Category: Precision Drilling
Precision Drilling Releases 2022 ESG Performance Data
CALGARY, Alberta, March 28, 2023 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) today announced it has released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance data, which aligns with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) frameworks.
All ESG disclosure information will now be available on our interactive webpage, which will serve as the primary platform for our ESG content. This new upgraded format will allow the Company to provide accurate, timely, and recurring updates on our ESG efforts and successes.
The webpage is available at www.precisiondrilling.com/esg and provides information on the following:
- 2022 ESG performance data,
- ESG governance structure, processes, and policies,
- emissions reduction efforts,
- climate risks and strategy,
- diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and
- community engagement, including partnerships with indigenous groups.
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”.
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
Precision Drilling Corporation Announces Filing of Annual Disclosure Documents
CALGARY, Alberta, March 06, 2023 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision”) announced that it has filed its annual disclosure documents with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Precision’s 2022 Annual Report contains the audited consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022. Precision’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022 were previously released on February 9, 2023.
Precision’s Annual Report and Annual Information Form have been filed on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and on Form 40-F on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) system.
The documents described above are also available on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com or by emailing Precision at [email protected].
Precision’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held in a virtual-only format at 10:00 a.m. MDT on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

Precision Drilling Corporation Announces 2022 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Unaudited Financial Results
CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 09, 2023 — 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, gain (loss) on investments and other assets, loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations, Net Capital Spending and Working Capital. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.
Precision Drilling announces 2022 fourth quarter and year-end financial results:
- Realized $511 million of revenue during the quarter, an increase of 73% over the same period last year and 19% compared with the third quarter of 2022.
- Increased North American drilling activity by 28% while revenue per utilization day was US$31,242 in the U.S. and $29,886 in Canada, increases of $9,266 and $6,938, respectively, as compared with the fourth quarter of 2021.
- Daily operating margins (revenue less operating costs per utilization day) in the U.S. and Canada increased 103% and 54%, respectively, as compared with the 2021 fourth quarter.
- Achieved Adjusted EBITDA (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) of $91 million, a 43% increase from the 2021 quarter as we continue to maximize our operating leverage in a growing activity environment. Current quarter Adjusted EBITDA included $75 million of share-based compensation charges.
- Generated net earnings of $3 million or $0.27 per diluted share compared with a net loss of $27 million or a $2.05 loss per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2021.
- Continued to scale our Alpha™ technologies across our Super Triple rig fleet, increasing our Alpha™ revenue over 50% compared to the same quarter last year.
- During the quarter, Completion and Production Services generated revenue of $59 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $12 million, representing increases of 84% and 91%, respectively, from the 2021 fourth quarter.
- Generated cash and funds from operations (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) of $159 million and $111 million, respectively, as compared with $60 million and $63 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
- Exceeded our $75 million debt reduction target for the year by repaying $106 million of debt, ending the year with $22 million of cash and approximately $600 million of available liquidity.
- Awarded four five-year drilling contracts in Kuwait and renewed three contracts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for five years. Precision will increase its active rig count in the Middle East to eight rigs by the middle of 2023. These eight contracts represent approximately $800 million in backlog revenue that stretches into 2028.
- Increased our long-term debt reduction target from $400 million to $500 million from the beginning of 2022 through to the end of 2025 and decreased our target Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) from below 1.5 times to 1.0 times while continuing to allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt principal payments to shareholders.
Precision’s President and CEO, Kevin Neveu, stated:
“Precision’s strong fourth quarter revenue and better than expected cash generated from operations are a result of the high level of focus the entire organization placed on our strategic objectives, not only in the quarter but over the full year. I am very proud of the results our people achieved to maximize our operating leverage, expand margins, scale our Alpha™ digital technologies and EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions and improve our capital structure. These efforts have resulted in enhanced returns to our shareholders.
“During the year, we maximized our operating leverage and improved revenue efficiency, growing our daily operating margins 41% in the U.S. and 36% in Canada, bolstering cash flow and allowing us to exceed our $75 million debt reduction target and return $10 million to shareholders through share repurchases. In the second half of 2022, Precision returned to profitability, generating positive net earnings for the first time since 2019.
“Our fourth quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA increased an impressive 73% and 43%, respectively, compared to 2021 as our North American drilling activity and day rates continued to improve. Customers remained committed to their drilling plans and our fourth quarter drilling rig utilization days increased 31% in the U.S. and 26% in Canada compared with 2021. For five consecutive quarters our day rates have continued to climb and in the fourth quarter reached highs of US$31,242 in the U.S. and $29,886 in Canada. With robust demand for our services, increased customer recognition of the value we provide, tight super specification rig supply and an intense focus on cost control, we expect to continue to push day rates higher and expand margins toward 50% in 2023.
“In the U.S., we have 61 rigs active today, a 17% increase from this time last year. We expect weak natural gas prices could modestly impact industry rig demand over the coming weeks, but expect oil related activity to remain firm as customers continue to look to replace lower performing rigs and work to balance depleted drilled but uncompleted well inventories.
“In Canada, we have 78 rigs active today, representing an 18% increase over the same time last year. We expect demand to remain at high levels through the first part of March and are already observing better than expected bookings through spring breakup and into the second half of the year. Natural gas liquids production, recent northeastern British Columbia access resolution, and LNG related activity will continue to drive Super Triple demand in Canada, of which Precision’s fleet is 100% utilized today.
“Internationally, we have 5 rigs active, increasing to eight by the middle of the year after successful contracting in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We continue to explore opportunities to deploy our remaining idle rigs in the region.
“Demand for our Alpha™ digital technologies continues to gain momentum as fourth quarter revenue increased over 50% as compared with 2021. Year-over-year, we increased our Super Triple rigs equipped with Alpha™ by 49%. Interest in our EverGreenTM suite of environmental solutions continues to gain the attention of our customers as they seek meaningful solutions to achieve their emission reduction targets and improve their well economics. These service offerings will continue to enhance our margins in the future.
“Precision’s Completion and Production Services segment had its best annual performance since 2014, generating $38 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 and increasing our service rig activity 34% year-over-year. Our acquisition of High Arctic’s well servicing business in July has been highly successful, allowing Precision to further leverage its operational scale, generate significant cash flow, and become the leading provider of high-quality and reliable services. We are on track to achieve our targeted synergies of $5 million early this year. For 2023, we expect healthy commodity prices will support improved activity levels through increased demand for our services.
“I am proud of our accomplishments in 2022. We delivered on our three strategic priorities, returned to profitability, and strengthened our return profile, all while maintaining our capital discipline. Our 2023 strategic priorities will build on these accomplishments as we focus on delivering High Performance, High Value service, maximizing free cash flow through margin expansion and revenue efficiency, and continuing to strengthen our balance sheet by reducing debt with increased debt reduction and reduced leverage targets.
“Notwithstanding near-term commodity price volatility, constructive long-term oil and gas industry fundamentals combined with well-defined capital discipline commitments from both customers and oilfield service providers support steady and modestly increasing activity levels for the foreseeable future. I am confident our High Performance, High Value strategy, exceptional field results, capital discipline and capital allocation framework will continue to support increased shareholder value,” concluded Mr. Neveu.
SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Financial Highlights
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 510,504 | 295,202 | 72.9 | 1,617,194 | 986,847 | 63.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 91,090 | 63,881 | 42.6 | 311,605 | 192,772 | 61.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 3,483 | (27,336 | ) | (112.7 | ) | (34,293 | ) | (177,386 | ) | (80.7 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operations | 159,082 | 59,713 | 166.4 | 237,104 | 139,225 | 70.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 111,339 | 62,681 | 77.6 | 282,994 | 152,243 | 85.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 45,579 | 19,025 | 139.6 | 144,415 | 56,613 | 155.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 12,699 | 3,125 | 306.4 | 63,305 | 19,006 | 233.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Maintenance and infrastructure | 44,610 | 24,625 | 81.2 | 120,945 | 56,935 | 112.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale | (5,165 | ) | (2,696 | ) | 91.6 | (37,198 | ) | (13,086 | ) | 184.3 | |||||||||||||
Net capital spending(1) | 52,144 | 25,054 | 108.1 | 147,052 | 62,855 | 134.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 0.27 | (2.05 | ) | (113.0 | ) | (2.53 | ) | (13.32 | ) | (81.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 0.27 | (2.05 | ) | (113.0 | ) | (2.53 | ) | (13.32 | ) | (81.0 | ) |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Operating Highlights
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Contract drilling rig fleet | 225 | 227 | (0.9 | ) | 225 | 227 | (0.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Drilling rig utilization days: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 5,482 | 4,179 | 31.2 | 20,396 | 14,494 | 40.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada | 6,058 | 4,819 | 25.7 | 20,519 | 15,782 | 30.0 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 552 | 552 | – | 2,190 | 2,190 | – | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.(US$) | 31,242 | 21,976 | 42.2 | 27,309 | 21,213 | 28.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada(Cdn$) | 29,886 | 22,948 | 30.2 | 27,037 | 21,105 | 28.1 | |||||||||||||||||
International(US$) | 49,918 | 52,069 | (4.1 | ) | 51,242 | 52,837 | (3.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operating cost per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.(US$) | 19,253 | 16,056 | 19.9 | 18,635 | 15,048 | 23.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada(Cdn$) | 17,538 | 14,935 | 17.4 | 17,007 | 13,734 | 23.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig fleet | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 49,368 | 33,063 | 49.3 | 170,362 | 126,840 | 34.3 |
Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
Working capital(1) | 60,641 | 81,637 | |||||
Cash | 21,587 | 40,588 | |||||
Long-term debt | 1,085,970 | 1,106,794 | |||||
Total long-term financial liabilities | 1,206,619 | 1,185,858 | |||||
Total assets | 2,876,123 | 2,661,752 | |||||
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio (1) | 0.47 | 0.47 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Summary for the three months ended December 31, 2022:
- Revenue for the fourth quarter was $511 million, 73% higher than in 2021 and was the result of increased North American drilling and service activity and day rates. Drilling rig utilization days increased 31% in the U.S. and 26% in Canada and well service activity increased 49% as compared with the fourth quarter of 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $91 million, $27 million higher than 2021 mainly due to increased activity and day rates, partially offset by higher share-based compensation charges. Share-based compensation charges for the quarter were $75 million, $69 million higher than in 2021 with the increase primarily due to our higher share price and the impact of a higher performance multiplier applied to vesting Performance Share Units (PSU) that was impacted by Precision’s top quartile shareholder return of 186% over the three year period ending December 31, 2022. Please refer to “Other Items” later in this news release for additional information on share-based compensation charges.
- Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) was 18% as compared with 22% in 2021. The lower percentage in the current quarter was primarily the result of higher share-based compensation charges. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue in our Contract Drilling Services increased 5% as compared with the prior year quarter, demonstrating our revenue efficiency and ability to outpace cost escalations through increased day rates.
- General and administrative expenses this quarter were $79 million, $60 million higher than in 2021 due to higher share-based compensation charges.
- Net finance charges for the quarter were $24 million, an increase of $3 million from 2021 due to higher variable interest rates on our Senior Credit Facility and the impact of higher foreign exchange rates on our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar.
- In the U.S., revenue per utilization day was US$31,242 compared with US$21,976 in 2021. The increase was primarily the result of improved pricing, partially offset by lower turnkey revenue. During the fourth quarter, we recognized revenue from turnkey projects of US$4 million compared with US$6 million in 2021. Revenue per utilization day in the quarter, excluding the impact of turnkey, was US$30,552, compared to US$20,564 in the prior year, an increase of $9,988 or 49%. On a sequential basis, compared with the third quarter of 2022, revenue per utilization day, excluding turnkey revenue, increased approximately US$2,700.
- Our U.S. operating costs per utilization day increased to US$19,253, compared with US$16,056 in 2021 due to higher repairs and maintenance, field wages and larger crew sizes. Our U.S. daily operating costs during the quarter, excluding turnkey, was US$18,655 compared with US$14,916 in the prior year. Sequentially, excluding the impact of turnkey activity, our daily operating costs increased approximately US$825 due to higher labor costs and related burden resulting from wage increases during the fourth quarter of 2022.
