<PAGE>   1

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                   ----------

(Mark One)

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

                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2000

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

                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-25142

                                   ----------

                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
                (Name of registrant as specified in its charter)


             TEXAS                                               76-0210849
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

                             44000 HIGHWAY 75 SOUTH
                             HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS 77340
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 (936) 291-2277
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                   ----------

    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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 9,015,912 shares of Common
Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding as of December 13, 2000.

<PAGE>   2


                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                      INDEX



                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                            <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements

                Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.......................   3
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.............   4
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.............   5
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........   6

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
        and Results of Operations...........................................   7

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..........   9

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings...................................................  13

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................................  13

        Signatures..........................................................  14
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        October 31,       January 31,
                                               ASSETS                       2000             2000
                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                        (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                     <C>               <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
    Cash                                                                  $    793         $  3,588
    Marketable securities, at market                                         7,959           13,811
    Accounts receivable, net                                                 2,594            4,505
    Notes receivable                                                         1,607            1,183
    Inventory                                                                2,656            2,557
    Income tax receivable                                                    3,436            2,795
    Deferred tax asset                                                         335              220
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                  491              175
                                                                          --------         --------
       Total current assets                                                 19,871           28,834
Seismic equipment lease pool, property and equipment                        76,898           71,980
Accumulated depreciation of seismic equipment lease pool,
      property and equipment                                               (40,015)         (36,697)
Notes receivable                                                               881            1,100
Deferred tax asset                                                           2,046            2,488
                                                                          --------         --------
         Total assets                                                     $ 59,681         $ 67,705
                                                                          ========         ========

                                LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
    Accounts payable                                                      $  5,425         $  5,927
    Deferred revenue                                                           721              809
    Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities                          319              694
                                                                          --------         --------
         Total current liabilities                                           6,465            7,430

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
        none issued and outstanding                                             --               --
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
        9,591,112 and 9,551,112 shares, respectively, issued                    96               96
    Additional paid-in capital                                              61,601           61,459
    Treasury stock, at cost                                                 (2,932)              --
    Accumulated deficit                                                     (4,017)            (620)
    Cumulative translation adjustment                                       (1,532)            (660)
                                                                          --------         --------
         Total shareholders' equity                                         53,216           60,275
                                                                          --------         --------
         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                       $ 59,681         $ 67,705
                                                                          ========         ========
</TABLE>

              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 OCTOBER 31,                              OCTOBER 31,
                                                       -------------------------------         -------------------------------
                                                           2000                1999                2000                1999
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
<S>                                                    <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
REVENUES:
Short-term leasing                                     $     2,545         $     1,823         $     7,733         $     3,552
Leasing under lease/purchase agreements                        202                   8                 570                 210
Other equipment sales                                        1,006                 603               3,755                 942
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
         Total revenues                                      3,753               2,434              12,058               4,704

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Direct costs                                                   347                 370               1,120                 673
Cost of other equipment sales                                  851                 448               2,659                 569
General and administrative                                   1,078                 845               3,121               2,795
Provision for doubtful accounts                                 25                  50                 100                 175
Depreciation                                                 3,268               2,374               9,260               6,972
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
         Total costs and expenses                            5,569               4,087              16,260              11,184
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

OPERATING LOSS                                              (1,816)             (1,653)             (4,202)             (6,480)

Other income - net                                             162                 168                 478                 478
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                    (1,654)             (1,485)             (3,724)             (6,002)
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES                                        --                (415)               (327)             (1,598)
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
NET LOSS                                               $    (1,654)        $    (1,070)        $    (3,397)        $    (4,404)
                                                       ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

Loss per common share:
     Basic                                             $     (0.18)        $     (0.11)        $     (0.37)        $     (0.46)
     Diluted                                           $     (0.18)        $     (0.11)        $     (0.37)        $     (0.46)
                                                       ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

Shares used in computing loss per common share:
     Basic                                               9,032,000           9,551,000           9,220,000           9,550,000
     Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents                --                  --                  --                  --
                                                       -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
     Diluted                                             9,032,000           9,551,000           9,220,000           9,550,000
                                                       ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========
</TABLE>


