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Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-206715

 

The information in this prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of an effective registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 20, 2016

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated September 10, 2015)

8,000,000 Shares

 

 

INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.

Common Stock

 

 

This is an offering by Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (“ICD” or the “Company”) of shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share. All of the 8,000,000 shares of common stock are being sold by the Company.

Shares of our common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), under the symbol “ICD.” On April 19, 2016, the last sale price of the shares as reported on the NYSE was $4.74 per share.

 

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and on page 12 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference herein to read about important facts you should consider before buying shares of the common stock.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

		Per Share				Total
Public offering price			$				$
Underwriting discount(1)			$				$
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Company			$				$

 

(1)	See the section titled “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” for a description of the compensation payable to the underwriters.

We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase, exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, up to an additional 1,200,000 shares of common stock, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about,                     , 2016.

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley				Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C.

Prospectus Supplement dated                     , 2016.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part, the prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, describes the specific terms of this offering and certain matters relating to us. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, provides more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. The accompanying prospectus was filed as part of our registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-206715) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 1, 2015, as part of a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants and units consisting of one or more classes of these securities in one or more offerings. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus supplement, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, and any free writing prospectus that we authorize to be distributed to you before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may supplement, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference therein, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying prospectus and such documents incorporated by reference therein.

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information provided by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of such documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Before you invest in our common stock, you should carefully read the registration statement described in the accompanying prospectus (including the exhibits thereto) of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part, as well as this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement are described under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

References in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “Independence Contract Drilling”, “ICD”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., unless the context otherwise requires.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described below together with the risk factors described in reports we file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus, as well as all of the other information in, and incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, before you decide to invest in our common stock. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer. In that event, you may lose all or part of your investment in the common stock.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

Future issuances by us of common stock or convertible securities could lower our stock price and dilute your ownership in us.

Except as restricted pursuant to the lock-up agreements described herein under “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest),” we are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, our common stock. In the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock or such other securities in public offerings or privately negotiated transactions. We are currently authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with terms designated by our board. The potential issuance of additional shares of common stock or other securities, including the exercise of stock options or settlement of restricted stock units, and the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares in this offering could lower the trading price of our common stock and may dilute your ownership interest in us.

We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.

We do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain earnings to grow our business. Payments of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, legal requirements and other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Our existing revolving credit agreement restricts, and any credit agreements or borrowing arrangements we enter into in the future may restrict, our ability to declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Liquidity

Our ability to comply with the leverage covenant and fixed charge coverage ratio covenant contained in our revolving credit facility is based upon our future cash flows and debt levels that have become increasingly more difficult to predict as the extreme market downturn continues.

As amended on April 14, 2016, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a leverage ratio of net debt to EBITDA, as defined in the revolving credit agreement, not to exceed the following in the respective time

 

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periods: 1Q’ 16: 3.75 to 1.00; 2Q’ 16: 4.00 to 1.00; 3Q’ 16: 4.25 to 1.00; 4Q’ 16: 4.50 to 1.00; 1Q’ 17: 4.50 to 1.00; 2Q’ 17: 4.50 to 1.00; 3Q’ 17: 4.00 to 1.00; thereafter: 3.00 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2016, the calculated leverage ratio under this covenant was approximately 1.90 to 1.00.

Our revolving credit facility also requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (“FCCR”) of not less than 1.10 to 1.00. The FCCR ratio is equal to EBITDA less capital expenditures divided by cash interest expense plus scheduled principal payments, cash dividends and capital lease obligations plus cash taxes paid. The following capital expenditures are excluded from the calculation of FCCR ratio: (1) capital expenditures incurred before November 1, 2015; (2) capital expenditures financed through capital sources other than our revolving credit facility; and (3) up to approximately $8.3 million of certain other capital expenditures.

Our compliance with each of these covenants depends significantly upon our level of cash flows in 2016 and beyond, which are based upon factors such as spot dayrates and rig utilization that are increasingly difficult to predict based upon the extreme downturn in market conditions our industry is experiencing. In particular, our ability to comply with our leverage and FCCR ratio covenant in 2017 and beyond is predicated upon market conditions stabilizing in 2016 and beginning to improve throughout 2017. If we are not able to comply with the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility, we would be required to seek a waiver or amendment to the facility, or seek alternative financing sources, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative financing sources. Any failure to comply with the financial covenants contained in our revolving credit facility, or to cure any such non-compliance may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.

Our ability to comply with the utilization covenant contained in our revolving credit facility is based upon our future rig utilization that has become increasingly more difficult to predict as the extreme market downturn continues and our contract backlog declines.

Our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum rig utilization covenant of at least 60% in 2016 through June 30, 2017 and 70% for the remainder of 2017. A rig is considered utilized when it is earning revenue, whether operating, standby or otherwise. Rigs that are “decommissioned” or “under repair” are not considered. At March 31, 2016, our rig utilization percentage under this covenant was 86%. As our backlog of term contracts continues to decline during 2016 and beyond, our ability to comply with this covenant increasingly relies upon our ability to maintain rig operations in the spot-market, which becomes increasingly more difficult to predict while the extreme downturn in market conditions persist of if they become worsen. If we are not able to comply with the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility, we would be required to seek a waiver or amendment to the facility, or seek alternative financing sources, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative financing sources. Any failure to comply with the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility, or to cure any such non-compliance would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.

Our revolving credit facility contains a subjective acceleration clause, and a springing lock-box arrangement that is triggered when availability under our revolving credit facility falls below $10 million. Under applicable accounting rules, outstanding balances under our revolving credit facility will be reclassified from long-term to current if this triggering event occurs.

Our revolving credit facility matures on November 5, 2018. Our revolving credit facility provides for a springing lock-box arrangement that is only triggered upon the occurrence of an event of default under our revolving credit facility or if availability under our revolving credit facility falls below the greater of (A) $10.0 million and (B) the lesser of 15% of the borrowing base or 15% of the total commitments under the facility. Our revolving credit facility provides that an event of default may occur if a material adverse change to us occurs, which is considered a subjective acceleration clause under applicable accounting rules. Under ASC 470-10-45, because of the existence of this clause, borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be required to be classified as current in the event the springing lock-box event occurs, regardless of the actual maturity of the

 

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borrowings. We had $62.7 million in outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2016. Remaining availability under our revolving credit facility was $23.7 million at March 31, 2016, based on the current borrowing base formula, adjusted for the recent revolving credit facility amendment and related matters, and we are currently in compliance with all covenants under our revolving credit facility. The lenders have the right to reappraise our drilling fleet in the future as well, and there cannot be any assurance that future appraisals will not adversely affect the appraised values of our rigs due to the aging our rigs or if market conditions continue to decline.

Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited.

As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $49.6 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). Our NOLs begin to expire in 2031. Utilization of these NOLs depends on many factors, including our future income, which cannot be assured. In addition, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposes an annual limitation on the amount of NOLs that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone an “ownership change.” In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain shareholders (or groups of shareholders) in our stock by more than 50 percentage points over a three year period. In the event that an ownership change has occurred, or were to occur, utilization of our NOLs would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382. We cannot assure you that we will not have an ownership change as a result of this offering, which would result in an annual limitation under Section 382. However, even if we did have an ownership change as a result of this offering, we do not believe that such limitation would prevent our utilization of our NOLs prior to their expiration. Future ownership changes or future regulatory changes could limit our ability to utilize our NOLs. To the extent we are not able to offset our future income with our NOLs, this would adversely affect our operating results and cash flows if we attain profitability.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $         million, or $         million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional common stock in full, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The net proceeds from this offering will be used to repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.

As of April 19, 2016, we had $61.1 million of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our revolving credit facility matures in November 2018 and bears interest at a variable rate, which was a weighted average of 5.22% at March 31, 2016, and we incur a commitment fee of 0.50% payable on the unborrowed committed amount. Outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility were incurred to construct ShaleDriller^® rigs, to fund working capital and for general corporate purposes. We may at any time reborrow amounts repaid under our revolving credit facility, and we expect to do so.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization and cash and cash equivalents position as of December 31, 2015:

 

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on an actual basis; and

 

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as adjusted to give effect to the completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds received by us from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds” (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares).

