Precision Drilling Announces 2024 First Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This news release contains “forward-looking information and statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For a full disclosure of the forward-looking information and statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements” later in this news release. This news release contains references to certain Financial Measures and Ratios, including Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, loss (gain) on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations, Net Capital Spending, Working Capital and Total Long-term Financial Liabilities. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue was $528 million compared to $559 million in the first quarter of 2023 with the decrease mainly attributable to lower U.S. activity.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was $143 million and included share-based compensation charges of $23 million as our share price increased 27% in the first quarter. By comparison, Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2023 was $203 million and included a $12 million recovery as our share price decreased 33% in the first quarter of 2023.
• Net earnings were $37 million or $2.53/share compared to $96 million or $7.02/share in the first quarter of 2023.
• Completion and Production Services revenue and Adjusted EBITDA were $87 million and $19 million, respectively, compared with $75 million and $17 million in the same quarter last year.
• Cash from operations was $66 million compared to $28 million in the comparative quarter.
• Share repurchases were $10 million compared to $5 million in the first quarter of 2023.
• Capital expenditures were $56 million compared to $51 million in the first quarter of 2023.
• Precision remains on track to reduce debt between $150 million and $200 million in 2024 and return between 25% and 35% of free cash flow to shareholders in 2024.

Operational Highlights

• Canada averaged 73 active drilling rigs, compared to 69 for the first quarter of 2023.
• Canadian revenue per utilization day was $35,596 compared to $32,304 in the same period last year.
• U.S. averaged 38 active drilling rigs compared to 60 for the first quarter of 2023.
• U.S. revenue per utilization day was US$32,867 compared to US$34,963 in the same quarter last year.
• International averaged eight active drilling rigs, with revenue per utilization day of US$52,808 compared to US$51,753 in the first quarter of 2023.
• Service rig operating hours totaled 74,505, a 28% increase as compared with the same quarter last year driven by the CWC Energy Services (CWC) acquisition in late 2023.
  
  ^{_{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}}

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“Precision had an impressive start to 2024 and we expect to build on this momentum throughout the year. Our Canadian drilling operations, international business, and completion and production services all outperformed during the first quarter and we more than doubled our cash from operations compared to the same period last year. We continued to focus on shareholder returns and repurchased $10 million of common shares in the first quarter. We remain firmly committed to repaying debt between $150 million and $200 million in 2024 and allocating 25% to 35% of our free cash flow to share buybacks.

“Our Canadian drilling business exceeded expectations in the first quarter as our Super Series rigs, Alpha^TM technologies, EverGreen^TM products, and dedicated crews continued to deliver High Performance, High Value services to our customers. Precision had 73 rigs active in the first quarter, representing a 6% increase over the same period last year while industry activity was 6% lower. With strong demand for our Super Series rigs and Alpha^TM and EverGreen^TM products that provide improved performance and efficiencies, we grew average day rates to $35,596. As the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion begins operating, followed by start-up activities of LNG Canada, we expect customer demand for our Super Series rigs to remain robust and support strong utilization well into 2025.

“In the U.S., even with industry activity down nearly 20% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, we remain focused on returns. Our day rates averaged US$32,867 and we generated daily operating margins of $11,148⁽²⁾. While U.S. drilling activity continues to be influenced by weak natural gas prices and merger and acquisition activity, we believe the long-term fundamentals are positive due to growing global oil demand, decreasing inventory of drilled but uncompleted wells, and the next wave of Gulf Coast LNG facilities projected to start-up in late 2024 and 2025.

“Internationally, following rig reactivations in 2023, we have eight active rigs, which generated revenue of US$38 million in the first quarter compared to US$22 million one year ago. These eight rigs are active in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia under five-year contracts, which provide stable and predictable cash flow that stretches into 2028.

“With the successful acquisition of CWC in late 2023, Precision solidified its position as Canada’s leading provider of high-quality and reliable well services. In the first quarter, we increased our well service hours 28% and grew Adjusted EBITDA to $19 million. The outlook for this business remains positive as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is expected to drive more oil service related activity, while increased regulatory spending requirements is expected to result in more abandonment work.