- In Canada, revenue per utilization day for contract drilling for the quarter was $29,886 compared with $22,948 in 2021, an increase of 30%. The increase was a result of higher day rates and increased labor and cost recoveries, partially offset by rig mix. Sequentially, revenue per utilization day increased $2,959 as we continued to drive revenue efficiency.
- Our Canadian operating costs per utilization day increased to $17,538, compared with $14,935 in 2021 due to higher field wages, larger crew sizes and higher repairs and maintenance expenses. Sequentially, our daily operating costs increased $645 primarily due to increased repairs and maintenance expense.
- Our daily operating margins in the U.S. and Canada increased 103% and 54%, respectively, as compared with the fourth quarter of 2021. Sequentially, our daily operating margins have increased in the U.S. and Canada 25% and 23%, respectively, with the results demonstrating our focus on maximizing cash flow and revenue efficiency.
- Completion and Production Services fourth quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA were $59 million and $12 million, respectively, compared with $32 million and $6 million in 2021. Our improved results were supported by higher service rates and activity as our fourth quarter operating hours increased 49% as compared with 2021.
- We realized fourth quarter revenue from international contract drilling of US$28 million, largely consistent with 2021, as activity remained constant.
- Fourth quarter cash provided by operations was $159 million as compared with $60 million in 2021. We generated $111 million of funds from operations as compared with $63 million in 2021. Our increased activity, revenue efficiency, operational leverage and day rates contributed to higher cash generation in the current quarter, partially offset by higher share-based compensation charges.
- Capital expenditures were $57 million as compared with $28 million in 2021. Capital spending by spend category (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) included $13 million for expansion and upgrades and $45 million for the maintenance of existing assets and infrastructure.
- We reduced debt by $132 million, ending the quarter with $22 million of cash and approximately $600 million of available liquidity.
Summary for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022:
- Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $1,617 million, an increase of 64% from 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $312 million as compared with $193 million in 2021. Our higher Adjusted EBITDA was attributable to higher activity and day rates, partially offset by higher share-based compensation charges and lower CEWS program assistance. Share-based compensation charges for the year were $134 million, $77 million higher than in 2021, with the increase primarily due to our share price appreciating 132% and the impact of a higher performance multiplier applied to vesting PSUs. Our 2021 Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by $24 million of CEWS program assistance. We did not recognize any CEWS program assistance in 2022.
- General and administrative costs were $181 million, an increase of $85 million from 2021 primarily due to higher share-based compensation charges and lower CEWS program assistance.
- Net finance charges were $88 million, a decrease of $4 million from 2021 due to lower debt issue costs, partially offset by the impact of higher variable interest rates and the weakening Canadian dollar. In 2021, we accelerated the amortization of issue costs associated with fully redeemed unsecured senior notes.
- Cash provided by operations was $237 million as compared with $139 million in 2021. Funds provided by operations in 2022 were $283 million, an increase of $131 million from the comparative period.
- Capital expenditures were $184 million in 2022, an increase of $108 million from 2021. Capital spending by spend category included $63 million for expansion and upgrades and $121 million for the maintenance of existing assets and infrastructure.
- Disposed of non-core assets for proceeds of $37 million.
- We reduced our debt by $106 million and repurchased and cancelled 130,395 common shares for $10 million under our Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB).
STRATEGY
Precision’s vision is to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of land drilling services. We work toward this vision by defining and measuring our results against strategic priorities we establish at the beginning of every year.
Below we summarize the results of our 2022 strategic priorities:
- Grow revenue through scaling AlphaTM technologies and EverGreenTM suite of environmental solutions across Precision’s Super Series rig fleet and further competitive differentiation through ESG initiatives.
- Grew Alpha™ revenue by over 60% compared with 2021.
- Increased total paid days for AlphaAutomation™ by over 50% from 2021.
- Ended the year with 70 AC Super Triple Alpha™ rigs, a 49% increase from the beginning of the year.
- Expanded our commercial AlphaApps™ to 21 versus 16 a year ago and increased paid AlphaAppsTM days by 15% from 2021.
- Exited 2022 with seven field deployed EverGreen™ Battery Energy Storage Systems, 15 EverGreen™ Integrated Power and Emissions Monitoring Systems and 21 high mast LED lighting systems.
- Grow free cash flow by maximizing operating leverage as demand for our High Performance, High Value services continues to rebound.
- Generated cash provided by operations of $237 million, representing a 70% increase over the prior year.
- Grew our average active rig count by 40% in the U.S. and 30% in Canada as compared with 2021.
- Increased our daily operating margins (revenue less operating costs per utilization day) 41% in the U.S. and 36% in Canada.
- Acquired High Arctic Energy Services Inc’s (High Arctic) well servicing business and associated rental assets and increased our Completion and Production Services’ Adjusted EBITDA to $38 million versus $24 million in 2021.
- Awarded four five-year drilling contracts in Kuwait and renewed three contracts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for five years, increasing our international rig count to eight by mid-2023. We expect our eight long-term contracts to generate steady and reliable cash flow into 2028.
- Utilize free cash flow to continue strengthening our balance sheet while investing in our people, equipment and returning capital to shareholders.
- Reduced debt by $106 million, ending the year with approximately $600 million in available liquidity.
- Returned $10 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases.
- Reinvested $184 million into our equipment and infrastructure and disposed of non-core and underutilized assets for proceeds of $37 million.
- Hired and trained over 1,300 people new to the industry and increased our number of field coaches who conducted 155 site visits and provided over 10,000 hours of training.
2023 Strategic Priorities
Precision’s strategic priorities for 2023 are focused on service delivery, maximizing free cash flow through margin expansion and revenue efficiency, and continuing to strengthen our balance sheet. Precision’s strategic priorities for 2023 are as follows:
- Deliver High Performance, High Value services through operational excellence.
- Maximize free cash flow by increasing Adjusted EBITDA margins and revenue efficiency.
- Reduce debt by at least $150 million and allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt repayments for share repurchases. Increase long-term debt reduction target to $500 million between 2022 and 2025 and sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of below 1.0 times.
OUTLOOK
The rebound of global energy demand and the impact of a multi-year period of underinvestment in upstream oil and natural gas has resulted in reduced inventories of oil and natural gas and higher commodity prices, providing a supportive outlook for the oilfield services industry. The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian hydrocarbons have exacerbated the challenged supply situation and many importing countries are looking toward North America and the Middle East to fill the supply gap from exports of crude oil and natural gas through the global Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) market. Constrained natural gas production levels and low natural gas storage volumes have resulted in North American natural gas prices strengthening in the last year. With U.S. LNG exports growing as countries look to displace Russian natural gas and various Canadian LNG projects expected to come online by 2025, we anticipate a sustained period of elevated natural gas drilling activity.
A significant shift by the oil and gas exploration and development industry prioritizing shareholder returns over reinvestment for growth has taken hold and is core to the strategy of most industry participants. As a result, the reinvestment criteria for exploration and production companies are generally set at lower commodity prices, ensuring sustainable free cash flows that can be used to strengthen balance sheets and deliver direct returns to shareholders while maintaining or modestly growing production levels. Despite commodity price volatility, producer development programs and drilling rig demand have remained relatively stable and in the absence of a commodity price collapse we expect this stability will remain.
A strict focus on capital discipline extends through the oilfield service value chain and is evident in the land drilling sector, where despite strong customer demand and high utilization of pad drilling rigs, drilling companies remain reluctant to reinvest cash flows to build new rigs. This shift is a critically important change in the oilfield service supply fundamentals, driving a sustainable and predictable operating environment that generates better industry and investor returns.
At current commodity fundamentals, we anticipate higher demand for our services and improved fleet utilization as customers seek to maintain production levels and replenish inventories, as drilled but uncompleted wells have been depleted over the past several years. However, broad economic concerns exist with respect to recession risk, rising interest rates and geopolitical instability. Notwithstanding current economic uncertainty and commodity price volatility, we expect North American industry activity to further increase in 2023 but at a more modest pace and anticipate near full utilization in the high specification rig market with customers seeking term contracts to secure rigs and ensure fulfilment of their development programs. Accordingly, the tightening of available high specification rigs is expected to drive higher day rates and necessitate customer funded rig upgrades.
In Canada, industry activity is supported by imminent hydrocarbon export capacity increases with the Trans Mountain oil pipeline and LNG Canada that are expected to start-up in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia natural gas liquids and natural gas developments are prime beneficiaries of the LNG Canada project. Recent agreements reached in British Columbia with certain First Nations groups are expected to facilitate drilling license approvals and increased activity in that region. Additionally, large pad drilling programs are ideally suited for Super Triple drilling rigs that have strong customer interest indicated for the next several years. On the oil side, the Clearwater heavy oil play is being developed as a long-term conventional heavy oil development that is well suited for Precision’s Super Single rigs. Utilization of Precision’s Super Single and Super Triple rigs has reached record levels not seen in the last several years and customers are seeking multi-year rig contracts to ensure access to these rigs.
In the United States while customer demand flattened out late in 2022, there is continued interest to high grade rigs to the latest pad drilling, AlphaAutomationTM equipped rigs as these rigs deliver the best drilling cost efficiency available in the industry. In 2023, we expect a modest increase in demand as lower performing rigs are displaced and rig counts modestly increase to balance with completion activity. Tight supply and firm demand are expected to continue to support drilling rig day rates migrating to leading edge rates.
Interest in our EverGreenTM suite of environmental solutions continues to gain momentum as customers seek meaningful solutions to achieve their emission reduction targets and improve their well economics. We expect our growing AlphaTM technologies offering, paired with our EverGreenTM suite of environmental solutions, to be key competitive differentiators as our predictable and repeatable drilling results deliver exceptional value to our customers by reducing risks, well construction costs and carbon footprint.
The outlook for our Precision Well Servicing business remains positive with strong commodity prices supporting maintenance and completion activity. We successfully acquired and integrated High Arctic’s well servicing assets and associated rental business. By leveraging our existing platform and continuing our strict focus on cost control, we have realized annual run-rate cost synergies of approximately $4 million and expect to achieve our $5 million target early in 2023.
Commodity Prices
During the fourth quarter of 2022, average West Texas Intermediate and Western Canadian Select oil prices were higher by 7% and 5%, respectively, from the comparative quarter. While average Henry Hub and AECO natural gas prices improved by 26% and 11%, respectively from 2021.
For the three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Average oil and natural gas prices | ||||||||||||||
Oil | ||||||||||||||
West Texas Intermediate (per barrel) (US$) | 82.77 | 77.10 | 94.23 | 67.91 | ||||||||||
Western Canadian Select (per barrel) (US$) | 65.87 | 62.45 | 78.15 | 54.84 | ||||||||||
Natural gas | ||||||||||||||
United States | ||||||||||||||
Henry Hub (per MMBtu) (US$) | 6.10 | 4.84 | 6.51 | 3.72 | ||||||||||
Canada | ||||||||||||||
AECO (per MMBtu) (CDN$) | 5.24 | 4.73 | 5.43 | 3.64 |
Contracts
Since the start of 2022, we have signed 80 term contracts. The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as of February 8, 2023. For those quarters ending after December 31, 2022, 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.
Average for the quarter ended 2022 | Average for the quarter ended 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average rigs under term contract as of February 8, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 27 | 29 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 30 | 19 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
International | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 39 | 43 | 47 | 57 | 58 | 55 | 44 | 36 |
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had under term contract for 2022 and the average number of rigs we have under term contract as of February 8, 2023.
Average for the year ended | ||||||||||
2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
Average rigs under term contract as of February 8, 2023: | ||||||||||
U.S. | 31 | 25 | ||||||||
Canada | 10 | 17 | ||||||||
International | 6 | 7 | ||||||||
Total | 47 | 49 |
In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access. In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year. Internationally, we expect to have eight rigs under long term contract beginning in the second half of 2023.
Drilling Activity
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had working or moving by quarter for the periods noted.
Average for the quarter ended 2021 | Average for the quarter ended 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Precision active rig count: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 33 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 51 | 55 | 57 | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 42 | 27 | 51 | 52 | 63 | 37 | 59 | 66 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
International | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 81 | 72 | 98 | 103 | 120 | 98 | 122 | 132 |
According to industry sources, as of February 8, 2023, the U.S. active land drilling rig count has increased 25% from the same point last year while the Canadian active land drilling rig count has increased 14%. To date in 2023, approximately 79% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs and 63% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared with 81% for the U.S. and 62% for Canada at the same time last year.
