Bay Street News

Precision Drilling Announces 2024 Third Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This news release contains “forward-looking information and statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For a full disclosure of the forward-looking information and statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements” later in this news release. This news release contains references to certain Financial Measures and Ratios, including Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, loss (gain) on investments and other assets, gain 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, Working Capital and Total Long-term Financial Liabilities. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.

Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) delivered strong third quarter financial results, demonstrating the resilience of the business and its robust cash flow potential. Year to date, Precision has already achieved the low end of its debt reduction target range and is well on track to allocate 25% to 35% of its free cash flow to share buybacks in 2024.

Financial Highlights

Operational Highlights

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“Precision’s international and Canadian businesses led our third quarter results, with revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and net income all improving over the same period last year, demonstrating the resilience of our High Performance, High Value strategy and geographic exposure. Our cash flow conversion this quarter enabled us to repay debt, buy back shares, and continue to invest in our Super Series fleet. We have already achieved the low end of our debt repayment target range for this year and expect to be less than a year away from meeting our long-term target of a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(1) of less than one time.

“Canadian fundamentals for heavy oil, condensate, and LNG remain strong due to the additional takeaway capacity. The Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion is driving higher and stable returns for producers, who are accelerating heavy oil and condensate targeted drilling plans, while Canada’s first LNG project is expected to stabilize natural gas pricing and further stimulate activity in the Montney in 2025. As the leading provider of high-quality and reliable services in Canada, demand for our Super Series fleet remains high. Today, we have 75 rigs operating, with our Super Triple and Super Single rigs nearly fully utilized. We expect strong customer demand and utilization to continue well beyond 2025.

“In the U.S., our rig count has been range-bound for the last several months, with 35 rigs operating today. Volatile commodity prices, customer consolidation, and budget exhaustion are all headwinds that we expect will continue to suppress activity for the remainder of the year. We are encouraged by recent momentum in our contract book with seven new contracts secured for oil and natural gas drilling projects that are expected to begin late this year for 2025 drilling programs. Looking ahead, we anticipate that the next wave of additional Gulf Coast LNG export facilities, coal plant retirements, and a build-out of AI data centers should drive further natural gas drilling and support sustained natural gas demand.

“Precision’s international operations provide a stable foundation for earnings and cash flow as our rigs are under long-term contracts that extend into 2028. Our well servicing business further complements our stability as we remain the premier well service provider in Canada where demand continues to outpace manned service rigs. In 2023, we repositioned these businesses with rig reactivations and our CWC acquisition and as a result, each business is on track to increase its 2024 Adjusted EBITDA by approximately 50% over the prior year.

“I am proud of the discipline Precision continues to show throughout the organization and we remain focused on our strategic priorities, which include generating free cash flow, improving capital returns to shareholders, and delivering operational excellence. With robust Canadian market fundamentals, an improving long-term outlook for the U.S., and a focused strategy, I am confident we will continue to drive higher total shareholder returns. I would like to thank our team for executing at the highest operating levels and generating strong financial performance and value for our customers,” stated Kevin Neveu, Precision’s President and CEO.

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

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)   2024       2023     % Change       2024       2023     % Change  
Revenue   477,155       446,754       6.8       1,434,157       1,430,983       0.2  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   142,425       114,575       24.3       400,695       459,887       (12.9 )
Net earnings   39,183       19,792       98.0       96,400       142,522       (32.4 )
Cash provided by operations   79,674       88,500       (10.0 )     319,292       330,316       (3.3 )
Funds provided by operations(1)   113,322       91,608       23.7       342,837       388,220       (11.7 )
                                   
Cash used in investing activities   38,852       34,278       13.3       141,032       157,157       (10.3 )
Capital spending by spend category(1)                                  
Expansion and upgrade   7,709       13,479       (42.8 )     30,501       39,439       (22.7 )
Maintenance and infrastructure   56,139       38,914       44.3       127,297       108,463       17.4  
Proceeds on sale   (5,647 )     (6,698 )     (15.7 )     (21,825 )     (20,724 )     5.3  
Net capital spending(1)   58,201       45,695       27.4       135,973       127,178       6.9  
                                   
Net earnings per share:                                  
Basic   2.77       1.45       91.0       6.74       10.45       (35.5 )
Diluted   2.31       1.45       59.3       6.73       9.84       (31.6 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:                                  
Basic   14,142       13,607       3.9       14,312       13,643       4.9  
Diluted   14,890       13,610       9.4       14,317       14,858       (3.6 )

