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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August&nbsp;1, 2008.
</DIV>


<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-____
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>








<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B><DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B><DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 24pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><I>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</I></DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Delaware</B><BR>
<I>(State or other jurisdiction of <BR>
incorporation or organization)</I>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>75-2504748</B><BR>
<I>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</I></TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>450 Gears Road, Suite&nbsp;500<BR>
Houston, Texas</B><BR>
<I>(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</I>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>77067</B><BR>
<I>(Zip Code)</I></TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan</B><BR>
<I>(Full title of the plan)</I></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Douglas J. Wall<BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.<BR>
450 Gears Road, Suite&nbsp;500<BR>
Houston, Texas 77067</B><BR>
<I>(Name and address of agent for service)</I></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>(281)&nbsp;765-7100</B><BR>
<I>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</I></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><I>With Copy to:</I><BR>
<B>Fulbright &#038; Jaworski L.L.P.<BR>
Fulbright Tower<BR>
1301 McKinney, Suite&nbsp;5100<BR>
Houston, Texas 77010-3095<BR>
(713)&nbsp;651-5151<BR>
Attention: Seth D. Wexler</B></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of &#147;large accelerated filer,&#148; &#147;accelerated filer&#148; and &#147;smaller reporting company&#148; in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt"><TR><TD>Large accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT face="Wingdings">&#254;</FONT></TD><TD align="center">Accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD><TD align="center">Non-accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT><BR>(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)</TD><TD align="right">Smaller reporting company&nbsp;<FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B><DIV align="center"><DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Calculation of Registration Fee</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="54%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-bottom: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title of each class of</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount to be</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>offering price per</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>aggregate offering</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount of</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>securities to be registered</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>registered(1)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>share(2)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>price(2)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>registration fee</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, $0.01
par value per share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap colspan="3" align="center" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">4,000,000 shares</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">28.55</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">114,200,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">4,488</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-top: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
&#147;Securities Act&#148;) this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests
to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan described herein. Also includes
an indeterminable number of shares of Common Stock issuable as a result of the anti-dilution
provisions of the plan.</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 3pt"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c)
and (h)&nbsp;under the Securities Act and based upon the average of the high and low sales price of
a share of Common Stock of Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market
on July&nbsp;29, 2008.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>