Capital Spending and Free Cash Flow Allocation
We remain committed to disciplined cash flow management, capital spending and returning capital to shareholders. Capital spending in 2023 is expected to be $235 million and by spend category includes $163 million for sustaining, infrastructure and intangibles and $72 million for expansion and upgrades. We expect that the $235 million will be split $223 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment, $11 million in the Completion and Production Services segment and $1 million to the Corporate segment. At December 31, 2022, Precision had capital commitments of $184 million with payments expected through 2026.
We remain committed to our debt reduction plans and in 2023 expect to reduce debt by at least $150 million and allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt repayments for share repurchases. We have increased our long-term debt reduction target from the beginning of 2022 through to the end of 2025 to $500 million and decreased our target Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio from below 1.5 times to 1.0 times, while continuing to allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt principal payments to shareholders.
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.
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 453,225 | 264,911 | 71.1 | 1,436,134 | 877,943 | 63.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 59,250 | 32,134 | 84.4 | 187,171 | 113,488 | 64.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (1,971 | ) | (1,843 | ) | 6.9 | (6,111 | ) | (4,584 | ) | 33.3 | |||||||||||||
510,504 | 295,202 | 72.9 | 1,617,194 | 986,847 | 63.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA:(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 137,551 | 68,414 | 101.1 | 397,753 | 231,532 | 71.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 11,981 | 6,274 | 91.0 | 38,147 | 23,807 | 60.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (58,442 | ) | (10,807 | ) | 440.8 | (124,295 | ) | (62,567 | ) | 98.7 | |||||||||||||
91,090 | 63,881 | 42.6 | 311,605 | 192,772 | 61.6 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 453,225 | 264,911 | 71.1 | 1,436,134 | 877,943 | 63.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 296,716 | 189,291 | 56.8 | 988,885 | 618,327 | 59.9 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 18,958 | 7,206 | 163.1 | 49,496 | 28,084 | 76.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 137,551 | 68,414 | 101.1 | 397,753 | 231,532 | 71.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 30.3 | % | 25.8 | % | 27.7 | % | 26.4 | % |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
March 31 | 51 | 603 | 33 | 378 | |||||||||||
June 30 | 55 | 687 | 39 | 437 | |||||||||||
September 30 | 57 | 746 | 41 | 485 | |||||||||||
December 31 | 60 | 761 | 45 | 545 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 56 | 699 | 40 | 461 |
(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.
Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
March 31 | 63 | 205 | 42 | 145 | |||||||||||
June 30 | 37 | 113 | 27 | 72 | |||||||||||
September 30 | 59 | 199 | 51 | 151 | |||||||||||
December 31 | 66 | 187 | 52 | 160 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 56 | 176 | 43 | 132 |
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.
Revenue from Contract Drilling Services was $453 million this quarter, 71% higher than 2021, while Adjusted EBITDA increased 101% to $138 million. The increase in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher North American activity and day rates.
Drilling rig utilization days (drilling days plus move days) in the U.S. were 5,482, 31% higher than 2021. Drilling rig utilization days in Canada were 6,058, 26% higher than 2021. The increase in utilization days in both the U.S. and Canada was consistent with higher industry activity. Drilling rig utilization days in our international business were 552, consistent with 2021.
Our fourth quarter revenue per utilization day in the U.S. increased 42% from the comparable quarter. The increase was primarily the result of improved pricing, partially offset by lower turnkey revenue. During the fourth quarter, we recognized revenue from turnkey projects of US$4 million compared with US$6 million in 2021. Compared with the same quarter in 2021, drilling rig revenue per utilization day in Canada increased 30% due to higher day rates and increased labor and cost recoveries, partially offset by rig mix. Our international revenue per utilization day for the quarter was slightly lower than 2021 primarily due to the expiration of drilling contracts.
In the U.S., 59% of utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract as compared with 51% in 2021. In Canada, 20% of our utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract, compared with 13% in 2021.
In the U.S., operating costs per utilization day for the quarter were higher by 20% compared with 2021 primarily due to higher repairs and maintenance, field wages and larger crew sizes. Our U.S. daily operating costs during the quarter, excluding turnkey, was US$18,655 compared with US$14,916 the prior year. Our Canadian operating costs on a per utilization day increased 17% as compared with 2021 due to higher field wages, larger crew sizes and higher repairs and maintenance expenses.
Our general and administrative expenses increased $12 million as compared with the fourth quarter of 2021. The higher expense for the quarter pertains to higher share-based compensation charges from our increasing share price and performance multiplier. In the fourth quarter, we recognized $8 million of share-based compensation charges as compared with $1 million in 2021.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 59,250 | 32,134 | 84.4 | 187,171 | 113,488 | 64.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 45,462 | 24,698 | 84.1 | 141,827 | 84,401 | 68.0 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,807 | 1,162 | 55.5 | 7,197 | 5,280 | 36.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 11,981 | 6,274 | 91.0 | 38,147 | 23,807 | 60.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 20.2 | % | 19.5 | % | 20.4 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Well servicing statistics: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of service rigs (end of period) | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 49,368 | 33,063 | 49.3 | 170,362 | 126,840 | 34.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hour utilization | 40 | % | 29 | % | 42 | % | 28 | % |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Completion and Production Services revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to $59 million as compared with $32 million in 2021. The higher revenue was primarily due to increased average service rates and activity. Our fourth quarter service rig operating hours increased 49% from 2021.
During the quarter, Completion and Production Services generated 9% of its revenue from U.S. operations compared with 11% in the comparative period.
Operating costs as a percentage of revenue were 77%, consistent with 2021. As compared to 2021, our fourth quarter general and administrative expenses increased 56%. The higher expense for the quarter is primarily due to incremental costs resulting from our well servicing acquisition in the third quarter of 2022.
Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12 million as compared with $6 million in 2021, primarily due to increased average service rates and activity, partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we made our remaining payment of $28 million to complete our acquisition of High Arctic’s well servicing business and associated rental assets.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER
Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had negative Adjusted EBITDA of $58 million as compared with $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Our current quarter Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by higher share-based compensation costs from our increased share price and the impact of the increased performance multiplier.
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 2021 Annual Report.
A summary of amounts expensed under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Cash settled share-based incentive plans | 75,438 | 2,055 | 133,240 | 48,592 | |||||||||||
Equity settled share-based incentive plans: | |||||||||||||||
Executive PSU | – | 4,282 | 407 | 7,921 | |||||||||||
Share option plan | – | 33 | 20 | 232 | |||||||||||
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense | 75,438 | 6,370 | 133,667 | 56,745 | |||||||||||
Allocated: | |||||||||||||||
Operating | 18,913 | 1,551 | 33,607 | 12,988 | |||||||||||
General and Administrative | 56,525 | 4,819 | 100,060 | 43,757 | |||||||||||
75,438 | 6,370 | 133,667 | 56,745 |
We recognize a financial liability associated with our cash settled share-based incentive plans. The financial liability is remeasured each reporting period with the resultant change in fair value, caused primarily by movements in our share price and incremental vesting of units, recognized as share-based compensation expense in net earnings. As units vest, cash payments reduce the outstanding financial liability. In addition, our PSU plans incorporate performance criteria, established at the date of grant, that adjust the available number of PSUs for settlement from zero to two times the amount originally granted.
Cash settled share-based compensation expense for the quarter was $75 million as compared with $2 million in 2021. The higher expense in 2022 was primarily due to our increasing share price and the impact of a higher performance multiplier. Our closing fourth quarter share price increased 48% from the end of the third quarter. Calculated in accordance with our omnibus equity incentive plan, we increased the performance multiplier applied to vesting PSUs that were granted in the first quarter of 2020. The impact from our increased share price and PSU multiplier resulted in higher share-based compensation charges upon remeasurement at the end of the fourth quarter.
Our equity settled share-based compensation expense for the fourth quarter of 2022 was nil as our Executive PSUs and share options fully vested in the first quarter of 2022.
For the year, share-based compensation expense was $134 million as compared with $57 million in 2021 due primarily to our increased share price, which increased 132% from the start of the year, and the impact of the higher performance multiplier.
As at December 31, 2022, the majority of our share-based compensation plans were classified as cash-settled and will be impacted by changes in our share price. Although accounted for as cash-settled, Precision retains the ability to settle certain vested units in common shares at its discretion.
Finance Charges
Fourth quarter net finance charges were $24 million as compared with $21 million in 2021. The increased finance charges were primarily due to higher variable interest rates on our Senior Credit Facility and the impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt. Interest charges on our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt in the fourth quarter were US$15 million ($21 million) as compared with US$15 million ($19 million) in 2021.
Income Tax
Income tax expense for the quarter was $9 million as compared with $1 million in 2021. During the fourth quarter, we did not recognize deferred tax assets on certain Canadian and international operating losses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The oilfield services business is inherently cyclical in nature. To manage this, we focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet, so we have the financial flexibility to manage our growth and cash flow regardless of where we are in the business cycle. We maintain a variable operating cost structure so we can be responsive to changes in demand.
Our maintenance capital expenditures are tightly governed and highly responsive to activity levels with additional cost savings leverage provided through our internal manufacturing and supply divisions. Term contracts on expansion capital for new-build and upgrade rig programs provide more certainty of future revenues and return on our capital investments.
Liquidity
Amount | Availability | Used for | Maturity | |||
Senior credit facility (secured) | ||||||
US$500 million(1) (extendible, revolving term credit facility with US$300 million accordion feature) | US$44 million drawn and US$56 million in outstanding letters of credit | General corporate purposes | June 18, 2025(1) | |||
Real estate credit facilities (secured) | ||||||
US$9 million | Fully drawn | General corporate purposes | November 19, 2025 | |||
$18 million | Fully drawn | General corporate purposes | March 16, 2026 | |||
Operating facilities (secured) | ||||||
$40 million | Undrawn, except $28 million in outstanding letters of credit | Letters of credit and general corporate purposes | ||||
US$15 million | Undrawn | Short-term working capital requirements | ||||
Demand letter of credit facility (secured) | ||||||
US$40 million | Undrawn, except US$31 million in outstanding letters of credit | Letters of credit | ||||
Unsecured senior notes (unsecured) | ||||||
US$348 million – 7.125% | Fully drawn | Debt redemption and repurchases | January 15, 2026 | |||
US$400 million – 6.875% | Fully drawn | Debt redemption and repurchases | January 15, 2029 |
(1) US$53 million expires on November 21, 2023.
At December 31, 2022, we had $1,103 million outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility, Real Estate Credit Facilities and unsecured senior notes as compared with $1,126 million at December 31, 2021. The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 7.1%.
During the quarter, we increased the capacity of our secured demand letter of credit facility to US$40 million to allow us to issue additional letters of credit after securing certain international drilling contracts.
Senior Credit Facility
The Senior Credit Facility requires we comply with certain covenants including a leverage ratio of consolidated senior debt to consolidated Covenant EBITDA of less than 2.5:1. For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio, consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.
On June 18, 2021, we agreed with the lenders of our Senior Credit Facility to extend the facility’s maturity date and extend and amend certain financial covenants during the Covenant Relief Period. The Covenant Relief Period ended on September 30, 2022. The maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility was extended to June 18, 2025; however, US$53 million of the US$500 million will expire on November 21, 2023. The Senior Credit Facility limits the redemption and repurchase of junior debt subject to a pro forma senior net leverage covenant test of less than or equal to 1.75:1.
Unsecured Senior Notes
The unsecured senior notes require that we comply with certain restrictive and financial covenants including an incurrence based consolidated interest coverage ratio test of consolidated cash flow, as defined in the senior note agreements, to consolidated interest expense of greater than 2.0:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters. In the event our consolidated interest coverage ratio is less than 2.0:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters, the unsecured senior notes restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
For further information, please see the unsecured senior note indentures which are available on SEDAR and EDGAR.
Covenants
At December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the covenants of our Senior Credit Facility and Real Estate Credit Facilities.