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

Operating Highlights

  For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,  
  2024     2023     % Change     2024     2023     % Change  
Contract drilling rig fleet   214       224       (4.5 )     214       224       (4.5 )
Drilling rig utilization days:                                  
U.S.   3,196       3,815       (16.2 )     9,885       13,823       (28.5 )
Canada   6,586       5,284       24.6       17,667       15,247       15.9  
International   736       554       32.9       2,192       1,439       52.3  
Revenue per utilization day:                                  
U.S. (US$)   32,949       35,135       (6.2 )     33,011       35,216       (6.3 )
Canada (Cdn$)   32,325       32,224       0.3       34,497       32,583       5.9  
International (US$)   47,223       51,570       (8.4 )     51,761       51,306       0.9  
Operating costs per utilization day:                                  
U.S. (US$)   22,207       21,655       2.5       22,113       20,217       9.4  
Canada (Cdn$)   19,448       18,311       6.2       20,196       19,239       5.0  
                                   
Service rig fleet   165       121       36.4       165       121       36.4  
Service rig operating hours   62,835       46,894       34.0       194,390       144,944       34.1  


Drilling Activity

  Average for the quarter ended 2023   Average for the quarter ended 2024  
  Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30  
Average Precision active rig count(1):                                        
U.S.   60       51       41       45       38       36       35  
Canada   69       42       57       64       73       49       72  
International   5       5       6       8       8       8       8  
Total   134       98       104       117       119       93       115  

(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.

Financial Position

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023(2)  
Working capital(1)   166,473       136,872  
Cash   24,304       54,182  
Long-term debt   787,008       914,830  
Total long-term financial liabilities(1)   858,765       995,849  
Total assets   2,887,996       3,019,035  
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio (1)   0.32       0.37  

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
(2) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See “CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY.”

Summary for the three months ended September 30, 2024:

Summary for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

STRATEGY

Precision’s vision is to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of land drilling services. Our strategic priorities for 2024 are focused on increasing our capital returns to shareholders by delivering best-in-class service and generating free cash flow.

Precision’s 2024 strategic priorities and the progress made during the third quarter are as follows:

  1. Concentrate organizational efforts on leveraging our scale and generating free cash flow.
    • Generated cash from operations of $80 million, bringing our year to date total to $319 million.
    • Increased utilization of our Super Single and Double rigs in the third quarter, driving Canadian drilling activity up 25% year over year.
    • Increased our third quarter Completion and Production Services operating hours and Adjusted EBITDA 34% and 40%, respectively, year over year. Achieved our $20 million annual synergies target from the CWC acquisition, which closed in November 2023.
    • Internationally, we realized US$35 million of contract drilling revenue versus US$29 million in 2023. Revenue for the third quarter of 2024 was negatively impacted by fewer rig moves and planned rig recertifications that accounted for 44 non-billable utilization days.
  2. Reduce debt by between $150 million and $200 million and allocate 25% to 35% of free cash flow before debt repayments for share repurchases.
    • Reduced debt by redeeming US$33 million of our 2026 unsecured senior notes and repaying US$3 million of our U.S. Real Estate Credit Facility. For the first nine months of the year, we have reduced debt by $152 million and already achieved the low end of our debt repayment target range.
    • Returned $17 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases. Year to date we allocated $50 million of our free cash flow to share buybacks, which represents over 25% of free cash flow for the first nine months of the year and within our annual target range of 25% to 35%.
    • Remain firmly committed to our long-term debt reduction target of $600 million between 2022 and 2026 ($410 million achieved as of September 30, 2024), while moving direct shareholder capital returns towards 50% of free cash flow.
  3. Continue to deliver operational excellence in drilling and service rig operations to strengthen our competitive position and extend market penetration of our Alpha™ and EverGreen™ products.
    • Increased our Canadian drilling rig utilization days and well servicing rig operating hours over the third quarter of 2023, maintaining our position as the leading provider of high-quality and reliable services in Canada.
    • Nearly doubled our EverGreen™ revenue from the third quarter of 2023.
    • Continued to expand our EverGreen™ product offering on our Super Single rigs with hydrogen injection systems. EverGreenHydrogen™ reduces diesel consumption resulting in lower operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions for our customers.