You should read the following table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our historical financial statements and the notes thereto that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

		At December 31, 2015
(in thousands)		Actual				As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents(1)		$	5,344			$	5,344
Total long-term debt (including current maturities)(2)			62,708
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock—$0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding			—				—
Common stock—par value $1.00 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 24,539,937 shares issued, actual; 32,539,937 shares issued, as adjusted(3)			244
Additional paid-in capital			276,948				276,948
Accumulated deficit			(43,169	)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 136,278 Shares			(1,286	)			—
Total stockholders’ equity			232,737
Total capitalization		$	295,445			$

 

(1)	As of April 19, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million.

(2)	As of April 19, 2016, we had $61.1 million of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and approximately $0.8 million of vehicle capital lease obligations.

(3)	“Actual” and “as adjusted” common shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 do not reflect shares reserved for issuance in connection with 1,277,583 restricted stock units and 956,653 stock options, and includes 388,265 shares of unvested restricted stock.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS POLICY

Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol “ICD.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per share for the periods indicated below.

 

		High				Low
Fiscal Year 2016:
Quarter ended June 30, 2016 (through April 19, 2016)		$	4.80			$	4.00
Quarter ended March 31, 2016		$	5.40			$	3.44
Fiscal Year 2015:
Quarter ended December 31, 2015		$	7.69			$	4.96
Quarter ended September 30, 2015		$	8.28			$	4.98
Quarter ended June 30, 2015		$	9.12			$	7.01
Quarter ended March 31, 2015		$	6.97			$	4.45
Fiscal Year 2014:
Quarter ended December 31, 2014		$	11.69			$	5.06
Quarter ended September 30, 2014		$	11.94			$	10.87

On April 19, 2016 the closing sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $4.74 per share. At the close of business on April 19, 2016, there were 19 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared and paid, and do not anticipate declaring or paying, any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance our operations and the growth of our business. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, investment opportunities, statutory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our revolving credit facility places restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), that holds our common stock as a “capital asset” (generally property held for investment). This summary is based on the provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations and administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.

This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, this summary does not address the net investment income tax, U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws, any state, local or foreign tax laws or any tax treaties. This summary also does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as (without limitation):

 

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banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions;

 

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tax-exempt or governmental organizations;

 

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dealers in securities or foreign currencies;

 

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traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

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persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

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partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein;

 

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persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

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persons that acquired our common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan;

 

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certain former citizens or long-term residents of the U.S.;

 

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real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; and

 

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persons that hold our common stock as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment or risk reduction transaction.

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

Non-U.S. Holder Defined

For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes any of the following:

 

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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;

 

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a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

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a trust (i) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) which has made a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, we urge partners in partnerships (including entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) considering the purchase of our common stock to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by such partnership.

Distributions

As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we have not made distributions on our common stock since our incorporation and do not anticipate making any distributions on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our common stock, those payments will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the non-U.S. holder’s tax basis in our common stock and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such common stock. See “—Gain on Disposition of Common Stock.”

Subject to the discussion of effectively connected income below, any distribution made to a non-U.S. holder on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for a lower rate. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must provide the withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other appropriate or successor form) certifying qualification for the reduced rate.

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S. (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are treated as attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S.) generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to U.S. persons (as defined under the Code). Such effectively connected dividends will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification requirements by providing the withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI certifying eligibility for exemption. If the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items). Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

Subject to the discussion below under “—Additional Withholding Requirements,” a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:

 

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the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met;

 

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the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S. (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the U.S.); or

 

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our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount of such gain, which generally may be offset by U.S. source capital losses.

A non-U.S. holder whose gain is described in the second bullet point above generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to U.S. persons (as defined under the Code) unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items) which will include such gain.

Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC only if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we are currently not, and do not expect to become, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property interests relative to the value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. However, as long as our common stock is considered to be “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market, only a non-U.S. holder that actually or constructively owns or owned at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for the common stock, more than 5% of our common stock will be taxable on gain recognized on the disposition of our common stock as a result of our status as a USRPHC.

Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of the foregoing rules to their ownership and disposition of our common stock.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Any dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder. Copies of these information returns may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established. Payments of dividends to a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a U.S. person and the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8.

Payments of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (at the applicable rate) unless the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 and certain other conditions are met. Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock effected outside the U.S. by a foreign office of a broker. However, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the disposition of our common stock effected outside the U.S. by such a broker if it has certain relationships within the U.S.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. income tax liability (if any) of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

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Additional Withholding Requirements

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, and the Treasury regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder, impose a 30% withholding tax on any dividends on our common stock and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of our common stock (if such disposition occurs after December 31, 2018), in each case if paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or entity is acting as an intermediary), unless: (i) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments, and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners); (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity certifies that it does not have any “substantial U.S. owners” (as defined in the Code) or provides the withholding agent with a certification (generally on an IRS Form W-8BEN-E) identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity; or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. governing these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Non-U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these withholding rules.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS AND ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS AND TAX TREATIES.

 

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UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

The Company and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is the representative of the several underwriters.

 

Underwriter		Number of Shares
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C.
Total			8,000,000

The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.

The Company has agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

The Company estimates that its share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $150,000. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses in an amount up to $20,000.

The underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional 1,200,000 shares from the Company at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. They may exercise such option for 30 days.

The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by the Company. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 1,200,000 additional shares.

 

Paid by the Company
		No Exercise				Full Exercise
Per Share		$				$
Total		$				$

Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $         per share from the public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters are subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriter’s right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

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No Sales of Similar Securities

We, all of our directors, executive officers as well as 4D Global Energy Investments plc, Granite One Limited Partnership and Sprott Resource Partnership, have agreed or will agree that, without the prior written consent of the representative on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, during the period ending 90 days after the date of this prospectus, or the restricted period:

 

•

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock;

 

•

file any registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the offering of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock; or

 

•

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock;

whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. In addition, we and each such person or entity agrees that, without the prior written consent of the representative, on behalf of the underwriters, we or such other person or entity will not, during the restricted period, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock other than a registration statement on Form S-8 with respect to our 2012 Plan described in this prospectus.

The lock-up restrictions described in the foregoing do not apply to our directors, officers and certain other of our stockholders with respect to:

 

•

transactions relating to shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares; provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of common stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions;

 

•

transfers of shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock (i) to the spouse, domestic partner, parent, child or grandchild (each, an “immediate family member”) of the holder or to a trust formed for the benefit of an immediate family member, (ii) by bona fide gift, will or intestacy, (iii) if the holder is a corporation, partnership or other business entity (A) to another corporation, partnership or other business entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the holder or (B) as part of a disposition, transfer or distribution without consideration by the holder to its equity holders or (iv) if the holder is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust; provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to this exception, (i) each donee, transferee or distributee shall sign and deliver a lock-up letter substantially in the form entered into by the holder and (ii) no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of common stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the restricted period;

 

•

the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of common stock, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of common stock during the restricted period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the holder or us regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of common stock may be made under such plan during the restricted period;

 

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•

the receipt by the holders from us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option, or the disposition of shares of common stock to us in a transaction solely in connection with the payment of taxes due with respect to the cashless exercise of an option, net settlement of restricted stock units, the vesting of restricted stock or the vesting of stock appreciation rights, insofar as such option, restricted stock unit, restricted stock or stock appreciation right was outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus pursuant to a plan or agreement disclosed in this prospectus, provided that no public reports, including but not limited to filings under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, will be required to be filed or will be voluntarily made by the holder within 30 days after the date of this prospectus, and after such 30th day, any public report or filing under Section 16 of the Exchange Act relating to (i) an exercise of a stock option shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that no shares were sold by the reporting person or entity and that the shares received upon exercise of the stock option are subject to a lock-up agreement with the underwriters of this offering and (ii) the disposition of shares of common stock to us in a transaction pursuant to this exception shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that such disposition of shares was solely to us; and

 

•

the transfer of shares of common stock to us in connection with the repurchase of shares of common stock issued pursuant to an employee benefit plan disclosed in this prospectus or pursuant to the agreements pursuant to which such shares were issued, provided that no public reports, including but not limited to filings under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, will be required to be filed or will be voluntarily made by the holder within 30 days after the date of this prospectus, and after such 30th day, any public report or filing under Section 16 of the Exchange Act relating to the disposition of shares of common stock to us in a transaction pursuant to this exception shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that such transfer of shares was solely to us.

