal facility. Newpark also has acquired an additional
injection facility, which includes two active injection wells on 37 acres of
land, adjacent to its Big Hill, Texas facility.

In October 1997, Newpark acquired land and facilities in Andrews, Big
Springs, Plains and Fort Stockton, Texas at which brine is extracted and sold
and E&P waste is disposed of in the salt domes or caverns created by the
extraction process. A total of 125 acres of land was acquired in this
transaction which is used in its E&P waste disposal segment

Newpark maintains a fleet of 36 double-skinned barges, which are used
in its E&P waste disposal segment, of which 6 are owned by the Company, and 30
are under lease with terms from five to ten years. The barges are used to
transport waste to processing stations and are certified for this purpose by the
U. S. Coast Guard. Annual rentals under the barge leases totaled approximately
$2.4 million during 1998.

The Company operates two specialty product grinding facilities used in
its fluids sales and engineering segment. One is located on 6.6 acres of leased
land in Channelview, Texas, with an annual rental rate of $12,000, and the other
is located on 13.7 acres of leased land in New Iberia, Louisiana, with an annual
rental rate of $75,000.

In the Company's E&P waste disposal segment, the Company uses nine
leased facilities located along the Gulf Coast at an annual aggregate rental of
$834,000. In the Company's fluids sales and engineering segment, the Company
serves customers from five leased bases located along the Gulf Coast at an
annual aggregate rental rate of $434,000.

Newpark owns 80 acres occupied as a sawmill facility near Batson,
Texas, which is used in the mat and integrated services segment.

Due to growth in certain of Newpark's market areas, the Company has
undertaken efforts to expand the capacity of a number of its facilities. The
Company is currently constructing a new facility for its proposed industrial
disposal facility. In addition, the Company is working on plans for a new leased
offshore base, which will replace several of its current bases used in the E&P
waste disposal and fluids sales and engineering segments. The Company has leased
approximately 104,000 square feet of space in a new office building in Houston,
which is under construction. This space will be used to relocate all of the
Company's operations located in the Houston area.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Newpark and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation and other claims
or assessments on matters arising in the normal course of business. In the
opinion of management, any recovery or liability in these matters should not
have a material effect on Newpark's consolidated financial statements.



23
24

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of conducting business, Newpark becomes involved
in judicial and administrative proceedings involving governmental authorities at
the federal, state and local levels, as well as private party actions. Pending
proceedings that allege liability related to environmental matters are described
below. Newpark believes that none of these matters involves material exposure.
There is no assurance, however, that such exposure does not exist or will not
arise in other matters relating to Newpark's past or present operations.

Newpark continues to be involved in the voluntary cleanup associated
with the DSI sites in southern Mississippi. This includes three facilities known
as Clay Point, Lee Street and Woolmarket. The Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality is overseeing the cleanup. The DSI Technical Group that
represents the potentially responsible parties, including Newpark, has awarded a
contract to Newpark to do the remaining remediation work at the three sites.
This cleanup should be completed in 1999 except for some continuing ground water
monitoring.

Newpark has been identified as one of 600 contributors of material to
the MAR Services facility, a state voluntary cleanup site located in Louisiana.
Because Newpark delivered only processed solids meeting the requirements of
Louisiana Statewide Executive Order 29-B to the site, Newpark does not believe
it has material financial liability for the site cleanup cost. The Louisiana
Department of Natural Resources ("DNR") is overseeing voluntary cleanup at the
site.

Recourse against its insurers under general liability insurance
policies for reimbursement of cost and expense in the foregoing actions is
uncertain as a result of conflicting court decisions in similar cases. In
addition, certain insurance policies under which coverage may be afforded
contain self-insurance levels that may exceed Newpark's ultimate liability.

Newpark believes that any liability incurred in the foregoing matters
will not have a material adverse effect on Newpark's consolidated financial
statements.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS

None



24
25


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS

Newpark's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "NR".

The following table sets forth the range of the high and low sales
prices for the periods indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period High Low
------ ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
1997

1st Quarter $ 12.375 $ 9.188
2nd Quarter $ 16.875 $ 9.875
3rd Quarter $ 20.000 $ 14.250
4th Quarter $ 22.500 $ 14.750

1998

1st Quarter $ 20.313 $ 12.000
2nd Quarter $ 25.375 $ 9.750
3rd Quarter $ 12.875 $ 5.500
4th Quarter $ 10.000 $ 5.313
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1998, the Company had 3,010 stockholders of record.

Newpark does not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future, and the Board of Directors currently intends to retain earnings for use
in Newpark's business. In addition, Newpark's credit facility and the Indenture
relating to its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes contain covenants which
significantly limit the payment of dividends on the common stock.

25
26



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated historical financial data presented below
for the five years ended December 31, 1998, are derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of Newpark and have been restated to reflect:
(i) Several acquisitions made during 1997 and 1998 which were accounted for as
poolings of interests; (ii) a two-for-one split of Newpark's common stock
effective May 1997; and (iii) a 100% stock dividend issued by Newpark in
November 1997. The following data should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of Newpark and the Notes thereto included
elsewhere herein and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1998(1) 1997(1) 1996(2) 1995 1994
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share data)

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues $ 256,808 $ 233,245 $ 153,679 $ 123,676 $ 104,348
Cost of services provided 176,551 138,392 100,627 84,328 74,275
Operating costs 68,243 27,726 15,141 14,887 14,255
General and administrative expenses 4,305 3,185 2,920 2,658 3,231
Provision for uncollectible accounts 9,180 -- -- -- --
Impairment of long-lived assets 52,266 -- -- -- --
Arbitration settlement 27,463 -- -- -- --
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliates 1,293 -- -- -- --
Restructure expense -- -- 2,432 -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (82,493) 63,942 32,559 21,803 12,587
Interest income (1,488) (310) (273) (245) (80)
Interest expense 11,554 4,265 3,996 3,883 2,724
Other -- -- -- 183 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes (92,559) 59,987 28,836 17,982 9,943
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (30,270) 22,246 9,884 5,102 (252)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
accounting change (62,289) 37,741 18,952 12,880 10,195
Cumulative effect of accounting change
(net of income tax effect) (1,326) -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Net income (loss) $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952 $ 12,880 $ 10,195
========= ========= ========= ========= =========

Net income (loss) per common and common equivalent shares:
Basic $ (0.95) $ 0.59 $ 0.36 $ 0.28 $ 0.22
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted $ (0.95) $ 0.58 $ 0.34 $ 0.27 $ 0.22
========= ========= ========= ========= =========

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 67,058 64,158 53,197 46,640 46,056
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted 67,058 65,630 54,956 47,706 46,880
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

26
27


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) 1998(1) 1997(1) 1996(2) 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital $ 75,937 $ 88,882 $ 28,301 $ 31,832 $ 12,876
Total assets 504,479 451,623 299,071 160,755 120,214
Short-term debt 1,267 1,774 13,831 8,515 10,541
Long-term debt 208,057 127,996 35,677 47,395 29,738
Stockholders' equity 242,497 269,985 206,362 80,227 65,540
</TABLE>


(1) 1998 and 1997 include the effects of eight acquisitions and seven
acquisitions, respectively, primarily in the fluids sales and engineering
segment, accounted for by the purchase method of accounting (See Note B to
Consolidated Financial Statements).

(2) 1996 includes the effects of the purchase of substantially all of the
non-landfarms assets and certain leases from Campbell Wells, Ltd. (See Note
B to Consolidated Financial Statements).

27
28


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of the Company's financial condition, results
of operations, liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction
with the "Consolidated Financial Statements" and the "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements" included elsewhere in this report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Continued weakness in oil prices has produced a continuing decline in
market activity as measured by the rig count in the markets which Newpark
serves. In addition, Newpark has experienced a geographical shift of activity
away from the Austin Chauk area of Western Louisiana and Eastern Texas, as a
result of weak oil prices and disappointing drilling results in this area.

The table below shows the average crude oil and natural gas prices for
1998, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
West Texas Intermediate
Crude ($/bbl) 14.41 21.83 20.51
U.S. Spot Natural
Gas ($/mcf) 2.01 2.47 2.21
</TABLE>

During the first quarter of 1999 oil prices dropped to approximately $12.

The table below, based on the Baker-Hughes Rotary Rig Count, indicates
the recent downward trend in Newpark's primary market areas, including (i) South
Louisiana Land; (ii) Texas Railroad Commission Districts 2 and 3; (iii)
Louisiana and Texas Inland Waters; and (iv) Offshore Gulf of Mexico:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 1Q98 2Q98 3Q98 4Q98
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Rig Count 831 943 779 968 864 796 690
Newpark's market 243 252 208 283 266 219 204
Newpark's market to total 29.2% 26.7% 26.7% 29.2% 30.8% 27.5% 29.6%
</TABLE>

As of the week ended March 19, 1999, the U.S. rig count was 526, with
182 rigs, or 34.6%, within Newpark's primary market. This marks the lowest rig
count ever recorded in the history of the indicator. Rig counts in Newpark's
primary market are down from a peak of 297, which was achieved during the week
ended February 20, 1998.

- -----------
Source: Baker Hughes Incorporated

The recent decline in rig activity has affected the Company's revenue
and is expected to continue to affect future period revenues until oil prices
recover.

The percentage of rigs in Newpark's primary market, as compared to the
total domestic rig count, reflects the importance of natural gas drilling
relative to oil in that market. Natural gas production accounts for the majority
of activity in the Gulf Coast


28
29


region. However, low oil prices reduce the cash flow available for all
exploration and production activity. Lower oil prices, beginning in 1998, slowed
drilling in markets more oriented toward oil, such as the Austin Chalk region,
West Texas and areas which produce primarily heavy oil, such as Canada and
Venezuela.

During this period of market and geographic shifts, Newpark has
continued to work toward bringing proprietary innovative solutions to the
markets which it serves. These innovations primarily include:

o Composite mats
o Proprietary environmentally friendly drilling fluids (DeepDrill(TM))
o Drilling fluids processing and recycling
o Minimization Management
o Industrial non-hazardous waste processing and disposal

As a result of these innovations, which were partially or fully
implemented in the third and fourth quarter of 1998, Newpark has displaced, and
will continue to displace some of its current operations and operating assets.
The most significant displacement is associated with the introduction of
Newpark's composite mat. Newpark expects to convert a significant portion of the
mats used in its domestic rental fleet from wooden mats to the new composite
mats. While the Company will continue to use wooden mats in its domestic fleet,
it has decided to dispose of many of its older wooden mats instead of repairing
them. During the third and fourth quarter of 1998 the Company removed these
older mats from service and had destroyed the majority of them by the end of the
year. The Company will complete this disposal process in the first quarter of
1999 but does not intend to take any additional mats out of service at this
time. The impairment of long-lived assets of $52.3 million recorded during 1998
includes $43.0 million relating to the write-off of these older wooden mats. The
remaining $9.3 million in impairments relates to assets which have been impaired
in value or abandoned due to the downturn in market conditions discussed above.

In the third quarter of 1998, the Company also settled its arbitration
related to the NOW Disposal Agreement with U.S. Liquids, Inc. In the fourth
quarter of 1998, final modifications were made to the agreement. The total
settlement was $30 million, of which $6 million was paid in 1998, and $11
million, $9 million, and $4 million will be paid in 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively. Total pretax charges associated with the settlement of $27.5
million were recorded during 1998 (of which $9.1 million was recorded in the
third quarter and $18.4 million was recorded in the fourth quarter). This $27.5
million includes $6.1 million of reduction in the value of the non-compete with
U. S. Liquids with the remaining $21.4 million representing the portion of the
settlement associated with the termination feature. Future charges of $8.8
million ($7.6 million in the form of operating expense and $1.2 million in the
form of imputed interest expense) will be recorded during 1999, 2000 and the
first half of 2001, respectively, in relation to the settlement.

Due to weakness in the commodity prices of oil and gas, and the
resulting liquidity problems encountered by a number of customers for whom the
Company has performed services, the Company increased its allowance for doubtful
accounts by $9.2 million in 1998


29
30


(of which $5.2 million was recorded in the fourth quarter and $4 million was
recorded in the third quarter). The majority of the provision relates to three
specific customers.

The Company also recorded a $2.1 million charge ($1.3 million after
tax) in the third quarter reflecting the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting for certain start-up costs, resulting from the early adoption of
Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities."
Start-up costs since the date of adoption (July 1, 1998) have not been
significant.

