<PAGE>   1
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K/A
(MARK ONE)

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

                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                       OR

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

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-12430

                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                                     95-3899675
    (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)

         10205 WESTHEIMER ROAD
             HOUSTON, TEXAS                                  77042-3115
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (713) 972-4000

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
              TITLE OF EACH CLASS                          WHICH REGISTERED
              -------------------                      ------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
      Common Stock, par value $1 per share              New York Stock Exchange
                                                        Pacific Stock Exchange
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating        New York Stock Exchange
                Preferred Stock                         Pacific Stock Exchange
</TABLE>

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

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No
                                              ---     ---

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

     On February 25, 1998, the aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting
stock held by non-affiliates was $3.9 billion.

     On February 25, 1998, there were 54,692,709 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.

     The information required by Part III of this report is incorporated by
reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120
days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

================================================================================

<PAGE>   2


Western Atlas Inc. hereby amends and restates the following sections of its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 to disclose the
March 8, 1998 agreements (i) to acquire Wedge Dia-Log, Inc. and (ii) to tender
for the outstanding stock of 3-D Geophysical, Inc.:

         Part I, Item 1., Business

         Part II, Item 7., Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations

         Part IV, Item 14.(a)(1), Consolidated Financial Statements

         Part IV, Item 14.C-23, Independent Auditors' Consent

In order to facilitate the efficient review of this report, as amended, all
other Items included in the original Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997 are filed herewith.
<PAGE>   3





                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.

                             INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT
                                 ON FORM 10-K/A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           Page
                                                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors.........................................................        1

PART I

Item 1:       Business...............................................................................        5
Item 2:       Properties.............................................................................        8
Item 3:       Legal Proceedings......................................................................        8
Item 4:       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....................................        8

PART II

Item 5:       Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters..............        9
Item 6:       Selected Financial Data................................................................       10
Item 7:       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
              Operations.............................................................................       11
Item 7A:      Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosures...................................       15
Item 8:       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................................       16
Item 9:       Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
              Disclosure.............................................................................       16

PART III

Item 10:      Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.....................................       17
Item 11:      Executive Compensation.................................................................       17
Item 12:      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.........................       17
Item 13:      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.........................................       17

PART IV

Item 14:      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.......................       18

Signatures    .......................................................................................       21
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   4



                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.

                         1997 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

                  FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND RISK FACTORS

This report of Western Atlas Inc. (the "Company" or "WAI") may include
forward-looking statements, including statements in "Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Item
1. Business," "Item 2. Properties," "Item 3. Legal Proceedings," and "Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosures," regarding estimated
future net revenue; planned capital expenditures (including the amount and
nature thereof); the Company's financial position, results of operations, and
cash flows; business strategy; and other plans and objectives for future
operations. Such statements are 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. When used in this report, words
such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," and
similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify
forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations
reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no
assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the Company
will be realized, or even if substantially realized, that they will have the
expected effects on its business or operations. Actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result
of certain factors, including but not limited to dependence upon oil and gas
industry spending, worldwide prices and demand for oil and gas, the presence of
competitors with greater financial and other resources, technological changes
and developments, operating risks inherent in the oilfield services industry,
operating risks related to oil and gas exploration and production activities,
regulatory uncertainties, worldwide political stability and economic conditions,
operating risks associated with international activity, and other factors set
forth among the risk factors noted below or in the description of the Company's
business in Item 1 of this report. All subsequent oral and written
forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its
behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company
assumes no obligation to update any of these statements.

INDUSTRY CONDITIONS

Demand for the Company's services depends largely upon the level of spending by
oil and gas companies for exploration, production, development, and field
management activities. These activities depend in part on current and expected
oil and gas prices, the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and
gas, the sale and expiration dates of leases and concessions for worldwide oil
and gas exploration, the discovery rate of new oil and gas reservoirs, domestic
and international political, regulatory, and economic conditions, and the
ability of oil and gas companies to obtain capital. In addition, a decrease in
oil and gas expenditures could result from such factors as unfavorable tax and
other legislation or uncertainty concerning national energy policies. Prices for
oil and gas are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor
changes in the supply of and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty,
political conditions in the Middle East and other oil and gas producing regions
of the world, the foreign supply of oil and gas, and overall economic
conditions. Beginning in 1981, a sharp decline in oil and gas prices led to a
worldwide reduction in oil and gas activities. This decline resulted in a
significant reduction in the overall demand for oilfield services. Although
demand for oilfield services has increased over the past few years, no assurance
can be given that current levels of oil and gas activities will be maintained or
that demand for the Company's services will reflect the level of such
activities. Decreases in oil and gas activities could adversely affect the
demand for the Company's services and the Company's results of operations. Any
significant decline in oil and gas prices such as occurred in the 1980s could
cause the Company to alter its capital spending plans and adversely affect its
ability to maintain its competitive position. In late 1997, worldwide oil prices
declined approximately 20% from earlier levels. Thus far, the Company believes
that this decline has not had an adverse impact on its business. In the event,
however, that oil prices decline further or current pricing conditions continue
for an extended period of time, such events could have a material adverse impact
on the Company's revenue and profit.

RISKS INHERENT IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Over two-thirds of the Company's revenue in 1997 and 1996 was derived from
operations outside the United States. As a result, the Company is subject to
certain risks inherent in doing business internationally. In addition to
unpredictable operating risks, such risks include the possibility of unfavorable
changes in tax or other laws, partial or total expropriation, the disruption of
operations from labor and political disturbances, trade embargoes or sanctions,
insurrection or war, the effect of partial local ownership requirements in
certain countries, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and restrictions on


<PAGE>   5

currency repatriation. Further, the ability of the Company to compete in
international markets may be adversely affected by import duties and fees,
foreign taxes, foreign governmental regulations that favor or require the
awarding of contracts to local contractors, or regulations requiring foreign
contractors to employ citizens of or purchase supplies from a particular
jurisdiction. In addition, United States law imposes a variety of trade
sanctions restricting the Company's ability to conduct business in restricted
countries. Discussions have occurred and may continue in the United States
Congress and Administration concerning further trade sanctions in markets that
may adversely impact the Company in the future.

To minimize currency risks, the Company generally denominates its contracts in
U.S. dollars or other currencies that it believes to be stable. When the
Company's operations require it to denominate contracts in currencies other than
such currencies, the Company attempts to structure such foreign
currency-denominated contracts so that foreign receipts do not exceed planned
in-country expenditures of performing such contracts. While the Company employs
certain policies intended to reduce the risk associated with exchange rate
fluctuations, there can be no assurance that such policies will be effective or
that fluctuations in the value of non-U.S. currencies will not materially affect
the Company's operating results in the future.

The Company also obtains insurance against war, expropriation, confiscation, and
nationalization when such insurance is available and when management considers
it advisable. Such coverage is not always available, and when available, is
sometimes subject to unilateral cancellation by the insuring companies on short
notice. In addition, the Company's international operations may be in part
dependent upon the projects of foreign government-owned oil and gas companies.
Significant changes in the policies of such foreign governments could reduce the
expenditures of such companies on these projects and result in an unfavorable
impact on the operating results of the Company.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS

The Company's operations are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and
local laws, and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to the
protection of human health and the environment. Violation of these laws and
regulations may result in civil and even criminal penalties. Currently, the
Company is required to invest financial and managerial resources to comply with
such laws, regulations, and related permit requirements in its operations and
anticipates that it will continue to do so in the future. The Company's seismic
data acquisition contracts typically require customers to obtain all necessary
permits. Conversely, the acquisition of multiclient seismic data may require the
Company to obtain required permits. Failure to obtain required permits in a
timely manner may result in crew downtime and operating losses. Although the
Company's cost of complying with governmental laws and regulations, including
environmental laws and regulations, has not been significant to date, there can
be no assurance that environmental or other laws and regulations will not change
in the future or that the Company will not incur significant costs related to
its compliance with such laws and regulations in the future performance of its
operations. The modification of existing laws or regulations or the adoption of
new laws or regulations curtailing oil and gas exploration or imposing more
stringent restrictions on seismic data acquisition operations could adversely
affect the Company.

UNCERTAINTY OF PROTECTION OF PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS, COPYRIGHTS, AND
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

         The Company relies on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks,
service marks, trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements, and
licensing arrangements (collectively referred to as "intellectual property") to
establish and protect its proprietary rights. The Company's success will depend,
in part, on its ability to maintain and preserve its intellectual property and
to operate without infringing the intellectual property of third parties.
Despite the Company's efforts to safeguard and maintain these proprietary
rights, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or that
the Company's competitors will not independently develop technologies that are
substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's technologies. In addition,
the Company could incur substantial costs in defending against suits brought
against it by others for infringement of intellectual property rights or in
prosecuting suits that the Company might bring against other parties to protect
its intellectual property rights.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE, CASH FLOW, AND ACQUISITIONS

As of December 31, 1997, the Company's consolidated indebtedness totaled
approximately $808 million and constituted approximately 48% of its total
capital. As demand grows for the Company's services, it is generally required to
spend significant amounts of capital for (i) research and technology; (ii)
property, plant and equipment; (iii) exploration and production related
expenditures; and (iv) acquisitions of multiclient seismic data. Management
expects that these expenditures will exceed the Company's cash flow from
operations through 1999. During this period, the Company


                                       2

<PAGE>   6


expects to fund these capital needs from internal cash flows, additional
borrowings, and, possibly, through sales of debt and/or equity securities.

One of the Company's strategies is to grow externally by acquiring businesses
that (i) add new technologies and capabilities to its core businesses, (ii)
improve its presence in selected markets, (iii) complement its existing
businesses and (iv) allow the Company to enhance its participation in the
emerging life-of-field reservoir management opportunities. To the extent that
the Company is successful in this regard, it may be required to raise
substantial funds to finance such acquisitions. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to obtain any such financing or that, if available,
such financing will be on terms acceptable to the Company. Depending upon the
circumstances of particular acquisitions, the Company may fund any such
acquisitions through the issuance of common stock or other equity securities,
or, to the extent permitted by the Company's debt covenants, with additional
borrowed funds. There can be no assurance that attractive acquisitions will be
available to the Company at reasonable prices or that the Company will
successfully integrate the operations and assets of any acquired business with
its own or that the Company's management will be able to manage effectively the
increased size of the Company or operate a new line of business. Any inability
on the part of the Company to integrate and manage acquired businesses could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and
financial condition. Acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuances
of equity securities, reduced operating margins, increased interest expense, or
increased financial leverage, any of which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's operating results.

CAPITAL INTENSIVE BUSINESS; RISK OF TECHNOLOGICAL OBSOLESCENCE

The Company's business is capital intensive. The development of seismic data
acquisition and logging equipment has been characterized by rapid technological
advancements in recent years. The Company expects this trend to continue. There
can be no assurance that manufacturers of seismic data acquisition equipment and
the Company's competitors, who, like the Company, manufacture their own logging
equipment, will not develop new systems that have competitive advantages over
systems now in use that either render the Company's current equipment obsolete
or require the Company to make significant capital expenditures to maintain its
competitive position. The Company intends to maintain and periodically upgrade
its equipment and other revenue-producing assets to maintain its competitive
position. If the Company is unable to access the capital necessary to meet the
aforementioned needs, it may have a material adverse effect upon the Company's
competitive position.

In addition, some of the Company's data processing or technological techniques
or procedures could be rendered obsolete by developments of a competitor which
could require the Company to make substantial research, technology, and software
expenditures to maintain its competitive position.

The Company's ability to compete is highly dependent upon, among other things,
its ability to provide products and services of a competitive quality.
Historically, significant technological changes have occurred in the Company's
businesses and the Company is dependent on its ability to keep pace with changes
and improvements in applicable technology. To the extent that the Company's
competitors develop new technology which is not available to the Company, the
Company's competitive position could be adversely affected.

INVESTMENT IN MULTICLIENT SEISMIC DATA

The Company has invested significant amounts in acquiring and processing
multiclient seismic data that is owned by the Company, and it expects to
continue doing so for the foreseeable future. Although the Company normally
obtains prefunding commitments for a portion of the cost of acquiring and
processing such surveys, future data licensing to multiple customers may not
fully recoup the Company's costs. Factors affecting the Company's ability to
recoup its costs include possible reduction in customer demand for multiclient
seismic data, and technological, regulatory, and other industry or general
economic developments, any of which could render all or portions of the
Company's library of multiclient seismic data obsolete or otherwise impair its
value. In addition, the timing of multiclient seismic data licensing typically
varies significantly from period to period compared to revenue from surveys
performed on an exclusive contract basis for a single customer.

COMPETITION

The Company operates in the highly competitive oilfield services industry. The
Company believes that it has three major competitors for its Western Geophysical
division and two major competitors for its Western Atlas Logging Services
division. Competitive factors include price, experience, availability,
technological expertise, performance, and reputation



                                       3

<PAGE>   7

for dependability. Certain of the Company's major competitors have substantially
greater revenue than the Company or are subsidiaries or divisions of major
industrial enterprises having far greater financial and other resources than the
Company. Such resources may enable these competitors to maintain technological
and certain other advantages relating to costs that may provide them with an
advantage over the Company in bidding for contracts. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to compete successfully against competitors for
contracts to conduct its services. The Company also competes to attract and
retain qualified personnel in the oilfield services industry. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract or retain the qualified
personnel that it needs to conduct its services.

