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 Report: July 24, 2002


                             HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



                                                   
   Delaware                          1-4221                 73-0679879
---------------                 ----------------         ----------------
(State or other                 (Commission File         (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of                      Number)               Identification
incorporation)                                                 Number)



Utica at Twenty-first Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma                   74114
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)


                                 (918) 742-5531
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                                       N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



                               Page 1 of 10 Pages.




Item 9. Other Events.

         On July 24, 2002, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. issued the following press
         release:

         "TULSA, OK., -- Helmerich & Payne, Inc. announced net income of
         $28,218,000 ($0.56 per share, on a diluted basis) from revenues of
         $185,467,000 for the third quarter ended June 30, 2002, compared with
         net income of $40,437,000 ($0.79 per share, on a diluted basis) from
         revenues of $217,222,000 for the third quarter of the prior fiscal
         year. Net income for the first nine months of this fiscal year totaled
         $54,694,000 ($1.09 per share, on a diluted basis) from revenues of
         $515,190,000, compared with net income of $116,026,000 ($2.28 per
         share, on a diluted basis) from revenues of $631,341,000 for the same
         period last year. This year's third quarter and year-to-date results
         include net income from the sale of investment securities of
         $15,468,000 ($0.30 per share) and $15,792,000 ($0.31 per share),
         compared to $1,423,000 and $1,497,000 ($0.03 per share) for the same
         periods of fiscal 2001.

         Contract Drilling Division

         Total Contract Drilling Division operating profit for the third quarter
         was $17,907,000, down slightly from $17,949,000 for the previous
         quarter, and down substantially from $38,263,000 recorded for the third
         quarter of last year. Third quarter operating profit for U.S.
         operations of $14,360,000 was a slight improvement over the previous
         quarter's operating profit of $13,533,000, but down from $30,305,000
         recorded in last year's third quarter. Average revenue per day for the
         U.S. land rig fleet was $11,501 for the recent quarter, compared with
         $12,386 for the second quarter of this year and $15,420 for the third
         quarter of 2001. Average U.S. land rig utilization was 85% for the
         current quarter, compared with 76% for the previous quarter, and 98%
         for the third quarter of 2001. The average number of H&P land rigs
         available for work in the U.S. has increased 30%, from 44.6 rigs in the
         third quarter of last year, to 58.1 rigs during the third quarter of
         this year. The increase is due to the additional FlexRigs(TM)*
         constructed by the Company over the past year, as well as four rigs
         moved from international locations to the U.S.


         *FlexRig(TM) hereinafter referred to as FlexRig.


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         Revenues and profitability were flat in the Company's U.S. offshore
         platform rig business, even though rig utilization for the Company's
         fleet fell to 81% during the quarter, compared to 89% in the previous
         quarter, and 100% in last year's third quarter. Performance for the
         quarter was helped by reduced operating costs and the commencement of
         work for the Company's new offshore platform Rigs 205 and 206.

         Operating profit for the Company's international operations fell to
         $3,547,000 for the third quarter, compared with $4,416,000 for the
         previous quarter, and $7,958,000 for last year's third quarter. Rig
         utilization averaged 48% for the current quarter, compared with 58% in
         the previous quarter, and 60% in last year's third quarter. Rig
         activity continued to be low in all Company international locations
         except in Ecuador where rig utilization averaged 86% for the quarter.
         Rig activity in Venezuela, where the Company operates 14 of its 33
         international rigs, averaged 38% for the quarter.

         As previously announced, the Company has begun construction of its
         third series of the H&P-designed FlexRig. The current series of rigs,
         named FlexRig3, is being assembled in the Company's construction
         facility in Houston. Two of the new FlexRig3s recently were deployed to
         the field to commence operations for customers. An additional 23 rigs
         are scheduled to be completed within the next 12-14 months. The next
         six FlexRig3s to be completed are already committed to specific
         customers for work. Rig utilization for all FlexRigs since 1998 have
         averaged over 95%. Upon the projected completion in late fiscal 2003 of
         the FlexRig3 project, it is estimated that the H&P land rig fleet in
         the U.S. will total 83 rigs, representing a 43% increase over the 58
         rigs available during the recent quarter.