During the third quarter of 1998, two tropical storms and two
hurricanes significantly disrupted drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico and
surrounding areas. When severe weather enters the Gulf, drilling operations are
stopped and rigs are evacuated. These evacuation proceedings usually take place
several days in advance of the storm. The rigs are then shut down for the
duration of the storm and drilling activities do not resume for several days
following the storm. As a result, operations in the Gulf area were disrupted
during the third quarter for more than 20 days. There were no significant
weather related disruptions of operations in the fourth quarter of 1998.

1998 AND 1997 ACQUISITIONS

During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company completed nine
separate acquisitions in the drilling fluids industry and two acquisitions in
the solids control, processing and disposal industry. The consideration paid for
these acquisitions aggregated 3,497,771 shares of Newpark common stock and $22.7
million in cash. Eight transactions were accounted for as purchases. The other
three acquisitions were accounted for as poolings of interests, and accordingly,
prior year financial statements have been restated. These acquisitions provided
the Company entry into the drilling fluids markets in the Canadian provinces of
Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, and
the Anadarko Basin in Western Oklahoma. The acquisitions also provided the
Company entry into the onsite fluids processing market, which is a key
additional component of the Company's "Minimization Management" ("MM") strategy.
The Company has no current plans to make additional acquisitions.

In February 1997, Newpark acquired SBM, a full-service drilling fluids
company, which serves customers in the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast, in
exchange for an aggregate of 2,328,000 shares of Newpark common stock. The
acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests, with direct acquisition
costs of $316,000 charged to current operations. SBM subsequently changed its
name to Newpark Drilling Fluids, Inc. After the SBM acquisition, Newpark
completed seven additional acquisitions during 1997 in the drilling fluids
industry, in exchange for an aggregate of $9.2 million in cash and 1,371,112
shares of Newpark common stock. The acquisitions involved five drilling fluids
distribution companies, one specialty chemical company and one specialty milling
company. In November, 1997, Newpark also purchased the Gulf Coast operations and
related assets of Anchor Drilling Fluids, Inc.

To expand its presence and service capabilities in the site preparation
business, Newpark acquired, during 1997, two oilfield site contractors in
exchange for an aggregate of 990,888 shares of Newpark common stock. Newpark
also acquired additional properties


30
31


and facilities to expand its disposal capacity, including two active injection
wells on 37 acres of land adjacent to Newpark's Big Hill facility, four
facilities in the Permian Basin at which brine is extracted and sold and E&P
waste is disposed in the salt domes or caverns created by the extraction
process, and 120 acres of land adjacent to its Big Hill facility, which Newpark
plans to develop into an industrial non-hazardous waste disposal facility.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Operating Results for 1997 and 1996 have been restated to give effect
to a series of pooling of interests transactions, which took place during 1997
and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)

1998 1997 1996
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues by segment:
E&P waste disposal $ 57,588 22.4% $ 62,301 26.7% $ 44,905 29.2%
Fluids sales & engineering 103,053 40.1 69,227 29.7 28,201 18.3
Mat & integrated services 96,167 37.5 101,717 43.6 79,213 51.5
Other 0 0.0 0 0.0 1,360 1.0
-------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------
Total $256,808 100.0% $233,245 100.0% $153,679 100.0%
======== ====== ======== ====== ======== ======
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)

1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating income (loss) by segment:
E&P waste disposal $ 16,633 $ 26,463 $ 14,245
Fluids sales & engineering (13,961) 12,534 811
Mat & integrated services 9,342 28,130 21,933
Other 0 0 922
-------- -------- --------
Total $ 12,014 $ 67,127 $ 37,911
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

Figures shown above are net of intersegment transfers.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

Revenues

Total revenues increased to $256.8 million in 1998, from $233.2 million
in 1997, an increase of $23.6 million, or 10.1%. The components of the increase
in revenues were a $33.8 million increase in drilling fluids sales and
engineering, partially offset by a $4.7 million decrease in waste disposal and a
$5.5 million decrease in mat and integrated services.

Drilling fluids sales increased $33.8 million, or 48.9%, as a result of
a series of acquisitions made during 1997 and 1998, and the expansion of the
businesses acquired. The decline in drilling activity has reduced the size of
the market for drilling fluids; however, the Company has increased its sales of
drilling fluids by obtaining a larger share of the market. The growth in sales
volume during 1998 masked the softness in commodity prices experienced
throughout the drilling fluids industry in the latter part of 1998,


31
32


especially during the fourth quarter, which continued into the first quarter of
1999. In particular the selling price received in the market place for barite,
which is a key component in most drilling fluids, has declined significantly
during the fourth quarter of 1998 and first quarter of 1999 due to competitive
pressures.

E&P waste accounted for 95% of disposal revenue, or $54.9 million in
1998, and 90%, or $56.1 million in 1997. During 1998, the volume of E&P waste
declined slightly while the average price per barrel increased by approximately
10%. In the first quarter of 1998, E&P waste volume increased due to increased
regulations, which banned waste discharges in the state territorial waters of
the Gulf of Mexico. This increase was offset by declines in drilling activity,
particularly in the territorial waters, beginning in the second quarter of 1998.
In the latter half of 1998, volume declined due to lower drilling activity and
as a result of the Company's waste minimization efforts to reduce the volume of
wash water created at transfer facilities in the vessel and container cleaning
process. In addition, volumes were lower due to the effect of unusual weather
conditions encountered in the third quarter of 1998.

The decrease of $5.5 million in mat and integrated services revenue
reflects the general decline in drilling activity, as well as the effect of
unusual weather conditions on drilling activity in the area surrounding the Gulf
of Mexico. Mat rental revenues include revenues earned on the initial mat
installation, which typically includes the first 60 days of rental, and
re-rentals earned beyond the initial installation term. The price received for
mat rentals and re-rentals has declined significantly during the latter part of
1998 and the first quarter of 1999. This decline in pricing was caused by
competitive pressure and low activity relative to industry capacity. The Company
as well as many of its competitors had increased their inventories of mats
during 1997 and the first part of 1998 in response to increasing industry
activity.

Operating Income (Loss)

The Company reported an operating loss of ($92.6) million in 1998 as
compared to operating income of $60.0 million in 1997. The primary factors
contributing to the operating loss in 1998 were charges for the provision of
uncollectible accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, and the arbitration
settlement noted above. The total of these charges in 1998 were $88.9 million.

Segment operating income declined to $12.0 million in 1998, from $67.1
million in 1997, a decrease of $55.1 million, or 82%. The components of the
decrease were a $9.8 million decrease in E&P waste disposal operating income, a
$26.5 million decrease in fluids sales and engineering operating income and a
$18.8 million decrease in mat and integrated services operating income. The $9.8
million decrease in waste disposal operating income can be attributed to the
$4.7 million decrease in revenues discussed above coupled with a decline in
operating margins. Since completing the 1996 acquisition of US Liquids offshore
waste business, the Company has expanded its overall capacity to handle volumes
of waste through increased barge capacity and transfer station capacity. While
this capacity was necessary for the increase in business experienced by the
Company in 1997 as compared to 1996, this capacity added significantly to the
cost of the waste disposal operations. When the sharp decline hit in 1998 the
Company reacted to the situation by disposing of barges,


32
33


closing facilities and reducing staffing levels. The Company was not able to
reduce the costs of these operations as fast as the decline in revenues. The
Company has continued to reduce costs in this segment of its business in the
first quarter of 1999.

While revenues for the fluids sales and engineering segment increased
by $33.8 million in 1998 as compared to 1997, operating income decreased by
$26.5 million. The increase in revenue can be attributed to the rapid growth in
this business segment due to a series of acquisitions, an expansion of
facilities acquired and the establishment of new distribution facilities. In
particular, the Company saw a rapid growth in business in the Austin Chauk
region. In order to service this growing market the Company expanded capacity of
its facilities in this region. With the downturn in oil prices, and
disappointing drilling results in this region, this market fell quickly and
dramatically. The Company has since closed its facilities in the Austin Chauk
area and downsized its operations. This downsizing has included the disposal of
assets, which do not serve its other markets effectively, and the reduction in
staffing levels. The Company has continued to make cost reductions in this
business segment in the first quarter of 1999. The Company also saw profits from
this business segment decline as a result of falling sales prices for many
products used in drilling fluids.

Operating income in the mat and integrated services segment decreased
$18.8 million in 1998 as compared to 1997. This decline in operating income can
be attributed in part to the $5.5 million decrease in revenues in this segment
along with declining margins and costs associated with the disposal of mats
during the third and fourth quarter of 1998. Mat disposal operations during 1998
were conducted for the most part with internal labor and assets. There will be
some continuing cost for mat disposal in the first and second quarter of 1999
but to a lesser degree than in 1998. This business segment has significantly cut
costs in response to the decline in demand for its services by reducing staffing
levels, closing facilities and disposing of excess assets. Further cost cuts
were implemented in this segment in the first quarter of 1999.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses during 1998 were $4.3 million as
compared to $3.2 million in 1997. The increase is attributable to a growth in
revenues, recent acquisitions, and growth in new product offerings. The Company
has undertaken steps to reduce its general and administrative costs in the
latter part of 1998 and in the first quarter of 1999.

Provision for Uncollectible Accounts

The Company recorded $9.2 million in bad debt reserves during 1998 due
to the risk of customer financial weakness resulting from continued downward
pressure on oil prices. This downturn in oil prices has caused a strain on
customers' cash flow, which has in turn affected the collectibility of certain
receivables from customers. The Company has identified three specific customer
balances where the risk of such financial concern merits the majority of this
additional reserve.


33
34


Impairment of Long Lived Assets

The Company recorded impairments on certain of its capital assets
during 1998 in the amount of $52.3 million. These impairments were caused
primarily by two factors which arose during the period. The first factor was the
introduction of new technology by the Company in several areas, which rendered
obsolete certain assets in service. The second factor was a change in market
conditions driven by a reduction in oil prices. These market conditions caused
certain assets of the Company (primarily those located in the Austin Chauk
region) to become significantly or completely impaired in value. The impairment
of long-lived assets includes $43.0 million for the write-down of the Company's
wooden board road mat fleet used in its mat and integrated services segment. The
Company is in the process of converting a significant portion of its domestic
rental fleet to a new composite mat. Accordingly, the Company has disposed of
its older mats which would normally have required substantial maintenance cost
to keep in service. The Company also incurred an impairment of $1.3 million in
its mat and integrated services segment on a machine used in remediation
operations that has been rendered obsolete by other new equipment being
introduced by the Company as well as other equipment.

Included in the impairment was $4.7 million of write-downs for assets
used in the Company's fluids sales and engineering segment. These assets have
either been abandoned (primarily warehouses and mixing plants located in the
Austin Chauk region) due to market conditions or were written down to their
disposal value due to excess capacity created by a downturn in the Company's
operations.

Also included in the impairment was $1.3 million to write-down to their
disposal value barges which were previously used in the Company's E&P waste
disposal segment and are no longer required due to decreased volumes of waste
being handled. The Company also incurred a write-down of $1.9 million in this
segment relating to the abandonment of additional disposal sites being
constructed for future use. Due to the downturn in the oilfield waste market
created by reduced oilfield drilling, the Company will not pursue bringing this
additional capacity on-line.

Arbitration Settlement

In the third quarter, the Company settled its arbitration related to
the NOW Disposal Agreement with U.S. Liquids, Inc. In the fourth quarter, final
modifications were made to the agreement. Pretax charges associated with the
settlement of $27.5 million were recorded during 1998. This $27.5 million
includes a $6.1 million reduction in the value of the non-compete with U. S.
Liquids, with the remaining $21.4 million representing the portion of the
settlement associated with the termination feature.

Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliate

Included in the loss from unconsolidated affiliates are charges of $1.3
million that include recognition of the Company's share of joint venture losses
related to the start-up period of the composite mat manufacturing facility.


34
35


Interest Income and Interest Expense

Net interest expense was $10.1 million in 1998 as compared to $4.0 in
1997. The increase in net interest cost is due to an increase of $81.0 million
in average outstanding borrowings and an increase in average effective interest
rates from 6.07% in 1997 to 8.32% in 1998. The increase in average outstanding
borrowings and average effective interest rates is due to the issuance of $125
million of ten year, 8-5/8% senior subordinated notes in December 1997 and
additional borrowings under the Credit Facility. The proceeds from the senior
subordinated notes and the Credit Facility were used to fund acquisitions,
capital expenditures and working capital for operations growth.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the 1998 and 1997 periods, Newpark recorded income tax (benefits)
provisions of ($30.3) million and $22.2 million, equal to (32.8)% and 37.1% of
pre-tax (loss) income, respectively.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

On July 1, 1998 Newpark elected early adoption of Statement of Position
98-5 "Reporting on Costs of Start-up Activities." Newpark was required to adopt
this accounting pronouncement beginning January 1, 1999. The cumulative effect
of this change in accounting, net of income taxes, was $1.3 million. Start-up
costs since the date of adoption have not been significant.