OPERATING RISKS; INSURANCE; HIGH FIXED COSTS

The Company's activities often involve operating under extreme environmental and
other hazardous conditions, and require that the Company establish its own
operational infrastructure in certain developing areas of the world. In
addition, certain of the Company's operations are subject to all of the
operating risks normally associated with the exploration and production of oil
and gas, including blowouts, cratering, and fire. Accordingly, the Company's
operations are subject to risks of loss to property and injury to persons due to
such conditions. Although the Company carries insurance against these risks in
amounts that it considers adequate, the Company may not be able to obtain
insurance against all risks in its business or for certain equipment located
from time to time in certain areas of the world. The occurrence of a single
significant event or a series of smaller, but still significant, events, for
which the Company is not fully insured, could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial position. Because of the high fixed costs involved in
the major components of the Company's business, downtime due to reduced demand,
weather interruptions, equipment failures, hazardous conditions, or other causes
can result in significant operating losses.

CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

As of December 31, 1997, approximately 69% of the Company's Common Stock was
owned by ten shareholders of record. Of these shareholders, Unitrin, Inc. held
23.2% of the Company's then outstanding Common Stock. Sales or attempted sales
of the Common Stock held by one or more of these entities could adversely affect
the value of the Company's equity securities.

DIVIDEND POLICY

The Company does not expect to pay dividends in the near future. The Company
expects to retain any earnings to finance the operations and expansion of the
Company's business. The dividend policy of the Company may be reviewed from time
to time and is set by the Company's board of directors at its sole discretion.
The payment of future dividends, if any, depends on the Company's operating
results, financial requirements and other factors deemed relevant from time to
time at the sole discretion of the Company's board of directors.

ANTITAKEOVER MATTERS

The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws, and Share Purchase
Rights Plan and Delaware law include a number of provisions that may have the
effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in the control or
management of the Company or encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender
offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with the Company's
board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. The
foregoing provisions may deter any potential unsolicited or unfriendly offers or
other efforts to obtain control of the Company and could deprive shareholders of
opportunities to realize a premium on their Common Stock.



                                       4

<PAGE>   8



                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION

Western Atlas Inc. (the "Company" or "WAI") is a leading supplier of oilfield
services and reservoir information technologies for the worldwide oil and gas
industry. It operates primarily through three divisions: Western Geophysical,
Western Atlas Logging Services, and E&P Services. The Company specializes in
land, marine and transition-zone seismic data acquisition and processing
services; well-logging and completion services; and reservoir characterization
and project management services. The Company's revenues have grown from
approximately $1.3 billion in 1995 to approximately $1.7 billion in 1997, an
increase of 29%. During this period, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, depletion, and amortization ("EBITDA") grew from approximately
$408 million to approximately $570 million, an increase of 39%. For the year
ended December 31, 1997, the Company's international activity generated revenue
and operating profit of $1,129 million and $119 million, respectively. Domestic
activity produced revenue and operating profit of $529 million and $82 million,
respectively. See Note L of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
financial information by geographic area.

The Company, through its predecessors, has provided services to the oil and gas
industry since 1932 and was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Litton Industries, Inc. ("Litton") in 1984. Later, the Company
became a publicly-traded company in March 1994, concurrent with the distribution
of its common stock, $1.00 par value (the "Common Stock"), to the shareholders
of Litton in a tax-free spin-off. On October 31, 1997, WAI distributed all of
the shares of UNOVA, Inc. ("UNOVA"), its then wholly-owned industrial automation
systems subsidiary, as a stock dividend to the Company's shareholders of record
on October 24, 1997, in a transaction structured as a tax-free spin-off (the
"Spin-off"). As a result of the Spin-off, UNOVA became an independent
publicly-traded company. See Notes B and K of Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

The Company's strategy is to maximize shareholder value by providing value-added
solutions for its customers, maintaining operational excellence, and pursuing
internal and external growth. The Company's reservoir information solutions
enable customers to more quickly locate hydrocarbons, mitigate exploration,
development, and production risks, and maximize returns. Western Atlas intends
to maintain and enhance its significant market positions in its core businesses
by continuing to invest substantial amounts of intellectual and financial
capital into new services, products, and technologies. In addition, the Company
strives to maintain the high standards of safety and environmental compliance
applicable to the Company's operations.

During 1997, the Company consummated four business acquisitions with respect to
the industrial automation systems operations that were spun off with UNOVA and
five acquisitions with respect to the Company's oilfield services business.
Information related to business acquisitions, investments, and dispositions is
set forth below in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and in Note C of Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

The following information regarding the Company's business should be read in
conjunction with the information provided above under "Forward-Looking
Information and Risk Factors."

WESTERN GEOPHYSICAL

Western Geophysical ("WG") provides seismic data acquisition and processing
services to help evaluate the oil and gas producing potential of the earth's
sedimentary basins and locate productive zones. Seismic information reduces
field development and production costs by reducing turnaround time, lowering
drilling risks, and minimizing the number of wells necessary to explore and
develop reservoirs.

In October 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of and merged GeoSignal, Inc., a seismic data processing company, and
Seismic Resources, Inc., a provider of multiclient seismic data, into the
Company in exchange for shares of Common Stock of the Company.



                                       5
<PAGE>   9

WESTERN ATLAS LOGGING SERVICES

Western Atlas Logging Services ("WALS") provides a broad range of downhole
petrophysical and geophysical acquisition, processing, and analysis services to
measure rock and fluid properties of subsurface formations. New-generation
high-resolution logging instruments, coupled with faster data transmission
techniques, have provided for the transfer of larger amounts of data from the
borehole to the surface in less time. These new-generation tools, used in
combination with other logging instruments and sensors to obtain simultaneous
multiple measurements, have resulted in more accurate reservoir evaluation while
reducing logging turnaround time, and consequently lowering drilling costs and
risks.

In May 1997, the Company acquired Sungroup Energy Services Company, a Canadian
well-logging, production testing, and completion services provider.
Additionally, in December 1997, the Company acquired Heartland Kingfisher Inc.,
a Canadian well-logging company. ParaMagnetic Logging, Inc., a well-logging
research company, was acquired in October 1997 in exchange for shares of Common
Stock of the Company. These acquisitions are expected to provide growth
opportunities for the Company in the cased-hole logging and perforating markets.

E&P SERVICES

E&P Services ("E&PS") seeks clients and partners for oil and gas exploration and
production opportunities who will value the subsurface information technologies
which E&PS possesses to exploit the full potential of hydrocarbon bearing
properties. E&PS is organized into multidisciplinary project teams of
geophysicists, geologists, and reservoir engineers that offer a wide range of
experience in exploration and production techniques, including integrated
geoscience subsurface analysis, reservoir characterization, economic and risk
analysis, drilling recommendations, and project management and implementation.
E&PS was started in 1995 as a provider of value-added consulting services to
clients, typically on a fee basis. Thereafter, the division has continued
providing services to clients on a fee basis and is investing financial and
intellectual capital into client projects on a shared-risk and/or partnered
basis.

MARKET AND CUSTOMERS

The market for the Company's products and services is the worldwide oil and gas
industry. The Company has hundreds of customers consisting primarily of oil and
gas exploration and production companies, including large integrated oil and gas
entities, smaller independent companies, and government organizations. The
customer base is diversified with no single customer representing greater than
ten percent of the Company's revenue. The Company's top five customers
constitute approximately 21% of the Company's revenue.

Demand for the Company's services depends upon the level of spending by oil and
gas companies for exploration, production, development, and field management
activities. These activities depend in part on current and expected oil and gas
prices, the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas, the
sale and expiration dates of leases and concessions for oil and gas exploration,
the discovery rate of new oil and gas reservoirs, domestic and international
political, regulatory and economic conditions, and the ability of oil and gas
companies to obtain capital. In addition, a decrease in oil and gas expenditures
could result from such factors as unfavorable tax and other legislation or
uncertainty concerning national energy policies. Prices for oil and gas are
subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the
supply of and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty, political conditions
in the Middle East and other oil producing regions of the world, the foreign
supply of oil and gas, and overall economic conditions. A further decline in oil
and gas prices or the continuation of current pricing conditions for an extended
period of time could cause the Company's customers to alter their spending plans
and result in a significant reduction in the demand for the Company's services.
See "Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors" above.

COMPETITION

Competition in the seismic services market ranges from a few larger companies
with a broad spectrum of services, to smaller companies targeting narrow market
segments. Major competitors to WG in the seismic market are: Geco-Prakla (a
division of Schlumberger Limited), Compagnie Generale de Geophysique, and
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA. The Company believes WG is the largest participant
in this market, measured by revenue. In addition, there are numerous smaller
competitors. Competition in the oilfield logging services market ranges from a
few larger companies with a broad spectrum of services, to numerous smaller
companies targeting narrow market segments. The Company's largest competitors in
this market include Schlumberger Limited and Halliburton Company. The Company
believes WALS has the second largest revenue share of this market. The Company
believes seismic and logging projects are won primarily on the basis of price,
technology, quality, service, turnaround time, and availability of personnel and
equipment.



                                       6
<PAGE>   10

METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION

The Company principally markets its products and services directly to its
customers on a global basis.

RAW MATERIALS

WALS' manufacturing operations design, develop, and manufacture most of the
proprietary tools and instruments used by WALS to provide its services. A wide
variety of raw materials are used in the manufacture of these products which are
obtained from a variety of suppliers. No single supplier provides ten percent or
more of the Company's raw materials. The Company believes that it could make
satisfactory alternative arrangements in the event of interruption in the supply
of such materials.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Company owns significant intellectual property relating to its products and
services that have been secured over a period of years. This intellectual
property has been of value in the growth of the Company's business and is
expected to be of value in the future. However, the Company's business generally
is not dependent upon the protection of any single item or small number of items
of intellectual property and would not be materially affected by the expiration
or termination of any single item or small number of items of intellectual
property.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Direct expenditures on research and technology ("R&D") activities amounted to
$59.2 million, $54.8 million, and $59.8 million in the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

SEASONALITY AND BACKLOGS

Although the Company's operations in any particular geographic area may be
affected by seasonal factors, the global nature of its operations tends to
reduce overall seasonal effects. Because the Company's revenue is predominantly
service related, the Company does not consider backlog to be a significant
measure of future sales.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the amounts incurred in
compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to environmental standards did
not have a material effect upon the Company's cash flows or earnings.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 10,600 full-time
employees, including approximately 6,000 with WG, approximately 4,200 with WALS,
and approximately 100 with E&PS.

RECENT EVENTS

On March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the stock of
Wedge Dia-Log, Inc. ("Wedge Dia-Log"), for approximately $218 million in cash.
Wedge Dia-Log is a wireline company specializing in cased-hole and pipe recovery
services.

In addition, on March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
the stock of 3-D Geophysical, Inc., a supplier of primarily land-based seismic
data acquisition services, in an all cash tender offer for $9.65 per share, for
an aggregate of $115 million if all shares are tendered.



                                       7

<PAGE>   11



ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company owns or leases real property, including manufacturing facilities,
administrative offices and research and development facilities, which cover
approximately 751 acres of land and approximately 4,525,000 square feet of
buildings, consisting of (i) 641 acres and 2,759,000 square feet located in the
United States, and (ii) 110 acres and 1,766,000 square feet located primarily in
Canada and the United Kingdom. The Company owns its administrative headquarters
located in Houston, Texas.

The Company owns eight superseismic vessels each having a significant unit
value. In addition, the Company owns or leases other property, including
vessels, trucks, heavy machinery, other vehicles, seismic equipment, logging
units, logging tools, data processing equipment, and oil and gas properties.

With respect to leased property, no significant lease is scheduled to terminate
in the near future and the Company believes comparable properties are readily
available should any lease expire without renewal. The Company believes that all
of its properties are generally well maintained and adequate for their intended
use.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits
arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the results of
litigation proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of
the Company's General Counsel that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the year
ended December 31, 1997.



                                       8

<PAGE>   12



                                     PART II

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

The Common Stock of the Company is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and The
Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "WAI." At February 25, 1998, there were
approximately 21,200 shareholders of record of the Company's Common Stock.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low
sales prices per share for the Company's Common Stock on the NYSE composite
tape, adjusted to reflect the Spin-off.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           COMMON STOCK
                                                           PRICE RANGE
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                      HIGH              LOW
         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997             ------------     -------------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>        
            First Quarter                         $   58 63/64     $    45 7/8
            Second Quarter                            57 45/64          45 3/32
            Third Quarter                             71 51/64          56 43/64
            Fourth Quarter                            81 1/2            63 7/8

         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
            First Quarter                         $   48 33/64     $    39 1/32
            Second Quarter                            51 1/4            43 17/32
            Third Quarter                             49 7/8            42 1/4
            Fourth Quarter                            57 7/32           48 33/64
</TABLE>

The Company has not paid any cash dividends to its shareholders. The Company
expects that, for the foreseeable future, any earnings will be retained for the
development of the Company's business and, accordingly, no cash dividends are
expected to be declared on the Common Stock. At December 31, 1997, 54,587,518
shares of Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock were issued and
outstanding. In October 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares
of common stock of GeoSignal, Inc. and Seismic Resources, Inc. from their
respective common shareholders in exchange for a total of 255,394 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, and all of the assets of Paramagnetic Logging, Inc. in
exchange for a total of 56,682 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Company
relied upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in order to
issue such shares of Common Stock. See "Item 1. Business" and Note C of Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.