The lock-up restrictions described in the foregoing do not apply solely to us with respect to:

 

•

the shares of common stock to be sold by us in this offering;

 

•

the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or warrant, settlement of a restricted stock unit, settlement of a stock appreciation right or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof pursuant to stock plans or other agreements disclosed in this prospectus; and

 

•

the issuance by us of shares or options to purchase shares of common stock pursuant to our equity plans disclosed in this prospectus.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC in its sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. In the event Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC releases any common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements, we have agreed to publicly announce the impending release or waiver at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

In order to facilitate our public offering of the common stock, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising such option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the such option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of such option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market to stabilize the price of the

 

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common stock. The underwriting syndicate also may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the common stock in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed common stock to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We and the several underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representative may agree to allocate a number of shares of common stock to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representative to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

New York Stock Exchange Listing

The shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ICD.”

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering, and a short position represents the amount of such sales that have not been covered by subsequent purchases. A “covered short position” is a short position that is not greater than the amount of additional shares for which the underwriters’ option described above may be exercised. The underwriters may cover any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to cover the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option described above. “Naked” short sales are any short sales that create a short position greater than the amount of additional shares for which the option described above may be exercised. The underwriters must cover any such naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representative has repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Company’s stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

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Electronic Distribution

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail. In addition, certain of the underwriters may facilitate Internet distribution for this offering to certain of their Internet subscription customers. Each such underwriter may allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is available on the Internet web site maintained by the representative. Other than this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on the representative’s web site is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Conflicts of Interest

Because an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is a lender under our revolving credit facility and will receive 5% or more of the net proceeds of this offering due to the repayment of borrowings under our revolving credit facility, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is deemed to have a conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Therefore, this offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a “qualified independent underwriter” participate in the preparation of, and exercise the usual standards of “due diligence” with respect to, the registration statement and this prospectus. Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C. has agreed to act as a qualified independent underwriter for this offering and to undertake the legal responsibilities and liabilities of an underwriter under the Securities Act, specifically including those inherent in Section 11 thereof. Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C. will not receive any additional fees for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C. against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a qualified independent underwriter, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5121, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC will not confirm any sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the account holder. See “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

Other Relationships

The underwriters and their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. The underwriters and their affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to the Company and to persons and entities with relationships with the Company, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to assets, securities and/or instruments of the Company (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with the Company. The underwriters and their affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a “Relevant Member State”), no offer of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

(a)

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

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(b)

to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representative; or

 

(c)

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Company or the representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

Each person in a Relevant Member State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive. In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representative has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

The Company, the representative and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.

This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Relevant Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the underwriters to publish a prospectus for such offer.

For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression “an offer to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”) and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as relevant persons). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

This prospectus supplement has not been approved by or registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or the Registrar of Companies of Hong Kong. The securities will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) has been issued or will be issued in Hong Kong or elsewhere other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

(a)

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

(b)

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

i.

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

 

ii.

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

 

iii.

where the transfer is by operation of law;

 

iv.

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

 

(c)

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial

 

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guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

No prospectus, disclosure document, offering material or advertisement in relation to the common shares has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission or the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. Accordingly, a person may not (a) make, offer or invite applications for the issue, sale or purchase of common shares within, to or from Australia (including an offer or invitation which is received by a person in Australia) or (b) distribute or publish this prospectus supplement or any other prospectus, disclosure document, offering material or advertisement relating to the common shares in Australia, unless (i) the minimum aggregate consideration payable by each offeree is the U.S. dollar equivalent of at least $500,000 (disregarding moneys lent by the offeror or its associates) or the offer otherwise does not require disclosure to investors in accordance with Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (CWLTH) of Australia; and (ii) such action complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Korea

This prospectus supplement should not be construed in any way as our (or any of our affiliates or agents) soliciting investment or offering to sell our securities in the Republic of Korea (“Korea”). We are not making any representation with respect to the eligibility of any recipients of this prospectus supplement to acquire the securities under the laws of Korea, including, without limitation, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (the “FSCMA”), the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act (the “FETA”), and any regulations thereunder. The securities have not been registered with the Financial Services Commission of Korea in any way pursuant to the FSCMA, and the securities may not be offered, sold or delivered, or offered or sold to any person for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of Korea. Furthermore, the securities may not be resold to any Korean resident unless such Korean resident as the purchaser of the resold securities complies with all applicable regulatory requirements (including, without limitation, reporting or approval requirements under the FETA and regulations thereunder) relating to the purchase of the resold securities.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA”), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only

 

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to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth in this prospectus supplement and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Andrews Kurth LLP, Houston, Texas. The underwriters are being represented by Latham  & Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas, in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2014, incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy these materials at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain information about the operation of the SEC’s public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains information we have filed electronically with the SEC, which you can access over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to, among other things, the common stock. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we have filed with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement, exhibits and schedules for more information about us and the common stock. The statements this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus make pertaining to the content of any contract, agreement or other document that is an exhibit to the registration statement necessarily are summaries of their material provisions, and we qualify them in their entirety by reference to those exhibits for complete statements of their provisions. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available at the SEC’s public reference room or through its Internet site.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and is deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement, except to the extent superseded by information contained herein or information contained in documents we file or furnish to the SEC after the date hereof. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until all the shares of common stock are sold:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015;

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016 and April 14, 2016;

 

•

the description of our common stock, which is contained in Item 1 of our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on August 5, 2014.

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 from the date of this prospectus supplement until all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement have been issued as described in this prospectus supplement. We are not incorporating by reference any information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 (or corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 or included as an exhibit) in any past or future current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, unless otherwise specified in such current report.

You may request a copy of these filings, other than an exhibit to these filings unless we have specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.

11601 N. Galayda Street

Houston, TX 77086

Telephone: (281) 598-1230

 

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PROSPECTUS

 

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Units

 

 

We may offer and sell from time to time up to $250,000,000 of the following securities in one or more transactions, classes or series and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of our offerings: (1) debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities; (2) common stock, $0.01 par value; (3) preferred stock, $0.01 par value; (4) warrants to purchase any of the securities that may be sold under this prospectus; and (5) units consisting of one or more classes of these securities. In addition to those securities that we may issue, the selling stockholders may offer and sell up to 7,536,000 shares of our common stock from time to time under this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholders.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we and our selling stockholders may offer. Each time securities are offered, we will provide a prospectus supplement and attach it to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will contain more specific information about the offering and the terms of the securities being offered by us and our selling stockholders. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering.

We and the selling stockholders may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer the securities. The specific terms of any securities we and the selling stockholders offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also describe the specific manner in which we and our selling stockholders will offer the securities.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” on page 2 of this prospectus, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, before making a decision to invest in our securities.

Our common stock is traded on The New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “ICD.” The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NYSE on August 31, 2015 was $6.93 per share. We will provide information in the prospectus supplement for the trading market, if any, for any debt securities we may offer.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities described herein or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 10, 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About This Prospectus			ii
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements			iii
Industry and Market Data			v
Trademarks and Trade Names			v
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.			1
Risk Factors			2
Use of Proceeds			2
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			3
Description of Debt Securities			4
Description of Capital Stock			15
Description of Warrants			19
Description of Units			21
Selling Stockholders			22
Plan of Distribution			24
Legal Matters			27
Experts			27
Where You Can Find More Information			27
Documents Incorporated By Reference			27

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents that we incorporate by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any other information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of the securities described herein in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the respective document. You should not assume that the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration or continuous offering process. Under this process, we may, over time, offer and sell up to $250,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus generally describes Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. and the securities that we may offer. Each time we sell securities with this prospectus, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information in this prospectus. Before you invest in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” To the extent information in this prospectus is inconsistent with information contained in a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The selling stockholders also may use the shelf registration statement to sell an aggregate of 7,536,000 shares of our common stock from time to time in the public market. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholder. The selling stockholder will deliver a supplement with this prospectus, to the extent appropriate, to update the information contained in this prospectus. The selling stockholders may sell their shares of common stock through any means described in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution.”