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

Revenues

Total revenues increased to $233.2 million in 1997, from $153.7 million
in 1996, an increase of $79.5 million, or 51.7%. Drilling fluids sales and
engineering revenue increased $41.0 million as a result of a series of purchase
acquisitions made during 1997 in the drilling fluids market, the expansion of
the businesses acquired through increased inventories and facilities to service
new and expanded markets and an increase in drilling activity. The increase in
waste disposal revenues of $17.4 million can be primarily ascribed to the full
year effect of acquisition of a competitor's marine-related collection
operations in August 1996, increases in the domestic market rig count and
increased pricing. The volume of waste received was also impacted by an increase
in environmental regulations. Effective December 4, 1997, discharges of waste
from drilling operations in the state territorial waters of the Gulf of Mexico
were prohibited. These regulations immediately began to impact volumes of waste
handled by the Company. E&P waste revenues for 1997 increased to $56.1 million,
compared to $36.2 million in 1996. The volume of E&P waste received increased to
5.6 million barrels, from 4.0 million barrels. The increase in volume accounted
for approximately 80% of the increase in E&P waste revenues, while price
increases accounted for approximately 20% of the increase in revenues. NORM
revenue was $6.2 million in 1997, compared to $8.7 million in 1996, due to
decreased site remediation activity. The decrease in activity in the NORM market
was partially offset by


35
36


higher average pricing on waste received in 1997 versus 1996. The increase of
$22.5 million in mat and integrated services revenue reflects improvement in the
domestic market rig count and increased pricing for Newpark's mat inventory,
coupled with the completion of a purchase acquisition in 1997. Mat rental
revenues include revenues earned on the initial mat installation, which
typically includes the first 60 days of rental. If the mats are rented beyond
the initial period, a rerental charge is earned. In 1997, the initial rentals
accounted for approximately 60% of mat service revenues, with rerentals
accounting for 40%. In 1996, initial rentals accounted for 52% of the total mat
service revenues and rerentals accounted for 48%. In terms of pricing and volume
impact on total mat service revenues, pricing accounted for approximately 60% of
the increase and volume accounted for approximately 40%.

Operating Income

Operating income increased to $63.9 million in 1997, an increase of
$31.4 million, or 77%. The primary components of the increase were a $12.2
million increase in E&P waste disposal operating income, an $11.7 million
increase in fluids sales and engineering operating income, and a $6.2 million
increase in mat and integrated services operating income. These increases are
primarily related to the revenue increases for the segments and a greater
leveraging of operations.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $265,000 from 1996 to
1997, but decreased as a percentage of revenues to 1.4% in 1997 from 1.9% in
1996.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the 1997 and 1996 periods, Newpark recorded income tax provisions
of $22.2 million and $9.9 million, equal to 37.1% and 34.3% of pre-tax income,
respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's working capital position decreased by $12.9 million, or
14.6%, during the year ended December 31, 1998, as compared to 1997. Key working
capital data is provided below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,

1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Working Capital (000's) $ 75,937 $ 88,882
Current Ratio 2.75 3.56
</TABLE>

The decrease in working capital is primarily attributable to
acquisitions completed during 1998 for cash, the acquisition of additional long
lived assets and a dramatic downturn in the Company's business in the second
half of 1998 which caused revenues to fall, expenses to rise and resulting
margins from operations to decline.


36
37


The Company's long term capitalization as of December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Long-term debt (including current maturities):
Credit facility $ 80,900 $ -- $ 41,351
Subordinated debt 125,000 125,000 --
Other 3,352 4,495 6,179
-------- -------- --------
Total long-term debt 209,252 129,495 47,530

Stockholders' equity 242,497 269,985 206,362
-------- -------- --------

Total capitalization $451,749 $399,480 $253,892
======== ======== =========
</TABLE>

For the year ended December 31, 1998, Newpark's working capital needs
were met primarily from operating cash flow, borrowings under the Credit
Facility and excess proceeds from the subordinated debt issue. Total cash
generated from operations of $29.2 million was supplemented by $75.0 million
from financing activities to provide for a total of $119.3 million used in
investing activities.

Newpark has outstanding a Credit Facility, which provides for a $100.0
million revolving credit facility maturing on June 30, 2001, including up to
$20.0 million in standby letters of credit. At December 31, 1998, $15.6 million
in letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the Credit Facility, and
$80.9 million was outstanding under the revolving facility. Advances under the
credit facility bear interest at either (i) a specified prime rate or (ii) the
LIBOR rate plus a spread which is determined quarterly based on the Credit
Facility. The Credit Facility requires that Newpark maintain certain specified
financial ratios and comply with other usual and customary requirements. One of
the requirements of the Credit Facility is that the Company cannot incur losses
for two consecutive quarters. Due primarily to asset impairments and the
arbitration settlement which were recorded during the third and fourth quarter
of 1998, the Company sustained losses over two quarters. The banks have waived
any defaults as a result of these two loss quarters and amended the Credit
Facility to provide for covenants which are consistent with the Company's
current financial condition and anticipated market outlook. Newpark was in
compliance with all other requirements of the Credit Facility, as amended, at
December 31, 1998. Several of the financial ratios under the credit facility are
at or near their respective limits. Any losses sustained by the Company in
future quarters may cause Newpark to not be in compliance with certain financial
covenants unless waivers can be obtained from the banks. Since December 31, 1998
the Company has paid down approximately $12 million of the outstanding balance
under the credit facility which has provided additional coverages under two of
the financial ratios. The Company has plans to make additional substantial
reductions of the outstanding balance during 1999. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Company will be able to make such additional reductions, or,
if needed, obtain any necessary waivers from the banks.

For 1999, Newpark anticipates capital expenditures of approximately $30
million, including: (i) $3 million to develop non-hazardous industrial waste
injection well sites, (ii)


37
38


$6 million for expansion of drilling fluids operations, including the purchase
of equipment associated with fluids processing and recycling and infrastructure
expansions; (iii) $2 million to complete an enlarged joint operational offshore
facility; (iv) $16 million for the purchase of synthetic mats and additional
hardwood mats; and (v) $3 million for maintenance capital.

Potential sources of additional funds, if required by the Company,
would include operating leases for equipment purchases and the sale of equity
securities. The Company presently has no commitments beyond its working capital
and bank lines of credit by which it could obtain additional funds for current
operations; however, it regularly evaluates potential borrowing arrangements
which may be utilized to fund future expansion. Newpark believes that its
current sources of capital, coupled with internally generated funds, will be
sufficient to support its working capital, capital expenditure and debt service
requirements for the foreseeable future provided that market conditions
stabilize or improve from current levels. Any further protracted downturn in
market conditions could have an adverse affect on the Company's future available
capital and would likely result in reductions in planned capital expenditures.
Except as described in the preceding paragraph, and in Footnote M to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Newpark is not aware of any material
expenditures, significant balloon payments or other payments on long term
obligations or any other demands or commitments, including off-balance sheet
items to be incurred within the next 12 months.

Inflation has not materially impacted the Company's revenues or income.

YEAR 2000

The Company relies heavily on computers in its internal and external
financial reporting systems. In addition, computers are used extensively
throughout the Company to perform critical operating activities, including the
processing of payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable and to perform
critical analyses such as well reports for drilling fluids customers and testing
of E&P waste streams received from customers. The Company also makes use of
computers for efficient communications with employees and customers, including
extensive use of e-mail systems and the Internet, and is expected to expand its
use of such technology in the future. Finally, embedded technology such as
microcontrollers are commonly found in equipment used throughout the Company's
operations. The complete failure of these systems could have a material negative
impact on the operations of the Company. In addition, most of the Company's
major suppliers and customers rely heavily on similar computer systems and
failures in such systems could disrupt their operations.

The Company is substantially complete in assessing and addressing Year
2000 issues in its major computer systems. Most of the Company's major systems
have been updated in the normal course of business or replaced with applications
that are Year 2000 compliant. No system replacements were made or accelerated to
comply with Year 2000 issues, but rather were made to address other operating
issues.

In addition to substantially addressing Year 2000 issues in its own
critical computer systems, the Company is in the process of contacting its major
customers and vendors to


38
39


assess their progress in addressing their Year 2000 issues. Included with these
contacts is a request to address embedded technology as it relates to their own
operations and to products supplied to the Company. The Company expects to have
responses from these customers and vendors by the second quarter of 1999. The
Company believes that in making these contacts it can minimize the risks
associated with Year 2000 failures of such vendors and customers. The Company
can give no assurance that the systems of other companies on which the Company's
systems rely will be converted or otherwise addressed on time, or that a failure
to convert by another company would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

While the Company has and will continue to make efforts to address Year
2000 issues, the Company could experience disruptions in its operations as a
result of failures in its own systems and those of its major vendors or
customers. Accordingly, the Company will develop contingency plans by the end of
the second quarter of 1999 to help mitigate the effects of failures, if any.

To date, the total amount spent on Year 2000 issues has been less than
$100,000 and has not been material to the Company's operations or financial
condition. Based on current assessments, the Company expects to incur less than
$100,000 in additional expenditures to address Year 2000 issues. However, these
estimates are subject to revisions based on future assessments and responses
from vendors and customers.

Estimates of the costs or consequences of incomplete or untimely
resolution of Year 2000 issues would be speculative. The Company will continue
to assess and address Year 2000 issues and expects to fund such efforts through
operating cash flows.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.

During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
("SFAS 130") and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 :Disclosure
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 130
provides guidance for the presentation and display of comprehesive income. SFAS
131 establishes standards for disclosure of operating segments, products,
services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company has adopted SFAS 130
and has included the required Statements of Comprehensive Income within its
consolidated financial statements with the same prominence as its other
consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company has considered the
implications of SFAS 131 and has included the required disclosure in Note P.

In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS 132"). SFAS 132 revises
the standards for disclosure of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
by standardizing the disclosure requirements, requiring additional information
on changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. and
eliminating certain disclosure requirements no longer considered to be useful.
The new disclosure requirements are designed to improve the understandability of
benefit disclosure for final analysis. the Company has considered the
implications of SFAS 132 and has concluded that no additional disclosure is
required at this time.


39
40


In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities"("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting
and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The
Company has considered the implications of SFAS 133 and has concluded that its
implementation will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial statements.

During 1998, the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants
promulgated Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 broadly defines start-up activities as those
one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product
or service, conducting business in a new territory, conducting business with a
new class of customer or beneficiary, initiating a new process in an existing
facility, or commencing some new operation. SOP 98-5 requires that companies
expense start-up activities as incurred. Although SOP 98-5 is not effective
until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998, it does encourage entities
to early adopt its requirements. The Company has elected to early adopt SOP 98-5
effective July 1, 1998. Thus, in accordance with SOP 98-5, the Company has
recorded the after-tax charge as a cumulative effect of accounting change within
the Company's 1998 Consolidated Statement of Operations. The effect of this
change in accounting principle was to decrease net income by $1,326,000 (net of
related income tax benefits of $778,000) or $.02 per basic and diluted share.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Newpark is exposed to certain market risks that are inherent in
the Company's financial instruments arising from transactions that are entered
into in the normal course of business. Historically, the Company has not entered
into derivative financial instrument transactions to manage or reduce market
risk or for speculative purposes. A discussion of the Company's primary market
risk exposure in financial instruments is presented below.

Long-term Debt

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its long-term fixed
interest rate senior subordinated notes. The bank credit facility has a variable
interest rate and accordingly is not subject to interest rate risk. All other
things being equal, the fair market value of debt with a fixed interest rate
will increase, and the amount required to retire the debt today will increase,
as interest rates fall and the fair market value will decrease as interest rates
rise. This exposure to interest rate risk is managed by borrowing money that has
a variable interest rate.

The $125 million senior subordinated notes accrue interest at the rate
of 8-5/8% per annum and mature on December 15, 2007. There are no scheduled
principal payments under the notes prior to the maturity date. However, the
notes may be redeemed at a premium in whole or in part commencing after December
15, 2002. Up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed at a premium from proceeds of
an equity offering, at any time up to and including December 31, 2000. The
Company has no plans to repay the notes ahead of their scheduled maturity.


40
41


Investments

Included in Other Assets is a note receivable with a face amount of
$8,534,000 related to the sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company's former marine repair operations. The note bears simple interest at 5%
per annum, with accrued interest and principal payable at September 30, 2003.