Covenant | At December 31, 2022 |
||||
Senior Credit Facility | |||||
Consolidated senior debt to consolidated covenant EBITDA(1) | < 2.50 | 0.22 | |||
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense | > 2.50 | 4.80 | |||
Real Estate Credit Facilities | |||||
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense | > 2.50 | 4.80 |
(1) For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.
Impact of foreign exchange rates
The following table summarizes the average and closing Canada-U.S. foreign exchanges rates.
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Canada-U.S. foreign exchange rates | |||||||||||||||
Average | 1.36 | 1.26 | 1.30 | 1.25 | |||||||||||
Closing | 1.36 | 1.26 | 1.36 | 1.26 |
Hedge of investments in foreign operations
We utilize foreign currency long-term debt to hedge our exposure to changes in the carrying values of our net investment in certain foreign operations as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates.
We have designated our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt as a net investment hedge in our U.S. operations and other foreign operations that have a U.S. dollar functional currency. To be accounted for as a hedge, the foreign currency denominated long-term debt must be designated and documented as such and must be effective at inception and on an ongoing basis. We recognize the effective amount of this hedge (net of tax) in other comprehensive income. We recognize ineffective amounts (if any) in net earnings (loss).
Average shares outstanding
The following table reconciles the weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share:
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | 13,538 | 13,304 | 13,546 | 13,315 | |||||||||||
Effect of stock options and other equity compensation plans | 4 | – | – | – | |||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | 13,542 | 13,304 | 13,546 | 13,315 |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 351,339 | 326,016 | 429,335 | 510,504 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 36,855 | 64,099 | 119,561 | 91,090 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | (43,844 | ) | (24,611 | ) | 30,679 | 3,483 | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per basic share | (3.25 | ) | (1.81 | ) | 2.26 | 0.27 | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share | (3.25 | ) | (1.81 | ) | 2.03 | 0.27 | ||||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 29,955 | 60,373 | 81,327 | 111,339 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operations | (65,294 | ) | 135,174 | 8,142 | 159,082 |
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 236,473 | 201,359 | 253,813 | 295,202 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 54,539 | 28,944 | 45,408 | 63,881 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (36,106 | ) | (75,912 | ) | (38,032 | ) | (27,336 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per basic share | (2.70 | ) | (5.71 | ) | (2.86 | ) | (2.05 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per diluted share | (2.70 | ) | (5.71 | ) | (2.86 | ) | (2.05 | ) | ||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 43,430 | 12,607 | 33,525 | 62,681 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operations | 15,422 | 42,219 | 21,871 | 59,713 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | ||
We reference certain additional Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain (loss) on investments and other assets, loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss) and our reportable operating segment disclosures, is a useful measure, because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.
The most directly comparable financial measure is net earnings (loss). |
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 137,551 | 68,414 | 397,753 | 231,532 | |||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 11,981 | 6,274 | 38,147 | 23,807 | |||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (58,442 | ) | (10,807 | ) | (124,295 | ) | (62,567 | ) | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 91,090 | 63,881 | 311,605 | 192,772 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 71,373 | 71,178 | 279,035 | 282,326 | |||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (7,774 | ) | (2,292 | ) | (29,926 | ) | (8,516 | ) | |||||||
Foreign exchange | (84 | ) | 289 | 1,278 | 393 | ||||||||||
Finance charges | 23,519 | 20,648 | 87,813 | 91,431 | |||||||||||
Loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured notes | – | – | – | 9,520 | |||||||||||
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets | (8,714 | ) | 727 | (12,452 | ) | 400 | |||||||||
Incomes taxes | 9,287 | 667 | 20,150 | (5,396 | ) | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 3,483 | (27,336 | ) | (34,293 | ) | (177,386 | ) |
Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations | We believe funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, is a useful measure because it provides an indication of the funds our principal business activities generate prior to consideration of working capital changes, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.
The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) operations. |
|
Net Capital Spending | We believe net capital spending is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our primary investment activities.
The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) investing activities. Net capital spending is calculated as follows: |
For the three months ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category | ||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 12,699 | 3,125 | 63,305 | 19,006 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance and infrastructure | 44,610 | 24,625 | 120,945 | 56,935 | ||||||||||||
57,309 | 27,750 | 184,250 | 75,941 | |||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | (5,165 | ) | (2,696 | ) | (37,198 | ) | (13,086 | ) | ||||||||
Net capital spending | 52,144 | 25,054 | 147,052 | 62,855 | ||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | – | – | 10,200 | – | ||||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | 8 | 500 | 617 | 3,500 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (6,573 | ) | (6,529 | ) | (13,454 | ) | (9,742 | ) | ||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 45,579 | 19,025 | 144,415 | 56,613 |
Working Capital | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Working capital is calculated as follows: |
At December 31, | At December 31, | ||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
Current assets | 470,670 | 319,757 | |||||
Current liabilities | 410,029 | 238,120 | |||||
Working capital | 60,641 | 81,637 |
Non-GAAP Ratios | ||
We reference certain additional Non-GAAP ratios that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Adjusted EBITDA % of Revenue | We believe Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss), provides an indication of our profitability from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges. | |
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity | We believe that long-term debt (as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to long-term debt plus equity (total shareholders’ equity as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) provides an indication to our debt leverage. | |
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA | We believe that the Net Debt (long-term debt less cash, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio provides an indication to the number of years it would take for us to repay our debt obligations. | |
Supplementary Financial Measures | ||
We reference certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Capital Spending by Spend Category | We provide additional disclosure to better depict the nature of our capital spending. Our capital spending is categorized as expansion and upgrade, maintenance and infrastructure, or intangibles. |
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 2023;
- our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plan for 2023;
- anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and margins in 2023;
- the average number of term contracts in place for 2023;
- customer adoption of AlphaTM technologies and EverGreenTM suite of environmental solutions;
- anticipated timing and amount of costs savings from acquired well servicing and rental 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:
- the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
- the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
- 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; 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;
- the success of vaccinations for COVID-19 worldwide;
- 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, 2021, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com 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.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 21,587 | $ | 40,588 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 413,925 | 255,740 | ||||||
Inventory | 35,158 | 23,429 | ||||||
Total current assets | 470,670 | 319,757 | ||||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||||
Income tax recoverable | 1,602 | – | ||||||
Deferred tax assets | 455 | 867 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets | 60,032 | 51,440 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,303,338 | 2,258,391 | ||||||
Intangibles | 19,575 | 23,915 | ||||||
Investments and other assets | 20,451 | 7,382 | ||||||
Total non-current assets | 2,405,453 | 2,341,995 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,876,123 | $ | 2,661,752 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 392,053 | $ | 224,123 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 2,991 | 839 | ||||||
Current portion of lease obligations | 12,698 | 10,935 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 2,287 | 2,223 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 410,029 | 238,120 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 60,133 | 26,728 | ||||||
Provisions and other | 7,538 | 6,513 | ||||||
Lease obligations | 52,978 | 45,823 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 1,085,970 | 1,106,794 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 28,946 | 12,219 | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 1,235,565 | 1,198,077 | ||||||
Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Shareholders’ capital | 2,299,533 | 2,281,444 | ||||||
Contributed surplus | 72,555 | 76,311 | ||||||
Deficit | (1,301,273 | ) | (1,266,980 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 159,714 | 134,780 | ||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 1,230,529 | 1,225,555 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,876,123 | $ | 2,661,752 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 510,504 | $ | 295,202 | $ | 1,617,194 | $ | 986,847 | ||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Operating | 340,207 | 212,146 | 1,124,601 | 698,144 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 79,207 | 19,175 | 180,988 | 95,931 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes, loss (gain) on investments and other assets, loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization | 91,090 | 63,881 | 311,605 | 192,772 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 71,373 | 71,178 | 279,035 | 282,326 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (7,774 | ) | (2,292 | ) | (29,926 | ) | (8,516 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | (84 | ) | 289 | 1,278 | 393 | |||||||||||
Finance charges | 23,519 | 20,648 | 87,813 | 91,431 | ||||||||||||
Loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured senior notes | – | – | – | 9,520 | ||||||||||||
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets | (8,714 | ) | 727 | (12,452 | ) | 400 | ||||||||||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 12,770 | (26,669 | ) | (14,143 | ) | (182,782 | ) | |||||||||
Income taxes: | ||||||||||||||||
Current | 1,799 | 741 | 4,362 | 3,203 | ||||||||||||
Deferred | 7,488 | (74 | ) | 15,788 | (8,599 | ) | ||||||||||
9,287 | 667 | 20,150 | (5,396 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 3,483 | $ | (27,336 | ) | $ | (34,293 | ) | $ | (177,386 | ) | |||||
Net earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.27 | $ | (2.05 | ) | $ | (2.53 | ) | $ | (13.32 | ) | |||||
Diluted | $ | 0.27 | $ | (2.05 | ) | $ | (2.53 | ) | $ | (13.32 | ) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 3,483 | $ | (27,336 | ) | $ | (34,293 | ) | $ | (177,386 | ) | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency | (32,809 | ) | (2,074 | ) | 106,669 | (11,256 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt | 23,388 | 1,460 | (81,735 | ) | 8,455 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (5,938 | ) | $ | (27,950 | ) | $ | (9,359 | ) | $ | (180,187 | ) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 3,483 | $ | (27,336 | ) | $ | (34,293 | ) | $ | (177,386 | ) | |||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term compensation plans | 25,247 | 3,264 | 60,094 | 31,952 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 71,373 | 71,178 | 279,035 | 282,326 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (7,774 | ) | (2,292 | ) | (29,926 | ) | (8,516 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | (286 | ) | 296 | 638 | 1,733 | |||||||||||
Finance charges | 23,519 | 20,648 | 87,813 | 91,431 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 9,287 | 667 | 20,150 | (5,396 | ) | |||||||||||
Other | 269 | (410 | ) | 542 | (972 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets | (8,714 | ) | 727 | (12,452 | ) | 400 | ||||||||||
Loss on redemption and repurchase of unsecured senior notes | – | – | – | 9,520 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes paid | (240 | ) | (799 | ) | (3,263 | ) | (5,999 | ) | ||||||||
Income taxes recovered | 14 | 1 | 24 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Interest paid | (4,972 | ) | (3,276 | ) | (85,678 | ) | (67,258 | ) | ||||||||
Interest received | 133 | 13 | 310 | 360 | ||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations | 111,339 | 62,681 | 282,994 | 152,243 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 47,743 | (2,968 | ) | (45,890 | ) | (13,018 | ) | |||||||||
159,082 | 59,713 | 237,104 | 139,225 | |||||||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (57,309 | ) | (27,750 | ) | (184,250 | ) | (75,941 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | 5,165 | 2,696 | 37,198 | 13,086 | ||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | – | – | (10,200 | ) | – | |||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | (8 | ) | (500 | ) | (617 | ) | (3,500 | ) | ||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 6,573 | 6,529 | 13,454 | 9,742 | ||||||||||||
(45,579 | ) | (19,025 | ) | (144,415 | ) | (56,613 | ) | |||||||||
Financing: | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of long-term debt | – | – | 144,889 | 696,341 | ||||||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (132,163 | ) | (55,203 | ) | (250,749 | ) | (824,871 | ) | ||||||||
Repurchase of share capital | – | – | (10,010 | ) | (4,294 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common shares on the exercise of options | 3,671 | – | 9,833 | – | ||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs | – | – | – | (9,450 | ) | |||||||||||
Debt amendment fees | – | – | – | (913 | ) | |||||||||||
Lease payments | (1,948 | ) | (1,763 | ) | (7,134 | ) | (6,726 | ) | ||||||||
(130,440 | ) | (56,966 | ) | (113,171 | ) | (149,913 | ) | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (1,524 | ) | (230 | ) | 1,481 | (883 | ) | |||||||||
Decrease in cash | (18,461 | ) | (16,508 | ) | (19,001 | ) | (68,184 | ) | ||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 40,048 | 57,096 | 40,588 | 108,772 | ||||||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 21,587 | $ | 40,588 | $ | 21,587 | $ | 40,588 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders’ Capital |
Contributed Surplus |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Deficit | Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | 2,281,444 | $ | 76,311 | $ | 134,780 | $ | (1,266,980 | ) | $ | 1,225,555 | |||||||||
Net loss | – | – | – | (34,293 | ) | (34,293 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | – | – | 24,934 | – | 24,934 | |||||||||||||||
Share options exercised | 14,016 | (4,183 | ) | – | – | 9,833 | ||||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (10,010 | ) | – | – | – | (10,010 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation reclassification | 14,083 | (219 | ) | – | – | 13,864 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | – | 646 | – | – | 646 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 2,299,533 | $ | 72,555 | $ | 159,714 | $ | (1,301,273 | ) | $ | 1,230,529 |
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders’ Capital |
Contributed Surplus |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Deficit | Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | 2,285,738 | $ | 72,915 | $ | 137,581 | $ | (1,089,594 | ) | $ | 1,406,640 | |||||||||
Net loss | – | – | – | (177,386 | ) | (177,386 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | – | – | (2,801 | ) | – | (2,801 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (4,294 | ) | – | – | – | (4,294 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation reclassification | – | (4,757 | ) | – | – | (4,757 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | – | 8,153 | – | – | 8,153 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 2,281,444 | $ | 76,311 | $ | 134,780 | $ | (1,266,980 | ) | $ | 1,225,555 |
FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 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, February 9, 2023.