              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                     OCTOBER 31,
                                                                             -------------------------
                                                                               2000             1999
                                                                             --------         --------
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss                                                                     $ (3,397)        $ (4,404)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows
     provided by operating activities:
         Depreciation                                                           9,260            6,972
         Provision for doubtful accounts, net of charge offs                     (108)            (465)
         Inventory                                                                (87)             (26)
         Accounts receivable                                                      947            3,451
         Federal income taxes                                                    (313)          (2,107)
         Accounts payable and other current liabilities                          (676)             446
         Other assets                                                            (295)            (206)
                                                                             --------         --------
              Net cash provided by operating activities                         5,331            3,661

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Purchases of seismic equipment held for lease                            (12,545)          (6,823)
     Purchases of property and equipment                                         (179)            (188)
     Sale (purchase) of marketable securities, net                              5,852            2,214
     Disposal of seismic equipment lease pool, property and equipment           1,536              577
                                                                             --------         --------
         Net cash used in investing activities                                 (5,336)          (4,220)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Purchases of treasury stock                                               (2,932)              --
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of
       warrants and options                                                       142               --
                                                                             --------         --------
         Net cash used in financing activities                                 (2,790)              --

NET DECREASE IN CASH                                                           (2,795)            (559)
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                       3,588            2,525
                                                                             --------         --------
CASH, END OF PERIOD                                                          $    793         $  1,966
                                                                             ========         ========

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
     Cash paid for:
         Interest                                                            $     --         $     28
         Income taxes                                                        $     --         $    500
                                                                             ========         ========
</TABLE>

              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                            MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The condensed consolidated financial statements of Mitcham Industries,
         Inc. ("the Company") have been prepared by the Company, without audit,
         pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
         Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
         included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant
         to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the
         disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
         misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be
         read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto
         included in the Company's latest Annual Report to Shareholders and the
         Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2000. In the
         opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting only of normal
         recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial
         position as of October 31, 2000; the results of operations for the
         three and nine months ended October 31, 2000 and 1999; and cash flows
         for the nine months ended October 31, 2000 and 1999 have been included.
         The foregoing interim results are not necessarily indicative of the
         results of the operations for the full fiscal year ending January 31,
         2001.

2.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

         Legal Proceedings

         On or about April 23, 1998, several class action lawsuits were filed
         against the Company and its chief executive officer and then chief
         financial officer in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
         of Texas, Houston Division. The first-filed complaint, styled Stanley
         Moskowitz ("Plaintiffs") v. Mitcham Industries, Inc., Billy F. Mitcham,
         Jr. and Roberto Rios ("Defendants"), alleged violations of Section
         10(b), Rule 10b-5 and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
         Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. On or about
         September 21, 1998, the complaints were consolidated into one action.
         On November 4, 1998, the Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended
         complaint ("CAC"), which seeks class action status on behalf of those
         who purchased the Company's common stock from June 4, 1997 through
         March 26, 1998, and damages in an unspecified amount plus costs and
         attorney's fees. The CAC alleges that the Defendants made materially
         false and misleading statements and omissions in public filings and
         announcements concerning its business and its allowance for doubtful
         accounts. On or about January 15, 1999, the Defendants filed a motion
         to dismiss the CAC. On September 28, 1999, the Court granted in part
         and denied in part the Defendants' motion to dismiss, and granted
         Plaintiffs leave to amend on certain claims. On December 8, 1999,
         Plaintiffs filed their second consolidated amended complaint ("SCAC").
         On December 14, 1999, Plaintiffs served discovery on Defendants. On
         January 28, 2000, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the SCAC. On
         October 2, 2000, the Court granted in part and denied in part
         Defendants' motion to dismiss the SCAC. The Court dismissed with
         prejudice the claims asserted on behalf of the entire class under
         Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. The Court, however, has
         allowed plaintiffs Moskowitz and Finkelstein to proceed with their
         Section 11 claims on an individual basis. As to the Section 10(b)
         claims, the Court affirmed with prejudice its prior order, which
         limited all allegations of misstatements by the Defendants to the June
         4, 1997 to March 26, 1998 time period (i.e., the class period), and
         dismissed claims based on: (1) forward-looking statements entitled to
         safe-harbor protection under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
         Act of 1995; (2) allegations of improper revenue recognition; and (3)
         allegations based on analysts' statements. Defendants filed an answer
         to the remaining claims in the SCAC on December 6, 2000.