OUTLOOK

The long-term outlook for global energy demand remains positive with rising demand for all types of energy including oil and natural gas driven by economic growth, increasing demand from third-world regions, and emerging energy sources of power demand. Oil prices are constructive, and producers remain disciplined with their production plans while geopolitical issues continue to threaten supply. In Canada, the recent commissioning of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and the startup of LNG Canada projected in 2025 are expected to provide significant tidewater access for Canadian crude oil and natural gas, supporting additional Canadian drilling activity. In the U.S., the next wave of LNG projects is expected to add approximately 11 bcf/d of export capacity from 2025 to 2028, supporting additional U.S. natural gas drilling activity. Coal retirements and a build-out of AI data centers could provide further support for natural gas drilling.

In Canada, we currently have 75 rigs operating and expect this activity level to continue until spring breakup, except for the traditional slowdown over Christmas. Our Canadian drilling activity continues to outpace 2023 due to increased heavy oil drilling activity and strong Montney activity driven by robust condensate demand and pricing. Since the startup of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in May, customer activity in heavy oil targeted areas has exceeded expectations, resulting in near full utilization of our Super Single fleet. Customers are benefiting from improved commodity pricing and a weak Canadian dollar. Our Super Triple fleet, the preferred rig for Montney drilling, is also nearly fully utilized and with the expected startup of LNG Canada in mid-2025, demand could exceed supply.

In recent years, the Canadian market has witnessed stronger second quarter drilling activity due to the higher percentage of wells drilled on pads in both the Montney and in heavy oil developments. Once a pad-equipped drilling rig is mobilized to site, it can walk from well to well and avoid spring break up road restrictions. We expect this higher activity trend to continue in the second quarter of 2025.

In the U.S., we currently have 35 rigs operating as drilling activity remains constrained by volatile commodity prices, customer consolidation and budget exhaustion. We view these headwinds as short-term in nature, which will continue to suppress activity for the remainder of the year and into 2025. However, looking further ahead, we expect that a new budget cycle, the next wave of Gulf Coast LNG export facilities, and new sources of domestic power demand should begin to stimulate drilling.

Internationally, we expect to have eight rigs running for the remainder of 2024, representing an approximate 40% increase in activity compared to 2023. All eight rigs are contracted through 2025 as well. We continue to bid our remaining idle rigs within the region and remain optimistic about our ability to secure additional rig activations.

As the premier well service provider in Canada, the outlook for this business remains positive. We expect the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and LNG Canada to drive more service-related activity, while increased regulatory spending requirements are expected to result in more abandonment work. Customer demand should remain strong, and with continued labor constraints, we expect firm pricing into the foreseeable future.

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

Contracts

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as at October 29, 2024. For those quarters ending after September 30, 2024, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.

As at October 29, 2024   Average for the quarter ended 2023     Average     Average for the quarter ended 2024     Average  
    Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     2023     Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     2024  
Average rigs under term contract:                                                            
U.S.     40       37       32       28       34       20       17       17       16       18  
Canada     19       23       23       23       22       24       22       23       24       23  
International     4       5       7       7       6       8       8       8       8       8  
Total     63       65       62       58       62       52       47       48       48       49  


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 September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024     2023     % Change       2024     2023     % Change  
Revenue:                                  
Contract Drilling Services   406,155       390,728       3.9       1,215,125       1,257,762       (3.4 )
Completion and Production Services   73,074       57,573       26.9       225,987       178,257       26.8  
Inter-segment eliminations   (2,074 )     (1,547 )     34.1       (6,955 )     (5,036 )     38.1  
    477,155       446,754       6.8       1,434,157       1,430,983       0.2  
Adjusted EBITDA:(1)                                  
Contract Drilling Services   133,235       131,701       1.2       406,662       468,302       (13.2 )
Completion and Production Services   19,741       14,118       39.8       50,786       39,031       30.1  
Corporate and Other   (10,551 )     (31,244 )     (66.2 )     (56,753 )     (47,446 )     19.6  
    142,425       114,575       24.3       400,695       459,887       (12.9 )

(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)   2024       2023     % Change       2024       2023     % Change  
Revenue   406,155       390,728       3.9       1,215,125       1,257,762       (3.4 )
Expenses:                                  
Operating   262,933       247,937       6.0       776,210       759,750       2.2  
General and administrative   9,987       11,090       (9.9 )     32,253       29,710       8.6  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   133,235       131,701       1.2       406,662       468,302       (13.2 )
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1)   32.8 %     33.7 %           33.5 %     37.2 %      