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/BI0b15f60ffe674cc3958132c6f826d195
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/8gn8uxsa
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
Precision Drilling Corporation 2022 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results Conference Call and Webcast
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 09, 2023 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision”) intends to release its 2022 fourth quarter and year-end results before the market opens on Thursday, February 9, 2023, and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 12:00 Noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on the same day.
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/BI0b15f60ffe674cc3958132c6f826d195
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/8gn8uxsa
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

Precision Drilling Corporation 2022 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results Conference Call and Webcast
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 09, 2023 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision”) intends to release its 2022 fourth quarter and year-end results before the market opens on Thursday, February 9, 2023, and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 12:00 Noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on the same day.
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/BI0b15f60ffe674cc3958132c6f826d195
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/8gn8uxsa
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

Precision Drilling Exceeds 2022 Debt Repayment Guidance and Provides Capital Allocation and Operational Updates
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) provides a series of positive announcements including: 1) 2022 debt repayment and year-end liquidity update; 2) capital allocation framework update; and 3) operations update for drilling activity, Alpha™ technologies and EverGreen™ environmental solutions.
2022 Debt Repayment and Year-End Liquidity Update
Precision reduced total debt by $106 million in 2022, exceeding its $75 million debt reduction goal. As of December 31, 2022, Precision’s outstanding debt obligations included:
- US$44 million – senior credit facility due June 18, 2025
- US$348 million – 7.125% senior notes due January 15, 2026
- US$400 million – 6.875% senior notes due June 15, 2029
In addition, Precision had approximately US$22 million of real estate credit facilities and ended 2022 with a cash balance of approximately $22 million and total liquidity of approximately $600 million.
Capital Allocation Framework Update
Precision is well on track to achieve its long-term goal of repaying over $400 million in debt and reaching a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of below 1.5 times by the end of 2025. Given its strong free cash flow outlook, the Company now expects leverage between 1.25 and 1.75 times by the end of 2023 and will look to exceed its long-term debt reduction targets on both an absolute level and as a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA.
Precision will also continue to allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt principal repayments toward the return of capital to shareholders. During 2022, Precision repurchased and cancelled 130,395 common shares under its Normal Course Issuer Bid.
Operations Update
Precision continues to experience strong customer demand for drilling services, Alpha™ technologies and EverGreen™ environmental solutions and expects its Canadian and U.S. fourth quarter field margins to exceed our previous guidance and continue trending upward in 2023.
Drilling Activity
In the fourth quarter of 2022, Precision’s average active rig count was 66 for Canada and 59 for the U.S., representing increases of 27% and 31%, respectively from the same period in 2021. In Canada, we currently have 74 rigs active and expect our rig count to peak at approximately 80 rigs within the next few weeks. All 28 of our Canadian Super Triple rigs are currently active, and later in the quarter the Company will activate an additional Super Triple rig that has been redeployed from the U.S. to work on a multi-year contract related to an LNG export project. In the U.S., we currently have 62 rigs active and expect activity levels to continue trending modestly upward through the next several quarters. Precision has six rigs active internationally, increasing to eight by the middle of 2023.
Alpha
Precision exited the year with 70 AC Super Triple rigs equipped with its AlphaAutomation™ platform, a 49% increase from the beginning of 2022. During the fourth quarter, revenue from our Alpha™ technologies grew by over 50% compared with the fourth quarter of 2021 as our total paid days for AlphaAutomation™ increased by over 60%. Customers see the value in our technology and we expect to convert the entire fleet of Super Triple rigs by early 2024.
EverGreen™
Precision’s EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions offers customers products and applications to measure and reduce their Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions during drilling operations. Precision exited 2022 with seven field deployed EverGreen™ Battery Energy Storage Systems and 15 EverGreen™ Integrated Power and Emissions Monitoring Systems. In 2023, we will continue to scale our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which will drive additional revenue growth and help our customers achieve their GHG reduction targets.
CFO Quote
Carey Ford, Precision’s CFO, commented, “With a robust free cash flow outlook expected over the next several years, we will continue to advance our debt reduction plans while maintaining direct returns to shareholders. Since the beginning of 2018, our debt reduction and share repurchases have exceeded $800 million and I am confident Precision’s High Performance, High Value strategy, exceptional field results, capital discipline and capital allocation will continue to support increased shareholder value.”
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. 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.”
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this report, 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:
- anticipated future activity levels;
- anticipated demand for drilling, Alpha™ and EverGreen™ services;
- anticipated cash interest expense;
- anticipated free cash flow;
- anticipated capital spending plans; and
- our future debt reduction and shareholder capital return 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:
- the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
- the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
- 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; 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;
- the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
- 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 GHG 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, 2021, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news 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.
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director Investor Relations
403.716.4500
Precision Drilling Corporation
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
Precision Drilling Corporation Announces 2022 Third Quarter Unaudited Financial Results
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 27, 2022 (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, gain (loss) on investments and other assets, loss on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations, Net Capital Spending and Working Capital. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.
Precision Drilling announces 2022 third quarter financial results and highlights:
- Realized $429 million of revenue during the quarter, an increase of 69% over the same period last year and 32% compared to the previous quarter.
- Increased North American drilling activity by 27% compared to the third quarter of 2021 and achieved average day rates of US$27,847 in the U.S. and $26,927 in Canada.
- Achieved Adjusted EBITDA (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) of $120 million, a 163% increase from $45 million in the prior year quarter as we continue to maximize our operating leverage in a growing activity environment. Adjusted EBITDA included $6 million of share-based compensation charges and $4 million of non-recurring costs associated with the High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (High Arctic) transaction, severance costs and mobilization of a drilling rig from the U.S. to Canada.
- Generated net earnings of $31 million or $2.26 per share compared with a net loss of $38 million or $2.86 per share in third quarter of 2021.
- Continued to scale our Alpha™ technologies across our Super Triple rig fleet, increasing our Alpha™ revenue over 50% compared to the same period last year.
- Strengthened our contract book with 23 additions, bringing our year-to-date total to 61 term contracts.
- Successfully integrated the acquired well servicing business and associated rental assets of High Arctic. During the quarter, the Completion and Production Services segment generated revenue of $57 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $15 million, representing increases of 101% and 170%, respectively, from the prior year’s third quarter.
- Generated cash and funds from operations (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) of $8 million and $81 million, respectively, as compared with $22 million and $34 million in the third quarter of 2021.
- Repurchased and cancelled 69,599 common shares for $5 million under our Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB).
- Ended the quarter with $40 million of cash, US$141 million drawn on our Senior Credit Facility and more than $540 million of available liquidity. We remain on track to reduce our debt by $75 million in 2022.
- Increased our capital spending plan from $149 million to $165 million in response to higher drilling and service activity and expected customer contracted upgrades on over 30 drilling rigs in 2022.
- Subsequent to September 30, 2022, we were awarded four five-year drilling contracts in the Middle East that will increase our active rig count in the region to eight rigs by the middle of 2023.
Precision’s President and CEO, Kevin Neveu, stated:
“I am very pleased to see Precision’s financial performance return to profitability as the recovery in customer demand continues to gain momentum and now spans all geographies and services we provide. During the quarter, we delivered net earnings of $2.26 per share, which were positive for the first time since 2019. Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA increased an impressive 32% and 87%, respectively, from the second quarter and 69% and 163% compared to the third quarter of last year. Our improved financial performance demonstrates our operational leverage and is a function of improved utilization, record drilling day rates, Alpha™ and EverGreen™ growth, and a continued intense focus on cost control. With strong demand for our services, tight rig supply and pricing momentum on leading-edge day rates, we expect fleet average day rates and operating margins to continue trending upward well into 2023.
“Precision’s drilling activity continues to increase in North America as our customers remain committed to their drilling plans, despite volatility in oil and natural gas prices. In the U.S., we averaged 57 active drilling rigs during the third quarter and are currently operating 61 rigs, a 20% increase from the beginning of the year. Demand for our Super Triple rigs continues to grow as customers recognize our fleet’s performance and efficiency and want to ensure their preferred rigs are available for 2023 capital budget deployments.
“In Canada, we averaged 59 active rigs during the third quarter, which represents a 16% increase over the same period last year. We currently have 73 active rigs, our highest activity level for 2022. During the quarter, we mobilized an additional Super Triple rig from Colorado to Alberta that will be working under a long-term contract for a customer with multiple Precision rigs drilling LNG Canada-related projects. We are currently sold out of our Super Triple rigs and expect our pad Super Single rig fleet to be fully utilized as recently upgraded rigs return to the field.
“Internationally, the drilling activity outlook is improving as well. We currently have six rigs active and expect this to increase to at least eight by the middle of 2023 following a recent successful tender process in Kuwait where Precision was awarded four five-year contracts, increasing our active rig count from three rigs to five. Combined with the three recent contract extensions in Saudi Arabia, Precision will have eight Middle East rigs under long-term contracts, representing approximately $820 million (US$600 million) of contracted revenue going forward that will stretch into 2028.
“We completed our well servicing acquisition in late July and integration efforts have exceeded expectations, as we aligned key operational processes and generated significant synergies. In the third quarter, our well servicing hours increased 62% from the prior year quarter, with only a two-month contribution from the acquired assets. The combined operations helped drive the highest quarterly Adjusted EBITDA for our Completion and Production Services segment since the fourth quarter of 2018. During the third quarter, we realized annual run-rate cost synergies of over $3 million and expect to substantially achieve our $5 million target by early next year. In addition, we fully expect to realize significant revenue synergies from the combined operations of the business.
“We remain focused on debt reduction and shareholder returns and are on track to meet our 2022 debt reduction goal of $75 million, while allocating 10% to 20% of free cash flow toward share repurchases. With no senior note maturities until 2026 and over $540 million of available liquidity, our balance sheet remains in excellent shape to support our business activities and allow for further deleveraging through cash flow over the coming quarters.
“We are proving our ability to differentiate Precision’s Super Series rigs from our competitors with our Alpha™ digital technologies and EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions. Over 90% of our 60 Alpha™ rigs are earning incremental revenue, which helped drive day rate and margin performance in the quarter. We expect these contributions to increase as customer demand is high for consistent, predictable, and optimized drilling and we continue to equip more of our Super Triple rig fleet with Alpha™. We plan to have a total of 70 Alpha™ Super Triple rigs by year end with the remaining rigs in our Super Triple fleet to be converted early in 2024, nearly one year ahead of our long-term plan.
“Our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions offers customers products and applications to measure and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during drilling operations. To date, we have successfully deployed five hybrid battery storage, natural gas and low emission power generating systems, which reduce emissions and fuel costs, helping our customers achieve their GHG reduction targets while improving well economics.
“Since mid 2020, Precision’s financial results have been gaining momentum and while we are mindful of a possible economic recession, we expect this momentum to continue as industry fundamentals provide a promising backdrop for our business. Low oil and natural gas inventories, elevated commodity prices and a tight rig market all support day rates and margins moving higher. I would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and the team at Precision for their hard work and dedication,” concluded Mr. Neveu.
SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Financial Highlights
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 429,335 | 253,813 | 69.2 | 1,106,690 | 691,645 | 60.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 119,561 | 45,408 | 163.3 | 220,515 | 128,891 | 71.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 30,679 | (38,032 | ) | (180.7 | ) | (37,776 | ) | (150,050 | ) | (74.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operations | 8,142 | 21,871 | (62.8 | ) | 78,022 | 79,512 | (1.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 81,327 | 33,525 | 142.6 | 171,655 | 89,562 | 91.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 31,711 | 17,524 | 81.0 | 98,836 | 37,588 | 162.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 25,461 | 5,998 | 324.5 | 50,606 | 15,881 | 218.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Maintenance and infrastructure | 25,642 | 13,502 | 89.9 | 76,335 | 32,310 | 136.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale | (22,337 | ) | (4,476 | ) | 399.0 | (32,033 | ) | (10,390 | ) | 208.3 | |||||||||||||
Net capital spending(1) | 28,766 | 15,024 | 91.5 | 94,908 | 37,801 | 151.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 2.26 | (2.86 | ) | (179.0 | ) | (2.79 | ) | (11.27 | ) | (75.2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 2.03 | (2.86 | ) | (171.0 | ) | (2.79 | ) | (11.27 | ) | (75.2 | ) |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Operating Highlights
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Contract drilling rig fleet | 225 | 227 | (0.9 | ) | 225 | 227 | (0.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Drilling rig utilization days: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 5,287 | 3,785 | 39.7 | 14,914 | 10,315 | 44.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada | 5,432 | 4,648 | 16.9 | 14,461 | 10,963 | 31.9 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 552 | 552 | – | 1,638 | 1,638 | – | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. (US$) | 27,847 | 20,331 | 37.0 | 25,864 | 20,904 | 23.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada (Cdn$) | 26,927 | 19,427 | 38.6 | 25,843 | 20,295 | 27.3 | |||||||||||||||||
International (US$) | 50,216 | 52,277 | (3.9 | ) | 51,687 | 53,095 | (2.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operating cost per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. (US$) | 18,220 | 15,120 | 20.5 | 18,484 | 14,639 | 26.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada (Cdn$) | 16,893 | 13,189 | 28.1 | 16,803 | 13,204 | 27.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig fleet | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 52,340 | 32,244 | 62.3 | 120,994 | 93,777 | 29.0 |
Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
Working capital(1) | 152,289 | 81,637 | |||||
Cash | 40,048 | 40,588 | |||||
Long-term debt | 1,241,099 | 1,106,794 | |||||
Total long-term financial liabilities | 1,335,754 | 1,185,858 | |||||
Total assets | 2,927,384 | 2,661,752 | |||||
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio (1) | 0.50 | 0.47 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Summary for the three months ended September 30, 2022:
- Revenue for the quarter was $429 million, 69% higher than in 2021, due to increased North American drilling and service activity and day rates.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $120 million, $74 million higher than 2021. Our Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter included $6 million of share-based compensation charges and approximately $4 million of non-recurring costs associated with the High Arctic transaction, severance costs, and mobilization of a drilling rig from the U.S. to Canada. Please refer to “Other Items” later in this news release for additional information on our share-based compensation charges.
- Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) was 28% as compared with 18% in 2021, demonstrating our ability to maximize our operating leverage in a growing activity environment.
- General and administrative expenses this quarter were $25 million, $1 million higher than in 2021 due to increased labor and personnel costs, non-recurring well servicing acquisition costs and lower CEWS program assistance, offset by lower share-based compensation charges.
- Net finance charges for the quarter were $23 million, an increase of $2 million from 2021 due to higher variable interest rates on our Senior Credit Facility and the impact of higher foreign exchange rates on our U.S. denominated long-term debt.
- In the U.S., revenue per utilization day was US$27,847 compared with US$20,331 in 2021, an increase of 37% and was primarily the result of higher contracted day rates, impact of Alpha™ and EverGreen™ revenue and improved operating cost recoveries. During the third quarter, we recognized revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects of US$1 million and nil, respectively, as compared with nil in 2021. Revenue per utilization day in the quarter excluding the impact of idle but contracted rig revenue was US$27,682, compared to US$20,331 in the prior year, an increase of US$7,351. On a sequential basis, revenue per utilization day, excluding idle but contract rigs and turnkey revenue, increased approximately US$4,092.
- Our U.S. operating costs on a per day basis increased to US$18,220, compared with US$15,120 in 2021, due to increased rig operating expenses, repairs and maintenance and higher costs that pass through to our customers. Our U.S. operating costs included rig reactivations charges totaling US$2 million. Sequentially, excluding the impact of turnkey activity, our operating costs per day increased approximately US$1,522.
- In Canada, average revenue per utilization day for contract drilling for the quarter was $26,927 compared with $19,427 in 2021, an increase of 39% and was the result of higher day rates and increased labor and cost recoveries.
- Our Canadian operating costs on a per day basis increased to $16,893, compared with $13,189 in 2021 due to industry-wide wage increases, higher repairs and maintenance expense and lower CEWS program assistance. During the third quarter of 2021, we recognized $5 million of CEWS program assistance.
- Completion and Production Services third quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA was $57 million and $15 million, respectively, compared with $28 million and $5 million in 2021. Our improved results were supported by higher service rates and operating hours, the impact of the High Arctic asset acquisition, partially offset by lower CEWS program assistance as we recognized $1 million of assistance in 2021.
- We realized third quarter revenue from international contract drilling of US$28 million, largely consistent with 2021, as activity and day rates remained constant.
- Third quarter cash provided by operations was $8 million as compared with $22 million in 2021. Our lower cash generation during the quarter was primarily due to the timing of long-term debt interest payments resulting from our unsecured senior notes issuance in 2021. We generated $81 million of funds from operations as compared with $34 million in 2021. Our increased activity and day rates, operational leverage and lower share-based compensation charges, partially offset by the timing of long-term debt interest payments, contributed to our higher funds from operations for the quarter.
- Capital expenditures were $51 million as compared with $20 million in 2021. Capital spending by spend category (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) included $25 million for expansion and upgrades and $26 million for the maintenance of existing assets and infrastructure.
- Generated $22 million of proceeds from the sale of non-core assets; including certain real estate and facilities located in Alberta and Texas and the receipt of insurance proceeds from our second quarter well control event.
- We ended the quarter with $40 million of cash and more than $540 million of available liquidity.
- We repurchased and cancelled 69,599 common shares for $5 million under our NCIB.
- We successfully integrated the well servicing business and associated rental assets acquired from High Arctic, adding 80 service rigs to our fleet along with related rental assets, ancillary support equipment, inventories, spares and six additional operating facilities in key operating basins.
Summary for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
- Revenue for the first nine months of 2022 was $1,107 million, an increase of 60% from 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the period was $221 million as compared with $129 million in 2021. Our higher Adjusted EBITDA was attributable to higher activity and day rates, partially offset by higher share-based compensation charges, the impact of the second quarter well control event and lower CEWS program assistance. Our 2021 Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by $24 million of CEWS program assistance.
- General and administrative costs were $102 million, an increase of $25 million from 2021 primarily due to increased personnel costs, higher share-based compensation charges and lower CEWS program assistance.
- Net finance charges were $64 million, a decrease of $6 million from 2021 due to lower debt issue costs. In 2021, we accelerated the amortization of issue costs associated with fully redeemed unsecured senior notes.
- Cash provided by operations was $78 million as compared with $80 million in 2021. Funds provided by operations in 2022 were $172 million, an increase of $82 million from the comparative period.
- Capital expenditures were $127 million in 2022, an increase of $79 million from 2021. Capital spending by spend category included $51 million for expansion and upgrades and $76 million for the maintenance of existing assets and infrastructure.
- Year-to-date, we have borrowed US$23 million on our Senior Credit Facility and repurchased and cancelled 130,395 common shares for $10 million under our NCIB.
STRATEGY
Precision’s strategic priorities for 2022 are as follows:
- Grow revenue through scaling Alpha™ technologies and EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions across Precision’s Super Series rig fleet and further competitive differentiation through ESG initiatives – Utilization of our Alpha™ technologies continues to grow and generate incremental revenue. During the quarter, revenue from our Alpha™ technologies grew 56% compared with the third quarter of 2021 as our total paid days for AlphaAutomation™ increased by 56%, consistent with our year-to-date increase of 55%. We currently have 60 AC Super Triple rigs equipped with Alpha™ and over 90% are generating incremental revenue as customers see the value in our technology. Our plan is to have a total of 70 rigs converted by year end, and the entire fleet of Super Triple rigs converted by early 2024. We continue to scale our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which will further differentiate us from our competitors and drive additional revenue growth. As of October 26, 2022, we had five commercial, field-deployed, EverGreen™ Battery Energy Storage Systems with two additional systems scheduled for installation by year end. In addition, we had 13 EverGreen™ Integrated Power & Emissions Monitoring Systems deployed and anticipate ending the year with 15 systems installed.
- Grow free cash flow by maximizing operating leverage as demand for our High Performance, High Value services continues to rebound – During the third quarter of 2022, we generated cash and funds from operations of $8 million and $81 million, respectively. Our third quarter active rig count was up 39% in the U.S. and 16% in Canada compared to the same period last year, while our daily operating margins (average revenue less operating costs per utilization day) also improved despite continued industry-wide inflationary pressure. With the tightening of available Super Series rigs, we expect to realize further pricing increases in the U.S. and Canada as expiring contracts are renewed or extended. On July 27, 2022, we acquired High Arctic’s well servicing business and associated rental assets, increasing our well servicing hours 62% from the prior year’s third quarter and driving the highest quarterly Adjusted EBITDA from our Completion and Production Services segment since the fourth quarter of 2018.
- Utilize free cash flow to continue strengthening our balance sheet while investing in our people, equipment and returning capital to shareholders – We continue to target $75 million of long-term debt reduction for 2022 and our longer-term debt reduction goals of $400 million between 2022 and 2025 and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (see “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS”) of less than 1.5 times by 2025. During the quarter, our reinvestment into our drilling fleet included $51 million of capital expenditures and we generated $22 million of cash proceeds from the divestiture of non-core assets. In 2022, we have drawn approximately US$23 million on our Senior Credit Facility to fund our increased cash demands as our respective drilling and service activity increased 26% and 72% from the second quarter of 2022. Through share repurchases under our NCIB, we have returned $10 million of capital to shareholders this year.
OUTLOOK
The rebound of global energy demand and the impact of a multi-year period of underinvestment in upstream oil and natural gas has resulted in reduced inventories of oil and natural gas and higher commodity prices, providing a supportive outlook for the oilfield services industry. The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian hydrocarbons have exacerbated the challenged supply situation and many importing countries are looking toward North America and the Middle East to fill the supply gap from exports of crude oil and natural gas through the global Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) market. Constrained natural gas production levels and low natural gas storage volumes have resulted in North American natural gas prices strengthening in the last year. With U.S. LNG exports growing as countries look to displace Russian natural gas and various Canadian LNG projects to come online in 2025, we anticipate a sustained period of elevated natural gas drilling activity.
At current commodity price levels, we anticipate higher demand for our services and improved fleet utilization as customers seek to maintain production levels and replenish inventories, as drilled but uncompleted wells have been depleted over the past several years. However, broad economic concerns exist with respect to recession risk, rising interest rates and geopolitical instability. These concerns may negatively impact customer spending plans.
With North American industry activity expected to further increase into 2023, we anticipate near full utilization in the high specification rig market with customers seeking term contracts to secure rigs and ensure fulfilment of their development programs. Accordingly, the tightening of available high specification rigs is expected to drive higher day rates and necessitate customer funded rig upgrades.
Interest in our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions continues to gain momentum as customers seek meaningful solutions to achieve their emission reduction targets and improve their well economics. We expect our growing suite of Alpha™ technologies paired with our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions to be key competitive differentiators as our predictable and repeatable drilling results deliver exceptional value to our customers by reducing risks, well construction costs and carbon footprint.