                                       9

<PAGE>   13




ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       FIVE MONTHS
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         ENDED         YEAR ENDED
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------   DECEMBER 31,      JULY 31,
                                           1997            1996            1995            1994          1993 (a)        1993 (a)
                                        ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                        (in millions, except per share and employee data)
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>       
Operating results:
  Revenue                               $  1,658.2      $  1,418.1      $  1,282.9      $  1,194.5      $    495.2      $  1,161.7
                                        ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Earnings (loss) from continuing
    operations                          $     91.8      $     69.9      $     61.4      $     39.7      $   (190.6)     $     40.8
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued
    operations (b)                          (154.9)           55.8            38.4            38.0             7.3            33.1
                                        ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Earnings (loss) before cumulative
    effect of a change in accounting
    principle                                (63.1)          125.7            99.8            77.7          (183.3)           73.9
  Cumulative effect of a change in
    accounting principle (c)                    --              --              --              --              --            (1.1)
                                        ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Net earnings (loss)                   $    (63.1)     $    125.7      $     99.8      $     77.7      $   (183.3)     $     72.8
                                        ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

Common share data - diluted (d):
  Earnings (loss) per share from
    continuing operations               $     1.65      $     1.29      $     1.14      $      .82      $    (4.18)     $      .87
  Earnings (loss) per share from
    discontinued operations (b)              (2.78)           1.03             .72             .78             .16             .70
                                        ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Earnings (loss) per share before
    cumulative effect of a change in
    accounting principle                     (1.13)           2.32            1.86            1.60           (4.02)           1.57
  Cumulative effect of a change in
    accounting principle (c)                    --              --              --              --              --            (.02)
                                        ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Total                                 $    (1.13)     $     2.32      $     1.86      $     1.60      $    (4.02)     $     1.55
                                        ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

    Shares used to compute earnings
      (loss) per share (d)                    55.6            54.3            53.8            48.5            45.6            47.0

Financial position at period end:
  Total assets                          $  2,330.7      $  2,499.2      $  2,268.6      $  2,141.6      $  2,007.5      $  1,756.7
  Long-term debt                        $    701.5      $    450.6      $    496.9      $    490.0      $    694.4      $    172.4
  Working capital                       $    114.2      $    775.0      $    827.5      $    729.0      $    752.4      $    714.7
  Current ratio                                1.2             2.9             3.8             3.3             3.5             5.1

Other selected information:
  EBITDA (e)                            $    569.6      $    456.7      $    408.5      $    341.3      $     86.7      $    313.0
  Research and technology
    expenditures                        $     59.2      $     54.8      $     59.8      $     59.1      $     28.2      $     61.7
  Depreciation, depletion, and
    amortization (f)                    $    368.9      $    309.2      $    273.6      $    232.6      $     87.7      $    185.2
  Capital expenditures                  $    430.0      $    279.6      $    171.1      $    146.7      $    111.8      $    130.2
  Cost of multiclient seismic
    data acquired                       $    275.1      $    195.9      $    152.3      $    114.2      $     38.3      $     27.0
  Number of employees at period end (g)     10,600           9,100           8,500           8,900           7,800           8,800
</TABLE>


Footnotes

(a)  WAI became a publicly-traded company in March 1994, concurrent with the
     distribution of its Common Stock to the shareholders of Litton. The
     Company's fiscal year-end was changed from July 31 to December 31 in 1993.
     Interest expense, income taxes, and certain general and administrative
     corporate costs incurred by Litton were allocated to the Company for
     periods presented prior to January 1, 1994.


(Notes continued on following page )



                                       10
<PAGE>   14

(b)  On October 31, 1997, the shares of common stock of UNOVA were distributed
     to the Company's shareholders. UNOVA's operations through October 31, 1997
     are reported in the Company's financial statements as discontinued
     operations. Accordingly, the accounts of UNOVA's operations were
     reclassified as earnings from discontinued operations. Corporate general
     and administrative costs of the Company were not allocated to UNOVA for any
     of the periods presented. Management estimates, however, that approximately
     85% of corporate general and administrative costs attributable to the
     periods presented were attributable to UNOVA. Furthermore, Spin-off-related
     costs of $8.35 million were charged to continuing operations during the
     second quarter of 1997.
(c)  The provisions of SFAS No. 106, Employer's Accounting for Postretirement
     Benefits Other Than Pensions, were adopted in fiscal year 1993. Immediate
     recognition of the transition liability was elected. All amounts pertain to
     continuing operations.
(d)  The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to 1994 was based on
     the weighted-average number of shares of Litton common stock outstanding
     for fiscal 1993.
(e)  "EBITDA" means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion,
     amortization, and non-recurring items and should not be considered as an
     alternative to net income or any other generally accepted accounting
     principles measure of performance as an indicator of the Company's
     operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. The Company believes
     EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to
     service debt.
(f)  During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company extended the estimated
     useful lives of certain assets. This change in accounting estimate resulted
     in an increase in the Company's earnings from continuing operations of $2.8
     million or $0.05 diluted earnings per share for 1997.
(g)  Excluding UNOVA.

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

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with information provided
above under "Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors," and with the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 and the related notes thereto.

OVERVIEW

As described under "Item 1. Business - Introduction" and "Item 6. Selected
Financial Data," on October 31, 1997, the Company effected the Spin-off of its
industrial automation business. The operations of UNOVA were reported in the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as discontinued operations.
Accordingly, the accounts of these operations have been reclassified as earnings
from discontinued operations. See Note B of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

The Company's continuing operations discussed herein reflect the Company's
ongoing oilfield service-related businesses only. All references to earnings per
share are on a diluted basis unless specified otherwise.

1997 COMPARED TO 1996

Net earnings from continuing operations totaled $91.8 million, or $1.65 per
share, for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of 31% compared to 1996
net earnings of $69.9 million, or $1.29 per share. Excluding the impact of
certain costs relating to the Spin-off which are required to be included in
general and administrative expense, pro forma net earnings from continuing
operations totaled $106.7 million, or $1.92 per share, for 1997 and $86.1
million, or $1.59 per share, for 1996. See "Discontinued Operations" below for
an analysis of segment results prior to the Spin-off.

Total revenue for 1997 was $1,658.2 million, an increase of 17% over 1996
revenue of $1,418.1 million. Businesses acquired in 1997 contributed
approximately $26.6 million of the revenue improvement. Approximately 68% of the
Company's consolidated revenue was derived from international activities in
1997, compared to 70% in 1996. Consolidated international revenue increased 15%
in 1997 over 1996.



                                       11
<PAGE>   15

Operating profit from continuing operations was $200.6 million in 1997 compared
to $147.4 million in 1996. Excluding the impact of certain costs relating to the
Spin-off which are required to be included in general and administrative
expense, pro forma operating profit from continuing operations totaled $217.1
million for 1997 and $174.4 million for 1996. See "Discontinued Operations"
below for a discussion of the Spin-off. Approximately 60% of the Company's
consolidated operating profit was derived from international activities in 1997,
compared to 56% in 1996.

WESTERN GEOPHYSICAL - WG's 1997 revenue increased 17% and operating profit
increased 31% in 1997 compared to the prior year period. In addition to
improvements in the overall seismic market, seismic operations were favorably
impacted by the expansion of the ocean-bottom cable market, the emergence of the
4-D seismic market, the Company's proprietary development of new solid-streamer
technology for its marine seismic vessels, and advancements in data processing
technology.

WALS - WALS' revenue increased 17% and operating profit increased 36% in 1997
compared to the prior year. During 1997, WALS benefited from several long-term
contracts derived from the success of the Company's new logging technologies. In
addition, WALS focused on geographic expansion opportunities during 1997
primarily in Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

E&PS - During 1996 and 1997, E&PS did not have a portfolio of developed
prospects generating income. As a result, during 1996 and 1997, E&PS continued
to realize operating losses, including full cost ceiling impairments of $12.5
million in 1997 and $7.0 million in 1996, related to E&PS projects. The Company
is continuing to invest capital to develop this division and expects E&PS to
become profitable during 1998.

1996 COMPARED TO 1995

Net earnings from continuing operations totaled $69.9 million, or $1.29 per
share, for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of 14% compared to 1995
net earnings of $61.4 million, or $1.14 per share. Excluding the impact of
certain costs relating to the Spin-off which are required to be included in
general and administrative expense, pro forma net earnings from continuing
operations totaled $86.1 million, or $1.59 per share, for 1996 and $75.9
million, or $1.41 per share, for 1995. See "Discontinued Operations" below for a
discussion of the Spin-off.

Total revenue for 1996 was $1,418.1 million, an increase of 11% over 1995
revenue of $1,282.9 million. Approximately 70% of the Company's consolidated
revenue was derived from international activities in 1996, compared to 68% in
1995.
Consolidated international revenue increased 13% in 1996 over 1995.

Operating profit was $147.4 million in 1996 compared to $134.9 million in 1995.
Excluding the impact of certain costs relating to the Spin-off which are
required to be included in general and administrative expense, pro forma
operating profit of continuing operations totaled $174.4 million for 1996 and
$159.1 million for 1995. Approximately 56% of the Company's consolidated
operating profit was derived from international activities in 1996, compared to
64% in 1995.

WESTERN GEOPHYSICAl - WG revenue for 1996 increased 15% and operating profit
increased 14% over the prior year. Seismic operations benefited from a number of
highly successful multiclient geophysical surveys, the expansion of its
ocean-bottom cable acquisition and processing technology, and its growth in the
global land market.

WALS - WALS began to realize the benefits of introducing its new-generation
tools in 1996 with slightly higher revenue and operating profit than in 1995.
Revenue increased 6% over 1995 revenue. Operating profit increased 2% in 1996
compared to the prior year.

E&PS - During 1995 and 1996, the Company built the infrastructure necessary to
participate with clients on exploration and production projects in the U.S. and
internationally. Although revenue increased in 1996 compared to 1995, E&PS had
operating losses in both 1996 and 1995. The operating loss in 1996 was due in
part to full cost ceiling impairments of $7.0 million.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

General and administrative ("G&A") expense decreased as a percent of sales from
5.1% in 1996 to 4.0% in 1997. Actual expenditures in 1997 were $66.8 million
compared to $72.0 million in 1996. G&A expenses were consistent from 1995 to
1996. Excluding the impact of certain costs relating to the Spin-off which are
required to be included in general and administrative expense, pro forma G&A
totaled $50.3 million, $45.1 million and $47.6 million for the years ended




                                       12
<PAGE>   16

December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. See "Discontinued Operations"
for a discussion of the Spin-off charges and allocated corporate and
administrative costs.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

R&D expense increased 8% in 1997 to $59.2 million compared to $54.8 million in
1996. For the year ended December 31, 1996, research and technology expense
decreased $5.0 million, or 8%, compared to 1995.

DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense for the year ended December
31, 1997 increased $59.7 million, or 19%, over 1996. Expense increased $35.7
million, or 13%, from 1995 to 1996. Increased capital spending in both years
raised the depreciable asset bases for equipment and multiclient seismic data
resulting in the higher depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense.
During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company extended the estimated useful
lives of certain assets to more closely reflect management's current estimate of
their expected lives. The effect of this change in accounting estimate resulted
in an increase in the Company's earnings from continuing operations of $2.8
million or $0.05 earnings per share, for 1997. Based on the Company's fixed
assets owned at December 31, 1997, the impact on future earnings is estimated to
be an increase of $8.5 million in 1998 and $3.9 million in 1999.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense in 1997 increased $10.5 million from 1996 due to higher average
debt levels. Interest expense in 1996 was slightly lower than 1995 as slightly
higher average debt balances were offset by a slightly lower weighted average
interest rate.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations in 1997 was 39.3% as
compared to 40.0% in 1996 and 40.5% in 1995. The effective rates differ from the
federal statutory rates in all years due primarily to taxes on foreign
operations, the nondeductibility of goodwill amortization, and nondeductible
meals and entertainment expense.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued operations consist of the Company's industrial automation systems
business, UNOVA, up to the date of the Spin-off. Corporate general and
administrative costs of the Company were not allocated to UNOVA for any of the
periods presented. Management, however, estimates that approximately 85% of the
corporate general and administrative costs prior to the Spin-off were
attributable to UNOVA. Furthermore, Spin-off related costs of $8.35 million were
charged to continuing operations during the second quarter of 1997. Interest
expense attributable to UNOVA and therefore reclassified to discontinued
operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $17.2
million, $11.5 million, and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively. Interest income attributable to UNOVA of $2.7
million, $4.4 million, and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively, has also been reclassified to discontinued
operations. See Note B of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included herein for further information.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

OVERVIEW

The Company ended 1997 with cash and cash equivalents of $33.5 million compared
with $16.3 million in 1996 and $13.2 million in 1995. During 1997, the Company
used approximately $206.9 million more cash than it generated from operations.
Major expenditures included $430.0 million for capital expenditures, $275.1
million for acquisitions of multiclient seismic data, and $55.4 million for
business acquisitions. In addition, $66.7 million of cash was used to finance
working capital primarily for increases in accounts receivable. The Company
increased its net borrowings by $298.4 million primarily through its commercial
paper program. Shareholders' equity decreased $616.1 million due to the Spin-off
as offset by earnings during the year.

Total debt was $808.1 million as of December 31, 1997, compared to $503.6
million at December 31, 1996. Total debt constituted approximately 48% and 25%
of total capitalization at the end of 1997 and 1996, respectively. Debt
increased in



                                       13
<PAGE>   17

1997 due primarily to acquisitions of industrial automation businesses made
before the Spin-off. The Company acquired Norand Corporation on March 3, 1997
for $280 million and United Barcode Industries on April 4, 1997 for $107
million. These companies were integrated into the Company's industrial
automation systems operations and included in the Spin-off. Both transactions
were funded using a combination of committed credit facilities, short-term
uncommitted credit lines, and excess cash.

The Company's existing long-term debt is rated A- by Standard & Poor's, A3 by
Moody's Investor Service and BBB+ by Duff and Phelps Credit Rating Co. The
Company's commercial paper currently has a rating of A2P2 by Standard and Poor's
and Moody's.