“As shown by our first quarter results and positive outlook, we expect sustained free cash flow to be a feature of the business and will continue to assess the best route to enhance shareholder returns. We currently believe this will be a function of achieving a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio⁽¹⁾ of less than 1.0 times, while increasing direct capital returns to shareholders towards 50%. I would like to thank the Precision team for their hard work and dedication to our High Performance, High Value strategy and look forward to a great year ahead and generating value for our shareholders," stated Kevin Neveu, Precision’s President and CEO.

^{_{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”  
(2) Defined as Revenue per utilization day less Operating costs per utilization day.}}

SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Financial Highlights

^{_{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}}

Operating Highlights

Drilling Activity

^{_{(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.}}

Summary for the three months ended March 31, 2024:

• Revenue decreased to $528 million compared with $559 million in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of lower U.S. activity and day rates, partially offset by higher Canadian and international activity and day rates.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $143 million as compared with $203 million in 2023. Our lower 2024 Adjusted EBITDA was primarily the result of lower U.S. activity and day rates and increased share-based compensation charges, partially offset by increased Canadian and international activity and day rates. Share-based compensation was $23 million as compared to a recovery of $12 million in 2023. Please refer to “Other Items” later in this news release for additional information on share-based compensation.
• Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was 27% as compared with 36% in 2023.
• U.S. revenue per utilization day was US$32,867 compared with US$34,963 in 2023. The decrease was primarily the result of lower fleet average day rates and lower turnkey revenue, offset by higher recoverable costs. We did not recognize revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects as compared with US$1 million and US$7 million, respectively in 2023. Revenue per utilization day, excluding the impact of idle but contracted rigs and turnkey activity was US$32,867, compared to US$33,721 in 2023, a decrease of US$854 or 3%. Revenue per utilization day, excluding idle but contracted rigs, was consistent with the fourth quarter of 2023.
• U.S. operating costs per utilization day increased to US$21,719 compared with US$20,271 in 2023. The increase is mainly due to higher recoverable costs, fixed costs spread over lower activity and higher repairs and maintenance, partially offset by lower turnkey costs. U.S. operating costs per utilization day, excluding turnkey, was US$21,719 compared with US$19,421 in 2023. Sequentially, excluding the impact of turnkey activity, operating costs per utilization day increased US$704.
• Canadian revenue per utilization day was $35,596 compared with $32,304 in 2023. The increase was a result of higher average day rates and recoverable costs. Sequentially, revenue per utilization day increased $980 due to higher recoverable costs and increased boiler revenue.
• Canadian operating costs per utilization day increased to $19,959, compared with $18,746 in 2023, due to higher field wages and recoverable costs. Sequentially, daily operating costs increased $769 due to higher labour related costs, including burden and larger crew formations.
• We realized US$38 million of international contract drilling revenue compared with US$22 million in 2023.
• General and administrative expenses were $45 million as compared with $16 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher share-based compensation charges.
• Net finance charges were $18 million, a decrease of $5 million compared with 2023 and was the result of lower outstanding long-term debt.
• Capital expenditures were $56 million compared with $51 million in 2023. Capital spending by spend category included $14 million for expansion and upgrades and $41 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure, and intangible assets.
• Income tax expense for the quarter was $13 million as compared with $18 million in 2023. During the first quarter, we continued to not recognize deferred tax assets on certain international operating losses.
• We generated cash from operations of $66 million, repurchased $10 million of our shares, and ended the quarter with $31 million of cash and more than $600 million of available liquidity.
  

OUTLOOK

The outlook for North America energy is positive as global demand continues to rise, while geopolitical issues continue to threaten supply. In Canada, the imminent start-up of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, followed by LNG Canada, will provide significant tidewater access for both Canadian crude and natural gas, supporting additional Canadian drilling activity. In the U.S., the next wave of LNG projects is expected to add approximately 12 bcf/d of export capacity over the next three years, supporting additional U.S. natural gas drilling activity.

In Canada, we currently have 48 rigs operating, ten more rigs than a year ago, and expect this trend to continue throughout spring break-up due to increasing year-round pad drilling in the Montney and heavy oil programs. Our Canadian fleet is in high demand and we expect customer demand for our Super Triple and Super Single pad capable fleets to exceed supply into 2025 with increased take away capacity.