         The Company is also involved in claims and legal actions arising in the
         ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
         disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on
         the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.


                                       6
<PAGE>   7


3.       TREASURY STOCK

         In February 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of
         up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The Company has
         repurchased 561,200 shares of its common stock at an average price of
         $5.22 per share as of October 31, 2000 and has classified these shares
         as treasury stock in the accompanying financial statements. The Company
         expects it will continue to purchase its shares from time to time in
         the open market or in privately negotiated purchase transactions as
         market and financial conditions warrant.

4.       RECLASSIFICATIONS

         Certain 1999 amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2000
         presentation.

5.       SUBSEQUENT EVENT

         On November 10, 2000, the Company closed an $8.5 million term loan. The
         loan will amortize over 48 months and bears interest at the rate of
         prime plus one percent, adjusted daily. The first three monthly
         payments shall be interest only, with the remaining 45 monthly payments
         being interest and principal. As of December 14, 2000, the Company has
         drawn $3.0 million under this loan agreement. The loan is
         collateralized by the lease pool equipment purchased for the Company's
         fiscal 2001 winter capital expenditure program.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

         The Company's sales are directly related to the level of worldwide oil
and gas exploration activities and the profitability and cash flows of oil and
gas companies and seismic contractors, which in turn are affected by
expectations regarding the supply and demand for oil and natural gas, energy
prices and finding and development costs. The Company believes that during the
latter half of 1998, the exploration and production companies anticipated an
extended period of low oil and gas prices and began to reduce their intended
levels of expenditures for seismic data. Consolidation within the oil industry
has also delayed seismic data acquisition projects.

         Until the exploration and production companies can forecast with
reasonable certainty that future oil prices will stabilize, seismic data
acquisition activity is not expected to improve. Additional declines in oil
prices, or expectations that the recent improvement in oil prices will not hold,
could cause the Company's customers to further reduce their spending and further
adversely affect the Company's results of operation and financial condition.

         The Company leases and sells seismic data acquisition equipment
primarily to seismic data acquisition companies and oil and gas companies
conducting land and transition zone seismic surveys worldwide. The Company
provides short-term leasing of seismic equipment to meet a customer's
requirements and offers maintenance and support during the lease term. The
majority of all leases at October 31, 2000 were for a term of one year or less.
Seismic equipment held for lease is carried at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation.

SEASONALITY

         Historically, seismic equipment leasing has been susceptible to weather
patterns in certain geographic regions. There is some seasonality to the
Company's expected lease revenues, especially from customers operating in
Canada, where a significant percentage of seismic survey activity occurs in the
winter months, from October through March. During the months in which the
weather is warmer, certain areas are not accessible to trucks, earth vibrators
and other equipment because of the unstable terrain. This seasonal leasing
activity by the Company's Canadian customers has historically resulted in
increased lease revenues in the Company's first and fourth fiscal quarters.
However, due to the significant decrease in world oil prices in 1998, demand for
the Company's services


                                       7
<PAGE>   8

both in Canada and worldwide declined dramatically in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1999 and remained at historically low levels throughout fiscal 2000.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three months ended October 31, 2000 and 1999

         For the quarter ended October 31, 2000, total revenues increased by
$1.3 million to $3.8 million from $2.4 million in the corresponding period of
the prior year. This quarter's results reflect a significant increase in all
categories of revenues compared to total revenues for the same period of the
prior year, mainly a reflection of the increased seismic activity worldwide.

         Equipment sales and leasing revenues under lease/purchase agreements
during the quarter ended October 31, 2000 were not significant, as the Company
recorded no revenues from the exercise of the purchase option of lease/purchase
contracts. During the quarter ended October 31, 2000, other equipment sales
generated a gross margin of 15% as compared to 26% for the same period in 1999.
Gross margins on equipment sales may vary significantly between periods due to
the mix of new versus older equipment being sold.

         General and administrative expenses increased by $233,000 from the
corresponding prior year period primarily due to an increase in rent and
storage, compensation and Texas franchise tax expenses partially offset by a
decrease in insurance expense and professional fees. Additionally, the Company
incurred personnel and related costs during 2000 associated with international
marketing efforts.