STRATEGY

During periods of growth, the Company has historically spent substantial amounts
for capital expenditures and acquisitions of multiclient seismic data in order
to remain competitive. The Company estimates that during 1998 it will spend
approximately $760 million for these purposes. The Company believes that its
current working capital resources, expected cash flow from operations, and
existing lines of credit will be sufficient to meet its 1998 needs for capital
expenditures and acquisitions of multiclient seismic data. In addition, the
Company seeks to acquire complementary businesses as part of its long-term
growth strategy. The Company's capital needs with respect to business
acquisitions may exceed the Company's resources discussed above. Moreover, there
is no assurance that the Company will be able to finance such business
acquisitions on terms it finds acceptable and, in the event of a downturn in
industry conditions, that the capital resources discussed above will be adequate
to meet the foregoing capital needs.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which for the Company is effective in 1998. SFAS No. 130 establishes
standards for the reporting and displaying of comprehensive income and its
components. The Company will analyze SFAS No. 130 during 1998 to determine what,
if any, additional disclosures will be required thereunder.

The FASB issued in June 1997, SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," which establishes new requirements on the
reporting of information about operating segments, products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. In February 1998, SFAS No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," was
issued which revises required disclosures about pensions and postretirement
benefit plans. SFAS No. 131 and 132 are effective for the Company starting in
1998. The Company will analyze these pronouncements during 1998 to determine
what, if any, additional disclosures will be required thereunder.

YEAR 2000

The Company is currently utilizing a combination of internal and external
resources to comprehensively identify and timely resolve the potential impact of
the year 2000 on the processing of date-sensitive information by the Company's
computerized information and support systems. The year 2000 problem is the
result of software that uses two digits (rather than four) to define the
applicable year. Any software or hardware that utilizes time-sensitive coding
may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000,
which could result in miscalculations or system failures. Based on preliminary
information, costs of addressing potential problems are not currently expected
to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results
of operations, or cash flows in future periods. If, however, the Company, its
customers, or vendors are unable to adequately resolve such processing issues in
a timely manner, the Company's operations and financial results may be adversely
affected.

RECENT EVENTS

On March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the stock of
Wedge Dia-Log, Inc. ("Wedge Dia-Log"), for approximately $218 million in cash.
Wedge Dia-Log is a wireline company specializing in cased-hole and pipe recovery
services.

In addition, on March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
the stock of 3-D Geophysical, Inc., a supplier of primarily land-based seismic
data acquisition services, in an all cash tender offer for $9.65 per share, for
an aggregate of $115 million if all shares are tendered.



                                       14

<PAGE>   18



ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE MARKET RISK DISCLOSURES

The Company is exposed to certain market risks, which are inherent in the
Company's financial instruments and arise from transactions entered into in the
normal course of business. The Company may enter into derivative financial
instrument transactions in order to manage or reduce market risk in connection
with specific foreign currency denominated transactions. The Company does not
enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative
purposes. A discussion of the Company's primary market risk disclosure in
financial instruments is presented below and should be read in conjunction with
the previous discussions of risk factors and forward looking statements,
including the information set forth in "Forward-Looking Information and Risk
Factors" above.


LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its long-term fixed-interest
debt. Commercial paper borrowings and borrowings under revolving credit
facilities do not give rise to significant interest rate risk because these
borrowings have short maturities. In general, the fair market value of debt with
fixed interest rates will increase as interest rates fall, and the fair market
value will decrease as interest rates rise. This exposure to interest rate risk
is managed by borrowing money that has a variable interest rate or using
interest rate swaps to change fixed interest rate borrowings to variable
interest rate borrowings. Currently, the Company maintains a variable interest
rate mix between 40% and 50% of total borrowings. At December 31, 1997, the
Company's principal cash flows for its long-term debt obligations, which bear a
fixed rate of interest and are denominated in U.S. dollars, are $250 million due
in 2004 and $150 million due in 2024. The weighted-average interest rates by
expected maturity date are 8.0% and 8.6%, respectively, and the fair value of
such debt is $451.6 million. At December 31, 1997, the Company was not a party
to any interest swap agreements.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for substantially all of the
Company's operations. For these operations, all gains and losses from currency
transactions are included in income currently. From time to time, the Company
enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge anticipated and firmly
committed foreign currency transactions. Foreign currency gains and losses for
such purchases are deferred as part of the basis of the assets. At December 31,
1997, the Company had foreign currency denominated commitments of $84 million to
purchase two seismic vessels in 1999. As a part of its efforts to minimize risk
associated with foreign currency fluctuations, the Company entered into forward
exchange contracts with notional amounts of $88.9 million at December 31, 1997,
to hedge these commitments. The counterparties to the Company's forward
contracts consist of major financial institutions. The credit ratings and
concentration of risk of these financial institutions are monitored on a
continuing basis and the Company believes no significant credit risk is present.



                                       15

<PAGE>   19




ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                                         ----
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting.......................................................F-1
Independent Auditors' Report..............................................................................F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income.........................................................................F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets...............................................................................F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity...........................................................F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.....................................................................F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................F-7
</TABLE>


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

None.



                                       16

<PAGE>   20



                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the end of the
fiscal year covered by this report (the "Western Atlas Proxy Statement").

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Western Atlas Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Western Atlas Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Western Atlas Proxy Statement. See also Note K of Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.



                                       17

<PAGE>   21
                                     PART IV

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

                                                                            Page
(a)(1)   Consolidated Financial Statements                                   F-1

(a)(2)   Financial Statement Schedules                                        *

         Note: All schedules and notes  specified  under  Regulation S-X are
               omitted because they are either not applicable, not required, or
               the information called for therein appears in the consolidated
               financial statements or notes thereto.

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

         The Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission during
         the quarter ended December 31, 1997, a Current Report on Form 8-K dated
         November 17, 1997 and a Form 8-K/A dated November 26, 1997 (Items 2 and
         7), which reported the distribution of all the outstanding shares of
         UNOVA, Inc. and presented unaudited pro forma financial statements to
         reflect adjustments to historical financial statements after giving
         effect to the Spin-off.

(c)      Exhibits



         EXHIBIT NO.       DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

             3.1           Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Western 
                           Atlas Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                           December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             3.2           By-Laws of Western Atlas Inc., as amended, filed as
                           Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
                           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             4.1           Indenture dated as of May 15, 1994 between Western
                           Atlas Inc. and The Bank of New York, Trustee,
                           providing for the issuance of securities in series,
                           filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's June 30, 1994
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             4.2           Form of 8.55% Debentures due 2024 issued by Western
                           Atlas Inc. under such indenture, filed as Exhibit 4.5
                           to the Company's June 30, 1994 Quarterly Report on
                           Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.3           Form of 7-7/8% Notes due 2004 issued by the Western
                           Atlas Inc. under such indenture, filed as Exhibit 4.6
                           to the Company's June 30, 1994 Quarterly Report on
                           Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.4           Rights Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1994 between
                           Western Atlas Inc. and Chemical Trust Company of
                           California, as Rights Agent, which includes the form
                           of Certificate of Designations setting forth the
                           terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred
                           Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Western Atlas
                           Inc., as Exhibit A; the form of Right Certificate, as
                           Exhibit B; and the Summary of Rights to Purchase
                           Preferred Shares, as Exhibit C, filed as Exhibit 4 to
                           the Company's August 17, 1994 current report on Form
                           8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.5           $400,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
                           dated as of March 19, 1997, among Western Atlas Inc.,
                           the Banks listed therein, and Morgan Guaranty Trust
                           Company of New York as Agent, and Bank of America
                           National Trust and Savings Association, The Bank of
                           New York, CIBC Inc., The Chase Manhattan Bank, The
                           First National Bank of Chicago, NationsBank of Texas,
                           N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Co-Agents, filed
                           as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's March 31, 1997
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.



                                       18

<PAGE>   22



             4.6           Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Credit
                           Agreement dated as of June 30, 1997, among Western
                           Atlas Inc., the Banks listed therein, and Morgan
                           Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Agent, and Bank
                           of America National Trust and Savings Association,
                           The Bank of New York, CIBC Inc., The Chase Manhattan
                           Bank, The First National Bank of Chicago, NationsBank
                           of Texas, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as
                           Co-Agents, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's June
                           30, 1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             4.7           Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Credit
                           Agreement dated as of September 19, 1997, among
                           Western Atlas Inc., the Banks listed therein, and
                           Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Agent,
                           and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
                           Association, The Bank of New York, CIBC Inc., The
                           Chase Manhattan Bank, The First National Bank of
                           Chicago, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., and Wells Fargo
                           Bank, N.A. as Co-Agents, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the
                           Company's September 30, 1997 Quarterly Report on Form
                           10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.8           Other instruments defining the rights of holders of
                           other long-term debt of the Company are not filed as
                           exhibits because the amount of debt authorized under
                           any such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total
                           assets of the Company and its consolidated
                           subsidiaries. The Company hereby undertakes to
                           furnish a copy of any such instrument to the
                           Commission upon request.

             10.1          Western Tax Agreement dated as of March 17, 1994,
                           between Litton Industries, Inc., and Western Research
                           Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the
                           Company's March 31, 1994 Quarterly Report on Form
                           10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.2 *        Change of Control Employment Agreement (form) dated
                           as of November 13, 1997, between Western Atlas Inc.,
                           and each of Orval F. Brannan, James E. Brasher,
                           William H. Flores, Thomas B. Hix, Jr., Gary E. Jones,
                           John R. Russell, and Richard C. White, filed as
                           Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
                           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             10.3 *        Western Atlas Inc. Director Stock Option Plan,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's March 31,
                           1994 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.4 *        Western Atlas International, Inc. Benefit
                           Restoration Plan (the "BR Plan") filed as Exhibit 100
                           to Amendment No. 2 to the Company's Registration
                           Statement on Form 10 No. 1-12430 filed with the
                           Commission on October 12, 1993, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.5 *        Amendment No. 1 to the BR Plan dated February 18,
                           1998, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.6 *        Western Atlas Supplemental Retirement Plan, as
                           amended and restated on November 13, 1997 (the "SR
                           Plan"), filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.7 *        Amendment No. 1 to the SR Plan dated February 18,
                           1998, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.




                                       19
<PAGE>   23

             10.8 *        Resolutions adopted by Board of Directors of
                           Western Atlas Inc. on March 17, 1994, with respect to
                           Incentive Loan Program and form of promissory note to
                           evidence loans made thereunder, filed as Exhibit
                           10.20 to the Company's March 31, 1994 Quarterly
                           Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.9 *        Western Atlas Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for
                           Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's
                           1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.10 *       Western Atlas Inc. Individual Performance Award Plan,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's 1994 Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.11 *       Western Atlas Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation
                           Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's 1994
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein
                           by reference.

             10.12 *       Western Atlas Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan dated
                           as of December 20, 1994, as amended on February 13,
                           1996, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's 1995
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein
                           by reference.

             10.13         Consulting Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996,
                           between Western Atlas Inc. and Joseph T. Casey
                           ("Casey Consulting Agreement"), filed as Exhibit
                           10.21 to the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form
                           10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.14         Amendment No. 1 to Casey Consulting Agreement dated
                           October 1, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the
                           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                           ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.15         Distribution and Indemnity Agreement dated October
                           31, 1997, between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc.,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's September 30,
                           1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.16         Tax Sharing Agreement dated October 31, 1997, between
                           Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc., filed as Exhibit
                           10.19 to the Company's September 30, 1997 Quarterly
                           Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.17         Intellectual Property Agreement dated October 31,
                           1997, between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc.,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's September 30,
                           1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.18         Employee Benefits Agreement dated October 31, 1997,
                           between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc., filed as
                           Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's September 30, 1997
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             11            Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share.

             21            Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

             23            Independent Auditors' Consent.

             27            Financial Data Schedules for the year ended December
                           31, 1997 (filed only electronically with the
                           Securities and Exchange Commission).

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

 *   Denotes management contract, compensatory plan or similar arrangements.


                                       20

<PAGE>   24



                                   SIGNATURES

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

                           WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                           (Registrant)


                           By:            /s/  William H. Flores
                               -------------------------------------------------
                                               William H. Flores
                               Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

March 6, 1998

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints James E. Brasher and Lourdes T. Hernandez and each of
them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each capacity stated
below any amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SIGNATURE                                        TITLE                                 DATE
               ---------                                        -----                                 ----
<S>                                      <C>                                                      <C>    
       /s/  John R. Russell              President and Chief Executive Officer and Director       March 6, 1998
------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
          John R. Russell


      /s/  William H. Flores              Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer       March 6, 1998
------------------------------------        (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
         William H. Flores          


      /s/  Paul Bancroft III                                  Director                            March 6, 1998
------------------------------------
         Paul Bancroft III


        /s/  Alton J. Brann                                 Director and                          March 6, 1998
------------------------------------                    Chairman of the Board
          Alton J. Brann            


       /s/  Joseph T. Casey                                   Director                            March 6, 1998
------------------------------------
          Joseph T. Casey


      /s/  William C. Edwards                                 Director                            March 6, 1998
------------------------------------
        William C. Edwards


      /s/  Claire W. Gargalli                                 Director                            March 6, 1998
------------------------------------
        Claire W. Gargalli


      /s/  Orion L. Hoch                                      Director                            March 6, 1998
------------------------------------
           Orion L. Hoch
</TABLE>



                                       21

<PAGE>   25



                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
               MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING


The consolidated financial statements of Western Atlas Inc. and subsidiaries and
related financial information included in this Annual Report have been prepared
by the Company, whose management is responsible for their integrity. These
statements, which necessarily reflect estimates and judgments, have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company maintains a system of internal controls to provide reasonable
assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are properly executed and
recorded. As part of this system, the Company has an internal audit staff to
monitor the compliance with and the effectiveness of established procedures.