         To help finance the FlexRig3 construction and future capital
         requirements, the Company is currently negotiating a $200,000,000
         intermediate term debt facility. This facility will provide for staged
         maturities from 5 to 12 years. The Company expects to finalize this
         facility in mid August 2002. To provide short-term financial
         flexibility, the Company recently sold a portion of its stock
         portfolio, generating $36,819,000 of gross proceeds, and also increased
         its revolving bank lines of credit to a total of $175,000,000. The
         Company currently has bank borrowings of $50,000,000 and its remaining
         stock portfolio has a market value of approximately $170,000,000.



                                       3




         Oil and Gas Division

         As announced on February 25, 2002, the Company and Key Production
         Company, Inc. (Key) have signed a definitive agreement that provides
         for Helmerich & Payne, Inc. to spin off its Oil and Gas Division to its
         shareholders and for the newly spun company to combine with Key. The
         combined company, named Cimarex Energy Co., will be a new publicly
         traded exploration and production company. The boards of directors of
         H&P and Key have each unanimously approved the contemplated
         transaction. The transaction will close after receipt of necessary Key
         shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the receipt of a
         favorable letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service. Closing will
         likely occur prior to the end of the Company's fiscal year (September
         30, 2002). Approval of the transaction by H&P's shareholders will not
         be required. Subject to a favorable IRS ruling, it is anticipated that
         the transaction will be tax free to H&P and will be tax deferred to the
         shareholders of H&P and Key. Application will be made for Cimarex
         shares to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

         During the third quarter, the Company's Oil and Gas Division recorded
         improved operating profit over the previous quarter of this year, but
         significantly lower than recorded for last year's third quarter.
         Operating profit for the current quarter was $8,540,000, compared with
         $3,985,000 during the previous quarter, and $24,083,000 during last
         year's third quarter. The average price received for the Company's
         natural gas production was $2.94 per mcf during the recent quarter,
         compared with $2.05 in the previous quarter, and $4.27 per mcf for last
         year's third quarter. Oil prices averaged $24.34 per barrel during the
         recent quarter, compared with $20.11 during the previous quarter, both
         down from the $26.12 per barrel received for Company oil production
         during last year's third quarter. Production volumes were flat in both
         natural gas and oil compared with the previous quarter, but were down
         in both categories compared with the third quarter of last year.
         Operating profit for this quarter improved over last quarter due
         primarily to the improvement in natural gas prices, even though dry
         hole, depreciation and depletion expenses were up over the previous
         quarter. Additionally, there was an impairment charge on producing
         properties for the quarter of $2,464,000.


                                       4



         Outlook

         Guidance for Helmerich & Payne, Inc.'s net income for fiscal year 2002
         remains the same as that announced previously. Net income for the year
         is anticipated to be in the range of $1.00 to $1.10 per share,
         exclusive of the $0.31 per share net income recorded for gains from the
         sale of equity securities. This year's earnings guidance assumes a full
         year of income from the Company's Oil and Gas Division.

         Company President and C.E.O., Hans Helmerich commented, "Although
         industry conditions remain soft at this point, we continue to be
         encouraged by the market's response to the planned spin/merge and the
         selection of Key Production Company as Cimarex's merger partner.
         Additionally, recent field performance data are confirming reasons why
         the H&P FlexRig is in high demand and underscores our enthusiasm for
         the FlexRig3 construction program."

         Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (HP/NYSE) is an energy-oriented company engaged
         in contract drilling and oil and gas exploration and production.
         Currently, H&P has 60 U.S. land rigs, 12 U.S. platform rigs located in
         the Gulf of Mexico, and 33 rigs located in South America. Of the 60
         U.S. land rigs currently available, 20 are the H&P-designed FlexRig.
         The Company is scheduled to complete the construction of an additional
         23 FlexRigs to be put in service over the next 12 to 14 months.

         Helmerich and Payne, Inc.'s conference call/web cast is scheduled for
         this afternoon at 3:30 EDT (2:30 CDT). To listen, go to
         http://www.firstcallevents.com/service/ajwz361263400gf12.html. Due to
         applicable SEC regulations, the Company has elected not to archive this
         conference call on its website.

