------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED: SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13167 TEXAS (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) Internal Revenue Service - Employer Identification No. 74-1611874 15835 Park Ten Place Drive, Houston, Texas, 77084 (281) 749-7800 ------------ Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) =============================================================================== -1- ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE The Company's Fleet Status Report at September 12, 2006 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Such information is being furnished under Regulation FD and should not be deemed to be filed under Section 18 of the Exchange Act. The Fleet Status Report has also been posted on the Company's website at www.atwd.com. All changes from the Company's last Fleet Status Report dated July 28, 2006 are highlighted in yellow on the Company's website. As noted in the attached Fleet Status Report, the ATWOOD HUNTER incurred nine (9) days of zero rate time in August 2006 relating to unexpected replacement of equipment, which reduced revenues by approximately $2.2 million. Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved the construction of a rig; competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism; risks associated with a possible disruption in operations due to a war with Iraq; and governmental regulations and environmental matters. A list of additional risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ITEM 9.01 EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 99.1 FLEET STATUS REPORT SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 -2- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC. (Registrant) /s/ James M. Holland James M. Holland Senior Vice President DATE: September 12, 2006 -3- EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION 99.1 Fleet Status Report at September 12, 2006 -4-