Foreign Currency

The Company's principal foreign operations are conducted in
Canada, Venezuela and Mexico. As such, there is exposure to future earnings due
to changes in foreign currency exchange rates when transactions are denominated
in currencies other than the Company's functional currencies, which are the
primary currencies in which the Company conducts its business in various
jurisdictions. At present, the Company does not use hedging arrangements to
offset any anticipated affects of such exposure.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing discussion contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There are risks and
uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially
from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements included
in this report. Among these risks and uncertainties are (a) the level of
exploration for and production of oil and gas and the industry's willingness to
spend capital on environmental and oilfield services; (b) oil and gas prices,
expectations about future prices, the cost of exploring for, producing and
delivering oil and gas, the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves and the
ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital; (c) domestic and
international political, military, regulatory and economic conditions; (d) other
risks and uncertainties generally applicable to the oil and gas exploration and
production industry; (e) any rescission or relaxation of existing regulations
affecting the disposal of E&P waste and NORM, failure of governmental
authorities to enforce such regulations or the ability of industry participants
to avoid or delay compliance with such regulations; (f) future technological
change and innovation, which could result in a reduction in the amount of waste
being generated or alternative methods of disposal being developed; (g)
increased competition in the Company's product lines; (h) the Company's success
in integrating acquisitions and (i), the Company's success in replacing its
wooden mat fleet with its new composite mats; (j) the Company's ability to
obtain the necessary permits to operate its non-hazardous waste disposal wells
and its ability to successfully compete in this market; (k) the Company's
ability to successfully compete in the drilling fluids markets in the Canadian
provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Permian Basin of West Texas and New
Mexico and the Anadarko Basin in Western Oklahoma, where it has only recently
entered the market ;and (l) adverse weather conditions, which could disrupt
drilling operations.


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42


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Newpark Resources, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Newpark
Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Newpark Resources, Inc. and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements, effective July 1, 1998, the Company changed its method of accounting
for costs of start-up activities.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 26, 1999







42
43


Newpark Resources, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except share data) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,611 $ 21,699
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance
of $11,008 in 1998 and $2,266 in 1997 65,675 74,768
Inventories 19,381 21,489
Current taxes receivable 10,593 --
Deferred tax asset 13,776 3,974
Other current assets 3,292 1,712
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 119,328 123,642

Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of
accumulated depreciation 217,988 191,058
Cost in excess of net assets of purchased businesses and
identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 123,539 97,542
Deferred tax asset 1,735 --
Other assets 41,889 39,381
------------ ------------
$ 504,479 $ 451,623
============ ============


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 72 $ 275
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,195 1,499
Accounts payable 23,237 19,309
Accrued liabilities 11,711 10,974
Arbitration settlement payable 7,176 --
Current taxes payable -- 2,703
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 43,391 34,760

Long-term debt 208,057 127,996
Arbitration settlement payable 8,080 --
Other non-current liabilities 2,454 1,314
Deferred taxes payable -- 17,568
Commitments and contingencies (See Note M) -- --

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares outstanding -- --
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized, 68,839,672 shares outstanding in 1998
and 65,212,289 in 1997 688 652
Paid-in capital 319,833 283,271
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,033) --
Retained earnings (deficit) (76,991) (13,938)
------------ ------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 242,497 269,985
------------ ------------
$ 504,479 $ 451,623
============ ============
</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




43
44


Newpark Resources, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 256,808 $ 233,245 $ 153,679
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided 176,551 138,392 100,627
Operating costs 68,243 27,726 15,141
------------ ------------ ------------
244,794 166,118 115,768

General and administrative expenses 4,305 3,185 2,920
Provision for uncollectible accounts 9,180 -- --
Impairment of long-lived assets 52,266 -- --
Arbitration settlement 27,463 -- --
Equity in net loss of -- --
unconsolidated affiliates 1,293 -- --
Restructure expense -- -- 2,432
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss) (82,493) 63,942 32,559
Interest income (1,488) (310) (273)
Interest expense 11,554 4,265 3,996
------------ ------------ ------------

Income (loss) before income taxes (92,559) 59,987 28,836
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (30,270) 22,246 9,884
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect
of accounting change (62,289) 37,741 18,952
Cumulative effect of accounting
change (net of income tax effect) (1,326) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------

Net income (loss) $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952
============ ============ ============

Net income (loss) per common and common equivalent share:
Basic $ (0.95) $ 0.59 $ 0.36
============ ============ ============
Diluted $ (0.95) $ 0.58 $ 0.34
============ ============ ============

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 67,058 64,158 53,197
============ ============ ============
Diluted 67,058 65,630 54,956
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



44
45



Newpark Resources, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952


Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,033) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------

Comprehensive income (loss) $ (64,648) $ 37,741 $ 18,952
============ ============ ============


</TABLE>







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements







45
46

Newpark Resources, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Retained
Common Paid-In Currency Earnings
(In thousands) Stock Capital Translation (Deficit) Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1996 $ 468 $ 149,756 $ -- $ (69,997) $ 80,227

Employee stock options 12 4,944 -- (2) 4,954
Issuance of stock 140 96,249 -- -- 96,389
Acquisitions 4 5,836 -- -- 5,840
Net income 18,952 18,952
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 624 256,785 -- (51,047) 206,362

Employee stock options 13 9,090 -- (7) 9,096
Incentive plan -- 668 -- -- 668
Acquisitions 15 16,728 -- -- 16,743
Results of operations of pooled entity
due to different year end -- -- -- (625) (625)
Net income -- -- -- 37,741 37,741
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 652 283,271 -- (13,938) 269,985

Employee stock options 9 6,757 -- (1) 6,765
Incentive plan 4 6,468 -- -- 6,472
Acquisitions 23 23,337 -- -- 23,360
Foreign currency translation -- -- (1,033) -- (1,033)
Results of operations of pooled entities
due to different year ends -- -- -- 563 563
Net loss -- -- -- (63,615) (63,615)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 $ 688 $ 319,833 $ (1,033) $ (76,991) $ 242,497
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




46
47



Newpark Resources, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands ) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 37,901 26,393 17,572
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes (25,965) 15,880 6,168
Loss on sales of assets 45 147 36
Provision for doubtful accounts 9,180 -- 775
Impairment of long-lived assets 52,266 -- --
Arbitration settlement 22,056 -- --
Net loss in unconsolidated affiliates 1,293 -- --
Change in assets and liabilities net of effects of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts and notes receivable 11,434 (21,221) (11,065)
Decrease (increase) in inventories 3,605 (12,195) 129
Increase in other assets (8,228) (6,814) (99)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable (6,920) (3,685) 2,222
Decrease in accrued liabilities and other (3,813) (4,571) (9,255)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 29,239 31,675 25,435
----------- ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (104,660) (79,476) (46,500)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 382 40 1,492
Investment in joint ventures -- (4,833) (4,406)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (15,809) (7,679) (71,461)
Payments received on notes receivable 2,456 70 440
Advances on notes receivable (1,734) (3,000) (112)
Purchase of patents -- -- (5,700)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (119,365) (94,878) (126,247)
----------- ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings on line of credit 80,900 -- 5,749
Principal payments on notes payable
and long-term debt (10,001) (46,777) (12,294)
Proceeds from issuance of debt 452 125,122 4,908
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 3,687 4,114 4,953
Proceeds from issuance of stock, net of expenses -- -- 98,066
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 75,038 82,459 101,382
----------- ----------- -----------

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (15,088) 19,256 570

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 21,699 2,443 1,873
----------- ----------- -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 6,611 $ 21,699 $ 2,443
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



47
48



NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. Newpark Resources, Inc. ("Newpark"
or the "Company") provides integrated fluids management, environmental and
oilfield services to the exploration and production industry in the Gulf Coast
region, principally Louisiana and Texas. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Investments in which the Company owns 20 percent to 50 percent and exercises
significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for
using the equity method. All material intercompany transactions are eliminated
in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

CASH EQUIVALENTS. All highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of
three months or less at the date of acquisition are classified as cash
equivalents.

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", requires the
disclosure of the fair value of all significant financial instruments. The
estimated fair value amounts have been developed based on available market
information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable
judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value. Therefore, such
estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized
in a current market exchange. After such analysis, except as described below,
management believes the carrying values of the Company's significant financial
instruments (consisting of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and
long-term debt, primarily the Senior Subordinated Notes issued in December of
1997) approximate fair values at December 31, 1998 and 1997.

The estimated fair value of the Company's senior subordinated notes
payable at December 31, 1998 and 1997, based upon available market information,
was $118.8 million and $125.0 million, respectively, as compared to the carrying
amount of $125.0 million on those dates.

INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally average
and first-in, first-out) or market. Such inventories consist of logs, supplies,
processed barite, other specialty chemicals used in drilling fluids, and board
road lumber. Board road lumber is amortized on the straight-line method over its
estimated useful life of approximately one year.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment,
including interlocking composite and board road mats, is provided for financial
reporting purposes on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
of the individual assets which range from three to forty years.

The cost in excess of net assets of purchased businesses ("excess
cost") is being amortized on a straight-line basis over fifteen to thirty-five
years, except for $2,211,000 relating to acquisitions prior





48
49

to 1971 that is not being amortized. Management of the Company periodically
reviews the carrying value of the excess cost in relation to the current and
expected undiscounted cash flows of the businesses which benefit therefrom in
order to assess whether there has been a permanent impairment of the excess cost
of the net purchased assets. Accumulated amortization on excess cost was
$8,954,000 and $3,936,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

REVENUE RECOGNITION. In substantially all of its operating segments, Newpark
recognizes revenue on a units of delivery basis. E&P waste and NORM disposal
revenues are generally recognized upon receipt of waste for processing, while
drilling fluids sales and engineering revenues are generally recognized upon
delivery of products or services. Revenues from certain integrated service
projects, which are typically of short duration, are recognized as projects
progress based upon sales values agreed to by the customer for specific units
delivered or project milestones completed. Included in accounts receivable are
unbilled revenues for projects in progress in the amounts of $3,663,000 and
$7,509,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, all of which are due
within one year.

INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are provided using the liability method in accordance
with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred
income taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial reporting
and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the
enacted income tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences
are expected to reverse.

INTEREST CAPITALIZATION. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
the Company incurred interest cost of $14,114,000, $5,372,000, and $4,511,000,
respectively, of which $2,560,000, $1,107,000, and $515,000, respectively, was
capitalized on qualifying construction projects.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS 123") encourages, but does not require, companies to record
compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value. The
Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the
intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations, and has
adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123.

RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain reclassifications of amounts reported in prior years
have been made to conform to the current year presentation.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130") and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 131 :Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 130 provides guidance for the presentation and
display of comprehesive income. SFAS 131 establishes standards for disclosure of
operating segments, products, services, geographic areas and major customers.
The Company has adopted SFAS 130 and has included the required Statements of
Comprehensive Income within its consolidated financial statements with the same
prominence as its other consolidated financial statements. In addition, the
Company has considered the implications of SFAS 131 and has included the
required disclosure in Note P.

In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS 132"). SFAS 132 revises
the standards for disclosure of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
by standardizing the disclosure requirements, requiring additional





49
50

information on changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan
assets. and eliminating certain disclosure requirements no longer considered to
be useful. The new disclosure requirements are designed to improve the
understandability of benefit disclosure for final analysis. the Company has
considered the implications of SFAS 132 and has concluded that no additional
disclosure is required at this time.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities"("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting
and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The
Company has considered the implications of SFAS 133 and has concluded that its
implementation will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial statements.

During 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
promulgated Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 broadly defines start-up activities as those
one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product
or service, conducting business in a new territory, conducting business with a
new class of customer or beneficiary, initiating a new process in an existing
facility, or commencing some new operation. SOP 98-5 requires that companies
expense start-up activities as incurred. Although SOP 98-5 is not effective
until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998, it does encourage entities
to early adopt its requirements. The Company has elected to early adopt SOP 98-5
effective July 1, 1998. Thus, in accordance with SOP 98-5, the Company has
recorded the after-tax charge as a cumulative effect of accounting change within
the Company's 1998 Consolidated Statement of Operations. The effect of this
change in accounting principle was to decrease net income by $1,326,000 (net of
related income tax benefits of $778,000) or $.02 per basic and diluted share.

B. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

During 1998 and 1997, Newpark issued an aggregate of 1,151,000 shares
and 3,496,668 shares, respectively, of its common stock in exchange for all of
the outstanding common stock of the following six companies:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Company Name Type of Company Location Shares
---------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998 acquisitions:
Southwestern Universal Corp Drilling Fluids West Texas 450,000
Optimum Fluids, Inc. Drilling Fluids Western Canada 281,000
Houston Prime Pipe & Supply Solids Control Gulf Coast 420,000
---------
1,151,000

1997 acquisitions:

Sampey, Bilbo, Meschi Drilling
Fluids Management, Inc. Drilling Fluids Gulf Coast 2,328,000
Excalibar Minerals, Inc. Barite Grinding Gulf Coast 666,668
Bockmon Construction Company Site Preparation Gulf Coast 502,000
---------
3,496,668
</TABLE>

These business combinations have been accounted for as poolings of
interests, and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for periods
prior to the combinations have been restated to include the accounts and results
of operations of these entities.