         Forward-Looking Statements

         It should be noted that this announcement contains certain statements
         that may be deemed to be "forward-looking" statements within the
         meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
         Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
         forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements
         regarding the consummation of the proposed spin-off and merger, its
         effect on future earnings, cash flow or


                                        5



         other operating results, the expected closing date of the proposed
         spin-off and merger, any other effect or benefit of the proposed
         spin-off and merger, the tax treatment of the proposed spin-off and
         merger and the combined company, market prospects, and any other
         statements that are not historical facts. H&P and Key strongly
         encourage readers to note that some or all of the assumptions upon
         which such forward-looking statements are based are beyond their
         ability to control or estimate precisely, and may in some cases be
         subject to rapid and material changes. Such assumptions include, but
         are not limited to, costs and difficulties related to the integration
         of the businesses, costs, delays and other difficulties related to the
         proposed spin-off and merger, closing conditions not being satisfied,
         general market conditions prevailing in the exploration for and
         development and production of oil and gas (including inflation or lack
         of availability of goods and services, environmental risks, drilling
         risks and regulatory changes), operating hazards and delays, actions by
         customers and other third parties, the future price of oil and gas, and
         other factors detailed in H&P's filings with the Securities and
         Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available free of charge on
         the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or
         uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove
         incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. H&P
         and Key undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
         statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
         otherwise.

         Additional Information

         In connection with the proposed spin-off and merger, Key and Cimarex
         filed with the SEC on May 9, 2002, a Registration Statement No.
         333-87948 on Form S-4. Investors and security holders are urged to
         carefully read the Registration Statement regarding the proposed
         transaction because it contains important information. Investors and
         security holders may obtain a free copy of the Registration Statement
         and other documents containing information about Key and H&P's oil and
         gas division, without charge, at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
         Copies of the Registration Statement and the SEC filings incorporated
         by reference therein may also be obtained for free by directing a
         request to either: Key Production Company, Inc., 707 Seventeenth
         Street, Suite 3300, Denver, Colorado 80202, Attention: Sharon M. Pope,
         Assistant Corporate Secretary; telephone 303-295-3995, fax:
         303-295-3494, or Helmerich & Payne, Inc, Utica at Twenty-First Street,
         Tulsa, Oklahoma



                                       6




         74114, Attention: Steven R. Mackey, Corporate Secretary; telephone
         918-742-5531, fax 918-743-2671.

         Participants in Solicitation

         H&P and Cimarex and their respective directors and executive officers
         may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from
         Key's shareholders in connection with the proposed merger. Hans
         Helmerich, Douglas E. Fears and Steven R. Mackey are currently
         directors of Cimarex, and each of them and Steven R. Shaw are currently
         officers of Cimarex (the "Cimarex Participants"). None of the Cimarex
         Participants beneficially owns any shares of Cimarex common stock. The
         Cimarex Participants are all executive officers of H&P. Information
         concerning H&P's participants in the solicitation is set forth in H&P's
         proxy statement dated January 25, 2002, which is filed with the SEC.
         Key's shareholders may obtain additional information about the
         interests of all such participants in the proposed merger by reading
         Registration Statement No. 333-87948 on Form S-4 which was filed with
         the SEC on May 9, 2002. Investors should read the Registration
         Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions."



                                       7




                             HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
                                    Unaudited
                      (in thousands, except per share data)



                                                              06/30/02          09/30/01
                                                          ---------------   ---------------
                                                                      
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
ASSETS:
 Total current assets                                     $       216,694   $       331,412
 Investments                                                      167,356           200,286
 Net property, plant, and equipment                               978,414           818,404
 Other assets                                                      12,796            14,405
                                                          ---------------   ---------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                              $     1,375,260   $     1,364,507
                                                          ===============   ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Total current liabilities                                $        83,953   $       121,221
 Total noncurrent liabilities                                     179,840           166,809
 Long-term debt                                                    50,000            50,000
 Total Shareholders' Equity                                     1,061,467         1,026,477
                                                          ---------------   ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                $     1,375,260   $     1,364,507
                                                          ===============   ===============





                                                             Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended
                                                                  June 30                            June 30
                                                          2002              2001              2002             2001
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
                                                                                              