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent certified public accountants, whose report appears on page F-2.

The Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists
solely of directors who are not employees of the Company, meets periodically
with management, the independent auditors, and the Company's internal auditors
to review the scope of their activities and reports relating to internal
controls and financial reporting matters. The independent and internal auditors
have full and free access to the Audit and Compliance Committee and meet with
the Committee both with and without the presence of Company management.




/s/ William H. Flores
William H. Flores
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

February 18, 1998



                                      F-1

<PAGE>   26





                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Western Atlas Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Western Atlas
Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our
audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Western Atlas Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP


Houston, Texas
February 18, 1998, March 9, 1998
with respect to Note N


                                      F-2

<PAGE>   27


                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                     1997             1996             1995
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>              <C>        
Revenue                                          $ 1,658,150      $ 1,418,108      $ 1,282,927
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------

Costs and expenses:
  Operating expenses                                 962,683          834,635          742,901
  General and administrative                          66,758           72,004           71,730
  Research and technology                             59,153           54,810           59,843
  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization          368,937          309,213          273,550
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total costs and expenses                       1,457,531        1,270,662        1,148,024
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------

Operating profit                                     200,619          147,446          134,903
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------

Other income and expenses:
  Spin-off related costs                              (8,350)              --               --
  Interest income                                      1,832            1,477            1,844
  Interest expense                                   (42,856)         (32,386)         (33,539)
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total other income and expenses                  (49,374)         (30,909)         (31,695)
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------

Earnings from continuing operations before
   taxes on income                                   151,245          116,537          103,208
Taxes on income                                      (59,434)         (46,615)         (41,799)
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
  Earnings from continuing operations                 91,811           69,922           61,409

Discontinued operations -- results of UNOVA,
  Inc. distributed to shareholders                  (154,927)          55,743           38,430
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------

  Net earnings (loss)                            $   (63,116)     $   125,665      $    99,839
                                                 ===========      ===========      ===========

Basic net earnings (loss) per share:
  Continuing operations                          $      1.69      $      1.31      $      1.16
  Discontinued operations                              (2.85)            1.04              .72
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total earnings (loss) per share              $     (1.16)     $      2.35      $      1.88
                                                 ===========      ===========      ===========


Diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
  Continuing operations                          $      1.65      $      1.29      $      1.14
  Discontinued operations                              (2.78)            1.03              .72
                                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total earnings (loss) per share              $     (1.13)     $      2.32      $      1.86
                                                 ===========      ===========      ===========


Shares used in computing net earnings (loss)
  per share:
    Basic                                             54,252           53,490           53,074
    Diluted                                           55,613           54,271           53,755
</TABLE>




          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-3

<PAGE>   28

                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
              (in thousands, except par value and number of shares)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                          1997             1996
                                                                       -----------      -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>        
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                            $    33,504      $    16,296
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $27,853 (1997) and $19,831 (1996)                         445,420          360,935
  Inventories                                                               39,360           42,706
  Deferred tax assets                                                       34,841           43,049
  Other current assets                                                      39,366           35,158
  Net assets of UNOVA, Inc.                                                     --          574,508
  Due from UNOVA, Inc.                                                          --          109,574
                                                                       -----------      -----------

    Total current assets                                                   592,491        1,182,226

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
  and depletion of $491,779 (1997) and $459,978 (1996)                     926,382          692,252

Multiclient seismic data and other assets                                  479,654          325,238

Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
   of $38,778 (1997) and $30,141 (1996)                                    332,180          299,494
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Total assets                                                           $ 2,330,707      $ 2,499,210
                                                                       ===========      ===========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                             $   260,627      $   257,070
  Payroll and related expenses                                             111,108           97,147
  Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt                      106,592           53,055
                                                                       -----------      -----------

    Total current liabilities                                              478,327          407,272
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Long-term debt                                                             701,530          450,589
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Deferred tax liabilities                                                    11,157            8,435
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Deferred revenue and other long-term obligations                           252,826          129,976
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock -- $1 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized                 --               --
  Common stock -- $1 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized,
    54,587,518 (1997) and 53,705,712 (1996) issued and outstanding          54,588           53,706
  Additional paid-in capital                                               685,283        1,146,066
  Retained earnings                                                        150,502          291,458
  Cumulative currency translation adjustments                                   --           12,482
  Pension liability adjustments                                             (3,506)              --
  Treasury stock, at cost -- 13,552 shares (1996)                               --             (774)
                                                                       -----------      -----------

    Total shareholders' equity                                             886,867        1,502,938
                                                                       -----------      -----------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                             $ 2,330,707      $ 2,499,210
                                                                       ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-4

<PAGE>   29

                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                ---------------------------------------------
                                                   1997             1996             1995
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>              <C>        
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE:
    Beginning of year                           $    53,706      $    53,235      $    52,925
    Stock options exercised                             541              434              310
    Shares issued for acquisitions                      312               --               --
    Shares issued under stock purchase plan              29               37               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $    54,588      $    53,706      $    53,235
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
    Beginning of year                           $ 1,146,066      $ 1,129,417      $ 1,119,889
    Stock options exercised                          23,399           14,771            9,528
    Spin-off of UNOVA, Inc.                        (513,112)              --               --
    Shares issued for acquisitions                   27,067               --               --
    Shares issued under stock purchase plan           1,863            1,878               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $   685,283      $ 1,146,066      $ 1,129,417
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

RETAINED EARNINGS:
    Beginning of year                           $   291,458      $   165,793      $    65,954
    Net earnings (loss)                             (63,116)         125,665           99,839
    Spin-off of UNOVA, Inc.                         (77,840)              --               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $   150,502      $   291,458      $   165,793
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS:
    Beginning of year                           $    12,482      $     8,402      $     9,557
    Translation rate changes                         (3,699)           4,080           (1,155)
    Spin-off of UNOVA, Inc.                          (8,783)              --               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $        --      $    12,482      $     8,402
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

PENSION LIABILITY ADJUSTMENTS:
    Beginning of year                           $        --      $        --      $        --
    Current year adjustment                          (3,506)              --               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $    (3,506)     $        --      $        --
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

TREASURY STOCK, AT COST:
    Beginning of year                           $      (774)     $        --      $        --
    Shares purchased                                 (4,241)            (774)              --
    Shares issued under stock purchase plan           5,015               --               --
                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
    End of year                                 $        --      $      (774)     $        --
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, END OF YEAR         $   886,867      $ 1,502,938      $ 1,356,847
                                                ===========      ===========      ===========
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-5

<PAGE>   30




                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ---------------------------------------------
                                                                         1997             1996             1995
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>              <C>        
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net earnings from continuing operations                           $    91,811      $    69,922      $    61,409
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing
      operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation, depletion, and amortization                         368,937          309,213          273,550
        Change in accounts receivable                                     (79,363)         (47,978)         (42,665)
        Change in inventories                                               4,825           (5,569)         (11,551)
        Change in other current assets                                     (4,043)          31,681          (10,655)
        Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities                   (970)          49,332          (38,329)
        Change in payroll and related expenses                             13,961           10,367            5,644
        Change in deferred revenue                                        122,132           39,501           18,494
        Reimbursement for shutdown of certain acquired operations              --               --           20,000
        Other operating activities                                          1,768           (6,852)           1,681
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Total from continuing operations                                     519,058          449,617          277,578
     Net operating activities from discontinued operations                 12,115           22,252           86,795
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Net cash provided by operating activities                            531,173          471,869          364,373
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Capital expenditures                                                 (429,972)        (279,553)        (171,147)
    Cost of multiclient seismic data acquired                            (275,055)        (195,922)        (152,336)
    Proceeds from sale of businesses                                           --           12,051          122,000
    Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired                       (55,358)            (890)         (20,100)
    Other investing activities                                              2,164           12,374           (6,371)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total from continuing operations                                     (758,221)        (451,940)        (227,954)
    Net investing activities of discontinued operations                  (406,319)           9,608          (25,249)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
    Net cash (used in) investing activities                            (1,164,540)        (442,332)        (253,203)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
    Payment from UNOVA, Inc.                                              109,574            2,855              352
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                 23,940           16,346            9,838
    Repayment of long-term obligations                                    (71,275)          (3,168)         (38,833)
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                              369,654            1,009            6,882
    Other financing activities                                              8,327            1,016             (960)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
    Total from continuing operations                                      440,220           18,058          (22,721)
    Net financing activities of discontinued operations                   210,355          (44,513)         (88,139)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                   650,575          (26,455)        (110,860)
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                  17,208            3,082              310
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                               16,296           13,214           12,904
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                $    33,504      $    16,296      $    13,214
                                                                      ===========      ===========      ===========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the year for:
      Interest                                                        $    52,951      $    40,381      $    40,550
      Income taxes                                                    $    52,665      $     6,131      $    67,095
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and
  financing activities:
    Acquisitions of businesses --
      Fair value of assets acquired                                   $    28,176      $        --      $        --
      Net cash acquired                                                     2,528               --               --
      Liabilities assumed                                                  (3,325)              --               --
                                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------
      Stock issued in connection with acquisitions                    $    27,379      $        --      $        --
                                                                      ===========      ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-6

<PAGE>   31



                               WESTERN ATLAS INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A:  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations. Western Atlas Inc. ("WAI" or the "Company") is a leading
supplier of oilfield services and reservoir information technologies for the
worldwide oil and gas industry. The Company provides land, marine, and
transition-zone seismic data acquisition and processing services; well-logging
and completion services; and reservoir characterization and project management
services for a worldwide client base. The Company's principal customers are
private sector and government-owned oil and gas companies, and approximately 68%
of its revenue is generated by activities outside of the United States.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenue and expenses for each reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include those
of the Company, its subsidiaries, and companies in which WAI has a controlling
interest (see Note B.) The equity method is used to account for investments in
companies over which WAI has influence but not a controlling interest. All
material intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Earnings Per Share. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128,
"Earnings per Share." The new standard simplifies the computation of earnings
per share ("EPS") and increases comparability to international accounting
standards. Under SFAS No. 128, "Primary" EPS is replaced by "Basic" EPS, which
excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common
shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. "Diluted" EPS, which is computed similarly to the former "Fully Diluted"
EPS, reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

The Company was required to adopt the new standard in its year-end 1997
financial statements. As a result, the Company's reported earnings per share for
1996 and 1995 were restated. The effect of this accounting change on previously
reported EPS data is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996         1995
                                                          --------     --------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>     
         Primary EPS as originally reported               $   2.31     $   1.85
         Effect of SFAS No. 128                               0.04         0.03
                                                          --------     --------
         Basic EPS as restated                            $   2.35     $   1.88
                                                          ========     ========

         Fully diluted EPS as originally reported         $   2.30     $   1.85
         Effect of SFAS No. 128                               0.02         0.01
                                                          --------     --------
         Diluted EPS as restated                          $   2.32     $   1.86
                                                          ========     ========
</TABLE>


Cash Equivalents. The Company considers securities purchased within three months
of their date of maturity to be cash equivalents.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out
method) or market.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when products are shipped or as
services are performed.

Multiclient Seismic Data. Costs incurred in the creation of Company-owned
multiclient seismic data, included in multiclient seismic data and other assets,
are capitalized and amortized over the estimated revenue that the Company
expects to realize from the licensing of such data. Advances received from
customers in payment for specific contracts are included in deferred revenue.



                                      F-7
<PAGE>   32

Research and Technology. Research and technology costs are charged to expense as
incurred. Worldwide expenditures on research and technology activities amounted
to $59.2 million, $54.8 million, and $59.8 million, in the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Investment in property, plant, and equipment is
stated at cost. Depreciation, computed generally by the straight-line method for
financial reporting purposes, is provided over the estimated useful lives of the
related assets. During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company extended the
estimated useful lives of certain assets to more closely reflect management's
current estimate of their expected lives. The effect of this change in
accounting estimate resulted in an increase in the Company's earnings from
continuing operations of $2.8 million or $0.05 basic earnings per share, for
1997. The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its investment in
oil and gas properties. Under this method, the Company capitalizes all
acquisition, exploration, and development costs incurred for the purpose of
finding oil and gas reserves. The Company computes the provision for
depreciation, depletion, and amortization ("DD&A") of oil and gas properties on
a quarterly basis using the unit-of-production method based upon production and
estimates of proved reserve quantities. The full cost accounting rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission include a reserve value ceiling test which
requires a write-down if the ceiling is exceeded. The Company had write-downs of
$12.5 million and $7.0 million during 1997 and 1996, respectively, due to
ceiling test limitations.

Income Taxes. The Company measures tax assets and liabilities based on a balance
sheet approach. Tax assets and liabilities are stated at the tax rate in effect
when the estimated assets and liabilities will be realized. See Note H for
further discussion.

Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject
the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its cash and cash
equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and limits the amount of
credit exposure with any one institution. Concentrations of credit risk with
respect to trade receivables are limited because a large number of
geographically diverse customers make up the Company's customer base, thus
geographically spreading the trade credit risk.