50
51

Prior to the combinations, the year end for two of the entities was
September 30 and the year end for one of the entities was October 31. Newpark's
fiscal year is December 31. In applying pooling of interests accounting, the
December 31, 1997 and 1996 Newpark consolidated statements of operations were
combined with the statements of operations for the corresponding year end of
each pooled entity. Retained earnings (deficit) of the combined entities were
adjusted by $563,000 and ($625,000) as of the beginning of Newpark's fiscal 1998
and 1997 years, respectively, to include net income/(losses) of the pooled
entities for the periods October 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and November 1,
1996 to December 31, 1996. During these periods, the revenues of the pooled
entities which were excluded from the consolidated statements of operations were
$3.9 million and $3.0 million, for 1997 and 1996, respectively. Amounts included
in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 1997 include the results of these entities for the year ended
September 30, 1997. Amounts included in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 include the results of these
entities for the years ended and September 30, 1996 and October 31, 1996.

Operating results prior to the combination of the separate companies
and the combined amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements are
summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
(In thousands of dollars) December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Newpark $ 249,313 $ 210,277 $ 121,542
Houston Prime 4,448 6,022 1,773
Optimum 2,016 1,813 --
Southwestern 1,031 6,882 3,534
Bockmon -- 3,174 3,936
Excalibar -- 5,077 8,462
SBM -- -- 14,432
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined $ 256,808 $ 233,245 $ 153,679
====================================================================================
Net Income (Loss):
Newpark $ (64,590) $ 36,909 $ 18,453
Houston Prime 789 805 14
Optimum (6) (354) --
Southwestern 192 162 (102)
Bockmon -- 12 (65)
Excalibar -- 207 602
SBM -- -- 50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952
====================================================================================
</TABLE>


In addition to these transactions, Newpark acquired, in the aggregate,
eight other companies in 1998 and seven other companies in 1997. These
acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method and include the
results of operations of the acquired companies since their respective
acquisition dates. These acquisitions were completed in exchange for an
aggregate of 2,346,771 shares of Newpark common stock and $22,652,000 in cash
during 1998 and 1,193,332 shares of Newpark common stock and $9,186,000 in cash
during 1997. The purchase prices were allocated based on preliminary estimates
of fair values at the dates of acquisition. The Company does not believe that
the final purchase price allocation will differ significantly from the
preliminary purchase price allocation. This resulted in an excess of purchase
price over assets acquired of $51,671,000, which is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 15 to 20 years.





51
52

The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based on
their fair values at the date of acquisition, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets $ 15,078 $ 3,240
Property, Plant & Equipment 6,579 10,848
Liabilities assumed (17,729) (6,096)
Goodwill 35,241 16,430
----------- -----------
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired 39,169 24,422
Less value of common stock issued (23,360) (16,743)
----------- -----------
Cash purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 15,809 $ 7,679
=========== ===========
</TABLE>


The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated
results of operations of the Company as if the above purchase acquisitions had
occurred on January 1, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 279,496 $ 276,476
Net income (loss) (62,047) 37,777
Net income (loss) per common and
common equivalent share:
Basic $ (.90) $ 0.58
Diluted (.90) 0.56
=============================================================================================
</TABLE>

The above unaudited proforma amounts have been prepared for comparative
purposes only and include certain adjustments, such as additional amortization
expense as a result of goodwill, additional depreciation expense for assets
recorded at fair market value at the date of acquisition, additional interest
expense for borrowings, and the net impact of the above adjustments on income
tax expense. They do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations
which actually would have resulted had the combination been in effect on January
1, 1997, or of future results of operations of the consolidated entities.

On August 12, 1996, the Company acquired from Campbell Wells, Ltd.
("Campbell") substantially all of the non-landfarm assets and certain leases
associated with five transfer stations located along the Gulf Coast and three
receiving docks at the landfarm facilities operated by Campbell for cash
consideration of $70.5 million. This acquisition has been accounted for under
the purchase method, and the results of the operations of the acquired business
have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of
acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values at
the date of acquisition. This resulted in an excess of purchase price over
assets acquired of $77.1 million, of which $68.6 million is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 35 years, $7.5 million, attributable to a non-compete
agreement, was being amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years and $1.0
million, attributable to dock leases, which is being amortized over the
respective lease terms. As a result of the signing of a Settlement Agreement
with U.S. Liquids, Inc. (see Notes C and M), the remaining unamortized value of
the non-compete agreement was reduced to $900,000, (the estimated fair market
value) and is being amortized over the revised non-compete period of three
years. The adjustment to the unamortized balance of the non-compete agreement of
$6.1 million was included in arbitration settlement charged to operations in
1998.




52
53

In conjunction with this acquisition and the acquisition of a new waste
disposal license in 1996, the Company recorded a restructure charge of $2.4
million, $1.6 million after taxes, or $0.03 per common share. A total of
approximately $1.8 million was related to the restructuring of certain of the
Company's E&P waste processing operations and staffing changes to facilitate the
integration of its operations with those recently acquired by Campbell. The
Company recognized an additional $.6 million cost associated with the
termination of processing operations at its original NORM facility at Port
Arthur, Texas and the partial closure of the site.

On August 29, 1996, the Company sold the land, buildings and certain
equipment comprising substantially all of the assets of its former marine repair
operation to the operator of the facility and refinanced certain advances
previously made to the operator. The assets sold had previously been subject to
an operating lease to the same party, and the purchase was made under the terms
of a purchase option granted in the original lease. The sales price of
approximately $16.0 million represents the net book value of the assets sold and
refinanced. The consideration received included $1.2 million in cash, $7.2
million in notes receivable and $7.6 million in debt obligations which were
assumed by the operator. The notes receivable are included in other assets and
have been recorded at their estimated fair value, which approximates the amount
at which they can be prepaid at the operator's option during the term of the
notes. The notes receivable include two notes, one of which is in the face
amount of $8,534,000, bears simple interest at 5.0% per annum, with interest and
principal payable at September 30, 2003. The second note, in the amount of
$600,000 bearing interest at 8% per annum, was subsequently paid off during the
first quarter of 1998. The remaining note is secured by a second lien on the
assets sold as well as certain guarantees of the operator.

C. SIGNIFICANT 1998 CHARGES

During the mid 1990's through the first half of 1998 the Company
experienced significant growth through a series of strategic acquisitions and
mergers, and increasing demand for its related products and services. Due to a
significant decrease in the price of oil and gas and the resultant impact on
drilling activity, the Company experienced a sharp decline in the demand for its
products and services during the third and fourth quarters of 1998. This decline
in customer demand materialized quickly from the previous growth period and,
coupled with the timing of the Company's continued efforts to bring certain
proprietary innovations to its customers, caused the Company to re-assess its
overall operations. This re-assessment, as well as the settlement of an
arbitration dispute, resulted in the Company recording pretax charges during
1998 of $9.2 million ($4 million and 5.2 million in the third and fourth
quarters, respectively) for a provision for uncollectible accounts, $52.3
million ($20.4 million and $31.9 million in the third and fourth quarters,
respectively) for the impairment of long-lived assets, and $27.5 million ($9.1
million and $18.4 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively)
relating to the arbitration settlement.

The provision for uncollectible accounts is primarily related to the
weakness in the commodity prices of oil and gas and the resulting liquidity
problems encountered by a number of customers to whom the Company has sold
products or services. The majority of the current year provision relates to
three specific customers.

The impairment of long-lived assets includes $43.0 million for the
write-down of the Company's wooden board road mat fleet used in its mat and
integrated services segment. The Company is in the process of converting a
significant portion of its domestic rental fleet to a new composite mat.
Accordingly, the Company has disposed of many of its older mats, which would
normally have required




53
54

maintenance and repair costs to be expended. The write-down represents the net
book value associated only with mats that have been abandoned and destroyed. An
impairment charge related to any of the remaining wooden mats currently in
service has not been recorded. The Company also incurred an impairment of $1.3
million in its mat & integrated services segment representing the net book value
of a machine previously used in remediation operations that was abandoned after
it was rendered obsolete by other new equipment introduced by the Company, which
is technologically superior.

Also, included in the impairment was $4.7 million of write-downs for
assets used in the Company's fluids sales & engineering segment. These assets
have either been abandoned (primarily warehouses and mixing plants located in
the Austin Chauk region) due to market conditions or were written down to their
disposal value due to excess capacity created by a downturn in the Company's
operations.

In addition, in the impairment was $1.3 million to write-down barges to
their disposal value which were previously used in the Company's E&P waste
disposal segments which are no longer required due to decreased volumes of waste
being handled. The Company also incurred a write-down of $1.9 million in this
segment relating to the abandonment of additional disposal sites being
constructed for future use. Due to the downturn in the oilfield waste market
created by reduced oilfield drilling, the Company will not pursue bringing this
additional capacity on-line.

The $27.5 million of charges relating to the arbitration settlement
stems from the settlement during the third quarter (with final modifications
during the fourth quarter) between the Company's E&P waste disposal segment and
U. S. Liquids, Inc. ("USL") over a contract dispute which is discussed more
fully in Note M. The total settlement was $30 million, of which $6 million was
paid in 1998 and $11 million, $9 million and $4 million will be paid in 1999,
2000 and 2001, respectively. The settlement provided for, among other things, 1)
the termination of Newpark's original contractual commitment to provide waste to
USL's disposal facilities for twenty-five years and 2) the right, but not the
obligation to deliver specified volumes of E&P waste to USL's facilities until
June 30, 2001 without additional cost. The right to deliver waste was valued at
its estimated fair market value of $8 million based on the volumes that can be
delivered and the market price to dispose of such waste. This amount is being
recorded as a charge to operations over the disposal period. The termination
feature was valued at $22 million, which represented the balance of the total
settlement and an obligation was recorded based on the present value of the
contractual payments assigned to the termination feature. At December 31, 1998,
the recorded amount of the obligation was $15.3 million. Total pretax charges
associated with the settlement of $27.5 million includes a $6.1 million write
down to the estimated fair value of the remaining non-compete with U.S. Liquids
with the remaining $21.4 million representing the portion of the settlement
associated with the termination feature.

The above charges, which were primarily non-cash, or will be paid over
an extended period of time, contributed significantly to the reported net loss
for 1998. To compensate for the sharp decline in the markets it serves, the
Company has also made significant changes in its operations, including disposal
of non-performing assets, closure of facilities and reductions in staffing
levels in all of its business segments. In addition, since December 31, 1998,
the Company has paid down approximately $12 million of the outstanding balance
under the credit facility and has obtained the necessary amendments to such
credit facility to provide for covenants which are consistent with the Company's
current financial condition and anticipated market outlook.





54
55




D. INVENTORY

The Company's inventory consisted of the following items at December
31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Board road lumber $ 1,276 $ 5,017
Logs 4,835 8,546
Drilling fluids raw materials and components 11,385 6,058
Supplies 1,285 926
Other 600 942
----------- ------------
Total $ 19,381 $ 21,489
=========== ============
</TABLE>

E. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The Company's investment in property, plant and equipment at December
31, 1998 and 1997 is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land $ 9,770 $ 8,190
Buildings and improvements 33,753 41,870
Machinery and equipment 152,304 86,492
Board road mats 71,660 114,504
Other 6,111 3,730
----------- ------------
273,598 254,786
Less accumulated depreciation (55,610) (63,728)
----------- ------------
$ 217,988 $ 191,058
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

F. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Credit arrangements and long-term debt consisted of the following at
December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Senior subordinated notes $ 125,000 $ 125,000
Bank line of credit 80,900 -
Building loan 1,335 1,683
Other, principally installment notes secured by
machinery and equipment, payable through
2001 with interest at 2.0% to 13.5% 2,017 2,812
---------- -----------
209,252 129,495

Less: current maturities of long-term debt (1,195) (1,499)
---------- -----------
Long-term portion $ 208,057 $ 127,996
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

On December 17, 1997 the Company issued $125 million of unsecured
senior subordinated notes (the "Notes"), which mature on December 15, 2007.
Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 8-5/8% per annum and is payable
semi-annually on each June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 1998. The
Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a premium commencing after
December 15, 2002. Up to 35% of the Notes may be redeemed from proceeds of an
equity offering, at a premium at any time up to and including December 1, 2000.
The Notes are subordinated to all senior indebtedness, as defined in the
subordinated debt indenture, including the Company's bank revolving credit
facility.