We and the selling stockholders have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.

Except as expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “company,” “Successor” and “ICD” refer to Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., and the terms “GES,” “Predecessor” or “our predecessor” refer to Global Energy Services Operating, LLC. We currently have no subsidiaries.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Various statements contained in this prospectus, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future revenues, income and capital spending. Our forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “plan,” “goal,” “will” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

•

a sustained decrease in domestic spending by the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry;

 

•

a decline in or substantial volatility of crude oil and natural gas commodity prices;

 

•

our inability to implement our business and growth strategy;

 

•

fluctuation of our operating results and volatility of our industry;

 

•

inability to maintain or increase pricing on our contract drilling services;

 

•

delays in construction or deliveries of our new land drilling rigs;

 

•

the loss of our customer, financial distress or management changes of potential customers or failure to obtain contract renewals and additional customer contracts for our drilling services;

 

•

overcapacity and competition in our industry;

 

•

an increase in interest rates and deterioration in the credit markets;

 

•

our inability to raise sufficient funds through debt financing and equity issuances needed to fund our planned rig construction projects;

 

•

our inability to comply with the financial and other covenants in debt agreements that we may enter into as a result of reduced revenues and financial performance;

 

•

a substantial reduction in borrowing base under our revolving credit facility as a result of a decline in the appraised value of our drilling rigs;

 

•

unanticipated costs, delays and other difficulties in executing our long-term growth strategy;

 

•

the loss of key management personnel;

 

•

new technology that may cause our drilling methods or equipment to become less competitive;

 

•

labor costs or shortages of skilled workers;

 

•

the loss or interruption in operations of one of our key vendors;

 

•

the effect of operating hazards and severe weather on our rigs, facilities, business, operations and financial results, and limitations on our insurance coverage;

 

•

increased regulation of drilling in unconventional formations;

 

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•

the incurrence of significant costs and liabilities in the future resulting from our failure to comply with new or existing environmental regulations or an accidental release of hazardous substances into the environment;

 

•

the potential failure by us to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and

 

•

lack of operating history as a contract drilling company.

All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this prospectus, including those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

The market data and certain other statistical information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, government publications and other published independent sources. Although we believe these third-party sources are reliable as of their respective dates, we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of this information. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications.

TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES

We own or have rights to various trademarks, service marks and trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and does not imply, a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by, us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ^®, ™ or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.

 

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INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.

We provide land-based contract drilling services for oil and natural gas producers targeting unconventional resource plays in the United States. We construct, own and operate a premium fleet comprised entirely of newly constructed, technologically advanced, custom designed ShaleDriller^® rigs that are specifically engineered and designed to optimize the development of our customers’ most technically demanding oil and gas properties. We are focused on creating stockholder and customer value through our commitment to operational excellence and our focus on safety.

Our standardized fleet currently consists of premium ShaleDriller^® rigs. Every ShaleDriller^® rig in our fleet is a 1500-hp, AC programmable rig (“AC rig”) designed to be fast-moving between drilling sites and is equipped with top drives, automated tubular handling systems and blowout preventer (“BOP”) handling systems.

Our first rig began drilling in May 2012. All of our operating rigs have been contracted prior to the completion of construction, and every rig has been constructed and commenced drilling operations in accordance with our customers’ delivery requirements. Although our ShaleDriller^® rig is capable of drilling in virtually any onshore area in the U.S., we currently focus our operations on unconventional resource plays located in geographic regions that we can efficiently support from our Houston, Texas facilities in order to maximize economies of scale.

We were incorporated in November 2011 but did not have meaningful operations until March 2012. In March 2012, we acquired substantially all of the rig manufacturing and related field service assets and intellectual property of Global Energy Services Operating, LLC (“GES”), including GES’ Houston-based manufacturing facility, which we currently use to construct our rig fleet. Because we had only limited operations before the GES acquisition and we succeeded to substantially all of the ongoing rig construction operations of GES, GES is considered our predecessor for accounting purposes.

Our principal executive offices are located at 11601 North Galayda Street, Houston, Texas 77086. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ICD.”

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a significant degree of risk. Before you invest in our securities you should carefully consider those risk factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, and those risk factors that may be included in any applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference, in evaluating an investment in our securities. If any of the risks discussed in the foregoing documents were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. For more information on our SEC filings, please see the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference.” Please also read the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds (after the payment of any offering expenses, underwriting discounts and commissions) from the sale of the securities offered by us under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement for our general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness, the financing of capital expenditures, including the construction of additional drilling rigs and the upgrade of existing drillings rigs, future acquisitions and additions to our working capital.

Our management will retain broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds from the sale(s) of the offered securities. If we elect at the time of issuance of the securities to make a different or more specific use of the proceeds other than as described in this prospectus, the change in use of proceeds will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following sets forth our and our predecessor’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented. Our accounting predecessor reflects the results of GES Drilling Services, a division of Global Energy Services, Inc.

 

		Successor																		Predecessor
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2015				Fiscal Year Ended December 31,														January 1, 2012 through March 1, 2012
						2014				2013				2012
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges			1.03x				(1	)			(2	)			(3	)					(4	)

 

(1)	Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $32.5 million.

(2)	Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $4.3 million.

(3)	Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $10.3 million.

(4)	Earnings for the predecessor period January 1, 2012 through March 1, 2012 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $6.8 million.

For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges:

 

•

“earnings” is the aggregate of the following items: pre-tax income; plus fixed charges, as defined below; plus amortization of capitalized interest; less interest capitalized.

 

•

“fixed charges” is the aggregate of the following items: interest expensed and capitalized; plus amortized capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; plus an estimate of the interest within rental expense.

We did not have any preferred stock outstanding and there were no preferred stock dividends paid or accrued during the periods presented above.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

Any debt securities that we offer under a prospectus supplement will be direct, unsecured general obligations. The debt securities will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The debt securities will be issued under one or more separate indentures between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Senior debt securities will be issued under a senior indenture and subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture. Together, the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are called “indentures.” The indentures will be supplemented by supplemental indentures, the material provisions of which will be described in a prospectus supplement.

As used in this description, the words “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Independence Contract Drilling, Inc., and not to any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

We have summarized some of the material provisions of the indentures below. This summary does not restate those agreements in their entirety. A form of senior indenture and a form of subordinated indenture have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge you to read each of the indentures because each one, and not this description, defines the rights of holders of debt securities.

Capitalized terms defined in the indentures have the same meanings when used in this prospectus.

General

The debt securities issued under the indentures will be our direct, unsecured general obligations. The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will have a junior position to all of our senior debt.

The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions that could apply to debt securities that we may offer to sell. A prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following, among others:

 

•

the title and type of the debt securities;

 

•

the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

•

the percentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities will be issued and any payments due if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated;

 

•

the dates on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable;

 

•

the interest rate which the debt securities will bear and the interest payment dates for the debt securities;

 

•

any conversion or exchange features;

 

•

any optional redemption periods;

 

•

any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem some or all of the debt securities;

 

•

any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event occurs;

 

•

any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;

 

•

any special tax implications of the debt securities, including provisions for original issue discount securities, if offered; and

 

•

any other terms of the debt securities.

 

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Neither of the indentures will limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued. Each indenture will allow debt securities to be issued up to the principal amount that may be authorized by us and may be in any currency or currency unit designated by us.

Debt securities of a series may be issued in registered or global form.

Subsidiary Guarantees

Although the debt securities will not initially be issued with any guarantee by any subsidiary, if the applicable indenture or the debt security relating to a series of our senior debt securities is amended or modified to add a guarantee and cause any subsidiary to become a guarantor, payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on those senior debt securities will be unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis by such subsidiary or subsidiaries. The guarantee of senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of such subsidiary or subsidiaries.