         Depreciation expense for the quarter ended October 31, 2000 increased
by $894,000, or 38%, to $3.3 million from $2.4 million for the same period last
year. The increase is primarily the result of capital additions to the seismic
equipment lease pool during the past year.

         The Company recorded a net loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2000
in the amount of $1.7 million compared to a net loss of $1.1 million for the
same period of the previous year.

For the nine months ended October 31, 2000 and 1999

         For the nine months ended October 31, 2000, total revenues increased by
$7.4 million to $12.1 million from $4.7 million in the corresponding period of
the prior year. Approximately $0.3 million of lease revenue is related to
rentals of equipment that occurred during the prior fiscal year, which had not
been recorded pending collection. These funds were collected in June. Year to
date revenues through October 31, 2000 reflects a significant increase in all
categories of revenues compared to total revenues for the same period of the
prior year, mainly a reflection of the increased seismic activity worldwide.

         Equipment sales and leasing revenues under lease/purchase agreements
during the nine months ended October 31, 2000 were not significant, as the
Company recorded no revenues from the exercise of the purchase option of
lease/purchase contracts.

         During the nine months ended October 31, 2000, other equipment sales
generated a gross margin of 29% as compared to 40% for the same period in 1999.
Gross margins on equipment sales may vary significantly between periods due to
the mix of new versus older equipment being sold.

         General and administrative expenses increased by $326,000 from the
corresponding prior year period primarily due to personnel and related costs
associated with international marketing efforts, as well as an increase in
insurance, compensation, convention, travel and business promotion expenses,
partially offset by a decrease in professional fees.

         Depreciation expense for the nine months ended October 31, 2000
increased by $2.3 million, or 33%, to $9.3 million from $7.0 million for the
same period last year. The increase is primarily the result of a larger seismic


                                       8
<PAGE>   9

equipment lease pool, on a cost basis, as compared to October 31, 1999.
Additionally, the Company has sold older, more fully depreciated seismic
equipment during the past year and replaced it with newer equipment, thus
increasing depreciation expense. The Company's seismic equipment lease pool
increased by $7.6 million, on a cost basis, to $75.1 million at October 31,
2000, from $67.5 million at October 31, 1999.

         The Company recorded a net loss for the nine months ended October 31,
2000 in the amount of $3.4 million compared to a net loss of $4.4 million for
the same period of the previous year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         As of October 31, 2000, the Company had net working capital of
approximately $13.4 million as compared to net working capital of $21.4 million
at January 31, 2000. Historically, the Company's principal liquidity
requirements and uses of cash have been for capital expenditures and working
capital and our principal sources of cash have been cash flows from operations
and issuances of equity securities. Net cash provided by operating activities
for the nine months ended October 31, 2000 was $5.3 million, as compared to net
cash provided by operating activities of $3.7 million for the nine months ended
October 31, 1999.

         At October 31, 2000, the Company had trade accounts receivable of $0.6
million that were more than 90 days past due. As of October 31, 2000, the
Company's allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $1.2 million, which
management believes is sufficient to cover any losses in its customer
receivables, including any losses in its international customers' accounts.

         Capital expenditures for the nine months ended October 31, 2000 totaled
approximately $12.7 million compared to capital expenditures of $7.0 million for
the corresponding period in the prior year. During the nine months ended October
31, 2000, the Company repurchased 561,200 shares of its common stock for an
aggregate cost of $2,932,000, or $5.22 per share. The Company expects that its
capital expenditure requirements for the fourth quarter will be approximately
$15.0. Management believes that cash on hand, cash provided by future operations
and funds available under the Company's loan agreement will be sufficient to
fund its anticipated capital and liquidity needs over the next twelve months.