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2024     2023  
  Precision     Industry(2)     Precision     Industry(2)  
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:                      
March 31   38       602       60       744  
June 30   36       583       51       700  
September 30   35       565       41       631  
Year to date average   36       583       51       692  

(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2024     2023  
  Precision     Industry(2)     Precision     Industry(2)  
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:                      
March 31   73       208       69       221  
June 30   49       134       42       117  
September 30   72       207       57       188  
Year to date average   65       183       56       175  

(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)   2024       2023     % Change       2024       2023        
Revenue   73,074       57,573       26.9       225,987       178,257       26.8  
Expenses:                                  
Operating   50,608       41,612       21.6       167,128       133,325       25.4  
General and administrative   2,725       1,843       47.9       8,073       5,901       36.8  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   19,741       14,118       39.8       50,786       39,031       30.1  
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1)   27.0 %     24.5 %           22.5 %     21.9 %      
Well servicing statistics:                                  
Number of service rigs (end of period)   165       121       36.4       165       121       36.4  
Service rig operating hours   62,835       46,894       34.0       194,390       144,944       34.1  
Service rig operating hour utilization   41 %     42 %           43 %     44 %      

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

OTHER ITEMS

Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

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

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

  For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
Cash settled share-based incentive plans   (1,626 )     30,105       28,810       20,091  
Equity settled share-based incentive plans   1,440       701       3,517       1,834  
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense   (186 )     30,806       32,327       21,925  
                       
Allocated:                      
Operating   221       7,692       8,159       6,732  
General and Administrative   (407 )     23,114       24,168       15,193  
    (186 )     30,806       32,327       21,925  


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

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

EVALUATION OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on their evaluation as at September 30, 2024, Precision’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that are filed or submitted to Canadian and U.S. securities authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Canadian and U.S. securities laws. In addition, as at September 30, 2024, there were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Management will continue to periodically evaluate the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and will make any modifications from time to time as deemed necessary.

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

FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We reference certain additional Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS Accounting Standards to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.
Adjusted EBITDA We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, loss (gain) on investments and other assets, gain 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 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.

  For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
Adjusted EBITDA by segment:                      
Contract Drilling Services   133,235       131,701       406,662       468,302  
Completion and Production Services   19,741       14,118       50,786       39,031  
Corporate and Other   (10,551 )     (31,244 )     (56,753 )     (47,446 )
Adjusted EBITDA   142,425       114,575       400,695       459,887  
Depreciation and amortization   75,073       73,192       227,104       218,823  
Gain on asset disposals   (3,323 )     (2,438 )     (14,235 )     (15,586 )
Foreign exchange   849       363       772       (894 )
Finance charges   16,914       19,618       53,472       63,946  
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes         (37 )           (137 )
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets   (150 )     (3,813 )     (330 )     6,075  
Incomes taxes   13,879       7,898       37,512       45,138  
Net earnings   39,183       19,792       96,400       142,522  
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)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
Capital spending by spend category                        
Expansion and upgrade     7,709       13,479       30,501       39,439  
Maintenance, infrastructure and intangibles     56,139       38,914       127,297       108,463  
      63,848       52,393       157,798       147,902  
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment     (5,647 )     (6,698 )     (21,825 )     (20,724 )
Net capital spending     58,201       45,695       135,973       127,178  
Business acquisitions                       28,000  
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets           (10,013 )     (3,623 )     (10,013 )
Purchase of investments and other assets     7       3,211       7       5,282  
Receipt of finance lease payments     (207 )     (64 )     (591 )     (64 )
Changes in non-cash working capital balances     (19,149 )     (4,551 )     9,266       6,774  
Cash used in investing activities     38,852       34,278       141,032       157,157  
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:

  September 30,     December 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024       2023  
Current assets   472,557       510,881  
Current liabilities   306,084       374,009  
Working capital   166,473       136,872  
Total Long-term Financial Liabilities We define total long-term financial liabilities as total non-current liabilities less deferred tax liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Total long-term financial liabilities is calculated as follows:

  September 30,     December 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024       2023  
Total non-current liabilities   920,812       1,069,364  
Deferred tax liabilities   62,047       73,515  
Total long-term financial liabilities   858,765       995,849  
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, 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 of 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 of 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.


CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY

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

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

JOINT PARTNERSHIP

On September 26, 2024, Precision formed a strategic Partnership with two Indigenous partners to provide well servicing operations in northeast British Columbia. Precision contributed $4 million in assets to the Partnership. Precision holds a controlling interest in the Partnership and the portions of the net earnings and equity not attributable to Precision’s controlling interest are shown separately as Non-Controlling Interests (NCI) in the consolidated statements of net earnings and consolidated statements of financial position.

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:

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:

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:

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

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   September 30,
2024
    December 31,
2023(1)
    January 1,
2023(1)
 
ASSETS            
Current assets:                  
Cash   $ 24,304     $ 54,182     $ 21,587  
Accounts receivable     401,652       421,427       413,925  
Inventory     41,398       35,272       35,158  
Assets held for sale     5,203              
Total current assets     472,557       510,881       470,670  
Non-current assets:                  
Income tax recoverable     696       682       1,602  
Deferred tax assets     27,767       73,662       455  
Property, plant and equipment     2,296,079       2,338,088       2,303,338  
Intangibles     15,566       17,310       19,575  
Right-of-use assets     63,708       63,438       60,032  
Finance lease receivables     4,938       5,003        
Investments and other assets     6,685       9,971       20,451  
Total non-current assets     2,415,439       2,508,154       2,405,453  
Total assets   $ 2,887,996     $ 3,019,035     $ 2,876,123  
                   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                  
Current liabilities:                  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 282,810     $ 350,749     $ 404,350  
Income taxes payable     3,059       3,026       2,991  
Current portion of lease obligations     19,263       17,386       12,698  
Current portion of long-term debt     952       2,848       2,287  
Total current liabilities     306,084       374,009       422,326  
                   
Non-current liabilities:                  
Share-based compensation     10,339       16,755       47,836  
Provisions and other     7,408       7,140       7,538  
Lease obligations     54,010       57,124       52,978  
Long-term debt     787,008       914,830       1,085,970  
Deferred tax liabilities     62,047       73,515       28,946  
Total non-current liabilities     920,812       1,069,364       1,223,268  
Equity:                  
Shareholders’ capital     2,337,079       2,365,129       2,299,533  
Contributed surplus     76,656       75,086       72,555  
Deficit     (915,629 )     (1,012,029 )     (1,301,273 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income     158,602       147,476       159,714  
Total equity attributable to shareholders     1,656,708       1,575,662       1,230,529  
Non-controlling interest     4,392              
Total equity     1,661,100       1,575,662       1,230,529  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 2,887,996     $ 3,019,035     $ 2,876,123  

(1) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See “CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY.”

(2) See “JOINT PARTNERSHIP” for additional information.

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

    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
                         
                         
Revenue   $ 477,155     $ 446,754     $ 1,434,157     $ 1,430,983  
Expenses:                        
Operating     311,467       288,002       936,383       888,039  
General and administrative     23,263       44,177       97,079       83,057  
Earnings before income taxes, loss (gain) on investments and other assets, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals, and depreciation and amortization     142,425       114,575       400,695       459,887  
Depreciation and amortization     75,073       73,192       227,104       218,823  
Gain on asset disposals     (3,323 )     (2,438 )     (14,235 )     (15,586 )
Foreign exchange     849       363       772       (894 )
Finance charges     16,914       19,618       53,472       63,946  
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes           (37 )           (137 )
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets     (150 )     (3,813 )     (330 )     6,075  
Earnings before income taxes     53,062       27,690       133,912       187,660  
Income taxes:                        
Current     2,297       2,047       4,659       4,008  
Deferred     11,582       5,851       32,853       41,130  
      13,879       7,898       37,512       45,138  
Net earnings   $ 39,183     $ 19,792     $ 96,400     $ 142,522  
Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders:                        
Basic   $ 2.77     $ 1.45     $ 6.74     $ 10.45  
Diluted   $ 2.31     $ 1.45     $ 6.73     $ 9.84  


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

    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
Net earnings   $ 39,183     $ 19,792     $ 96,400     $ 142,522  
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency     (16,104 )     39,180       30,409       3,322  
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt     9,536       (24,616 )     (19,283 )     (1,484 )
Comprehensive income   $ 32,615     $ 34,356     $ 107,526     $ 144,360  


CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
Cash provided by (used in):                        
Operations:                        
Net earnings   $ 39,183     $ 19,792     $ 96,400     $ 142,522  
Adjustments for:                        
Long-term compensation plans     2,620       11,577       14,490       9,200  
Depreciation and amortization     75,073       73,192       227,104       218,823  
Gain on asset disposals     (3,323 )     (2,438 )     (14,235 )     (15,586 )
Foreign exchange     815       1,275       965       (13 )
Finance charges     16,914       19,618       53,472       63,946  
Income taxes     13,879       7,898       37,512       45,138  
Other     27             120       (220 )
Loss (gain) on investments and other assets     (150 )     (3,813 )     (330 )     6,075  
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes           (37 )           (137 )
Income taxes paid     (508 )     (187 )     (4,842 )     (2,395 )
Income taxes recovered     58       4       58       7  
Interest paid     (31,692 )     (35,500 )     (69,435 )     (79,702 )
Interest received     426       227       1,558       562  
Funds provided by operations     113,322       91,608       342,837       388,220  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances     (33,648 )     (3,108 )     (23,545 )     (57,904 )
Cash provided by operations     79,674       88,500       319,292       330,316  
                         
Investments:                        
Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (63,797 )     (51,546 )     (157,747 )     (146,378 )
Purchase of intangibles     (51 )     (847 )     (51 )     (1,524 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment     5,647       6,698       21,825       20,724  
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets           10,013       3,623       10,013  
Business acquisitions                       (28,000 )
Purchase of investments and other assets     (7 )     (3,211 )     (7 )     (5,282 )
Receipt of finance lease payments     207       64       591       64  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances     19,149       4,551       (9,266 )     (6,774 )
Cash used in investing activities     (38,852 )     (34,278 )     (141,032 )     (157,157 )
                         
Financing:                        
Issuance of long-term debt     10,900       23,600       10,900       162,649  
Repayments of long-term debt     (59,658 )     (49,517 )     (162,506 )     (288,538 )
Repurchase of share capital     (16,891 )           (50,465 )     (12,951 )
Issuance of common shares from the exercise of options     495             686        
Debt amendment fees                 (1,317 )      
Lease payments     (3,586 )     (2,410 )     (10,005 )     (6,413 )
Funding from non-controlling interest     4,392             4,392        
Cash used in financing activities     (64,348 )     (28,327 )     (208,315 )     (145,253 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     (403 )     251       177       (428 )
Increase (decrease) in cash     (23,929 )     26,146       (29,878 )     27,478  
Cash, beginning of period     48,233       22,919       54,182       21,587  
Cash, end of period   $ 24,304     $ 49,065     $ 24,304     $ 49,065  


CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

    Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation            
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   Shareholders’
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Deficit     Total     Non-
controlling interest
    Total
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2024   $ 2,365,129     $ 75,086     $ 147,476     $ (1,012,029 )   $ 1,575,662     $     $ 1,575,662  
Net earnings for the period                       96,400       96,400             96,400  
Other comprehensive income for the period                 11,126             11,126             11,126  
Share options exercised     978       (292 )                 686             686  
Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units     21,846       (1,479 )                 20,367             20,367  
Share repurchases     (51,050 )                       (51,050 )           (51,050 )
Redemption of non-management directors share units     176       (176 )                              
Share-based compensation expense           3,517                   3,517             3,517  
Funding from non-controlling interest                                   4,392       4,392  
Balance at September 30, 2024   $ 2,337,079     $ 76,656     $ 158,602     $ (915,629 )   $ 1,656,708     $ 4,392     $ 1,661,100  
    Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation            
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   Shareholders’
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Deficit     Total     Non-
controlling interest
    Total
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2023   $ 2,299,533     $ 72,555     $ 159,714     $ (1,301,273 )   $ 1,230,529     $     $ 1,230,529  
Net earnings for the period                       142,522       142,522             142,522  
Other comprehensive income for the period                 1,838             1,838             1,838  
Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units     19,206                         19,206             19,206  
Share repurchases     (12,951 )                       (12,951 )           (12,951 )
Redemption of non-management directors share units     757                         757             757  
Share-based compensation expense           1,834                   1,834             1,834  
Balance at September 30, 2023   $ 2,306,545     $ 74,389     $ 161,552     $ (1,158,751 )   $ 1,383,735     $     $ 1,383,735  


2024 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

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

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4cb3a3db88084e66ad528ebb2bdb81e4

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/mov2xb4k

About Precision

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

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

Additional Information

For further information, please contact:

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

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


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