Although the debt securities will not initially be issued with any guarantee by any subsidiary, if the applicable indenture or the debt security relating to a series of our subordinated debt securities is amended or modified to add a guarantee and cause any subsidiary to become a guarantor, then payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on those subordinated debt securities will be unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, subordinated basis by such subsidiary or subsidiaries. The guarantee of the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all of such subsidiary’s or subsidiaries’ existing and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the related prospectus supplement), including any guarantee of the senior debt securities, to the same extent and in the same manner as the subordinated debt securities are subordinated to our senior indebtedness (as defined in the related prospectus supplement). See “—Subordination” below.

The obligations of our subsidiaries under any such guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent the guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law.

Covenants

Under the indentures, we:

 

•

will pay the principal of, and interest and any premium on, the debt securities when due;

 

•

will maintain a place of payment;

 

•

will deliver a certificate to the trustee each fiscal year reviewing our compliance with our obligations under the indentures;

 

•

will preserve our corporate existence; and

 

•

will segregate or deposit with any paying agent sufficient funds for the payment of any principal, interest or premium on or before the due date of such payment.

Mergers and Sale of Assets

Each of the indentures will provide that we may not convert into, or consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into any other Person or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets (on a consolidated basis) to another Person, unless:

 

•

either: (a) we are the surviving Person; or (b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger or resulting from such conversion (if other than us) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

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•

the Person formed by or surviving any such conversion, consolidation, amalgamation or merger (if other than us) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all of our obligations under such indenture and the debt securities governed thereby pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, which may include a supplemental indenture;

 

•

we or the successor will not immediately be in default under such indenture; and

 

•

we deliver an officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel to the trustee stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer or lease and any supplemental indenture comply with such indenture and that all conditions precedent set forth in such indenture have been complied with.

Upon the assumption of our obligations under each indenture by a successor, we will be discharged from all obligations under such indenture.

As used in the indentures and in this description, the word “Person” means any individual, corporation, company, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, other entity, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Events of Default

“Event of default,” when used in the indentures with respect to debt securities of any series, will mean any of the following:

(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

(2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt security of that series at its maturity;

(3) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant set forth in Article Ten of the applicable indenture (other than a covenant a default in the performance of which or the breach of which is elsewhere specifically dealt with as an event of default or which has expressly been included in such indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” thereunder;

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant in the applicable indenture (other than a covenant set forth in Article Ten of such indenture or any other covenant a default in the performance of which or the breach of which is elsewhere specifically dealt with as an event of default or which has expressly been included in such indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 180 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” thereunder;

(5) we, pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law, (i) commence a voluntary case, (ii) consent to the entry of any order for relief against us in an involuntary case, (iii) consent to the appointment of a custodian of us or for all or substantially all of our property, or (iv) make a general assignment for the benefit of our creditors;

 

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(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any bankruptcy law that (i) is for relief against us in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a custodian of us or for all or substantially all of our property, or (iii) orders the liquidation of us, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;

(7) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due; or

(8) any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series in accordance with provisions of the indenture related to the issuance of such debt securities.

An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under an indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default (except in the payment of principal, interest or any premium) if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the interests of the holders.

If an event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series may declare the entire principal of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If this happens, subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series can void the declaration.

Other than its duties in case of a default, a trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under any indenture at the request, order or direction of any holders, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable indemnity. If they provide this reasonable indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount outstanding of any series of debt securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the trustee, for any series of debt securities.

Amendments and Waivers

Subject to certain exceptions, the indentures, the debt securities issued thereunder or the subsidiary guarantees, if any, may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such amendment or supplemental indenture, with each such series voting as a separate class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities) and, subject to certain exceptions, any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with respect to each series of debt securities with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of such series voting as a separate class (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities).

Without the consent of each holder of the outstanding debt securities affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not, among other things:

(1) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security, reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, reduce the amount of the principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to the applicable indenture, change the coin or currency in which any debt security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date therefor);

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of any series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any such amendment or supplemental indenture, or the consent of the holders of which is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the

 

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applicable indenture or certain defaults thereunder and their consequences provided for in the applicable indenture;

(3) modify any of the provisions set forth in the applicable indenture (i) related to the holder’s unconditional right to receive principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities or (ii) related to the waiver of past defaults under such indenture;

(4) waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security; provided, however, that any purchase or repurchase of debt securities shall not be deemed a redemption of the debt securities;

(5) release any guarantor from any of its obligations under its guarantee or the applicable indenture, except in accordance with the terms of such indenture (as amended or supplemented); or

(6) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions, except to increase any percentage provided for therein or to provide that certain other provisions of the applicable indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each then-outstanding debt security affected thereby.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of debt securities, we, the guarantors, if any, and the trustee may amend each of the indentures or the debt securities issued thereunder to:

(1) cure any ambiguity or defect or to correct or supplement any provision therein that may be inconsistent with any other provision therein;

(2) evidence the succession of another Person to us and the assumption by any such successor of our covenants therein and, to the extent applicable, of the debt securities;

(3) provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities; provided that the uncertificated debt securities are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), or in the manner such that the uncertificated debt securities are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(4) add a guarantee and cause any Person to become a guarantor, and/or to evidence the succession of another Person to a guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the guarantee of such guarantor therein and, to the extent applicable, endorsed upon any debt securities of any series;

(5) secure the debt securities of any series;

(6) add to the covenants such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions as we shall consider to be appropriate for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities (and if such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are to be for the benefit of less than all series of debt securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon us, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default permitting the enforcement of all or any of the several remedies provided in the applicable indenture as set forth therein; provided that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision, such amendment or supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such an event of default or may limit the remedies available to the trustee upon such an event of default or may limit the right of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series to waive such an event of default;

(7) make any change to any provision of the applicable indenture that does not adversely affect the rights or interests of any holder of debt securities issued thereunder;

(8) provide for the issuance of additional debt securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in the applicable indenture;

(9) add any additional defaults or events of default in respect of all or any series of debt securities;

 

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(10) add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the applicable indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons;

(11) change or eliminate any of the provisions of the applicable indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no debt security outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision;

(12) establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series as permitted thereunder, including to reopen any series of any debt securities as permitted thereunder;

(13) evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment thereunder by a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the applicable indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts thereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of such indenture;

(14) conform the text of the applicable indenture (and/or any supplemental indenture) or any debt securities issued thereunder to any provision of a description of such debt securities appearing in a prospectus or prospectus supplement or an offering memorandum or offering circular to the extent that such provision appears on its face to have been intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of such indenture (and/or any supplemental indenture) or any debt securities or securities guarantee issued thereunder; or

(15) modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of the applicable indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to effect the qualification of such indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), or under any similar federal statute subsequently enacted, and to add to such indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required under the Trust Indenture Act.

The consent of the holders is not necessary under either indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment with the consent of the holders under an indenture becomes effective, we are required to mail to the holders of debt securities thereunder a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all such holders, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Each indenture provides that we may, at our option and at any time, elect to have all of our obligations discharged with respect to the debt securities outstanding thereunder and all obligations of any guarantors of such debt securities discharged with respect to their guarantees (“Legal Defeasance”), except for:

(1) the rights of holders of outstanding debt securities to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, such debt securities when such payments are due from the trust referred to below;

(2) our obligations with respect to the debt securities concerning temporary debt securities, registration of debt securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee, and our and each guarantor’s obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance (as defined below) provisions of the applicable indenture.

In addition, we may, at our option and at any time, elect to have our obligations released with respect to certain provisions of each indenture, including certain provisions described in any prospectus supplement (such

 

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release and termination being referred to as “Covenant Defeasance”), and thereafter any failure to comply with such obligations or provisions will not constitute a default or event of default. In addition, in the event Covenant Defeasance occurs in accordance with the applicable indenture, any defeasible event of default will no longer constitute an event of default.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

(1) we must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable U.S. government securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on, the outstanding debt securities on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and we must specify whether the debt securities are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a particular redemption date;

(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that (a) we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the issue date of the debt securities, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will confirm that, the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a default or event of default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);

(5) the deposit must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which we are, or any guarantor is, a party or by which we are, or any guarantor is, bound;

(6) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than the applicable indenture) to which we are, or any of our subsidiaries is, a party or by which we are, or any of our subsidiaries is, bound;

(7) we must deliver to the trustee an officer’s certificate stating that the deposit was not made by us with the intent of preferring the holders of debt securities over our other creditors with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding our creditors or the creditors of others;

(8) we must deliver to the trustee an officer’s certificate stating that all conditions precedent set forth in clauses (1) through (6) of this paragraph have been complied with; and

(9) we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel (which opinion of counsel may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and exclusions) stating that all conditions precedent set forth in clauses (2), (3) and (6) of this paragraph have been complied with.