55
56

The Notes are guaranteed by substantially all operating subsidiaries of
the Company (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). The guarantee obligations of the
Subsidiary Guarantors (which are all direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiaries of the Company) are full, unconditional and joint and several. The
aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings, and equity of the Subsidiary Guarantors
are substantially equivalent to the total assets, liabilities, earnings, and
equity of Newpark Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Separate financial statements of the Subsidiary Guarantors are not included in
the accompanying financial statements because management of the Company has
determined that the additional information provided by separate financial
statements of the Subsidiary Guarantors would not be of material value to
investors.

As of December 31, 1998, the Company maintained a $100.0 million bank
credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit commitment. The credit
facility is unsecured. It bears interest at either a specified prime rate (7.75%
at December 31, 1998) or the LIBOR rate (5.07% at December 31, 1998) plus a
spread which is determined quarterly based upon the ratio of the Company's
funded debt to cash flow. The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding
balance under the credit facility in 1998 and 1997 was 5.87% and 7.04%,
respectively. The line of credit requires monthly interest payments and matures
on June 30, 2001. At December 31, 1998, $15.6 million of letters of credit were
issued and outstanding, leaving a net of $84.4 million available for cash
advances under the line of credit. The credit facility requires that the Company
maintain certain specified financial ratios and comply with other usual and
customary requirements. One of the requirements was that the Company could not
incur net losses for two consecutive fiscal quarters. Due primarily to the asset
impairments and the arbitration settlement which were recorded during the third
and fourth quarters of 1998, the Company sustained net losses for two
consecutive quarters. The lenders have waived this default and amended the
credit facility to provide for covenants which are consistent with the Company's
current financial condition and market outlook. At December 31, 1998, the
Company was in compliance with all other requirements of the respective
agreements, as amended. In addition, the Notes and the credit facility contain
covenants which significantly limit the payment of dividends on the common stock
of the Company.

Maturities of long-term debt are $1,195,000 in 1999, $854,000 in 2000,
$81,291,000 in 2001, $242,000 in 2002, $211,000 in 2003 and $125,459,000
thereafter.

G. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes charged to operations is principally U.
S. Federal tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax expense (benefit) $ (5,083) $ 6,366 $ 3,716
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (25,965) 15,880 6,168
------------ ------------ ----------
Total provision (benefit) $ (31,048) $ 22,246 $ 9,884
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The effective income tax rate is reconciled to the statutory federal
income tax rate as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate (35.0)% 35.0% 35.0%
Non-deductible expenses 1.4 1.5 .6
Tax effect of NOL -- .4 (1.0)
Other .8 .2 (.3)
------------ ------------ ----------

Total income tax expense (benefit) (32.8)% 37.1% 34.3%
=====================================================================================================+============
</TABLE>





56
57

For federal income tax purposes, the Company has net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $62 million (net of amounts disallowed
pursuant to IRC Section 382) that, if not used, will expire in 1999 through
2018. The Company also has approximately $2.3 million of alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards, which are not subject to expiration and are available to
offset future regular income taxes subject to certain limitations. Additionally,
for state income tax purposes, the Company has NOLs of approximately $74 million
available to reduce future state taxable income. These NOLs expire in varying
amounts beginning in year 2000 through 2013.

Temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to a
significant portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1998
and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses $ 25,640 $ 5,096
Accruals not currently deductible 3,103 2,518
Bad debts 3,411 800
Deferred payments under settlement agreement 6,164 --
Alternative minimum tax credits 2,341 3,441
All other 962 530
------------ ------------

Total deferred tax assets 41,621 12,385
Valuation allowance (1,326) (1,326)
------------ ------------

Net deferred tax assets $ 40,295 $ 11,059
------------ ------------

Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation and amortization $ 21,033 $ 21,554
Inventory costs capitalized for financial reporting 943 2,369
All other 2,808 730
------------ ------------

Total deferred tax liabilities 24,784 24,653
------------ ------------

Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 15,511 $ (13,594)
============ ============
</TABLE>

Under SFAS No. 109, a valuation allowance must be established to offset
a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be
realized. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company recorded a valuation
allowance for state NOLs, generated by a particular subsidiary, that the Company
believes may not be utilized in the future. At December 31, 1998, the Company
has recognized a net deferred tax asset of $15.5 million, the realization of
which is dependent on the Company's ability to generate taxable income in future
periods. The Company believes that its estimate of future earnings based on
contracts in place and its earnings trend from recent prior years supports
recognition of this amount.

Deferred tax expense includes a decrease (increase) in the valuation
allowance for deferred tax assets of ($1,326,000) and $236,000 for 1997, and
1996, respectively.





57
58

H. EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company has been authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, none of which are issued or outstanding at
December 31, 1998.

On May 13, 1998, the stockholders of the Company approved an increase
in the number of authorized shares of common stock to 100,000,000.

Changes in outstanding Common Stock for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997, and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands of shares) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding, beginning of year 65,212 62,758 47,184
Shares issued for acquisitions 2,347 1,193 -
Shares issued for deferred compensation plan 535 59 -
Other 17 - -
Shares issued for public offering - - 13,800
Shares issued to settle royalty obligations - - 434
Shares issued to acquire mat patent rights - - 276
Shares issued upon exercise of options 729 1,202 1,064
------------- --------- --------
Outstanding, end-of-year 68,840 65,212 62,758
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>


I. EARNINGS PER SHARE

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"), the Company changed its method of calculating
earnings per share during the fourth quarter of 1997. Per share and weighted
average share amounts for all years presented have been restated to conform to
the requirements of SFAS No. 128, and to give effect for all 1998 and 1997
transactions accounted for as poolings of interest (see Note B).

The following table presents the reconciliation of the numerator and
denominator for calculating earnings per share in accordance with the disclosure
requirements of SFAS 128 as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share
(Num) (Den) Amount (Num) (Den) Amount (Num) (Den) Amount
--------- ------- --------- -------- ------- --------- ------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BASIC EPS

Income (loss)
available to
common
stockholders $(63,615) 67,058 $ (0.95) $37,741 64,158 $ .59 $18,952 53,197 $ .36
======== ===== =====

EFFECT OF
DILUTIVE
SECURITIES

Stock options - 1,472 1,759
------ ------ ------

DILUTED EPS

Income (loss)
available to
common
stockholders $(63,615) 67,058 $ (0.95) $37,741 65,630 $ .58 $18,952 54,956 $ .34
======== ====== ======== ======= ====== ===== ======= ====== =====
</TABLE>






58
59

Options excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the year ended
December 31, 1998 that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future were
options to purchase 4,435,664 shares. Since the Company incurred a loss per
share for 1998, such dilutive options were excluded, as they would be
antidilutive to basic EPS.

Options to purchase 12,000 and 16,000 shares of common stock, at
exercise prices of $20.84 and $19.53 per share, respectively, were outstanding
during the fourth quarter of 1997, but were not included in the computation of
diluted EPS because the options' exercise price was greater than the average
market price of the common shares. The options, which expire during the fourth
quarter of 2002, were still outstanding at the end of 1997.

Options to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price
of $9.31 per share were outstanding during the fourth quarter of 1996, but were
not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options exercise
price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. The
options, which expire during the fourth quarter of 2001, were all outstanding at
the end of 1996.

J. STOCK OPTION PLANS

At December 31, 1998, the Company had three stock-based compensation
plans, which are described below. The Company applies Accounting Principles
Board Opinion 25 ("APB 25") and related Interpretations in accounting for its
plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock
option plans as the exercise price of all stock options granted thereunder is
equal to the fair value at the date of grant. Had compensation costs for the
Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value
at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method of
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, the Company's net income
(loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma
amounts indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data) 1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) As reported $ (63,615) $ 37,741 $ 18,952
Pro forma (68,977) 35,245 17,990



Basic earnings (loss) per share As reported (0.95) 0.59 0.36
Pro forma (1.03) 0.55 0.34



Diluted earnings (loss) As reported (0.95) 0.58 0.34
per share Pro forma (1.03) 0.54 0.33
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black- Scholes option-pricing model, with the following assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Years Ended December 31,
1998 1997 1996
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Risk free interest rate 5.2% 6.3% 6.2%

Expected years until exercise 4 4 4

Expected stock volatility 56.9% 64.3% 40.8%

Dividend yield 0% 0% 0%
</TABLE>





59
60

A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 and changes during the periods ending on those
dates is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Years Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W-A W-A W-A
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
--------- -------------- ----------- -------------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at
beginning of year 4,070,557 $ 7.59 4,110,132 $ 4.90 3,980,032 $ 3.26
Granted 1,254,000 11.35 1,254,000 12.59 1,264,000 8.16
Exercised (726,222) 4.92 (1,153,315) 3.50 (1,066,768) 2.73
Canceled (162,671) 13.45 (140,260) 6.69 (67,132) 3.78
--------- ---------- ----------


Outstanding at end of year 4,435,664 $ 8.02 4,070,557 $ 7.59 4,110,132 $ 4.90
========= ========== ==========

Weighted-average fair
value of options granted
during the year $ 6.51 $ 6.80 $ 3.28
</TABLE>


The following table summarizes information about all stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
Range of Weighted-Average Weighted- Weighted-
Exercise Number Remaining Average Number Average
Prices Outstanding Contractual Life (Years) Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price
- -------------- ------------ ------------------------- --------------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$1.72 to $3.81 1,039,106 3.75 $ 3.57 1,039,106 $ 3.57
$4.02 to $8.28 407,196 5.87 5.87 119,661 4.85
$8.31 to $8.31 948,389 4.94 8.31 610,916 8.31
$9.31 to $9.94 36,667 5.40 9.48 13,333 9.31
$10.00 to $21.00 2,004,306 5.75 10.59 289,917 10.00
----------- ---- ---------- ----------- -----------
4,435,664 5.12 $ 8.02 2,072,933 $ 5.98
=========== ==== ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>


In December 1998 a total of 1,729,306 options, none of which were for the
benefit of executive officers, were amended to reflect a reduction of the
exercise price to $10.00 per share. On the date of the amendment, the price of
Newpark's common stock was $5.63 per share.

The Amended and Restated Newpark Resources, Inc. 1988 Incentive Stock
Option Plan (the "1988 Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors on June 22,
1988 and thereafter was approved by the stockholders. The 1988 Plan was amended
several times and provided for approximately 4,000,000 shares to be issuable
thereunder. Under the terms of the 1988 Plan, an option could not be granted for
an exercise price less than the fair market value on the date of grant and could
have a term of up to ten years. No future grants are available under the 1988
Plan

The 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "1993
Non-Employee Directors' Plan") was adopted on September 1, 1993 by the Board of
Directors and, thereafter, was approved by the stockholders in 1994.
Non-employee directors are not eligible to participate in any other stock option
or similar plans currently maintained by the Company. The purpose of the 1993
Non-Employee





60
61

Directors' Plan is to promote an increased incentive and personal interest in
the welfare of Newpark by those individuals who are primarily responsible for
shaping the long-range plans of Newpark, to assist Newpark in attracting and
retaining on the Board persons of exceptional competence and to provide
additional incentives to serve as a director of Newpark.

Prior to January 29, 1998, the 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock
Option Plan (the "Non-Employee Directors' Plan") provided that each non-employee
director who was serving on the Board of Directors on September 1, 1993, and
each new non-employee director who was first elected to the Board of Directors
after September 1, 1993, would be granted a stock option to purchase, at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant, 63,000 shares of common stock. The Non-Employee Directors' Plan also
provided that each time a non-employee director had served on the Board for a
period of five consecutive years, such director automatically would be granted a
stock option to purchase 42,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price
equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
Effective January 29, 1998, the Non-Employee Directors' Plan was amended to
reduce the number of shares of Common Stock for which a stock option will be
granted to each non-employee director who is first elected a director after that
date from 63,000 shares to 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The Non-Employee
Directors' Plan also was amended to delete the provisions for the automatic
grant of additional stock options at five-year intervals and to provide instead
for automatic additional grants to each Non-Employee Director of stock options
to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on January 29, 1998, and each time the
Non-Employee director is re-elected to the Board of Directors. These amendments
were approved by the stockholders on May 13, 1998.