On November 10, 2000, the Company closed an $8.5 million term loan with First
Victoria National Bank. The loan will amortize over 48 months and bears interest
at the rate of prime plus one percent, adjusted daily. The first three monthly
payments shall be interest only, with the remaining 45 monthly payments being
interest and principal. As of December 14, 2000, the Company has drawn $3.0
million under this loan agreement. The loan is collateralized by the lease pool
equipment purchased for the Company's fiscal 2001 winter capital expenditure
program.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to market
risks from changes in foreign exchange rates to the extent that transactions are
not denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company typically denominates the majority
of its lease and sales contracts in U.S. dollars to mitigate the exposure to
fluctuations in foreign currencies.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

     Certain information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
(including statements contained in Part I, Item 2. "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in Part II, Item
1. "Legal Proceedings"), as well as other written and oral statements made or
incorporated by reference from time to time by the Company and its
representatives in other reports, filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, press releases, conferences, or otherwise, may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. This information includes, without limitation, statements
concerning the Company's future financial position and results of operations;
planned capital expenditures; business strategy and other plans for future
operations; the future mix of revenues and business;


                                       9
<PAGE>   10

commitments and contingent liabilities; and future demand for the Company's
services and predicted improvement in energy industry and seismic service
industry conditions. Although the Company believes that the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no
assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. When used in
this report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "may," and
similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its management, identify
forward-looking statements. The actual results of future events described in
such forward-looking statements could differ materially from the results
described in the forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties
set forth below and elsewhere within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

PROLONGED AND GRADUAL RECOVERY OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AND REDUCED DEMAND FOR
SERVICES

     Demand for the Company's services depends on the level of spending by oil
and gas companies for exploration, production and development activities, as
well as on the number of crews conducting land and transition zone seismic data
acquisition worldwide, and especially in North America. Because of the prolonged
and gradual recovery of the energy services sector, there has been a decreased
demand for the Company's services. Increases in the price of oil have not yet
countered decreased demand. As such, the seismic equipment sector may lag other
sectors of the energy services industry in its turnaround. Any future
fluctuations in the price of oil and gas in response to relatively minor changes
in the supply and demand for oil and gas will continue to have a major effect on
exploration, production and development activities and thus, on the demand for
the Company's services.

LOSS OF SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE COMPANY

     The Company typically leases and sells significant amounts of seismic
equipment to a relatively small number of customers, the composition of which
changes from year to year as leases are initiated and concluded and as
customers' equipment needs vary. Therefore, at any one time, a large portion of
the Company's revenues may be derived from a limited number of customers. In the
fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, the single largest customer accounted for
approximately 17% of the Company's total revenues. Because the Company's
customer base is relatively small, the loss of one or more customers for any
reason could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

SIGNIFICANT DEFAULTS OF PAST-DUE CUSTOMER RECEIVABLES WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The Company has approximately $6.3 million of customer accounts and notes
receivable at October 31, 2000, of which $0.6 million of customer accounts
receivable is over ninety days past-due. At October 31, 2000, the Company has an
allowance of $1.2 million to cover losses in its receivable balances.
Significant payment defaults by its customers in excess of the allowance would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results
of operations.

DEPENDENCE ON ADDITIONAL LEASE CONTRACTS

     The Company's seismic equipment leases typically have a term of three to
nine months and provide gross revenues that recover only a portion of the
Company's capital investment. The Company's ability to generate lease revenues
and profits is dependent on obtaining additional lease contracts after the
termination of an original lease. However, lessees are under no obligation to,
and frequently do not, continue to lease seismic equipment after the expiration
of a lease. Although the Company has been successful in obtaining additional
lease contracts with other lessees after the termination of the original leases,
there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so. The Company's failure
to obtain additional or extended leases beyond the initial term would have a
material adverse effect on its operations and financial condition.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

     The Company's success is dependent on, among other things, the services of
certain key personnel, including specifically Billy F. Mitcham, Jr., Chairman of
the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.


                                       10
<PAGE>   11

Mr. Mitcham's employment agreement has an initial term through January 15, 2002,
and is automatically extended on a year-to-year basis until terminated by either
party giving 30 days notice prior to the end of the current term (subject to
earlier termination on certain stated events). The agreement prohibits Mr.
Mitcham from engaging in any business activities that are competitive with the
Company's business and from diverting any of the Company's customers to a
competitor for two years after the termination of his employment. The loss of
the services of Mr. Mitcham could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In particular, the Exclusive Equipment Lease Agreement with Sercel is terminable
at such time as he is no longer employed by the Company in a senior management
capacity.

TECHNOLOGICAL OBSOLESCENCE

     The Company has a substantial capital investment in seismic data
acquisition equipment. The development by manufacturers of seismic equipment of
newer technology systems or component parts that have significant competitive
advantages over seismic systems and component parts now in use could have an
adverse effect on the Company's ability to profitably lease and sell its
existing seismic equipment.