 

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Satisfaction and Discharge

Each of the indentures will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities and certain rights of the trustee, as expressly provided for in such indenture) as to all outstanding debt securities issued thereunder and any guarantees issued thereunder when:

(1) either (a) all of the debt securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under such indenture (except lost, stolen or destroyed debt securities that have been replaced or paid and debt securities for the payment of which money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by us and thereafter repaid to us or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation or (b) all debt securities not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the trustee in the name, and at the expense, of us, and we have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee funds, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities to the date of deposit (in the case of debt securities that have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, together with instructions from us irrevocably directing the trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(2) we have paid all other sums then due and payable under such indenture by us; and

(3) we have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, which, taken together, state that all conditions precedent under such indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of such indenture have been complied with.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Managers, Officers, Employees, Partners, Members and Stockholders

No director, manager, officer, employee, incorporator, partner, member or stockholder of us or any guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any of our obligations or those of any guarantor under the debt securities, the indentures, any guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of debt securities, upon our issuance of the debt securities and execution of the indentures, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Denominations

Unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement for each issuance of debt securities, the debt securities will be issued in denominations of $1,000 each or integral multiples of $1,000.

Paying Agent and Registrar

The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar for the debt securities. We may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the debt securities, and we may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

A holder may transfer or exchange debt securities in accordance with the applicable indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and we may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the applicable

 

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indenture. We are not required to transfer or exchange any debt security selected for redemption. In addition, we are not required to transfer or exchange any debt security for a period of 15 days before a selection of debt securities to be redeemed.

Subordination

The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on subordinated debt securities and any of our other payment obligations in respect of subordinated debt securities (including any obligation to repurchase subordinated debt securities) is subordinated in certain circumstances in right of payment, as set forth in the subordinated indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of all senior debt.

We also may not make any payment, whether by redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance or otherwise, upon or in respect of subordinated debt securities, except from a trust described under “—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance,” if

 

•

a default in the payment of all or any portion of the obligations on any designated senior debt (“payment default”) occurs that has not been cured or waived; or

 

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any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to designated senior debt pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated (“non-payment default”) and, solely with respect to this clause, the trustee for the subordinated debt securities receives a notice of the default (a “payment blockage notice”) from the trustee or other representative for the holders of such designated senior debt.

Cash payments on subordinated debt securities will be resumed (a) in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived, and (b) in case of a nonpayment default, the earliest of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived, the termination of the payment blockage period by written notice to the trustee for the subordinated debt securities from the trustee or other representative for the holders of such designated senior debt, the payment in full of such designated senior debt or 179 days after the date on which the applicable payment blockage notice is received. No new payment blockage period may be commenced unless and until 360 days have elapsed since the date of commencement of the payment blockage period resulting from the immediately prior payment blockage notice. No nonpayment default in respect of designated senior debt that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice to the trustee for the subordinated debt securities will be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent payment blockage notice unless such default shall have been cured or waived for a period of no less than 90 consecutive days.

Upon any payment or distribution of our assets or securities (other than with the money, securities or proceeds held under any defeasance trust established in accordance with the subordinated indenture) in connection with any dissolution or winding up or total or partial liquidation or reorganization of us, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings or other marshalling of assets for the benefit of creditors, all amounts due or to become due upon all senior debt shall first be paid in full, in cash or cash equivalents, before the holders of the subordinated debt securities or the trustee on their behalf shall be entitled to receive any payment by or on behalf of us on account of the subordinated debt securities, or any payment to acquire any of the subordinated debt securities for cash, property or securities, or any distribution with respect to the subordinated debt securities of any cash, property or securities. Before any payment may be made by, or on behalf of, us on any subordinated debt security (other than with the money, securities or proceeds held under any defeasance trust established in accordance with the subordinated indenture) in connection with any such dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, any payment or distribution of our assets or securities, to which the holders of subordinated debt securities or the trustee on their behalf would be entitled, shall be made by us or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other similar Person making such payment or distribution, or by the holders or the trustee if received by them or it, directly to the holders of senior debt or their representatives or to any trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any such senior debt may have been issued, as their respective interests appear, to the extent necessary to pay all such senior debt in full, in cash or cash equivalents, after giving effect to any concurrent payment, distribution or provision therefor to or for the holders of such senior debt.

 

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As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of our liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding or an assignment for the benefit of our creditors or a marshalling of our assets or liabilities, holders of subordinated debt securities may receive ratably less than other creditors.

Payment and Transfer

Principal, interest and any premium on fully registered debt securities will be paid at designated places. Payment will be made by check mailed to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered on days specified in the indentures or any prospectus supplement. Debt securities payments in other forms will be paid at a place designated by us and specified in a prospectus supplement.

Fully registered debt securities may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the trustee or at any other office or agency maintained by us for such purposes, without the payment of any service charge except for any tax or governmental charge.

Global Securities

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates that we will deposit with a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities that it represents, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole:

 

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by the applicable depositary to a nominee of the depositary;

 

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by any nominee to the depositary itself or another nominee; or

 

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by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or any nominee of the successor.

We will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary arrangements.

When we issue a global security in registered form, the depositary for the global security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary (“participants”). Those accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents with respect to the underlying debt securities or by us if those debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. For interests of participants, ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee. For interests of persons other than participants, that ownership information will be shown on the records of participants. Transfer of that ownership will be effected only through those records. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair our ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

As long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:

 

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will not be entitled to have any of the underlying debt securities registered in their names;

 

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will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any of the underlying debt securities in definitive form; and

 

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will not be considered the owners or holders under the indenture relating to those debt securities.

 

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Payments of the principal of, any premium on and any interest on individual debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global security representing such debt securities. Neither we, the trustee for the debt securities, any paying agent nor the registrar for the debt securities will be responsible for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the depositary or any participants on account of beneficial interests in the global security.

We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, any premium or interest relating to a global security representing any series of debt securities, immediately will credit participants’ accounts with the payments. Those payments will be credited in amounts proportional to the respective beneficial interests of the participants in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices. This is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.” Those payments will be the sole responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities of that series in exchange for the global security or securities representing that series. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to have any debt securities of a series represented by one or more global securities. In that event, we will issue individual debt securities of that series in exchange for the global security or securities. Furthermore, if we specify, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security may, on terms acceptable to us, the trustee and the applicable depositary, receive individual debt securities of that series in exchange for those beneficial interests. The foregoing is subject to any limitations described in the applicable prospectus supplement. In any such instance, the owner of the beneficial interest will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities equal in principal amount to the beneficial interest and to have the debt securities registered in its name. Those individual debt securities will be issued in any authorized denominations.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Trustee

U.S. Bank National Association will be the trustee under the indentures. A successor trustee may be appointed in accordance with the terms of the indentures.

The indentures and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by reference therein will contain certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become a creditor of us, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflicting interest or resign.

A single banking or financial institution may act as trustee with respect to both the subordinated indenture and the senior indenture. If this occurs, and should a default occur with respect to either the subordinated debt securities or the senior debt securities, such banking or financial institution would be required to resign as trustee under one of the indentures within 90 days of such default, pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, unless such default were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Our authorized capital stock is 110,000,000 shares. These shares consist of: (1) 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 24,402,904 shares were outstanding as of August 31, 2015, and (2) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which none were outstanding as of August 31, 2015.

The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and applicable law. Copies of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws have been filed with the SEC.

Common Stock

This section describes the general terms of our common stock. For more detailed information, you should refer to our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC.