In the U.S., we currently have 39 rigs operating as drilling activity continues to be influenced by weak natural gas prices and pending merger and acquisition transactions. We view these headwinds as short-term in nature and believe rig count could improve in the later part of 2024 with continued strong oil prices.

Internationally, we expect to have eight rigs running throughout all of 2024. This represents a 40% increase in activity compared to 2023, which should drive a 50% increase in our international earnings. We continue to bid our remaining idle rigs within the region and remain optimistic about our ability to secure additional rig activations.

As the premier well service provider in Canada, with size and scale, the outlook for this business is positive. We expect customer demand to increase with the start-up of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and increased regulatory spending requirements for well abandonments, supporting healthy activity and strong pricing into the foreseeable future.

We believe cost inflation is largely behind us and will continue to look for opportunities to lower costs.

Contracts

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as at April 24, 2024. For those quarters ending after March 31, 2024, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rig, oilfield supply and manufacturing divisions; and Completion and Production Services, which includes our service rig, rental and camp and catering divisions.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

^{_{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}}

_{^{(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.}}

_{^{(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.}}

SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

_{^{(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”}}

OTHER ITEMS

Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

We have several cash and equity-settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers, and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2023 Annual Report.

A summary of expense amounts under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Because of the nature of our business, we are required to make judgements and estimates in preparing our Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements that could materially affect the amounts recognized. Our judgements and estimates are based on our past experiences and assumptions we believe are reasonable in the circumstances. The critical judgements and estimates used in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements are described in our 2023 Annual Report.

EVALUATION OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on their evaluation as at March 31, 2024, Precision’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that are filed or submitted to Canadian and U.S. securities authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Canadian and U.S. securities laws. In addition, as at March 31, 2024, there were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Management will continue to periodically evaluate the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and will make any modifications from time to time as deemed necessary.

Based on their inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and even those controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY

Precision adopted Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants - Amendments to IAS 1, as issued in 2020 and 2022. These amendments apply retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 and clarify requirements for determining whether a liability should be classified as current or non-current. Due to this change in accounting policy, there was a retrospective impact on the comparative Statement of Financial Position pertaining to the Corporation's deferred share unit (DSU) plan for non-management directors which are redeemable in cash or for an equal number of common shares upon the director's retirement. In the case of a director retiring, the director's respective DSU liability would become payable and the Corporation would not have the right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months. As such, the liability is impacted by the revised policy. The following changes were made to the Statement of Financial Position:

• As of January 1, 2023, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $12 million and non-current share-based compensation liability decreased by $12 million.
• As of December 31, 2023, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $8 million and non-current share-based compensation liability decreased by $8 million.

The Corporation's other liabilities were not impacted by the amendments. The change in accounting policy will also be reflected in the Corporation's consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending December 31, 2024.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this release, including statements that contain words such as "could", "should", "can", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "continue", "project", "potential" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking information and statements").

In particular, forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• our strategic priorities for 2024;
• our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plans for 2024 through to 2026;
• anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and daily operating margins in 2024;
• the average number of term contracts in place for 2024;
• customer adoption of Alpha^TM technologies and EverGreen^TM suite of environmental solutions;
• timing and amount of synergies realized from acquired drilling and well servicing assets;
• potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals; and
• our future debt reduction plans.

These forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by Precision in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These include, among other things:

• our ability to react to customer spending plans as a result of changes in oil and natural gas prices;
• the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
• customer focus on safety performance;
• existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
• our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis;
• the impact of an increase/decrease in capital spending; and
• the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.
  

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information and statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

• volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
• fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
• fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
• our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
• changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
• shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
• liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
• availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
• the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
• competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
• ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
• general economic, market or business conditions;
• the availability of qualified personnel and management;
• a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
• changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
• terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
• fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
• other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

^{_{(1) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See "CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY."}}


CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

2024 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 12:00 noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

To participate in the conference call please register at the URL link below. Once registered, you will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN, which will allow you to ask questions.

https://register.vevent.com/register/BIfbb4947b7fb84f509d7a52e0f86c196e

The call will also be webcast and can be accessed through the link below. A replay of the webcast call will be available on Precision’s website for 12 months.

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xwmz5zaw

About Precision

Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

Additional Information

For further information about Precision, please visit our website or contact:

Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Vice President, Investor Relations
403.716.4500

800, 525 - 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com