Translation of Foreign Currencies. Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries
are translated into U.S. dollars based on the functional currency of each
business unit. For units whose local currency is the functional currency, asset
and liability accounts are translated at rates in effect at the balance sheet
date, and revenue and expense accounts are translated at rates approximating the
actual rates on the dates of the transactions. Translation adjustments are
included as a separate component of shareholders' equity. For units that have
the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, inventories, cost of sales,
property, plant, and equipment and related depreciation are translated at
historical rates. Other asset and liability accounts are translated at rates in
effect at the balance sheet date, and revenue and expenses (excluding cost of
sales and depreciation) are translated at rates approximating the actual rates
on the dates of the transactions. Translation adjustments are reflected in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 1997, the U.S. dollar was the
functional currency for substantially all of the Company's foreign operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. For financial statement purposes, goodwill is
generally amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful
life, not exceeding 40 years. The Company assesses the recoverability of
goodwill at the end of each fiscal year or more often as circumstances warrant.
Factors considered in evaluating recoverability include management's plan with
respect to the operations to which the goodwill relates, particularly the
historical earnings and projected undiscounted cash flows of such operations.

Dividends. No cash dividends were paid on Common Stock in the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.

Environmental Costs. Provisions for environmental costs are recorded when the
Company determines its responsibility for remedial efforts and such amounts are
reasonably estimable.

Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation.

New Accounting Standards. In 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No.130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income includes all
changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by
owners and distributions to owners. SFAS No. 130 is effective for the Company
beginning in 1998 and is expected to impact the Company's reporting of the
excess of additional pension liability over recognized prior service cost.
Currently, these items are included as components of Shareholders' Equity.


                                      F-8
<PAGE>   33

Also during 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information," which establishes new requirements on
the reporting of information about operating segments, products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. In February 1998, SFAS No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," was
issued which revises required disclosures relating to pensions and
postretirement benefit plans. SFAS No. 131 and 132 are effective for the Company
beginning in 1998. The Company will analyze these pronouncements during 1998 to
determine what, if any, additional disclosures will be required thereunder.

NOTE B:  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On May 4, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved, in principle, a plan
to distribute (the "Spin-off") to WAI shareholders all of the outstanding common
stock of UNOVA, Inc. ("UNOVA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of WAI. UNOVA was
subsequently organized to own and conduct all of WAI's industrial automation
systems operations, which include its automated data collection and
manufacturing systems businesses. Pursuant to the Spin-off, on October 31, 1997
each WAI shareholder of record on October 24, 1997 received an equivalent number
of shares of UNOVA common stock. The distribution of such stock was structured
to be tax-free to WAI and its shareholders. Concurrent with the Spin-off, UNOVA
repaid WAI for intercompany indebtedness totaling $230 million. WAI used the
funds to repay certain short-term borrowings.

In connection with the Spin-off, the Consolidated Financial Statements of WAI
and related notes thereto were restated to present the operations of UNOVA as
discontinued. Income (loss) from discontinued operations included interest
expense allocated on the basis of debt levels assumed in the Spin-off. Corporate
general and administrative costs of the Company were not allocated to UNOVA for
any of the periods presented.

Discontinued operations of UNOVA for the ten months ended October 31, 1997 and
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1997          1996          1995
                                                                 --------      --------      --------
                                                                             (in millions)
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>           <C>     
Net revenue                                                      $1,201.1      $1,164.7      $  942.9
Allocated interest expense                                           17.2          11.5          12.2
Allocated interest income                                             2.7           4.4           2.8

Income (loss) before income taxes                                $ (122.7)     $   92.9      $   64.6
Provision for income taxes                                           32.2          37.2          26.2
                                                                 --------      --------      --------

Total discontinued operations, net of income taxes               $ (154.9)     $   55.7      $   38.4
                                                                 ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>


Net assets of UNOVA as of October 31, 1997, the distribution date, and December
31, 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  OCTOBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1997              1996
                                                 ------------      ------------
                                                        (in thousands)
<S>                                              <C>               <C>         
Current assets                                   $    752,633      $    695,791
Noncurrent assets                                     586,886           378,002
                                                 ------------      ------------
    Total assets                                    1,339,519         1,073,793
                                                 ------------      ------------

Current liabilities                                  (652,230)         (429,770)
Noncurrent liabilities                                (87,554)          (69,515)
                                                 ------------      ------------
    Total liabilities                                (739,784)         (499,285)
                                                 ------------      ------------
Net assets of UNOVA                              $    599,735      $    574,508
                                                 ============      ============
</TABLE>

Assuming the Spin-off had occurred on January 1, 1997, the pro forma effect on
the Company's earnings from continuing operations is the reduction of general
and administrative expenses of $9.9 million, net of tax, and Spin-off related
costs of $5.0 million, net of tax. These amounts would result in an increase of
$.28 in basic earnings per share on a pro forma basis.


                                      F-9
<PAGE>   34

NOTE C:  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS, INVESTMENTS, AND DISPOSITIONS

Acquisitions and Investments. The Company made several acquisitions and
investments during the year ended December 31, 1997. In May 1997, the Company
acquired Sungroup Energy Services Company, a Canadian well-logging, production
testing, and completion services provider. During the fourth quarter of 1997,
the Company completed the following acquisitions: Geosignal, Inc., a seismic
data processing company; Seismic Resources, Inc., a provider of nonexclusive
seismic surveys; and ParaMagnetic Logging, Inc., a well-logging research
company. These acquisitions were made using Company common stock. Also in the
fourth quarter of 1997, the Company used cash to purchase Heartland Kingfisher
Inc., a Canadian well-logging company. In 1995, the Company used cash to
purchase 50% of PetroAlliance Services Company, Ltd., which offers seismic,
well-logging, and integrated project services to local and international oil
companies operating in the former Soviet Union.

The purchase method of accounting was used to record all of these acquisitions.
Their results of operations are included in the Consolidated Statements of
Income from the acquisition dates. These acquisitions and several smaller
acquisitions in 1995 and 1996 are integral to the Company's goals, though not
material in the aggregate to the Company's consolidated financial statements in
any one year.

The Company acquired Norand Corporation ("Norand") on March 3, 1997, and United
Barcode Industries ("UBI") on April 4, 1997. These companies were integrated
into the Company's industrial automation systems operations and included in the
Spin-off. Both transactions were funded using a combination of committed credit
facilities, short-term uncommitted credit lines and excess cash. The purchase
method of accounting was used to record these acquisitions and, accordingly, the
acquisition costs (approximately $280 million and $107 million for Norand and
UBI, respectively) were allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their
relative fair values. Such allocation assigned $203 million to in-process
research and development activities, which was expensed in accordance with FASB
Interpretation No. 4 during the second quarter.

The Company also acquired the remaining 51% of Honsberg, a German machine tool
maker, in the second quarter of 1997. The original 49% of Honsberg was acquired
during 1995. In September 1997, the Company acquired the stamping, engineering,
and prototyping division of Modern Prototype Company. These companies were also
included in the Spin-off.

Dispositions. The assets of the Company's seismic equipment manufacturing
operations were sold during the second quarter of 1995 for approximately $122
million in cash. As part of the sales agreement, the Company entered into a
commitment to purchase from the buyer $350 million of seismic and related
equipment. The remaining equipment purchase commitment is approximately $67
million as of December 31, 1997. The excess of the sales price over the net book
value of the assets sold was deferred and is amortized as the Company purchases
equipment from the buyer.



                                      F-10

<PAGE>   35



NOTE D:  LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ---------------------
                                                                 1997         1996
                                                               --------     --------
                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>     
         Commercial paper                                      $135,250     $     --
         Short-term notes payable, weighted average
           interest rate of 6.25% (1997) and 10.58% (1996)      220,557        3,602
         7.875% notes due 2004                                  250,000      250,000
         8.55% debentures due 2024                              150,000      150,000
         5.65% notes due 1997 and 1998                           48,461       96,921
         Other, principally notes payable in installments
           through 2002 with a weighted average interest
           rate of 7.56% at December 31, 1997                     3,854        3,121
                                                               --------     --------
                                                                808,122      503,644
         Less current portion                                   106,592       53,055
                                                               --------     --------
         Long-term debt                                        $701,530     $450,589
                                                               ========     ========
</TABLE>

In July 1997, the Company commenced a short-term commercial paper ("CP") program
providing for the issuance of up to $400 million in aggregate maturity value of
commercial paper at any given time. As of December 31, 1997, outstanding
commercial paper borrowings totaled $135.3 million and interest rates on such
borrowings ranged from 5.9% to 6.25% with an effective weighted average interest
rate of 6.05%. The CP program is secured by committed credit facilities with a
group of banks that provide for $400 million in long-term committed credit
reduced by the amount outstanding under the CP program. No amounts were
outstanding under the long-term committed credit facilities at December 31, 1997
except those committed in support of the CP program. At December 31, 1997, $300
million in commercial paper and short-term obligations was reclassified as
long-term debt as the Company has the ability and intent to refinance such
obligations on a long-term basis utilizing existing credit facilities.

The Company maintains off-balance-sheet guarantees and letter-of-credit
agreements. At December 31, 1997, the face values of these agreements totaled
$156 million of which $84 million was related to contracts to build two seismic
vessels. (See "Financial Instruments" below and Note K: "Litigation, Commitments
and Contingencies.") The remaining $72 million of credit arrangements are
generally related to guarantees of future performance on contracts.

At December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with its various debt
covenants, which relate to the Company's incurrence of debt, mergers,
consolidations, and sale of assets and require the Company to satisfy certain
ratios related to tangible net worth, debt-to-equity and interest coverage.

Aggregate Maturities of Debt

Notes payable and long-term obligations at December 31, 1997 mature as follows,
in thousands of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    -----------------------
<S>                                                        <C>      
    1998                                                   $ 106,592
    1999                                                         830
    2000                                                         300
    2001                                                         300
    2002                                                     300,100
    Thereafter                                               400,000
                                                           ---------
                                                           $ 808,122
                                                           =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-11
<PAGE>   36

Financial Instruments

The Company uses forward contracts for the purpose of reducing its exposure to
adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates. While these hedging
instruments are subject to fluctuations in value, such fluctuations are
generally offset by the value of the underlying exposure being hedged. The
Company is not a party to leveraged derivatives and does not hold or issue
financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Management - From time to time, the Company enters into foreign
currency forward contracts to hedge anticipated and firmly committed foreign
currency transactions. At December 31, 1997, the Company had entered into
foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts of $88.9 million to
primarily hedge the commitment to purchase two seismic vessels in 1999. The
notional amounts are used to express the volume of these transactions and do not
represent exposure to loss. The carrying value of the contracts was not
significant. The fair value of the contracts, based on year-end quoted rates for
purchasing contracts with similar terms and maturity dates, approximated
carrying value and was also not significant. Foreign currency gains and losses
for such purchases are deferred as part of the basis of the assets. The
counterparties to the Company's forward contracts are major financial
institutions. The credit ratings and concentration of risk of these financial
institutions are monitored on a continuing basis and, in management's opinion,
present no significant credit risk to the Company.

Interest Rate Management - The Company periodically enters into various
financial instruments to manage its interest rate exposure. At December 31,
1997, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swap agreements.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of
the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997                         1996
                                               -------------------------      ------------------------
                                                CARRYING        FAIR           CARRYING       FAIR
                                                 AMOUNT         VALUE           AMOUNT        VALUE
                                               ----------     ----------      ----------    ----------
                                                                   (in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>       
        Cash and cash equivalents              $   33,504     $   33,504      $   16,296    $   16,296
        Long-term debt:
           Commercial paper                       135,250        135,250              --            --
           Short-term notes payable               220,557        220,557           3,602         3,602
           7.875% notes due 2004                  250,000        270,200         250,000       265,234
           8.55% debentures due 2024              150,000        181,375         150,000       170,170
           5.65% notes due 1997 and 1998           48,461         48,461          96,921        96,630
           Other debt                               3,854          3,854           3,121         3,121
</TABLE>


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
the financial instruments summarized in the table above. The carrying values of
accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payrolls and related expenses
included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximated market
value at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amounts approximated fair value due to
the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt - The fair values of the 7.875% notes and the 8.55% debentures
were based on the quoted market price for similar issues. The carrying amount of
the commercial paper, short-term notes payable, and other debt approximated fair
value due to the short maturities and because the interest rates were reflective
of market rates.


                                      F-12

<PAGE>   37




NOTE E:  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORIES

Following are the details of accounts receivable:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------
                                                   1997        1996
                                                 --------    --------
                                                    (in thousands)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>     
         Trade receivables                       $440,748    $344,367
         Notes receivable (see Note J)              4,672      16,568
                                                 --------    --------
         Total                                   $445,420    $360,935
                                                 ========    ========
</TABLE>

Summarized below are the components of inventory balances:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------
                                                   1997        1996
                                                 --------    --------
                                                    (in thousands)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>     
         Raw materials                           $ 19,084    $ 20,377
         Work in progress                          16,032      15,730
         Finished goods                             4,244       6,599
                                                 --------    --------
         Total                                   $ 39,360    $ 42,706
                                                 ========    ========
</TABLE>

NOTE F:  PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Investment in property, plant, and equipment consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------
                                                                     1997              1996
                                                                 -------------    -------------
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>          
         Land                                                    $      34,193    $      35,340
         Buildings                                                     142,973          131,087
         Machinery and equipment                                     1,130,594          952,730
         Investment in E&P projects, full cost method                  110,401           33,073
         Less accumulated depreciation and depletion                 (491,779)        (459,978)
                                                                 -------------    -------------
         Total                                                   $     926,382    $     692,252
                                                                 =============    =============
</TABLE>


The net book value of assets utilized under capital leases was not material at
December 31, 1997 and 1996.