     During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Company recorded a
pretax asset impairment charge of $15.1 million. Included in this charge is a
$900,000 lower of cost or market adjustment related to certain seismic equipment
assets classified as inventory. The non-cash asset impairment charge was
recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 121, which requires that long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The severity as well as the
duration of the current oil and gas industry downturn is such an event. The
Company's review of its long-lived assets indicated that the carrying value of
certain of the Company's seismic equipment lease pool and inventory assets was
more than the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows. As such, under SFAS
No. 121, the Company wrote down those assets to their estimated fair market
value based on discounted cash flows using an effective rate of 8.0%.
Undiscounted future net cash flows were calculated based on individual types of
seismic equipment using projected future utilization and lease rates over the
estimated remaining useful lives of the assets. The Company's seismic equipment
assets have been historically depreciated over 3-10 years. The impairment was
recorded based on certain estimates and projections as stipulated in SFAS No.
121. There can be no assurance that the Company will not record asset impairment
charges under SFAS No. 121 in the future.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The Company's results of operations are dependent upon the current
political and economic climate of several international countries in which its
customers either operate or are located. International sources accounted for
approximately 71% of the Company's revenues in the fiscal year ended January 31,
2000, and 9% of international revenues were attributable to lease and sales
activities in South America. Since the majority of the Company's lease and sales
contracts with its customers are denominated in U.S. dollars, there is little
risk of loss from fluctuations in foreign currencies. However, the Company's
internationally-sourced revenues are still subject to the risk of currency
exchange controls (in which payment could not be made in U.S. dollars), taxation
policies, and appropriation, as well as to political turmoil, civil
disturbances, armed hostilities, and other hazards. While the Company's results
of operations have not been adversely affected by those risks to date, there is
no assurance its business and results of operations won't be adversely affected
in the future.

VULNERABILITY TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SEASONAL RESULTS

     The first and fourth quarters of the Company's fiscal year have
historically accounted for a greater portion of the Company's revenues than do
the second and third quarters of its fiscal year. This seasonality in revenues
is primarily due to the increased seismic survey activity in Canada from October
through March, which affects the Company due to its significant Canadian
operations. This seasonal pattern may cause the Company's results of operations
to vary significantly from quarter to quarter. However, due to the significant
decrease in world oil prices in 1998, demand for the Company's services both in
Canada and worldwide declined dramatically in the fourth


                                       11
<PAGE>   12

quarter of fiscal 1999 and has remained at historically low levels throughout
fiscal 2000. Accordingly, period-to-period comparisons are not necessarily
meaningful and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS

     The Company has and continues to rely on purchase agreements with Sercel
and Pelton Company, Inc. To a lesser extent, the Company also relies on its
suppliers for lease referrals. The termination of these agreements for any
reason could materially adversely affect the Company's business. Any difficulty
in obtaining seismic equipment from suppliers could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.


COMPETITION

     Competition in the leasing of seismic equipment is fragmented, and the
Company is aware of several companies that engage in seismic equipment leasing.
The Company believes that its competitors, in general, do not have as extensive
a seismic equipment lease pool as does the Company. The Company also believes
that its competitors do not have similar exclusive lease referral agreements
with suppliers. Competition exists to a lesser extent from seismic data
acquisition contractors that may lease equipment that is temporarily idle.

     The Company has several competitors engaged in seismic equipment leasing
and sales, including seismic equipment manufacturers, companies providing
seismic surveys and oil and gas exploration companies that use seismic
equipment, many of which have substantially greater financial resources than the
Company. There are also several smaller competitors who, in the aggregate,
generate significant revenue from the sale of seismic survey equipment.
Pressures from existing or new competitors could adversely affect the Company's
business operations.