The outlook for our Precision Well Servicing business remains positive with strong commodity prices supporting maintenance and completion activity. We successfully acquired and integrated the High Arctic well servicing assets and associated rental business early in the third quarter. By leveraging our existing platform and continuing our strict focus on cost control, we have realized annual run-rate cost synergies of over $3 million and expect to achieve the vast majority of our $5 million target by early next year. Additionally, support from both federal and provincial governments has increased well abandonment and rehabilitation projects.
In October, we announced the addition of Lori A. Lancaster to our Board of Directors. With over 25 years of experience as a strategic and financial advisor to the global natural resources sector and having served as a board member of publicly traded companies within the energy sector, we believe Ms. Lancaster’s extensive knowledge and experience will enhance our existing Board of Directors.
Contracts
Year-to-date in 2022, we have entered into 61 term contracts and 23 new contracts since the end of the second quarter of 2022. The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under contract by quarter as of October 26, 2022. For those quarters ending after September 30, 2022, this chart represents the minimum number of long-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 contracts.
Average for the quarter ended 2021 | Average for the quarter ended 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average rigs under term contract as of October 26, 2022: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 21 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
International | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 33 | 36 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 47 | 55 |
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had under contract for 2021 and the average number of rigs we have under contract as of October 26, 2022.
Average for the year ended | ||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||
Average rigs under term contract as of October 26, 2022: |
||||||||||||
U.S. | 23 | 31 | 18 | |||||||||
Canada | 7 | 10 | 14 | |||||||||
International1 | 6 | 5 | 3 | |||||||||
Total | 36 | 46 | 35 |
(1) Does not include Kuwait contracts awarded subsequent to September 30, 2022.
In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access. In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year.
Drilling Activity
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had working or moving by quarter for the periods noted.
Average for the quarter ended 2021 | Average for the quarter ended 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Average Precision active rig count: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 33 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 51 | 55 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 42 | 27 | 51 | 52 | 63 | 37 | 59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
International | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 81 | 72 | 98 | 103 | 120 | 98 | 122 |
According to industry sources, as at October 26, 2022, the U.S. active land drilling rig count has increased 43% from the same point last year while the Canadian active land drilling rig count has increased by 28%. To date in 2022, approximately 79% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs and 63% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared with 80% for the U.S. and 54% for Canada at the same time last year.
Capital Spending and Free Cash Flow Allocation
We increased our capital spending plan to reflect higher maintenance capital from our increasing activity, strategic purchase of drill pipe and customer funded rig upgrades. Capital spending in 2022 is expected to be $165 million and by spend category includes $96 million for sustaining, infrastructure and intangibles and $69 million for expansion and upgrades. We expect the $165 million will be split $157 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment, $5 million in the Completion and Production Services segment and $3 million to the Corporate segment. At September 30, 2022, Precision had capital commitments of $163 million with payments expected through 2024.
Our debt reduction plans continue with the goal of repaying $75 million in 2022 and over $400 million of debt over the next four years and reaching a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of below 1.5 times. At the end of 2025, we expect to have reduced debt by well over $1 billion since 2018. In addition to our debt reduction target through 2025, we plan to allocate 10% to 20% of free cash flow before debt principal repayments toward the return of capital to shareholders.
SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 374,465 | 226,957 | 65.0 | 982,909 | 613,032 | 60.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 56,642 | 28,143 | 101.3 | 127,921 | 81,354 | 57.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (1,772 | ) | (1,287 | ) | 37.7 | (4,140 | ) | (2,741 | ) | 51.0 | |||||||||||||
429,335 | 253,813 | 69.2 | 1,106,690 | 691,645 | 60.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA:(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 118,599 | 55,384 | 114.1 | 260,202 | 163,118 | 59.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 14,788 | 5,479 | 169.9 | 26,166 | 17,533 | 49.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (13,826 | ) | (15,455 | ) | (10.5 | ) | (65,853 | ) | (51,760 | ) | 27.2 | ||||||||||||
119,561 | 45,408 | 163.3 | 220,515 | 128,891 | 71.1 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 374,465 | 226,957 | 65.0 | 982,909 | 613,032 | 60.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 246,442 | 164,521 | 49.8 | 692,169 | 429,036 | 61.3 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 9,424 | 7,052 | 33.6 | 30,538 | 20,878 | 46.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 118,599 | 55,384 | 114.1 | 260,202 | 163,118 | 59.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 31.7 | % | 24.4 | % | 26.5 | % | 26.6 | % |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
March 31 | 51 | 603 | 33 | 378 | |||||||||||
June 30 | 55 | 687 | 39 | 437 | |||||||||||
September 30 | 57 | 746 | 41 | 485 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 54 | 679 | 38 | 433 |
(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.
Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
March 31 | 63 | 205 | 42 | 145 | |||||||||||
June 30 | 37 | 113 | 27 | 72 | |||||||||||
September 30 | 59 | 199 | 51 | 151 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 53 | 172 | 40 | 123 |
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 56,642 | 28,143 | 101.3 | 127,921 | 81,354 | 57.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 40,198 | 21,188 | 89.7 | 96,365 | 59,703 | 61.4 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,656 | 1,476 | 12.2 | 5,390 | 4,118 | 30.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 14,788 | 5,479 | 169.9 | 26,166 | 17,533 | 49.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 26.1 | % | 19.5 | % | 20.5 | % | 21.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Well servicing statistics: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of service rigs (end of period) | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | 135 | 123 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 52,340 | 32,244 | 62.3 | 120,994 | 93,777 | 29.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hour utilization | 47 | % | 28 | % | 43 | % | 28 | % |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER
Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had negative Adjusted EBITDA of $14 million as compared with $15 million in the third quarter of 2021. Our Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by decreased share-based compensation costs, partially offset by lower CEWS program assistance.
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 2021 Annual Report.
A summary of amounts expensed under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Cash settled share-based incentive plans | 5,543 | 11,839 | 57,802 | 46,537 | |||||||||||
Equity settled share-based incentive plans: | |||||||||||||||
Executive PSU | – | 1,468 | 407 | 3,639 | |||||||||||
Share option plan | – | 34 | 20 | 199 | |||||||||||
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense | 5,543 | 13,341 | 58,229 | 50,375 | |||||||||||
Allocated: | |||||||||||||||
Operating | 1,922 | 3,272 | 14,694 | 11,437 | |||||||||||
General and Administrative | 3,621 | 10,069 | 43,535 | 38,938 | |||||||||||
5,543 | 13,341 | 58,229 | 50,375 |
Cash settled share-based compensation expense for the quarter was $6 million as compared with $12 million in 2021. The decreased expense in 2022 was primarily due to our lower sequential quarter share price. Our equity settled share-based compensation expense for the third quarter of 2022 was nil as our Executive PSUs and share options fully vested in the first quarter of 2022.
As at September 30, 2022, the majority of our share-based compensation plans were classified as cash-settled and will be impacted by changes in our share price. Although accounted for as cash-settled, Precision retains the ability to settle certain vested units in common shares at its discretion.
Finance Charges
Third quarter net finance charges were $23 million as compared with $21 million in 2021. The increased finance charges were primarily due to higher variable interest rates on our Senior and Real Estate Credit Facilities and the impact of higher foreign exchange rates on our U.S. denominated long-term debt. Interest charges on our U.S. denominated long-term debt in the third quarter were US$16 million ($20 million) as compared with US$15 million ($19 million) in 2021.
Income Tax
Income tax expense for the quarter was $6 million as compared with a $4 million recovery in 2021. The higher income tax expense for the quarter was the result of our positive earnings. During the third quarter, we did not recognize deferred tax assets on certain Canadian and international operating losses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Amount | Availability | Used for | Maturity | |||
Senior credit facility (secured) | ||||||
US$500 million(1) (extendible, revolving term credit facility with US$300 million accordion feature) | US$141 million drawn and US$32 million in outstanding letters of credit | General corporate purposes | June 18, 2025(1) | |||
Real estate credit facilities (secured) | ||||||
US$9 million | Fully drawn | General corporate purposes | November 19, 2025 | |||
$18 million | Fully drawn | General corporate purposes | March 16, 2026 | |||
Operating facilities (secured) | ||||||
$40 million | Undrawn, except $8 million in outstanding letters of credit | Letters of credit and general corporate purposes | ||||
US$15 million | Undrawn | Short-term working capital requirements | ||||
Demand letter of credit facility (secured) | ||||||
US$30 million | Undrawn, except US$18 million in outstanding letters of credit | Letters of credit | ||||
Unsecured senior notes (unsecured) | ||||||
US$348 million – 7.125% | Fully drawn | Debt redemption and repurchases | January 15, 2026 | |||
US$400 million – 6.875% | Fully drawn | Debt redemption and repurchases | January 15, 2029 |
(1) US$53 million expires on November 21, 2023.
At September 30, 2022, we had $1,259 million outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility, Real Estate Credit Facilities and unsecured senior notes as compared with $1,126 million at December 31, 2021. The weakening of the Canadian dollar resulted in $106 million of additional stated debt at September 30, 2022.
The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 6.9%.
Covenants
At September 30, 2022, we were in compliance with the covenants of our Senior Credit Facility and Real Estate Credit Facilities.
Covenant | At September 30, 2022 | ||||
Senior Credit Facility | |||||
Consolidated senior debt to consolidated covenant EBITDA(1) | < 2.50 | 0.72 | |||
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense | > 2.25 | 3.76 | |||
Real Estate Credit Facilities | |||||
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense | > 2.25 | 3.76 |
(1) For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.
Average shares outstanding
The following tables reconcile the net earnings (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) – basic | 30,679 | (38,032 | ) | (37,776 | ) | (150,050 | ) | |||||||||
Expense adjustment to equity compensation plans, net of tax | (94 | ) | – | – | – | |||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) – diluted | 30,585 | (38,032 | ) | (37,776 | ) | (150,050 | ) |
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | 13,580 | 13,304 | 13,549 | 13,319 | ||||||||||||
Effect of stock options and other equity compensation plans | 1,464 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | 15,044 | 13,304 | 13,549 | 13,319 |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | December 31 | March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 295,202 | 351,339 | 326,016 | 429,335 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 63,881 | 36,855 | 64,099 | 119,561 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | (27,336 | ) | (43,844 | ) | (24,611 | ) | 30,679 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per basic share | (2.05 | ) | (3.25 | ) | (1.81 | ) | 2.26 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share | (2.05 | ) | (3.25 | ) | (1.81 | ) | 2.03 | |||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 62,681 | 29,955 | 60,373 | 81,327 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operations | 59,713 | (65,294 | ) | 135,174 | 8,142 |
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
Quarters ended | December 31 | March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 201,688 | 236,473 | 201,359 | 253,813 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 55,263 | 54,539 | 28,944 | 45,408 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (37,518 | ) | (36,106 | ) | (75,912 | ) | (38,032 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per basic and diluted share | (2.74 | ) | (2.70 | ) | (5.71 | ) | (2.86 | ) | ||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 35,282 | 43,430 | 12,607 | 33,525 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operations | 4,737 | 15,422 | 42,219 | 21,871 |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | ||
We reference certain additional Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain (loss) on investments and other assets, loss on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss) and our reportable operating segment disclosures, is a useful measure, because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.
The most directly comparable financial measure is net earnings (loss). |
|
Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations | We believe funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, is a useful measure because it provides an indication of the funds our principal business activities generate prior to consideration of working capital changes, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.
The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) operations. |
|
Net Capital Spending | We believe net capital spending is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our primary investment activities.