Listing

Our outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ICD.” Any additional common stock we issue also will be listed on the NYSE.

Dividend Rights

Subject to the rights of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock that we may issue and any restrictions of the payment of cash dividends set forth in our credit facility, the holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine from time to time.

Voting Rights

Subject to any special voting rights of any series of preferred stock that we may issue in the future, the holders of common stock may vote one vote for each share held in the election of directors and on all other matters voted upon by our stockholders. Under our bylaws, unless otherwise required by Delaware law, action by our stockholders is taken by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, except for director elections, which are determined by a plurality of the votes cast, at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present. Holders of common stock may not cumulate their votes in the elections of directors. We will notify common stockholders of any stockholders’ meetings according to applicable law.

No Preemptive, Conversion, Redemption or Sinking Fund Rights

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase shares of our common stock. Shares of common stock are not subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions and are not convertible into any of our other securities.

Fully Paid

All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Any additional common stock we may issue when they are paid for will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions

If we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business, either voluntarily or not, holders of our common stock will share equally in our net assets upon liquidation after payment or provision for all liabilities and any preferential liquidation rights of any preferred stock then outstanding.

 

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Preferred Stock

The following description of the terms of our preferred stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of our authorized preferred stock. If we offer preferred stock, a description will be filed with the SEC and the specific designations and rights will be described in the prospectus supplement, including the following terms:

 

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the series, the number of shares offered and the liquidation value of the preferred stock;

 

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the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;

 

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the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable and other terms relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred stock;

 

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the liquidation preference of the preferred stock;

 

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the voting rights of the preferred stock;

 

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whether the preferred stock is redeemable or subject to a sinking fund, and the terms of any such redemption or sinking fund;

 

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whether the preferred stock is convertible or exchangeable for any other securities, and the terms of any such conversion; and

 

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any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock.

Our board of directors can, without approval of our stockholders, issue one or more series of preferred stock. Subject to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and limitations prescribed by law, our board of directors may adopt resolutions to issue the shares of preferred stock, to fix the number of shares, and to change the number of shares constituting any series and to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without any further action or vote by our stockholders.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Provisions in our organizational documents and under Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of our company at a premium that a stockholder may consider favorable, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. These provisions, summarized below, are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of our company to first negotiate with our board of directors. They are also intended to provide our management with the flexibility to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability if our board of directors determines that a takeover is not in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders. These provisions, however, could have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire us, which could deprive our stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices. We believe that the benefits of these provisions, including increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our company, outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover proposals, because negotiation of takeover proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Delaware Law

We will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) regulating corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

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the transaction is approved by the board before the date the interested stockholder attained that status;

 

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upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or

 

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the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of voting stock that are not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

 

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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

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any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

 

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subject to specific exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

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any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

 

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the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for:

 

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Election and Removal of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that establish specific procedures for appointing and removing members of the board of directors. Our directors are elected by plurality vote. Vacancies and newly created directorships on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the directors then serving on the board.

 

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Special Stockholder Meetings. Under our bylaws, only the chairman of the board or a majority of the entire number of our directors may call special meetings of stockholders.

 

•

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors.

 

•

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Our certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting.

 

•

No Cumulative Voting. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Cumulative voting allows a minority stockholder to vote a portion or all of its shares for one or more candidates for seats on the board of directors. Without cumulative voting, a minority stockholder will not be able to gain as many seats on our board of directors based on the number of shares of our common stock the stockholder holds as the stockholder would be able to gain if cumulative voting were permitted. The absence of cumulative voting makes it more difficult for a minority stockholder to gain a seat on our board of directors to influence our board of director’s decision regarding a takeover.

 

•

Undesignated Preferred Stock. The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of our company.

 

•

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote on amendments to a

 

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corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws is required to approve such amendment, unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. Our bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our board of directors or, in addition to any other vote otherwise required by law, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock, provided, that the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock, in each case entitled to vote on the adoption, alteration, amendment or repeal of our certificate of incorporation, voting as a single class, is required to amend or repeal or to adopt any provision inconsistent with the provisions described above under “Election and Removal of Directors,” “Special Stockholder Meetings,” “Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals,” “Elimination of Stockholder Action by Written Consent” and “No Cumulative Voting.” These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging the removal of any anti-takeover defenses provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by such law. We also maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and certain of our executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and certain future executive officers.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Co.

Listing

Shares of our common stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ICD.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the warrant agreements. A copy of the warrant agreement will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of warrants.

Debt Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase debt securities will describe the terms of those warrants, including the following:

 

•

the title of the warrants;

 

•

the offering price for the warrants, if any;

 

•

the aggregate number of the warrants;

 

•

the designation and terms of the debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

 

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities that the warrants are issued with and the number of warrants issued with each debt security;

 

•

if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any debt securities issued with them will be separately transferable;

 

•

the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which the debt securities may be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

 

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

•

whether the warrants represented by the warrant certificates or the debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

 

•

information relating to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

•

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

•

if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

 

•

anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

 

•

redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

 

•

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants; and

 

•

any other information we think is important about the warrants.

Stock Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock will describe the terms of the common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants, including the following:

 

•

the title of the warrants;

 

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•

the offering price for the warrants, if any;

 

•

the aggregate number of the warrants;

 

•

the designation and terms of the common stock or preferred stock that maybe purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

 

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities that the warrants are issued with and the number of warrants issued with each security;

 

•

if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

•

the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which the shares may be purchased upon exercise;

 

•

the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants commence and expire;

 

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

•

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

•

if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

 

•

anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

 

•

redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

 

•

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants; and

 

•

any other information we think is important about the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the principal amount of debt securities or shares of preferred stock or common stock being offered. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants are void. Holders may exercise warrants as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants being offered.

Until you exercise your warrants to purchase our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock, you will not have any rights as a holder of our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, by virtue of your ownership of warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more debt securities, shares of common stock or preferred stock, warrants or any combination of such securities. In addition, a prospectus supplement relating to units will describe the terms of any units we issue, including, as applicable:

 

•

the designation and terms of the units and the securities included in the units;

 

•

any provision for the issuance, payment, settlement and transfer or exchange of the units;

 

•

the date, if any, on and after which the units may be transferable separately;

 

•

whether we will apply to have the units traded on a securities exchange or securities quotation system;

 

•

any material U.S. federal income tax consequences;

 

•

how, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the purchase price paid for the units is to be allocated among the component securities; and

 

•

any other information we think is important about the units.

 

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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock held as of August 31, 2015 by the selling stockholders, the number of shares which may be offered from time to time and information with respect to shares to be beneficially owned by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may from time-to-time offer and sell shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus or an applicable prospectus supplement. We prepared this table based solely on information provided to us by the selling stockholders, and we have not independently verified such information. At the time of an offering, we will update this table to disclose the number of shares beneficially owned prior to the offering, the number of shares offered in the offering and the number of shares beneficially owned after the offering.

 

		Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to the Offering								Shares That May be Offered Hereby(1)				Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering(2)
Selling Stockholder		Number				Percentage(3)				Number				Number				Percentage(3)
4D Global Energy Investments plc(4)			2,562,500				10.5%				1,962,500				600,000				2.5	%
Granite One Limited Partnership(5)			78,500				*				78,500				—				—
Global Energy Services Operating, LLC(6)			1,570,000				6.4%				1,570,000				—				—
Sprott Resource Partnership(7)			4,537,272				18.6%				3,925,000				612,272				2.5	%

 

*	Less than 1%.

(1)	Represents the number of shares being registered on behalf of the selling stockholder pursuant to this registration statement, which may be less than the total number of shares beneficially owned by such selling stockholder.

(2)

Assumes that the selling stockholder disposes of all the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus and does not acquire beneficial ownership of any additional shares. The registration of these shares does not necessarily mean that the selling stockholder will sell all or any portion of the shares covered by this prospectus.

(3)	Based on 24,402,904 shares of our common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2015.

(4)

Tighe Noonan and Jérôme Halbout are representatives of 4D Global Energy Advisors SAS, which is the appointed Alternative Investment Fund Advisor of 4D Global Energy Investments plc (“4D”), and share voting and investment control over the shares held by 4D. Mr. Noonan and Mr. Halbout expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares.