VOLATILE STOCK PRICES AND NO PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

         Due to current energy industry conditions, energy and energy service
company stock prices, including the Company's stock price, have been extremely
volatile. Such stock price volatility could adversely affect the Company's
business operations by, among other things, impeding its ability to attract and
retain qualified personnel and to obtain additional financing if such financing
is ever needed. The Company has historically not paid dividends on its common
stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS; POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF
PREFERRED STOCK

     Certain provisions of the Company's Articles of Incorporation and the Texas
Business Corporation Act may tend to delay, defer or prevent a potential
unsolicited offer or takeover attempt that is not approved by the Board of
Directors but that the Company's shareholders might consider to be in their best
interest, including an attempt that might result in shareholders receiving a
premium over the market price for their shares. Because the Board of Directors
is authorized to issue preferred stock with such preferences and rights as it
determines, it may afford the holders of any series of preferred stock
preferences, rights or voting powers superior to those of the holders of common
stock. Although the Company has no shares of preferred stock outstanding and no
present intention to issue any shares of its preferred stock, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not do so in the future.

LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY

     The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide, as permitted by governing
Texas law, that a director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the
Company or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as
a director, with certain exceptions. These provisions may discourage
shareholders from bringing suit against a director for breach of fiduciary duty
and may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation brought by shareholders
on behalf of the Company against a director.


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         On or about April 23, 1998, several class action lawsuits were filed
         against the Company and its chief executive officer and then chief
         financial officer in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
         of Texas, Houston Division. The first-filed complaint, styled Stanley
         Moskowitz ("Plaintiffs") v. Mitcham Industries, Inc., Billy F. Mitcham,
         Jr. and Roberto Rios ("Defendants"), alleged violations of Section
         10(b), Rule 10b-5 and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
         Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. On or about
         September 21, 1998, the complaints were consolidated into one action.
         On November 4, 1998, the Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended
         complaint ("CAC"), which seeks class action status on behalf of those
         who purchased the Company's common stock from June 4, 1997 through
         March 26, 1998, and damages in an unspecified amount plus costs and
         attorney's fees. The CAC alleges that the Defendants made materially
         false and misleading statements and omissions in public filings and
         announcements concerning its business and its allowance for doubtful
         accounts. On or about January 15, 1999, the Defendants filed a motion
         to dismiss the CAC. On September 28, 1999, the Court granted in part
         and denied in part the Defendants' motion to dismiss, and granted
         Plaintiffs leave to amend on certain claims. On December 8, 1999,
         Plaintiffs filed their second consolidated amended complaint ("SCAC").
         On December 14, 1999, Plaintiffs served discovery on Defendants. On
         January 28, 2000, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the SCAC. On
         October 2, 2000, the Court granted in part and denied in part
         Defendants' motion to dismiss the SCAC. The Court dismissed with
         prejudice the claims asserted on behalf of the entire class under
         Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. The Court, however, has
         allowed plaintiffs Moskowitz and Finkelstein to proceed with their
         Section 11 claims on an individual basis. As to the Section 10(b)
         claims, the Court affirmed with prejudice its prior order, which
         limited all allegations of misstatements by the Defendants to the June
         4, 1997 to March 26, 1998 time period (i.e., the class period), and
         dismissed claims based on: (1) forward-looking statements entitled to
         safe-harbor protection under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
         Act of 1995; (2) allegations of improper revenue recognition; and (3)
         allegations based on analysts' statements. Defendants filed an answer
         to the remaining claims in the SCAC on December 6, 2000.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    (a) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
        None

    (b) EXHIBITS

        10.1 -  Loan Agreement between Mitcham Industries, Inc. and First
                Victoria National Bank dated November 10, 2000

        10.2 -  Commercial Security Agreement between Mitcham Industries, Inc.
                and First Victoria National Bank dated November 9, 2000

        11   -  Statement Re Computation of Loss Per Share

        27   -  Financial Data Schedule


                                       13
<PAGE>   14

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                         MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.




Date:  December 15, 2000                 /s/ P. BLAKE DUPUIS
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         P. BLAKE DUPUIS,
                                         CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                         (AUTHORIZED OFFICER AND PRINCIPAL
                                         ACCOUNTING OFFICER)


                                       14



<PAGE>   15

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
   NO.                                    DESCRIPTION
-------                                   -----------
<S>            <C>
 10.1 -        Loan Agreement between Mitcham Industries, Inc. and First
               Victoria National Bank dated November 10, 2000

 10.2 -        Commercial Security Agreement between Mitcham Industries,  Inc.
               and First Victoria National Bank dated November 9, 2000

 11   -        Statement Re Computation of Loss Per Share

 27   -        Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>