On November 2, 1995, the Board of Directors adopted, and on June 12,
1996 the stockholders approved, the Newpark Resources, Inc. 1995 Incentive Stock
Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"), pursuant to which the Compensation Committee may
grant incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options to designated
employees of Newpark. Initially, a maximum of 2,100,000 shares of Common Stock
were issuable under the 1995 Plan, with such maximum number increasing on the
last business day of each fiscal year of Newpark, commencing with the last
business day of the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996, by a number equal to
1.25% of the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the
close of business on such date, with a maximum number of shares of Common Stock
that may be issued upon exercise of options granted under the 1995 Plan being
limited to 5,250,000.

K. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

In March of 1997, the Company established a Long Term Stock and Cash
Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). By policy, the Company has limited participation in
the Plan to certain key employees of companies acquired subsequent to inception
of the Plan. The intent of the Plan is to increase the value of the
stockholders' investment in the Company by improving the Company's performance
and profitability and to retain, attract and motivate key employees who are not
directors or officers of Newpark but whose judgment, initiative and efforts are
expected to contribute to the continued success, growth and profitability of the
Company.

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, a committee may (i) grant awards
pursuant to the Plan, (ii) determine the number of shares of stock or the amount
of cash or both subject to each award, (iii) determine the terms and conditions
(which need not be identical) of each award, provided that stock shall be issued
without the payment of cash consideration other than an amount equal to the par
value of the stock, (iv) establish and modify performance criteria for awards,
and (v) make all of the determinations necessary or advisable with respect to
awards under the Plan.




61
62

Each award under the Plan will consist of a grant of shares of stock or
an amount of cash (to be paid on a deferred basis) subject to a restriction
period (after which the restrictions shall lapse), which shall mean a period
commencing on the date the award is granted and ending on such date as the
committee shall determine (the "Restriction Period"). The committee may provide
for the lapse of restrictions in installments, for acceleration of the lapse of
restrictions upon the satisfaction of such performance or other criteria or upon
the occurrence of such events as the committee shall determine, and for the
early expiration of the Restriction Period upon a participant's death,
disability, retirement at or after normal retirement age or the termination of
the participant's employment with the Company by the Company without cause.

The maximum number of shares of common stock of Newpark that may be
issued pursuant to the Plan is 676,909, subject to adjustment pursuant to
certain provisions of the Plan. The maximum amount of cash that may be awarded
pursuant to the Plan is $1,500,000, and each such amount may be increased by the
Board of Directors. If shares of stock or the right to receive cash awarded or
issued under the Plan are reacquired by Newpark due to a forfeiture or for any
other reason, such shares or right to receive cash will be cancelled and
thereafter will again be available for purposes of the Plan. At December 31,
1998, 594,234 shares of common stock had been issued under the Plan and
$1,428,000 had been awarded.

L. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

During 1996, the Company's noncash transactions included the
acquisition of certain patents and exclusivity rights in exchange for 708,728
shares of the Company's common stock and $5,700,000 in cash. In connection with
the purchase of certain of these patents, the Company recorded a deferred tax
liability of $767,000. Transfers from inventory to fixed assets of $4,625,000
were also made during the period. As discussed in Note B, the Company sold and
refinanced $16,000,000 of certain assets in exchange for $7,200,000 of notes
receivable, $1,200,000 in cash and the assumption by the buyer of $7,600,000 in
debt obligations.

Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, were equipment purchases of $5,186,000, $3,632,000, and
$1,283,000, respectively. Also included are notes payable for equipment
purchases in the amount of $434,000, $83,000 and $1,397,000 for 1998, 1997, and
1996, respectively.

Interest of $13,144,000, $4,801,000, and $4,313,000, was paid in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Income taxes of $9,991,000, $4,751,000, and
$3,186,000 were paid in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

M. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Newpark and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation and other
claims or assessments on matters arising in the normal course of business. In
the opinion of management, any recovery or liability in these matters will not
have a material adverse effect on Newpark's consolidated financial statements.

In conjunction with the 1996 acquisition of Campbell Wells Ltd.
("Campbell"), Newpark became a party to a "NOW Disposal Agreement", pursuant to
which Newpark was required, for a period of 25 years following the acquisition,
to deliver to Campbell for disposal at its landfarm facilities an agreed annual
quantity of E&P Waste, and Campbell executed a Noncompetition Agreement under
which it agreed not to compete with Newpark in the marine-related E&P Waste
disposal business for five years.





62
63

The landfarms are now operated by U.S. Liquids, Inc. ("USL"), which also assumed
Campbell's obligations under the Noncompetition Agreement. During 1998, a
dispute arose between the parties concerning Newpark's obligations under the NOW
Disposal Agreement. In September 1998, Newpark and USL settled their dispute by
executing a Settlement Agreement and a "Payment Agreement" under which, among
other things, Newpark's contractual commitment to deliver waste to USL's
disposal facilities was terminated immediately, and Newpark agreed to pay USL
$30 million, $6 million of which was paid in 1998, $11 million of which is to be
paid in 1999, $9 million of which is to be paid in 2000 and $4 million of which
is to be paid in 2001. The payments to be made in 2000 and 2001 are subject to
increase based on the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index between July
1, 1998 and January 3, 2000. Under the Payment Agreement, Newpark has the right,
but not the obligation, to deliver specified volumes of E&P Waste to USL's
facilities until June 30, 2001 without additional cost, and, subject to certain
conditions, Newpark may extend this arrangement for two additional one-year
terms at an additional annual cost of $8 million, which amount is also subject
to increase based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. As part of the
settlement, Newpark agreed that USL may engage in the business of cleaning
tanks, barges, vessels, containers and similar structures used in the
transportation and storage of E&P Waste, and USL purchased from Newpark certain
equipment used by Newpark in such cleaning activities.

During 1992, the State of Texas assessed additional sales taxes for the
years 1988-1991. The Company has filed a petition for redetermination with the
Comptroller of Public Accounts. The Company believes that the ultimate
resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated financial statements.

In the normal course of business, in conjunction with its insurance
programs, the Company has established letters of credit in favor of certain
insurance companies in the amount of $1,000,000 and $1,500,000 at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had
outstanding guaranty obligations totaling $1,526,000 and $1,201,000,
respectively, in connection with facility closure bonds issued by an insurance
company.

Since May 1988, the Company has held the exclusive right to use a
patented prefabricated wooden mat system with respect to the oil and gas
exploration and production industry within the State of Louisiana. On June 20,
1994, the Company entered into a new license agreement by which it obtained the
exclusive right to use the same patented prefabricated mat system, without
industry restriction, throughout the continental United States. The license
agreement requires, among other things, that the Company purchase a minimum of
20,000 mats annually through 2003. The Company has met this annual mat purchase
requirement since the inception of the agreement. Any purchases in excess of
that level may be applied to future annual requirements. The Company's annual
commitment to maintain the agreement in force, absent any excess purchases, is
currently estimated to be $4,600,000. At December 31, 1998, purchases in excess
of prior year commitment levels will significantly mitigate future annual
requirements for the foreseeable future.

Since July 1995, Newpark has held the exclusive worldwide right to use
a patented composite mat system. Production of these mats did not commence until
1998. The license agreement requires, among other things, that the Company
purchase a minimum of 5,000 mats annually. Any purchases in excess of that level
may be applied to future annual requirements. Newpark's annual commitment to
maintain the agreement in force is currently estimated to be $3,500,000.

The Company holds the exclusive rights to use two types of patented
processing equipment. In order to maintain these exclusive rights, the Company
is required to purchase a minimum number of units annually. The Company has
exceeded these annual purchase commitments since the inception of




63
64

the agreements. Any purchases in excess of the annual commitment may be applied
to future commitments. Newpark's annual commitment to maintain these agreements
in force is currently estimated to be $2,600,000. The Company has guaranteed
certain debt obligations of a joint venture in which it holds a 49% interest,
through the issuance of a letter of credit. The guarantee is limited to $15
million, plus accrued interest.

The Company leases various manufacturing facilities, warehouses, office
space, machinery and equipment, including transportation equipment, under
operating leases with remaining terms ranging from one to ten years, with
various renewal options. Substantially all leases require payment of taxes,
insurance and maintenance costs in addition to rental payments. Total rental
expenses for all operating leases were $10,731,000, $5,993,000, and $5,251,000,
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Future minimum payments under noncancellable operating leases, with
initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are: $5,715,000 in 1999,
$6,071,000 in 2000, $5,004,000 in 2001 $3,595,000 in 2002, $3,353,000 in 2003
and $12,531,000 thereafter.


N. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash
investments and trade accounts and notes receivable.

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial
institutions. These financial institutions are located throughout the Company's
trade area and company policy is designed to limit exposure to any one
institution. As part of the Company's investment strategy, the Company performs
periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial
institutions.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts and notes
receivable are generally limited due to the large number of entities comprising
the Company's customer base, and for notes receivable, the required collateral.
The Company maintains an allowance for losses based upon the expected
collectibility of accounts and notes receivable.





64
65




O. SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mar 31 Jun 30 Sep 30 Dec 31
------ ------ ------ ------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL YEAR 1998 (AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED)
Revenues $ 69,111 $ 67,019 $ 64,899
Operating income 20,459 20,223 (43,936)
Net income 11,600 11,295 (33,395)
Net income per share
Basic 0.18 0.17 (0.49)
Diluted 0.18 0.17 (0.49)

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 64,663 66,448 67,605
Diluted 66,083 67,731 68,071

FISCAL YEAR 1998 (AS RESTATED)
Revenues $ 72,404 $ 67,019 $ 62,899 $ 54,486
Operating income 19,571 16,807 (43,135) (75,736)
Net income 11,227 9,109 (32,882) (51,069)
Net income per share
Basic 0.17 0.14 (0.49) (0.74)
Diluted 0.17 0.13 (0.49) (0.74)

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 65,364 66,448 67,605 68,775
Diluted 66,784 67,731 67,605 68,775

FISCAL YEAR 1997 (AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED)
Revenues $ 42,915 $ 47,959 $ 57,908 $ 66,572
Operating income 11,953 13,959 16,873 19,693
Net income 7,115 8,269 10,129 11,603
Net income per share
Basic 0.12 0.13 0.16 0.18
Diluted 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.18

Weighted average common and common Equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 61,265 61,921 63,588 64,041
Diluted 62,656 63,291 65,122 65,643
FISCAL YEAR 1997 (AS RESTATED)
Revenues $ 47,501 $ 52,545 $ 62,494 $ 70,705
Operating income 12,361 14,367 17,200 20,013
Net income 7,362 8,516 10,196 11,668
Net income per share
Basic 0.12 0.13 0.16 0.18
Diluted 0.12 0.13 0.15 0.17

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic 62,637 63,293 64,906 65,192
Diluted 64,028 64,653 66,440 66,794
</TABLE>

The information above has been restated to reflect the effects of all
1998 and 1997 transactions accounted for as poolings of interests. In addition,
1998 quarterly information has been restated to





65
66

reflect certain adjustments in the Fluids Sales & Engineering segment for
charges that had been capitalized in the first and second quarters and were
later determined to be more appropriately expensed in those quarters and to
reflect a more accurate cut off of certain revenues and expenses between the
third and fourth quarters. The effects of these adjustments were to reduce
reported net income in the first and second quarter by $958,000 and $2,186,000,
respectively and to reduce revenues and increase net income in the third quarter
by $2,000,000 and $513,000, respectively.

Included in the fourth quarter of 1998 are charges to adjust certain
inventories to physical amounts and to account for differences in gross margins,
primarily in the Fluids Sales & Engineering segment, which were estimated during
the interim periods of 1998. The total of these charges was $4,381,000 and is
included in costs of services provided. In addition, as further discussed in
Note C, during the third and fourth quarters of 1998, the Company recorded
significant charges associated with asset impairments, arbitration settlement,
and increases in the provision for uncollectible accounts.

P. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

The Company's three business units have separate management teams and
infrastructures that offer different products and services to a homogenous
customer base. The business units form the three reportable segments of E&P
Waste Disposal, Fluids Sales & Engineering and Mat & Integrated Services.

E&P Waste Disposal: This segment provides disposal services for both
oilfield exploration and production ("E&P") waste and E&P waste contaminated
with naturally occurring radioactive material. The primary method used for
disposal is low pressure injection into environmentally secure geologic
formations deep underground. The primary operations for this segment are in the
Gulf Coast market and customers include major multinational and independent oil
companies. This segment plans to begin expansion into the disposal of
non-hazardous industrial waste in 1999. Disposal of this type of waste could
lead to an expansion of Newpark's customer base and geographic service points
for this segment.

Fluids Sales & Engineering: This segment provides drilling fluids sales
and engineering services and onsite drilling fluids processing services. The
primary operation for this segment are in the Gulf Coast market, however, other
markets served by this segment include Oklahoma, Canada, Mexico, and the Permian
Basin. Customers include major multinational, independent and national oil
companies.