(5)	Byron Dunn and his wife share voting and dispositive power over the shares owned by Granite One Limited Partnership.

(6)

GES Global Energy Services, Inc. (“GES Corp.”) directly owns 100% of the equity interests of Global Energy Services Operating, LLC (“GES”). IDM Delaware, Inc. (f/k/a IDM Group, Ltd.) (“IDM”) directly owns 100% of the equity interests of GES Corp. Lime Rock Partners III, LP (“Lime Rock”) owns a majority of the equity interests in IDM. LRP GP III, Inc. (“LRP GP”) is the general partner of Lime Rock Partners GP III, L.P. (“Lime Rock Partners GP”), which is the general partner of Lime Rock. John T. Reynolds and Jonathan C. Farber are the sole directors of LRP GP. Therefore, GES Corp., IDM, Lime Rock, LRP GP, Lime Rock Partners GP, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Farber may be deemed to share the right to dispose of or to direct the disposition of, and may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the vote of the shares of common stock held by GES. GES Corp., IDM, Lime Rock, LRP GP, Lime Rock Partners GP, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Farber disclaim beneficial ownership of the reported shares of our commons stock except to the extent of such person’s pecuniary interest therein,

(7)

Sprott Resource Partnership (“SRP”) is controlled by Sprott Resource Corp. (“SRC”). Therefore, SRC is an indirect beneficial owner of the shares owned by SRP. Pursuant to authority granted by the board of directors of SRC, subject to certain limits on such authority, Steve Yuzpe, Arthur Einav, Andrew Stronach and Michael Staresinic may be deemed to exercise voting and/or dispositive control over the shares owned by SRP.

 

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Relationships with Selling Stockholders

Tighe Noonan, one of our directors, is the General Manager of 4D Global Energy Advisors SAS, which is the appointed Alternative Investment Fund Advisor of 4D. As such, Mr. Noonan may be deemed to beneficially own the shares directly held by 4D. Mr. Noonan expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

Mr. Noonan is also a director of GES’s ultimate parent company, IDM, and Thomas Bates, one of the former directors of IDM, who resigned effective March 31, 2015, is one of our directors. Mr. Noonan is also the director of a fund that owned approximately 36% of the ultimate parent company of GES as of June 30, 2015. A former affiliate of GES was one of our vendors prior to the affiliate’s sale to a third party in the second quarter of 2015.

Byron Dunn, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors, shares control over Granite One Limited Partnership with his wife. As such, Mr. Dunn may be deemed to beneficially own the shares directly held by Granite One Limited Partnership.

Arthur Einav, one of our directors, is a Managing Director and the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of SRC, which controls SRP. As such, Mr. Einav may be deemed to beneficially own the shares directly held by SRP.

Common Stock Issuances to Selling Stockholders

4D originally acquired 750,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to an Asset Contribution and Share Subscription Agreement, by and among GES, Independence Contract Drilling, LLC and the Company, dated November 23, 2011 (the “Contribution Agreement”), at a price per share of $20.00. 4D subsequently acquired an additional 500,000 shares of our common stock through the Purchase/Placement Agreement, between FBR Capital Markets & Co. and the Company, dated March 1, 2012 (the “Purchase/Placement Agreement”) at a price per share of $20.00. 4D then acquired an additional 712,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to a 1.57-for-1 stock split of our common stock in the form of a stock dividend (the “Stock Dividend”). The dividend was distributed on July 24, 2014. On August 13, 2014, 4D purchased an additional 600,000 shares of our common stock during our initial public offering at a price per share of $11.00. As of the date of this prospectus, 4D holds a total of 2,562,500 shares of our common stock, of which 1,962,500 shares of our common stock (those acquired in the Contribution Agreement, Purchase/Placement Agreement and Stock Dividend) are being registered on its behalf hereby.

A2L, Ltd. acquired 50,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Contribution Agreement at a price per share of $20.00. A2L, Ltd. acquired an additional 28,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Stock Dividend on July 24, 2014. On April 15, 2015 A2L, Ltd. transferred its 78,500 shares of our common stock to Granite One Limited Partnership for no consideration. Both Granite One Limited Partnership and A2L, Ltd. are family limited partnerships over which Byron Dunn and his wife share voting and dispositive power.

GES acquired 1,000,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Contribution Agreement at a price per share of $20.00. GES acquired an additional 570,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Stock Dividend on July 24, 2014.

SRP originally acquired 2,500,000 shares of our common stock through the Purchase/Placement Agreement at a price per share of $20.00. SRP acquired an additional 1,425,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Stock Dividend. On August 13, 2014, SRP purchased an additional 600,000 shares of our common stock at a price per share of $11.00.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and any selling stockholders may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States (1) through underwriters, brokers or dealers; (2) directly to purchasers, including our affiliates and stockholders; (3) through agents; (4) at prevailing market prices by us directly or through a designated agent, including sales made directly or through the facilities of The New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which such securities may be listed, quoted or traded at the time of sale; (5) through a combination of any of these methods or (6) through any other method permitted by applicable law. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

 

•

the terms of the offering;

 

•

the names of any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents;

 

•

the purchase price or public offering price of the securities;

 

•

the net proceeds to us from the sale of the securities;

 

•

any delayed delivery or forward contract arrangements;

 

•

any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

•

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers;

 

•

any commissions paid to agents;

 

•

any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers

If underwriters are used in the sale, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the underwriters must purchase all the securities of the series offered by a prospectus supplement if any of the securities are purchased. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers.

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the

 

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price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Penalty bids permit the representatives to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the offered securities or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the offered securities. As a result, the price of the offered securities may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

If dealers are used in the sale of securities, the securities will be sold directly to them by us or the selling stockholders as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale.

Direct Sales

We and any selling stockholders may sell the securities directly. In that case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We and any selling stockholders may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. Direct sales may include the sale of offered securities upon the exercise of rights that may be issued to our security holders. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

Sales Through Agents

We and any selling stockholders may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

Delayed Delivery or Forward Contract Arrangements

We may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities providing for payment and delivery on a future date specified in the prospectus supplement, including forward contracts. Institutional investors to which such offers may be made, when authorized, include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, education and charitable institutions and such other institutions as may be approved by us. The obligations of any such purchasers under such delayed delivery and payment arrangements will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the offered securities will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under applicable law. The underwriters and such agents will not have any responsibility with respect to the validity or performance of such contracts.

Additional Provisions Applicable to Selling Stockholders

The selling stockholders are subject to the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares of common stock offered in this prospectus by the selling stockholders. The anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person

 

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engaged in the distribution of the shares to engage in market-making activities for the particular securities being distributed for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. The restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities for the shares.

General Information

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The securities (other than common stock) offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, when first issued, will have no established trading market. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.

We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, our counsel, Andrews Kurth LLP, Houston, Texas, will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with the offered securities. Any underwriters, dealers or agents will be advised about other issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel.

EXPERTS

The financial statements incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

Calvetti Ferguson, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the financial statements of our predecessor included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration Statement. Such predecessor financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance on Calvetti Ferguson’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any documents filed by us with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. The SEC also maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains periodic and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Our website address is http://www.icdrilling.com.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below (other than portions of these documents that are either (1) described in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) or (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC or (2) furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed and exhibits furnished in connection with such items):

 

•

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015;

 

•

The information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015;

 

•

Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015 and August 6, 2015;

 

•

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K and 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2015 (for event dated March 4, 2015), April 7, 2015 and May 6, 2015; and

 

•

The descriptions of our Common Stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on August 5, 2014.

 

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All reports and other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and other documents. However, we are not incorporating by reference any information provided in these documents that is described in paragraph (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) or (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC or furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed and exhibits furnished in connection with such items.

We hereby undertake to provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the information that has been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, excluding all exhibits unless an exhibit has been specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed to our Corporate Secretary, at the following address:

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.

11601 North Galayda Street

Houston, Texas 77086

(281) 598-1230

Email: investor.relations@icdrilling.com

 

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Prospectus Supplement

INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.

8,000,000 Shares

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley		Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C.