The range of estimated useful lives for determining depreciation and
amortization of the major classes of assets are:

         Buildings                                                 10 - 45 years
         Land improvements and building improvements                2 - 10 years
         Machinery and equipment                                    2 - 20 years



                                      F-13

<PAGE>   38



As of December 31, 1997, minimum rental commitments under noncancellable
operating leases are set forth in the table below, in thousands:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
           ------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>       
             1998                                                   $    8,177
             1999                                                        6,517
             2000                                                        4,021
             2001                                                        1,222
             2002                                                          569
             Thereafter                                                  4,209
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    $   24,715
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>

Rental expense for operating leases, including amounts for short-term leases
with nominal, if any, future rental commitments, was $111.7 million, $73.1
million, and $75.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and
1995, respectively. The minimum future rentals receivable under subleases and
the contingent rental expenses were not significant.

NOTE G:  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The following table presents shares used in the computation of earnings per
share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ----------------------------------
                                                           1997         1996         1995
                                                         --------     --------     --------
                                                                   (in thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
         Weighted average common shares outstanding
           (net of treasury shares)                        54,252       53,490       53,074
         Additional potentially dilutive securities
           (equivalent in common stock)                     1,361          781          681
                                                         --------     --------     --------

         Total                                             55,613       54,271       53,755
                                                         ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>


Stock Option Plans

The Company has a stock option plan, which provides for the grant of incentive
awards to officers and other key employees. Incentive awards are granted in the
form of stock options at a price equal to the fair market value of the Company's
common stock on the date of grant, at terms not exceeding 10 years. The Company
also has a directors' stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock
options to the Company's nonemployee directors. Under this plan, stock options
are granted annually at the fair market value of the Company's common stock on
the date of grant at terms not exceeding 10 years. The number of options so
granted annually is fixed by the plan. Options granted under the directors'
stock option plan become fully exercisable on the first anniversary of their
grant. Under these plans, there were a total of 1,818,390 and 1,098,528 shares
subject to options which were exercisable as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, and 1,142,464 shares available for grant as of December 31, 1997.



                                      F-14

<PAGE>   39



The following table summarizes the shares outstanding under the Company's stock
option plans:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                                                  NUMBER         EXERCISE PRICE
                                                                 OF SHARES         PER SHARE
                                                               ------------     ----------------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>        
     OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1994                            2,751,993      $     25.87
       Granted                                                     580,500            42.89
       Exercised                                                  (310,839)           18.74
       Canceled                                                   (154,270)           36.13
                                                               ----------- 
     OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1995                            2,867,384            29.54
       Granted                                                     614,600            58.03
       Exercised                                                  (441,327)           17.64
       Canceled                                                    (74,005)           39.47
                                                               ----------- 
     OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1996                            2,966,652            36.96
       Prior to the Spin-off --
       Granted                                                   1,349,879            62.37
       Exercised                                                  (466,910)           28.92
       Canceled                                                    (35,736)           51.10
       After the Spin-off --
       Spin-off adjustment                                         884,290              N/A
       Exercised                                                   (77,325)           15.66
       Canceled                                                       (895)           29.38
                                                               -----------
     OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            4,619,955            38.37
                                                               ===========
</TABLE>


In connection with the Spin-off, all employee and director options outstanding
immediately prior to the Spin-off were adjusted by increasing the number of
shares subject to the option and decreasing the exercise price per share so as
to preserve the difference between the aggregate exercise price of the option
and the aggregate market value of the shares subject to the option. Grants in
1997 include options to acquire 484,379 common shares with a weighted average
exercise price of $39.42 which were acquired in the acquisition of Norand.

Outstanding stock option data as of December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                                 OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                ---------------------------------------------------       -------------------------------
                                 NUMBER      WEIGHTED-AVERAGE      WEIGHTED-AVERAGE        NUMBER        WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                   OF            REMAINING             EXERCISE              OF              EXERCISE
   RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES      OPTIONS      CONTRACTUAL LIFE           PRICE             OPTIONS             PRICE
   ------------------------     ---------    -----------------     ----------------       ---------      ----------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>                   <C>                    <C>            <C>     
   $  1.65   to      $10.99       191,060         2.37 years            $   9.85            191,060           $   9.85
     12.31   to       20.22       447,065         3.98                     15.69            445,810              15.69
     21.02   to       29.98       710,734         5.69                     23.77            513,754              23.23
     30.06   to       37.86     1,355,265         7.12                     34.41            467,536              34.24
     40.10   to       47.73       804,566         8.38                     46.51            190,525              46.41
     49.01   to       58.78        71,638         8.80                     51.60              8,879              51.49
     60.95   to       69.65     1,039,627         9.53                     61.29                826              66.76
</TABLE>


The fair value of stock options granted during 1997 and 1996 were $26.3 million
and $12.8 million, respectively. The fair value of each stock option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1997 and 1996,
respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6.3% and 6.4%, expected life of five
years for both years; and expected volatility of 33% and 26%, determined from
historical stock price fluctuations. There is no assurance that the assumptions
used in determining the fair values of stock options will prove true in the
future. The actual value of the options depends on several factors, including
the actual market price of the common stock on the date of exercise. Changes in
any of these factors as well as fluctuations in the market price of the
Company's common stock will cause the actual value of these options to vary from
the theoretical value indicated above.



                                      F-15
<PAGE>   40

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company is authorized to sell
up to 2.5 million shares of common stock to eligible full-time employees of WAI
and participating subsidiaries. At each semi-annual offering period, employees
can choose to have up to 8% of their annual earnings withheld to purchase the
Company's common stock up to a maximum amount of $21,250 per calendar year. The
purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of its beginning-of-period or
end-of-period market price. The Company sold 95,129 and 36,975 shares under the
Plan in 1997 and 1996, respectively, with approximately 20% of eligible
employees participating each year. The weighted-average fair value of purchase
rights granted in 1997 and 1996 was $1,687,000 and $471,800, respectively. The
fair value of the stock purchase rights was determined using the same method and
parameters for stock option grants described above, except for the use of an
expected life equal to the purchase window period. As previously noted, the
actual value of purchase rights may vary from the theoretical value determined
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Pro Forma Compensation Disclosure

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost is
recognized for stock option awards or grants of stock purchase rights. Had
compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the Company's pro forma net income
and basic earnings per share for 1997, 1996, and 1995 would have been:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   AS REPORTED       PRO FORMA
                                                                  ------------      ------------
                                                                    (in thousands, except EPS)
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>         
         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:
           Earnings from continuing operations                    $     91,811      $     88,141
           Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations               (154,927)         (158,294)
                                                                  ------------      ------------
           Net earnings (loss)                                    $    (63,116)     $    (70,153)
                                                                  ============      ============

           Basic earnings (loss) per share:
             Continuing operations                                $       1.69      $       1.63
             Discontinued operations                                     (2.85)            (2.92)
                                                                  ------------      ------------
             Total earnings (loss) per share                      $      (1.16)     $      (1.29)
                                                                  ============      ============

         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:
           Earnings from continuing operations                    $     69,922      $     68,475
           Earnings from discontinued operations                        55,743            54,358
                                                                  ------------      ------------
           Net earnings                                           $    125,665      $    122,833
                                                                  ============      ============

           Basic earnings per share:
             Continuing operations                                $       1.31      $       1.28
             Discontinued operations                                      1.04              1.02
                                                                  ------------      ------------
             Total earnings per share                             $       2.35      $       2.30
                                                                  ============      ============

         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
           Earnings from continuing operations                    $     61,409      $     60,855
           Earnings from discontinued operations                        38,430            37,965
                                                                  ------------      ------------
           Net earnings                                           $     99,839      $     98,820
                                                                  ============      ============

           Basic earnings per share:
             Continuing operations                                $       1.16      $       1.15
             Discontinued operations                                      0.72              0.71
                                                                  ------------      ------------
             Total earnings per share                             $       1.88      $       1.86
                                                                  ============      ============
</TABLE>

The actual pro forma impact on net income and earnings per share may differ from
the theoretical valuation determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model due to factors previously noted. Further, the SFAS No. 123 method of
accounting was not applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995,
therefore, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative
of that to be expected in future years.



                                      F-16
<PAGE>   41

Shareholder Rights Plan

On August 17, 1994, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Share Purchase
Rights Plan and, in accordance with such Plan, declared a dividend of one
preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of Company common
stock, payable August 31, 1994 to shareholders of record on that date. In the
event that a party acquires more than 15% of the Company's then outstanding
Common Stock, the Plan will cause substantial dilution to a party that attempts
to acquire the Company in a manner or on terms not approved by the Board of
Directors, except pursuant to an offer conditioned on a substantial number of
rights being acquired.

The rights, which do not have voting rights and are not entitled to dividends
until such time as they become exercisable, expire on August 2004.

NOTE H:  TAXES ON INCOME

The components of taxes on income from continuing operations consist of the
following provisions (benefits):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   -----------------------------------
                                     1997         1996          1995
                                   --------     --------      --------
                                              (in thousands)
<S>                                <C>          <C>           <C>     
         Currently payable:
           U.S. taxes              $  8,132     $  2,672      $  7,003
           International taxes       48,385       45,578        43,588
         Deferred:
           U.S. taxes                 2,917       (1,635)       (8,792)
                                   --------     --------      --------
                                   $ 59,434     $ 46,615      $ 41,799
                                   ========     ========      ========
</TABLE>

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from the effect of transactions that
are recognized in different periods for financial and tax reporting purposes.
The primary components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1997             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                             -------------------------     -------------------------
                                               ASSET        LIABILITY        ASSET        LIABILITY
                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
         Accrued liabilities                 $   12,934     $       --     $   21,623     $       --
         Receivables and inventory                8,421             --          7,908             --
         Research and development credit
           carryover                              6,555             --             --             --
         Noncompete agreements                       --          8,071             --
                                                                                               5,956
         Postretirement benefits                  1,244             --            934             --
         Pensions                                 3,103             --          1,317             --
         Depreciation, depletion, and
           amortization                           1,495             --          6,053             --
         Other items                              1,089          3,086          5,214          2,479
                                             ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                             $   34,841     $   11,157     $   43,049     $    8,435
                                             ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-17

<PAGE>   42



The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. statutory rate of
35% to the provision for income taxes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                           1997            1996            1995
                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>       
         Tax at U.S. statutory rate                     $   52,936      $   40,788      $   36,123
         State income taxes, net of federal benefit          1,654            (450)         (1,605)
         Amortization of non-deductible goodwill             1,578           1,624           1,409
         Foreign earnings taxed at other than U.S. 
           statutory rate                                    1,529           1,266          (1,089)
         Non-deductible meals and entertainment              2,083           2,048           1,662
         Other items                                          (346)          1,339           5,299
                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                        $   59,434      $   46,615      $   41,799
                                                        ==========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

NOTE I:  PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Pension Benefits

The Company has retirement and pension plans that cover most of its regular,
full-time employees. Most of the Company's U.S. employees are covered by a
defined contribution plan. The Company contributes an amount based on its
consolidated pretax earnings in accordance with the provisions of such plan.
This plan includes a voluntary savings feature that is intended to qualify under
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and is designed to enhance the
retirement programs of participating employees. Under this feature, the Company
matches up to 67% of a certain portion of participants' contributions.

Certain subsidiaries of the Company also have retirement and savings plans for
eligible employees located outside the United States. The pension liabilities
and their related costs are computed in accordance with the laws of the
individual nations and appropriate actuarial practices.

The Company has a defined benefit retirement plan for its directors whereby
retired directors are paid an amount equal to active directors for a specified
period of time after retirement. In the event of a change in control in the
Company, directors receive a lump sum distribution of these payments.

U.S. Pension Plans

A summary of the components of net periodic pension cost for the U.S. defined
benefit plans and defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                   1997             1996             1995
                                                                ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                                              (in thousands)
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>             <C>       
         Defined benefit plans:
           Service cost - benefits earned during the period     $       54      $       --      $       --
           Interest cost on projected benefit obligation               537             337             271
           Net amortization and deferral                               314              38            (175)
                                                                ----------      ----------      ----------
           Net periodic pension cost                                   905             375              96
         Defined contribution plans                                 39,033          32,792          30,421
                                                                ----------      ----------      ----------
         Net periodic pension cost                              $   39,938      $   33,167      $   30,517
                                                                ==========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-18

<PAGE>   43



Actuarial assumptions for the Company's U.S. defined benefit plans included an
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.00% and 9.25% for fiscal
years 1997 and 1996, respectively. The weighted-average discount rate used in
determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was
7.0% and 7.5% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The rate increase in
future compensation levels was 5% at December 31, 1997 and 1996. Pursuant to the
provisions of SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," the Company
recorded in other noncurrent liabilities an additional minimum pension liability
adjustment of $5.4 million as of December 31, 1997. This additional liability
represented the amount by which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the
accrued amounts previously recorded. As there were no previously unrecognized
prior service costs at December 31, 1997, the full amount of the adjustment, net
of the related deferred tax benefit, was recorded as a reduction of
stockholders' equity of $3.5 million.

The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in the Company's balance
sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996 for the Company's U.S. defined benefit
plans. All of the plans are unfunded.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                --------------------------
                                                                   1997            1996
                                                                ----------      ----------
                                                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>        
         Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
            Vested benefit obligation                           $  (10,095)     $   (4,928)
                                                                ==========      ==========

            Accumulated benefit obligation                      $  (10,095)     $   (4,928)
                                                                ==========      ==========

         Projected benefit obligation                           $  (11,024)     $   (7,082)
         Unrecognized net transition asset                              --            (108)
         Unrecognized net loss                                       6,323           2,262
                                                                ----------      ----------
         Accrued pension liability                                  (4,701)         (4,928)
         Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability         (5,394)             --
                                                                ----------      ----------
         Pension cost liability                                 $  (10,095)     $   (4,928)
                                                                ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

For the principal non-U.S. pension plans located in the United Kingdom, the
weighted-average discount rate used was approximately 8.5% at December 31, 1997.
The rate of increase in future compensation used was approximately 5.5% and the
rate of return on assets was 9.0% at December 31, 1997.