Mat & Integrated Services: This segment provides prefabricated
interlocking mat systems for the construction of drilling and work sites. In
addition, the segment provides fully-integrated onsite and offsite environmental
services, including site assessment, pit design, construction and drilling waste
management, and regulatory compliance services. The primary markets served
include the Gulf Coast market, Venezuela and Canada. The principal customers are
major national, independent and national oil companies. In addition, this
segment provides temporary work site services to the pipeline, electrical
utility and highway construction industries principally in the Southeastern
portion of the United States.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as
those described in Note A. The Company evaluates the performance of its
operating segments based on income before taxes, accounting changes,
nonrecurring items, and interest income and expense.




66
67

Newpark does not believe it is dependent on any one customer. During
the year ended December 31, 1998 there were no sales to one customer in excess
of 10%. During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, one customer
accounted for approximately 10% of total revenues. This customer is a customer
of the Mat & Integrated Services segment. Export sales are not significant.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable
segments is shown in the following table. The "other" caption includes
corporate-related items, results of insignificant operations and as it relates
to segment profit (loss), income and expense not allocated to reportable
segments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
REVENUES (1)

<S> <C> <C> <C>
E&P Waste Disposal $ 58,457 $ 62,681 $ 45,106
Fluids Sales & Engineering 104,142 69,227 28,201
Mat & Integrated Services 111,513 103,216 83,067
Other -- -- 1,360
Eliminations (17,304) (1,879) (4,055)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Revenues $ 256,808 $ 233,245 $ 153,679
======================================================================================================================


(1) Segment revenues include the following intersegment transfers:

E&P Waste Disposal $ 869 $ 380 $ 201
Fluids Sales & Engineering 1,089 -- --
Mat & Integrated Services 15,346 1,499 3,854
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Intersegment Transfers $ 17,304 $ 1,879 $ 4,055
======================================================================================================================
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):

Segment Operating Income (Loss)
E&P Waste Disposal $ 16,633 $ 26,463 $ 14,245
Fluids Sales & Engineering (13,961) 12,534 811
Mat & Integrated Services 9,342 28,130 21,933
Other -- -- 922
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Segment Operating Income (Loss) $ 12,014 $ 67,127 $ 37,911

General and administrative expenses (4,305) (3,185) (2,920)
Provision for uncollectibles (9,180)
Impairment of long-lived assets (52,266)
Arbitration settlement (27,463)
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate (1,293)
Restructure expense -- -- (2,432)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Income (Loss) $ (82,493) $ 63,942 $ 32,559
======================================================================================================================

</TABLE>






67
68


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
---------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SEGMENT ASSETS

E&P Waste Disposal $ 156,047 $ 149,746 $ 130,856
Fluids Sales & Engineering 166,189 73,793 12,731
Mat & Integrated Services 136,737 173,303 134,691
Other 45,649 54,781 20,793
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Assets $ 504,622 $ 451,623 $ 299,071
============================================================================================

DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION

E&P Waste Disposal $ 6,258 $ 5,371 $ 2,899
Fluids Sales & Engineering 4,619 1,331 424
Mat & Integrated Services 25,822 19,617 13,885
Other 30 74 364
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Depreciation & Amortization $ 36,729 $ 26,393 $ 17,572
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

E&P Waste Disposal $ 30,621 $ 20,816 $ 6,845
Fluids Sales & Engineering 23,211 16,249 2,765
Mat & Integrated Services 47,335 42,296 36,857
Other 15 115 33
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Capital Expenditures $ 101,182 $ 79,476 $ 46,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





68
69





The following table sets forth information about the Company's
operations by geographic area:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE
Domestic $ 239,309 $ 230,684 $ 151,987
International 17,499 2,561 1,692
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ 256,808 $ 233,245 $ 153,679
=========== =========== ===========

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
Domestic $ (84,499) $ 63,949 $ 31,387
International 2,006 (7) 1,172
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ (82,493) $ 63,942 $ 32,559
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------------------------
ASSETS 1998 1997 1996
- ------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Domestic $ 470,998 $ 442,117 $ 290,661
International 33,624 9,506 8,410
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ 504,622 $ 451,623 $ 299,071
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>






69
70


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None











70
71




PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Act of 1934 in connection with the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Act of 1934 in connection with the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Act of 1934 in connection with the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Act of 1934 in connection with the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.






71
72


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 27, 1999

NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.


By: /s/ JAMES D. COLE
-------------------------------------
James D. Cole, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive
Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
in the capacities and on the date indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>

/s/ JAMES D. COLE
- --------------------------------
James D. Cole Chairman of the Board, President March 27, 1999
and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ MATTHEW W. HARDEY
- --------------------------------
Matthew W. Hardey Vice President of Finance and March 27, 1999
Chief Financial Officer


/s/ ERIC M. WINGERTER
- --------------------------------
Eric M. Wingerter Controller (Principal March 27, 1999
Accounting Officer)


/s/ WM. THOMAS BALLANTINE
- --------------------------------
Wm. Thomas Ballantine Executive Vice President and March 27, 1999
Director

/s/ DIBO ATTAR
- --------------------------------
Dibo Attar* Director March 27, 1999


/s/ W. W. GOODSON
- --------------------------------
W. W. Goodson* Director March 27, 1999


/s/ DAVID P. HUNT
- --------------------------------
David P. Hunt* Director March 27, 1999


/s/ DR. ALAN KAUFMAN
- --------------------------------
Dr. Alan Kaufman* Director March 27, 1999


/s/ JAMES H. STONE
- --------------------------------
James H. Stone* Director March 27, 1999


/s/ JAMES D. COLE
- --------------------------------
*James D. Cole
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>





72
73


PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reports of Independent Auditors
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements

2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have
been omitted.

3. EXHIBITS

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation.+

3.2 Bylaws.(1)

4.1 Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1997, among the
registrant, each of the Guarantors identified therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee.(2)

4.2 Form of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 8 % Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007, Series B.(2)

4.3 Form of Guarantees of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 8 % Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007. (2)

10.1 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 23, 1990, between
the registrant and James D. Cole.(1)*

10.2 Lease Agreement, dated as of May 17, 1990, by and between
Harold F. Bean Jr. and Newpark Environmental Services, Inc.
("NESI").(1)

10.3 Lease Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1994, by and between
Harold F. Bean Jr. and NESI.(3)







73
74




10.4 Building Lease Agreement, dated April 10, 1992, between the
registrant and The Traveler's Insurance Company.(4)

10.5 Building Lease Agreement, dated May 14, 1992, between State
Farm Life Insurance Company, and SOLOCO, Inc.(4)

10.6 Operating Agreement, dated June 30, 1993, between Goldrus
Environmental Services, Inc. and NESI.(3)

10.7 Amended and Restated 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan.*+

10.8 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan.(5)*

10.9 Exclusive License Agreement, dated June 20, 1994, between
SOLOCO, Inc. and Quality Mat Company.(3)

10.10 Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 1997, among the
registrant, as borrower, the subsidiaries of the registrant
named therein, as guarantors, and BankOne, Louisiana, National
Association, Deutsche Bank A.G., New York Branch and/or Cayman
Islands Branch and Hibernia National Bank, as banks (the
"Banks").(6)

10.11 First Amendment to Restated Credit Agreement, dated November
7, 1997, among the registrant, the subsidiaries of the
registrant named therein and the Banks.(7)

10.12 Second Amendment to Restated Credit Agreement, dated December
10, 1997, among the registrant, the subsidiaries of the
registrant named therein and the Banks.(7)

10.13 Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment to Restated Credit
Agreement, dated December 10, 1997, among the registrant, the
subsidiaries of the registrant named therein and the
Banks.(7)]+

10.14 Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, between SOLOCO,
Inc., and Hibernia National Bank.(5)

10.15 Now Disposal Agreement, dated June 4, 1996, among Sanifill,
Inc., Now Disposal Operating Co. and Campbell Wells, Ltd.(8)

10.16 Settlement of Arbitration and Release, dated July 22, 1998,
among the registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.17 Payment Agreement, dated December 31, 1998, among the
registrant, Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+

10.18 Option Agreement, dated December 31, 1998, among the
registrant, Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+

10.19 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 16, 1998 among
Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.20 Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 22,
1998 among Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+

10.21 Noncompetition Agreement of September 16, 1998, among the
registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.22 Miscellaneous Agreement, dated September 16, 1998, among the
registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.23 Operating Agreement of The Loma Company L.L.C.+




74
75




21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant+

23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP+

24.1 Powers of Attorney+

27.1 Financial Data Schedule+

27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule+

27.3 Restated Financial Data Schedule+

- -------------------------------

+ Filed herewith.

* Management Compensation Plan or Agreement.

(1) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-40716) and incorporated by reference
herein.

(2) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-45197) and incorporated by
reference herein.

(3) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(4) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-83680) and incorporated by reference
herein.

(5) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(6) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997.

(7) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrants Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(8) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-05805), and incorporated by
reference herein.


(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

During the last quarter of the period covered by this report, Newpark
filed one report on Form 8-K. In that report, filed October 6, 1998, Newpark
reported, under item 5, that on September 22, 1998, Newpark announced it had
settled the previously disclosed dispute concerning its obligations under the
NOW Disposal Agreement with U.S. Liquids, Inc.






75
76

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<S> <C>
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation.+

3.2 Bylaws.(1)

4.1 Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1997, among the
registrant, each of the Guarantors identified therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee.(2)

4.2 Form of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 8 % Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007, Series B.(2)

4.3 Form of Guarantees of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 8 % Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007. (2)

10.1 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 23, 1990, between
the registrant and James D. Cole.(1)*

10.2 Lease Agreement, dated as of May 17, 1990, by and between
Harold F. Bean Jr. and Newpark Environmental Services, Inc.
("NESI").(1)

10.3 Lease Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1994, by and between
Harold F. Bean Jr. and NESI.(3)

10.4 Building Lease Agreement, dated April 10, 1992, between the
registrant and The Traveler's Insurance Company.(4)

10.5 Building Lease Agreement, dated May 14, 1992, between State
Farm Life Insurance Company, and SOLOCO, Inc.(4)

10.6 Operating Agreement, dated June 30, 1993, between Goldrus
Environmental Services, Inc. and NESI.(3)

10.7 Amended and Restated 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan.*+

10.8 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan.(5)*

10.9 Exclusive License Agreement, dated June 20, 1994, between
SOLOCO, Inc. and Quality Mat Company.(3)

10.10 Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 1997, among the
registrant, as borrower, the subsidiaries of the registrant
named therein, as guarantors, and BankOne, Louisiana, National
Association, Deutsche Bank A.G., New York Branch and/or Cayman
Islands Branch and Hibernia National Bank, as banks (the
"Banks").(6)

10.11 First Amendment to Restated Credit Agreement, dated November
7, 1997, among the registrant, the subsidiaries of the
registrant named therein and the Banks.(7)

10.12 Second Amendment to Restated Credit Agreement, dated December
10, 1997, among the registrant, the subsidiaries of the
registrant named therein and the Banks.(7)

10.13 Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment to Restated Credit
Agreement, dated December 10, 1997, among the registrant, the
subsidiaries of the registrant named therein and the
Banks.(7)]+

10.14 Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 1995, between SOLOCO,
Inc., and Hibernia National Bank.(5)

10.15 Now Disposal Agreement, dated June 4, 1996, among Sanifill,
Inc., Now Disposal Operating Co. and Campbell Wells, Ltd.(8)

10.16 Settlement of Arbitration and Release, dated July 22, 1998,
among the registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.17 Payment Agreement, dated December 31, 1998, among the
registrant, Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+
</TABLE>
77





10.18 Option Agreement, dated December 31, 1998, among the
registrant, Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+

10.19 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 16, 1998 among
Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.20 Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 22,
1998 among Newpark Environmental Services, Inc. and U.S.
Liquids, Inc.+

10.21 Noncompetition Agreement of September 16, 1998, among the
registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.22 Miscellaneous Agreement, dated September 16, 1998, among the
registrant and U.S. Liquids, Inc.+

10.23 Operating Agreement of The Loma Company L.L.C.+

21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant+

23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP+

24.1 Powers of Attorney+

27.1 Financial Data Schedule+

27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule+

27.3 Restated Financial Data Schedule+

- -------------------------------

+ Filed herewith.

* Management Compensation Plan or Agreement.

(1) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-40716) and incorporated by reference
herein.

(2) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-45197) and incorporated by
reference herein.

(3) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(4) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-83680) and incorporated by reference
herein.

(5) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(6) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997.

(7) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrants Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated by
reference herein.

(8) Previously filed in the exhibits to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-05805), and incorporated by
reference herein.