<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>





<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">








<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">A Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.&nbsp;333-126016) was filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) on June&nbsp;21, 2005 covering the registration of 6,250,000
shares of Common Stock under the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Pursuant
to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is being filed to register an
additional 4,000,000 shares authorized under the Patterson- UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, as amended. The contents of the prior Registration Statement are incorporated
herein by reference.
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART II<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="88%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Exhibit</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Number</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Description of Exhibit</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (filed August
9, 2004 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on
Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarterly period ended June&nbsp;30, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(filed August&nbsp;9, 2004 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to the Registrant&#146;s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June&nbsp;30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed August&nbsp;6, 2007 as
Exhibit&nbsp;3.3 to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June&nbsp;30, 2007 and incorporated
herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.4
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Rights Agreement dated January&nbsp;2, 1997, between Patterson
Energy, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer &#038; Trust Company
(filed January&nbsp;14, 1997 as Exhibit&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s
Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A and incorporated herein by
reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of October&nbsp;23, 2001
(filed October&nbsp;31, 2001 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.4 to the Registrant&#146;s
Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September&nbsp;30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.6
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
including Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Award
Agreement, Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement,
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement
and Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (filed
June&nbsp;21, 2005 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.1 to the Registrant&#146;s Current Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.7
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">First Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (filed June&nbsp;6, 2008 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.1 to the
Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated herein
by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.8
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Second Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed June&nbsp;6, 2008 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.2 to
the Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated
herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Fulbright &#038; Jaworski L.L.P.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Fulbright &#038; Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (included in signature page II-2).</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->II-1<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas on the 1st day of August, 2008.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="center">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Douglas J. Wall&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Douglas J. Wall&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">President and Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the persons whose signatures appear below constitute and
appoint Douglas J. Wall, William L. Moll, Jr. and John E. Vollmer III, and each of them, as true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him
and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Form S-8 Registration
Statement pertaining to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to said Form S-8 Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Signature</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Title</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Date</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Mark S. Siegel<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Mark S. Siegel
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Chairman of the Board and Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Douglas J. Wall<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Douglas J. Wall
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">President and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ John E. Vollmer III<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
John E. Vollmer III
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Senior Vice President&#151;Corporate
Development, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Gregory W. Pipkin<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Gregory W. Pipkin
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Chief Accounting Officer and
Assistant Secretary
(Principal Accounting Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Kenneth N. Berns<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Kenneth N. Berns
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Senior Vice President and Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Charles O. Buckner<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Charles O. Buckner
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->II-2<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Signature</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Title</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Date</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Cloyce A. Talbott<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Cloyce A. Talbott
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Curtis W. Huff<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Curtis W. Huff
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Terry H. Hunt<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Terry H. Hunt
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center">/s/ Kenneth R. Peak<BR>
<DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; font-size: 1px">&nbsp;</DIV>
Kenneth R. Peak
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">August&nbsp;1, 2008</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->II-3<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="88%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Exhibit</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Number</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Description of Exhibit</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (filed August
9, 2004 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on
Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarterly period ended June&nbsp;30, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(filed August&nbsp;9, 2004 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to the Registrant&#146;s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June&nbsp;30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed August&nbsp;6, 2007 as
Exhibit&nbsp;3.3 to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June&nbsp;30, 2007 and incorporated
herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.4
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Rights Agreement dated January&nbsp;2, 1997, between Patterson
Energy, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer &#038; Trust Company
(filed January&nbsp;14, 1997 as Exhibit&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s
Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A and incorporated herein by
reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of October&nbsp;23, 2001
(filed October&nbsp;31, 2001 as Exhibit&nbsp;3.4 to the Registrant&#146;s
Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September&nbsp;30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.6
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
including Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Award
Agreement, Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement,
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement
and Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (filed
June&nbsp;21, 2005 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.1 to the Registrant&#146;s Current Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.7
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">First Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (filed June&nbsp;6, 2008 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.1 to the
Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated herein
by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.8
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Second Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed June&nbsp;6, 2008 as Exhibit&nbsp;10.2 to
the Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K and incorporated
herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Fulbright &#038; Jaworski L.L.P.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Fulbright &#038; Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&#151;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (included in signature page II-2).</TD>
</TR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "d58856sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 44250}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "PATTERSON UTI ENERGY INC", "cik": "0000889900", "assigned-sic": "1381", "irs-number": "752504748", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-152705", "film-number": "08984675"}, "business-address": {"street1": "4510 LAMESA HWY", "street2": "P O DRAWER 1416", "city": "SNYDER", "state": "TX", "zip": "79549", "phone": "9155731104"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "P O DRAWER 1416", "city": "SNYDER", "state": "TX", "zip": "79550"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "PATTERSON ENERGY INC", "date-changed": "19940228"}}
sv8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2008.
Registration No. 333-____
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
75-2504748
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
450 Gears Road, Suite 500
Houston, Texas
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
77067
(Zip Code)
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(Full title of the plan)
Douglas J. Wall
President and Chief Executive Officer
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
450 Gears Road, Suite 500
Houston, Texas 77067
(Name and address of agent for service)
(281) 765-7100
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With Copy to:
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Fulbright Tower
1301 McKinney, Suite 5100
Houston, Texas 77010-3095
(713) 651-5151
Attention: Seth D. Wexler
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Calculation of Registration Fee
Proposed maximum
Proposed maximum
Title of each class of
Amount to be
offering price per
aggregate offering
Amount of
securities to be registered
registered(1)
share(2)
price(2)
registration fee
Common Stock, $0.01
par value per share
4,000,000 shares
$
28.55
$
114,200,000
$
4,488
(1)
In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act") this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests
to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan described herein. Also includes
an indeterminable number of shares of Common Stock issuable as a result of the anti-dilution
provisions of the plan.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c)
and (h) under the Securities Act and based upon the average of the high and low sales price of
a share of Common Stock of Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market
on July 29, 2008.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-126016) was filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on June 21, 2005 covering the registration of 6,250,000
shares of Common Stock under the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Pursuant
to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is being filed to register an
additional 4,000,000 shares authorized under the Patterson- UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, as amended. The contents of the prior Registration Statement are incorporated
herein by reference.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
4.1
—
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (filed August
9, 2004 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference).
4.2
—
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(filed August 9, 2004 as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3
—
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed August 6, 2007 as
Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007 and incorporated
herein by reference).
4.4
—
Rights Agreement dated January 2, 1997, between Patterson
Energy, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(filed January 14, 1997 as Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A and incorporated herein by
reference).
4.5
—
Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of October 23, 2001
(filed October 31, 2001 as Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6
—
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
including Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Award
Agreement, Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement,
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement
and Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (filed
June 21, 2005 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report
on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7
—
First Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (filed June 6, 2008 as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
by reference).
4.8
—
Second Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed June 6, 2008 as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated
herein by reference).
5.1
—
Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
23.1
—
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
—
Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
—
Power of Attorney (included in signature page II-2).
II-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas on the 1st day of August, 2008.
PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.
By:
/s/ Douglas J. Wall
Douglas J. Wall
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the persons whose signatures appear below constitute and
appoint Douglas J. Wall, William L. Moll, Jr. and John E. Vollmer III, and each of them, as true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him
and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Form S-8 Registration
Statement pertaining to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to said Form S-8 Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Mark S. Siegel
Mark S. Siegel
Chairman of the Board and Director
August 1, 2008
/s/ Douglas J. Wall
Douglas J. Wall
President and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)
August 1, 2008
/s/ John E. Vollmer III
John E. Vollmer III
Senior Vice President—Corporate
Development, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
August 1, 2008
/s/ Gregory W. Pipkin
Gregory W. Pipkin
Chief Accounting Officer and
Assistant Secretary
(Principal Accounting Officer)
August 1, 2008
/s/ Kenneth N. Berns
Kenneth N. Berns
Senior Vice President and Director
August 1, 2008
/s/ Charles O. Buckner
Charles O. Buckner
Director
August 1, 2008
II-2
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Cloyce A. Talbott
Cloyce A. Talbott
Director
August 1, 2008
/s/ Curtis W. Huff
Curtis W. Huff
Director
August 1, 2008
/s/ Terry H. Hunt
Terry H. Hunt
Director
August 1, 2008
/s/ Kenneth R. Peak
Kenneth R. Peak
Director
August 1, 2008
II-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
4.1
—
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (filed August
9, 2004 as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference).
4.2
—
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(filed August 9, 2004 as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3
—
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed August 6, 2007 as
Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007 and incorporated
herein by reference).
4.4
—
Rights Agreement dated January 2, 1997, between Patterson
Energy, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(filed January 14, 1997 as Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A and incorporated herein by
reference).
4.5
—
Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of October 23, 2001
(filed October 31, 2001 as Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6
—
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
including Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Award
Agreement, Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Agreement,
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement
and Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (filed
June 21, 2005 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report
on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7
—
First Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (filed June 6, 2008 as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
by reference).
4.8
—
Second Amendment to the Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed June 6, 2008 as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated
herein by reference).
5.1
—
Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
23.1
—
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
—
Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
—
Power of Attorney (included in signature page II-2).