Consolidated Statements of Income
REVENUES:
 Sales and other operating revenues                  $      159,912    $      212,573    $      486,668   $      621,138
 Income from investments                                     25,555             4,649            28,522           10,203
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
                                                            185,467           217,222           515,190          631,341
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
COST AND EXPENSES:
 Operating costs                                             91,464           111,120           290,714          312,242
 Depreciation, depletion and amortization                    25,728            21,341            74,614           62,103
 Dry holes and abandonments                                   5,628             6,878            15,751           25,626
 Taxes, other than income taxes                              10,389            10,276            28,502           31,210
 General and administrative                                   4,127             3,449            14,053           11,662
 Interest                                                      (684)           (1,626)               32             (951)
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
                                                            136,652           151,438           423,666          441,892
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY
IN INCOME OF AFFILIATES                                      48,815            65,784            91,524          189,449

INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                           21,259            25,679            39,354           74,832
EQUITY IN INCOME OF AFFILIATES,
 net of income taxes                                            662               332             2,524            1,409
                                                     --------------    --------------    --------------   --------------
NET INCOME                                           $       28,218    $       40,437    $       54,694   $      116,026
                                                     ==============    ==============    ==============   ==============
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 Basic                                               $         0.57    $         0.80    $         1.10   $         2.31
 Diluted                                             $         0.56    $         0.79    $         1.09   $         2.28
Average common shares outstanding:
 Basic                                                       49,855            50,467            49,793           50,159
 Diluted                                                     50,574            51,256            50,306           50,941



                                       8



                             HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
                                    Unaudited
                                 (in thousands)



                                                       Three Months Ended                  Nine Months Ended
                                                            June 30                            June 30
                                                     2002              2001              2002            2001
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
                                                                                        
Financial Results - Lines of Business

SALES AND OTHER REVENUES:

    Contract Drilling - Domestic                $       80,586    $       93,316   $      251,379   $      228,769
    Contract Drilling - International                   31,380            40,527          109,643          114,346
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
        Total Contract Drilling                        111,966           133,843          361,022          343,115
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
    Exploration and Production                          32,538            52,337           80,385          184,900
    Natural Gas Marketing                               13,193            23,508           38,995           83,661
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
        Total Oil and Gas                               45,731            75,845          119,380          268,561
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
    Real Estate                                          2,189             2,250            6,649            8,826
    Other                                               25,581             5,284           28,139           10,839
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
        Total Revenues                          $      185,467    $      217,222   $      515,190   $      631,341
                                                ==============    ==============   ==============   ==============
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS):

    Contract Drilling - Domestic                $       14,360    $       30,305   $       55,709   $       67,995
    Contract Drilling - International                    3,547             7,958           11,840           19,311
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
        Total Contract Drilling                         17,907            38,263           67,549           87,306
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
 Exploration and Production                              8,649            23,932            7,696           95,047
    Natural Gas Marketing                                 (109)              151            1,330            4,817
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
         Total Oil and Gas                               8,540            24,083            9,026           99,864
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
    Real Estate                                          1,340             1,008            4,073            5,312
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
        Total Operating Profit                          27,787            63,354           80,648          192,482
                                                --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------

OTHER                                                   21,028             2,430           10,876           (3,033)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND                  --------------    --------------   --------------   --------------
EQUITY IN INCOME OF AFFILIATES:                 $       48,815    $       65,784   $       91,524   $      189,449
                                                ==============    ==============   ==============   ==============
Average Production and Prices

  Production
    Oil - Barrels Per Day                                2,044             2,224            2,052            2,303
    Natural Gas - Mcf Per Day                          103,511           117,782          105,450          117,500
  Sales Prices
    Oil - $ Per Barrel                          $        24.34    $        26.12   $        21.33   $        28.65
    Natural Gas - $ Per Mcf                     $         2.94    $         4.27   $         2.34   $         5.16




                                       9




                                   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, thereunto duly authorized.


                                    HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
                                          (Registrant)



                                    By: /s/ STEVEN R. MACKEY
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Steven R. Mackey
                                       Title: Vice President



Dated: July 24, 2002



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