The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) investing activities. Net capital spending is calculated as follows: |
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category | ||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 25,461 | 5,998 | 50,606 | 15,881 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance and infrastructure | 25,642 | 13,502 | 76,335 | 32,310 | ||||||||||||
51,103 | 19,500 | 126,941 | 48,191 | |||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | (22,337 | ) | (4,476 | ) | (32,033 | ) | (10,390 | ) | ||||||||
Net capital spending | 28,766 | 15,024 | 94,908 | 37,801 | ||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | 10,200 | – | 10,200 | – | ||||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | 73 | 3,000 | 609 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (7,328 | ) | (500 | ) | (6,881 | ) | (3,213 | ) | ||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 31,711 | 17,524 | 98,836 | 37,588 |
Working Capital | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Working capital is calculated as follows: |
At September 30, | At December 31, | ||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
Current assets | 489,584 | 319,757 | |||||
Current liabilities | 337,295 | 238,120 | |||||
Working capital | 152,289 | 81,637 |
Non-GAAP Ratios | ||
We reference certain additional Non-GAAP ratios that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Adjusted EBITDA % of Revenue | We believe Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss), provides an indication of our profitability from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges. | |
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity | We believe that long-term debt (as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to long-term debt plus equity (total shareholders’ equity as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) provides an indication to our debt leverage. | |
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA | We believe that the Net Debt (long-term debt less cash, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio provides an indication to the number of years it would take for us to repay our debt obligations. | |
Supplementary Financial Measures | ||
We reference certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
Capital Spending by Spend Category | We provide additional disclosure to better depict the nature of our capital spending. Our capital spending is categorized as expansion and upgrade, maintenance and infrastructure, or intangibles. |
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 2022;
- our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plan for 2022;
- anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and margins in 2022;
- the average number of term contracts in place for 2022;
- customer adoption of Alpha™ technologies and EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions;
- anticipated timing and amount of costs savings from acquired well servicing and rental assets;
- potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals;
- our future debt reduction plans beyond 2022; and
- anticipated timing and amounts of insurance recoveries.
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:
- the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
- the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
- 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; 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;
- the success of vaccinations for COVID-19 worldwide;
- 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, 2021, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com 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)
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 40,048 | $ | 40,588 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 419,217 | 255,740 | ||||||
Inventory | 30,319 | 23,429 | ||||||
Total current assets | 489,584 | 319,757 | ||||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||||
Income tax recoverable | 1,633 | – | ||||||
Deferred tax assets | 786 | 867 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets | 59,517 | 51,440 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,343,526 | 2,258,391 | ||||||
Intangibles | 20,609 | 23,915 | ||||||
Investments and other assets | 11,729 | 7,382 | ||||||
Total non-current assets | 2,437,800 | 2,341,995 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,927,384 | $ | 2,661,752 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 320,349 | $ | 224,123 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 1,407 | 839 | ||||||
Current portion of lease obligations | 13,233 | 10,935 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 2,306 | 2,223 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 337,295 | 238,120 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 34,886 | 26,728 | ||||||
Provisions and other | 7,410 | 6,513 | ||||||
Lease obligations | 52,359 | 45,823 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 1,241,099 | 1,106,794 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 21,539 | 12,219 | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 1,357,293 | 1,198,077 | ||||||
Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Shareholders’ capital | 2,294,360 | 2,281,444 | ||||||
Contributed surplus | 74,057 | 76,311 | ||||||
Deficit | (1,304,756 | ) | (1,266,980 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 169,135 | 134,780 | ||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 1,232,796 | 1,225,555 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,927,384 | $ | 2,661,752 |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET LOSS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 429,335 | $ | 253,813 | $ | 1,106,690 | $ | 691,645 | ||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Operating | 284,868 | 184,422 | 784,394 | 485,998 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 24,906 | 23,983 | 101,781 | 76,756 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes, gain on investments and other assets, loss on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization |
119,561 | 45,408 | 220,515 | 128,891 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 69,448 | 69,431 | 207,662 | 211,148 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (8,238 | ) | (3,261 | ) | (22,152 | ) | (6,224 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,344 | 464 | 1,362 | 104 | ||||||||||||
Finance charges | 22,521 | 20,639 | 64,294 | 70,783 | ||||||||||||
Loss on repurchase of unsecured senior notes | – | – | – | 9,520 | ||||||||||||
Gain on investments and other assets | (2,515 | ) | (327 | ) | (3,738 | ) | (327 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 37,001 | (41,538 | ) | (26,913 | ) | (156,113 | ) | |||||||||
Income taxes: | ||||||||||||||||
Current | 958 | 890 | 2,563 | 2,462 | ||||||||||||
Deferred | 5,364 | (4,396 | ) | 8,300 | (8,525 | ) | ||||||||||
6,322 | (3,506 | ) | 10,863 | (6,063 | ) | |||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 30,679 | $ | (38,032 | ) | $ | (37,776 | ) | $ | (150,050 | ) | |||||
Net earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 2.26 | $ | (2.86 | ) | $ | (2.79 | ) | $ | (11.27 | ) | |||||
Diluted | $ | 2.03 | $ | (2.86 | ) | $ | (2.79 | ) | $ | (11.27 | ) |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 30,679 | $ | (38,032 | ) | $ | (37,776 | ) | $ | (150,050 | ) | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency |
111,811 | 33,364 | 139,478 | (9,182 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt |
(84,060 | ) | (24,544 | ) | (105,123 | ) | 6,995 | |||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 58,430 | $ | (29,212 | ) | $ | (3,421 | ) | $ | (152,237 | ) |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 30,679 | $ | (38,032 | ) | $ | (37,776 | ) | $ | (150,050 | ) | |||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term compensation plans | 411 | 7,887 | 34,847 | 28,688 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 69,448 | 69,431 | 207,662 | 211,148 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (8,238 | ) | (3,261 | ) | (22,152 | ) | (6,224 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange | 773 | 415 | 924 | 1,437 | ||||||||||||
Finance charges | 22,521 | 20,639 | 64,294 | 70,783 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 6,322 | (3,506 | ) | 10,863 | (6,063 | ) | ||||||||||
Other | (2 | ) | 2 | 273 | (562 | ) | ||||||||||
Gain on investments and other assets | (2,515 | ) | (327 | ) | (3,738 | ) | (327 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on repurchase of unsecured senior notes | – | – | – | 9,520 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes paid | (220 | ) | (1,134 | ) | (3,023 | ) | (5,200 | ) | ||||||||
Income taxes recovered | 10 | 44 | 10 | 47 | ||||||||||||
Interest paid | (38,005 | ) | (18,804 | ) | (80,706 | ) | (63,982 | ) | ||||||||
Interest received | 143 | 171 | 177 | 347 | ||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations | 81,327 | 33,525 | 171,655 | 89,562 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (73,185 | ) | (11,654 | ) | (93,633 | ) | (10,050 | ) | ||||||||
8,142 | 21,871 | 78,022 | 79,512 | |||||||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (51,103 | ) | (19,500 | ) | (126,941 | ) | (48,191 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | 22,337 | 4,476 | 32,033 | 10,390 | ||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | (10,200 | ) | – | (10,200 | ) | – | ||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | (73 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (609 | ) | (3,000 | ) | ||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 7,328 | 500 | 6,881 | 3,213 | ||||||||||||
(31,711 | ) | (17,524 | ) | (98,836 | ) | (37,588 | ) | |||||||||
Financing: | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of long-term debt | 50,360 | – | 144,889 | 696,341 | ||||||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (34,475 | ) | (8,209 | ) | (118,586 | ) | (769,668 | ) | ||||||||
Repurchase of share capital | (5,010 | ) | – | (10,010 | ) | (4,294 | ) | |||||||||
Issuance of common shares on the exercise of options | – | – | 6,162 | – | ||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs | – | 344 | – | (9,450 | ) | |||||||||||
Debt amendment fees | – | (3 | ) | – | (913 | ) | ||||||||||
Lease payments | (1,777 | ) | (1,633 | ) | (5,186 | ) | (4,963 | ) | ||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | – | (1,829 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
9,098 | (11,330 | ) | 17,269 | (92,947 | ) | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 2,878 | 642 | 3,005 | (653 | ) | |||||||||||
Decrease in cash | (11,593 | ) | (6,341 | ) | (540 | ) | (51,676 | ) | ||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 51,641 | 63,437 | 40,588 | 108,772 | ||||||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 40,048 | $ | 57,096 | $ | 40,048 | $ | 57,096 |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders’ Capital |
Contributed Surplus |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Deficit | Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | 2,281,444 | $ | 76,311 | $ | 134,780 | $ | (1,266,980 | ) | $ | 1,225,555 | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | – | – | – | (37,776 | ) | (37,776 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the period | – | – | 34,355 | – | 34,355 | |||||||||||||||
Share options exercised | 8,843 | (2,681 | ) | – | – | 6,162 | ||||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (10,010 | ) | – | – | – | (10,010 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation reclassification | 14,083 | (219 | ) | – | – | 13,864 | ||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | – | 646 | – | – | 646 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $ | 2,294,360 | $ | 74,057 | $ | 169,135 | $ | (1,304,756 | ) | $ | 1,232,796 |
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders’ Capital |
Contributed Surplus |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Deficit | Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | 2,285,738 | $ | 72,915 | $ | 137,581 | $ | (1,089,594 | ) | $ | 1,406,640 | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | – | – | – | (150,050 | ) | (150,050 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss for the period | – | – | (2,187 | ) | – | (2,187 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (4,294 | ) | – | – | – | (4,294 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation reclassification | – | (2,349 | ) | – | – | (2,349 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | – | 6,187 | – | – | 6,187 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2021 | $ | 2,281,444 | $ | 76,753 | $ | 135,394 | $ | (1,239,644 | ) | $ | 1,253,947 |
THIRD 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, October 27, 2022. To participate in the live call please register at the URL link below:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI5a6a8b62910a4946a1aa06b35a57db87
This link replaces the dial-in details that were included in past releases. Once registered, you will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN, which will allow you to ask questions.
An archived version of the webcast will be available through the webcast on-demand for 12 months.
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
Precision Drilling Corporation Announces Four Kuwait Contract Awards
This news release contains “forward-looking information and statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For important information with respect to such forward-looking information and statements and the further assumptions and risks to which they are subject, see the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements” later in this news release.
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded four contracts in Kuwait, each with a five year term and an optional one year renewal. The contract awards are for our AC Super Triple 3000 HP rigs and increase our active rig count in Kuwait from three rigs to five rigs by the middle of 2023.
In addition, we recently signed our third drilling rig in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to a five year contract extension, following two earlier five year contract signings in the second quarter of this year. With the three contract extensions in Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait contract awards, Precision will have eight rigs under long-term contracts in the Middle East stretching into 2028 and representing approximately US$600 million (approximately C$820 million) in backlog revenue.
“Precision’s success in earning these contract awards is a result of our team’s dedication and commitment to our High Performance, High Value strategy and the outstanding service we have delivered to customers in the Middle East region. Furthermore, the recent contract awards allow us to leverage our scale in the region and generate steady, reliable cash flow, creating value for our shareholders and fulfilling one of Precision’s 2022 strategic priorities to maximize our operational leverage. I would like to congratulate our team for securing these contracts and look forward to continuing the excellent service our customers can expect from Precision,” commented Kevin Neveu, Precision’s President and CEO.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this report, 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 2022; and
- anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs and cash flow.
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:
- the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
- the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
- the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
- customer focus on safety performance;
- existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely; and
- our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; 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 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 disadvantage;
- shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
- the effects of seasonal and weather conditions on operations and facilities;
- the availability of qualified personnel and management;
- a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
- 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 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, 2021, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news 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.
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
Precision Drilling Corporation Announces the Addition of a New Director
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) is pleased to announce the addition of Lori A. Lancaster to its Board of Directors (the “Board”). Lori has over 25 years of experience as a strategic and financial advisor to the global natural resources sector and has served as a board member of both publicly traded and private companies within the sector. The Board believes Ms. Lancaster is qualified to serve as a Director due to her extensive knowledge and experience and that her addition will enhance Precision's existing Board.
Ms. Lancaster served as a Managing Director at UBS Securities, Nomura Securities International, and Goldman Sachs & Co. Ms. Lancaster is currently an independent director for Laredo Petroleum, Inc. where she serves as Chair of the Finance Committee. Additionally, she is an independent director for Intrepid Potash, Inc. and serves as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. She previously served on the boards of HighPoint Resources Corporation and Energen Corporation. Ms. Lancaster earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago. Additionally, she holds a Directorship Certified designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors (“NACD”).
“Lori has considerable experience within the energy sector, serving in both financial and strategic advisory roles as well as board-level leadership positions. We are excited to have her join our Board. Lori's invaluable expertise will help us achieve our vision to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of digitally-enabled land drilling services. We are excited to work with her in the years ahead,” commented Steve Krablin, Chairman of the Board of Precision.
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. 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.”
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich
Director, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com