Pension costs for non-U.S. plans were not material for any of the periods
presented herein. The actuarial present value of projected benefits at December
31, 1997 was $25.8 million compared with net assets available for benefits of
$33.2 million.

Other Postretirement Benefits

In addition to pension benefits, certain of the Company's U.S. employees are
covered by postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. These
benefit plans are unfunded.

The net periodic postretirement benefit costs were not material for any of the
periods presented herein. The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31,
1997 was $6.1 million, of which $1.9 million was attributable to retirees and
$4.2 million to other active plan participants. The accumulated benefit
obligation for continuing operations at December 31, 1996 was $3.8 million, of
which $1.4 million was attributable to retirees and $2.4 million was
attributable to active plan participants.

Actuarial assumptions used to measure the accumulated benefit obligation include
a discount rate of 7.0% and 7.5% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The assumed health care cost trend rate for fiscal 1997 was 11.0% and is
projected to decrease over 20 years to 5.4%. The effect of a
one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate on the
service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement
benefit cost is not material. A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed
health care cost trend rate on the accumulated benefit obligation results in an
increase of approximately $0.3 million.



                                      F-19
<PAGE>   44

NOTE J:  LITIGATION, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits
arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of the Company's
General Counsel, the ultimate resolution of currently pending proceedings will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.

NOTE K:  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For the purpose of governing certain relationships between UNOVA and the Company
after the Spin-off, UNOVA and the Company entered into various agreements
described below:

         (i)      Distribution and Indemnity Agreement - UNOVA and the Company
                  entered into a Distribution and Indemnity Agreement providing
                  for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions
                  required to effect the Spin-off and certain other agreements
                  governing the relationship between UNOVA and the Company with
                  respect to the Spin-off.
         (ii)     Tax-Sharing Agreement - As part of the Spin-off, UNOVA and the
                  Company entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement which provides,
                  among other things, for the allocation between the parties of
                  federal, state, local, and foreign tax liabilities for all
                  periods through the Spin-off date.
         (iii)    Benefits Agreement - UNOVA and the Company entered into an
                  Employee Benefits Agreement providing for the treatment of
                  employee benefit matters and other compensation arrangements
                  for certain former and current employees of UNOVA and its
                  subsidiaries.
         (iv)     Intellectual Property Agreement - UNOVA and the Company
                  entered into an Intellectual Property Agreement providing for
                  the transfer of ownership of intellectual property without
                  charge from Western Atlas to UNOVA and its subsidiaries, and
                  to provide UNOVA and its subsidiaries the rights to use the
                  Western Atlas name for a period of six months after the
                  Spin-off without charge.

The Chairman of the Company's board of directors serves as the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of UNOVA. In addition, one of the Company's other
directors is also a member of the board of directors of UNOVA.

Included in accounts receivable are notes due from the Company's unconsolidated
subsidiaries of $9.9 million and $15.9 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Such amounts are partially collateralized by certain fixed assets
of such subsidiaries and bear interest at 10% to 18%. Accounts payable includes
$0.3 million and $1.6 million due to related parties at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively.

NOTE L:  OPERATIONS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              YEAR ENDED       UNITED                    LATIN      AFRICA AND
                             DECEMBER 31,      STATES       EUROPE      AMERICA     MIDDLE EAST    OTHER        TOTAL
                             ------------     --------     --------     --------    -----------   --------     --------
                                                                    (in millions)
<S>                          <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>     
Revenue                          1997         $    529     $    303     $    294     $    337     $    195     $  1,658
                                 1996              432          286          209          322          169        1,418
                                 1995              414          251          204          276          138        1,283

Operating profit                 1997         $     82     $      8     $     47     $     34     $     30     $    201
                                 1996               64           11           29           28           15          147
                                 1995               49           12           28           25           21          135

Identifiable assets              1997         $  1,287     $    343     $    163     $    334     $    204     $  2,331
at year end                      1996            1,693          255          153          284          114        2,499
                                 1995            1,721          170           86          210           82        2,269
</TABLE>



                                      F-20

<PAGE>   45




NOTE M:  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 QUARTER ENDED
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------
                                             MARCH 31        JUNE 30         SEPT. 30        DEC. 31          TOTAL
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                                (in millions, except per share data)
<S>                                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>       
1997
  Revenue                                   $    380.0      $    418.5      $    420.2      $    439.5      $  1,658.2
  Gross profit                                    71.1            83.8            93.7            97.4           346.0

  Net earnings (loss) from:
     Continuing operations                  $     16.1      $     16.6      $     27.3      $     31.8      $     91.8
     Discontinued operations                      14.7          (186.5)           14.1             2.8          (154.9)
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Net earnings (loss)                    $     30.8      $   (169.9)     $     41.4      $     34.6      $    (63.1)
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Basic earnings (loss) per share from:
     Continuing operations                  $     0.30      $     0.31      $     0.50      $     0.58      $     1.69
     Discontinued operations                      0.28           (3.46)           0.27            0.06           (2.85)
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Total                                  $     0.58      $    (3.15)     $     0.77      $     0.64      $    (1.16)
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Diluted earnings (loss) per share from:
     Continuing operations                  $     0.29      $     0.30      $     0.49      $     0.57      $     1.65
     Discontinued operations                      0.28           (3.37)           0.26            0.05           (2.78)
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Total                                  $     0.57      $    (3.07)     $     0.75      $     0.62      $    (1.13)
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Common stock market prices:
     High                                   $ 58 63/64      $ 57 45/64      $ 71 51/64      $   81 1/2              --
     Low                                      45 7/8          45 3/32         56 43/64          63 7/8              --

1996
  Revenue                                   $    309.0      $    362.4      $    362.6      $    384.1      $  1,418.1
  Gross profit                                    56.5            70.8            80.2            77.4           284.9

  Net earnings from:
     Continuing operations                  $     11.4      $     17.6      $     22.1      $     18.8      $     69.9
     Discontinued operations                      11.3            12.3            14.4            17.8            55.8
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Net earnings                           $     22.7      $     29.9      $     36.5      $     36.6      $    125.7
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Basic earnings per share from:
     Continuing operations                  $     0.22      $     0.33      $     0.41      $     0.35      $     1.31
     Discontinued operations                      0.21            0.23            0.27            0.33            1.04
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Total                                  $     0.43      $     0.56      $     0.68      $     0.68      $     2.35
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Diluted earnings per share from:
     Continuing operations                  $     0.21      $     0.33      $     0.41      $     0.34      $     1.29
     Discontinued operations                      0.21            0.23            0.26            0.33            1.03
                                            ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
     Total                                  $     0.42      $     0.56      $     0.67      $     0.67      $     2.32
                                            ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========

  Common stock market prices:
     High                                   $ 48 33/64      $ 51 1/4        $   49 7/8      $ 57 7/32               --
     Low                                      39 1/32         43 17/32          42 1/4        48 33/64              --
</TABLE>


As of February 25, 1998 there were approximately 21,200 holders of record of the
Company's common stock.



                                      F-21

<PAGE>   46



NOTE N:    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the stock of
Wedge Dia-Log, Inc. ("Wedge Dia-Log"), for approximately $218 million in cash.
Wedge Dia-Log is a wireline company specializing in cased-hole and pipe recovery
services.

In addition, on March 8, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
the stock of 3-D Geophysical, Inc., a supplier of primarily land-based seismic
data acquisition services, in an all cash tender offer for $9.65 per share, for
an aggregate of $115 million if all shares are tendered.

The above acquisitions will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.



                                      F-22

<PAGE>   47

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS


         EXHIBIT NO.       DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

             3.1           Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Western
                           Atlas Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                           December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             3.2           By-Laws of Western Atlas Inc., as amended, filed as
                           Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
                           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             4.1           Indenture dated as of May 15, 1994 between Western
                           Atlas Inc. and The Bank of New York, Trustee,
                           providing for the issuance of securities in series,
                           filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's June 30, 1994
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             4.2           Form of 8.55% Debentures due 2024 issued by Western
                           Atlas Inc. under such indenture, filed as Exhibit 4.5
                           to the Company's June 30, 1994 Quarterly Report on
                           Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.3           Form of 7-7/8% Notes due 2004 issued by the Western
                           Atlas Inc. under such indenture, filed as Exhibit 4.6
                           to the Company's June 30, 1994 Quarterly Report on
                           Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.4           Rights Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1994 between
                           Western Atlas Inc. and Chemical Trust Company of
                           California, as Rights Agent, which includes the form
                           of Certificate of Designations setting forth the
                           terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred
                           Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Western Atlas
                           Inc., as Exhibit A; the form of Right Certificate, as
                           Exhibit B; and the Summary of Rights to Purchase
                           Preferred Shares, as Exhibit C, filed as Exhibit 4 to
                           the Company's August 17, 1994 current report on Form
                           8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.5           $400,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
                           dated as of March 19, 1997, among Western Atlas Inc.,
                           the Banks listed therein, and Morgan Guaranty Trust
                           Company of New York as Agent, and Bank of America
                           National Trust and Savings Association, The Bank of
                           New York, CIBC Inc., The Chase Manhattan Bank, The
                           First National Bank of Chicago, NationsBank of Texas,
                           N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Co-Agents, filed
                           as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's March 31, 1997
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.



                                      
<PAGE>   48
             4.6           Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Credit
                           Agreement dated as of June 30, 1997, among Western
                           Atlas Inc., the Banks listed therein, and Morgan
                           Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Agent, and Bank
                           of America National Trust and Savings Association,
                           The Bank of New York, CIBC Inc., The Chase Manhattan
                           Bank, The First National Bank of Chicago, NationsBank
                           of Texas, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as
                           Co-Agents, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's June
                           30, 1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             4.7           Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Credit
                           Agreement dated as of September 19, 1997, among
                           Western Atlas Inc., the Banks listed therein, and
                           Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Agent,
                           and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
                           Association, The Bank of New York, CIBC Inc., The
                           Chase Manhattan Bank, The First National Bank of
                           Chicago, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., and Wells Fargo
                           Bank, N.A. as Co-Agents, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the
                           Company's September 30, 1997 Quarterly Report on Form
                           10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             4.8           Other instruments defining the rights of holders of
                           other long-term debt of the Company are not filed as
                           exhibits because the amount of debt authorized under
                           any such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total
                           assets of the Company and its consolidated
                           subsidiaries. The Company hereby undertakes to
                           furnish a copy of any such instrument to the
                           Commission upon request.

             10.1          Western Tax Agreement dated as of March 17, 1994,
                           between Litton Industries, Inc., and Western Research
                           Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the
                           Company's March 31, 1994 Quarterly Report on Form
                           10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.2 *        Change of Control Employment Agreement (form) dated
                           as of November 13, 1997, between Western Atlas Inc.,
                           and each of Orval F. Brannan, James E. Brasher,
                           William H. Flores, Thomas B. Hix, Jr., Gary E. Jones,
                           John R. Russell, and Richard C. White, filed as
                           Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
                           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
                           incorporated herein by reference.

             10.3 *        Western Atlas Inc. Director Stock Option Plan,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's March 31,
                           1994 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.4 *        Western Atlas International, Inc. Benefit
                           Restoration Plan (the "BR Plan") filed as Exhibit 100
                           to Amendment No. 2 to the Company's Registration
                           Statement on Form 10 No. 1-12430 filed with the
                           Commission on October 12, 1993, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.5 *        Amendment No. 1 to the BR Plan dated February 18,
                           1998, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.6 *        Western Atlas Supplemental Retirement Plan, as
                           amended and restated on November 13, 1997 (the "SR
                           Plan"), filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.7 *        Amendment No. 1 to the SR Plan dated February 18,
                           1998, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                           1997 and incorporated herein by reference.








                                     
<PAGE>   49
             10.8 *        Resolutions adopted by Board of Directors of
                           Western Atlas Inc. on March 17, 1994, with respect to
                           Incentive Loan Program and form of promissory note to
                           evidence loans made thereunder, filed as Exhibit
                           10.20 to the Company's March 31, 1994 Quarterly
                           Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.9 *        Western Atlas Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for
                           Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's
                           1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.10 *       Western Atlas Inc. Individual Performance Award Plan,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's 1994 Annual
                           Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.11 *       Western Atlas Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation
                           Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's 1994
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein
                           by reference.

             10.12 *       Western Atlas Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan dated
                           as of December 20, 1994, as amended on February 13,
                           1996, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's 1995
                           Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein
                           by reference.

             10.13         Consulting Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996,
                           between Western Atlas Inc. and Joseph T. Casey
                           ("Casey Consulting Agreement"), filed as Exhibit
                           10.21 to the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form
                           10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.

             10.14         Amendment No. 1 to Casey Consulting Agreement dated
                           October 1, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the
                           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                           ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.15         Distribution and Indemnity Agreement dated October
                           31, 1997, between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc.,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's September 30,
                           1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.16         Tax Sharing Agreement dated October 31, 1997, between
                           Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc., filed as Exhibit
                           10.19 to the Company's September 30, 1997 Quarterly
                           Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by
                           reference.

             10.17         Intellectual Property Agreement dated October 31,
                           1997, between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc.,
                           filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's September 30,
                           1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             10.18         Employee Benefits Agreement dated October 31, 1997,
                           between Western Atlas Inc. and UNOVA, Inc., filed as
                           Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's September 30, 1997
                           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated
                           herein by reference.

             11            Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share.

             21            Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

             23            Independent Auditors' Consent.

             27            Financial Data Schedules for the year ended December
                           31, 1997 (filed only electronically with the
                           Securities and Exchange Commission).

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

 *   Denotes management contract, compensatory plan or similar arrangements.