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Last update: Feb 13, 2025
CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 12, 2025 (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 on acquisition, loss on investments and other assets, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, 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) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.
Financial Highlights and 2025 Capital Allocation Plans
Operational Highlights
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
“Through 2024 Precision demonstrated remarkable market resilience despite weaker than expected U.S. customer demand and late year customer budget exhaustion in Canada. We continued our long-term record of meeting or exceeding our capital allocation targets every year since 2016 with $176 million of debt reduction, $75 million of share buybacks, while increasing our cash balance by $20 million. In the fourth quarter, approximately $8 million of reactivation costs and non-recurring items impacted our financial results, along with slightly lower than expected Canadian customer demand. Despite these fourth quarter headwinds we continued investing in our core business lines, including purchasing approximately $18 million of drill pipe in advance of potential tariffs, investing $3 million to begin reactivating two idle Canadian Super Single rigs to meet demand in 2025, and upgrading one rig for Canadian heavy oil pad drilling opportunities.
“The outlook for Canada remains very strong given robust heavy oil activity following the startup of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in May 2024 and the imminent startup of LNG Canada in mid-2025. My enthusiasm is further underpinned by the pace of rig reactivations following the seasonal Christmas break and the stable winter activity we have experienced to date with 81 rigs working since mid-January. The uncertainty introduced by potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil and gas exports, has been tempered and we have not experienced any change in customer demand or their longer-term capital spending plans.
“In Canada, our drilling utilization days increased 12% over 2023 and our Super Triple and Super Single rigs, which represent approximately 80% of our Canadian fleet, are nearly fully utilized. Demand for our Super Triple fleet, which is the preferred rig for Montney drilling, is driven by robust condensate fundamentals and the startup of LNG Canada this year. Demand for our Super Single fleet is driven by increased activity in heavy oil targeted areas as customers are benefiting from improved commodity pricing, following the startup of Trans Mountain, and a softening Canadian dollar.
“Internationally, our drilling utilization days increased 37% in 2024 following the recertification and reactivation of four rigs in 2023. In 2024, we had eight rigs working on term contracts, five in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The majority of these rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028, providing predictable cash flow for the next few years.
“In our Completion and Production Services business, our well servicing operating hours increased 26% over 2023 levels following the successful integration of CWC, where we achieved significant operating synergies. Our Completion and Production Services Adjusted EBITDA increased 30% year over year, which was slightly below our expectation due to late year customer budget exhaustion impacting our activity and rental business. I am very pleased with how we have transformed our Completion and Production Services business with two strategic tuck-in acquisitions. The High Arctic and CWC acquisitions more than doubled our Completion and Production revenue and Adjusted EBITDA since 2021 and solidified Precision as the premier well service provider in Canada.
“During the year, Precision generated $482 million of cash provided by operations, allowing us to meet our capital return targets and invest $217 million into our fleet and infrastructure, which included multiple drilling rig upgrades and the strategic purchase of drill pipe for use in 2025. We expect to invest approximately $225 million in 2025, which reflects a weaker Canadian dollar and includes expected customer funded upgrades across our North American operations, including approximately $30 million in US fleet upgrades for customers targeting extended reach laterals.
“With sustained free cash flow as a key differentiator of our business, we remain focused on reducing debt and increasing direct returns to shareholders. In 2025, we expect to reduce debt by at least $100 million, reinforcing our commitment to achieving a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(1) of below 1.0 times. As we continue to realize the benefits of lower debt levels, we have increased our long-term debt reduction target by $100 million to $700 million and extended the debt reduction period by one year to 2027. In 2025, our goal is to increase our direct capital returns to shareholders by allocating 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, while continuing to move towards 50% of free cash flow thereafter, with excess cash potentially used to increase these allocations.
“I would like to thank our employees for their dedication and commitment to serving our customers, and our shareholders for their continued support. With positive long-term fundamentals associated with global oil and natural gas demand and particularly the unique fundamentals driving drilling activity in our core geographic markets, I am confident we will continue to drive shareholder value," concluded Mr. Neveu.
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
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) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 468,171 | 506,871 | (7.6 | ) | 1,902,328 | 1,937,854 | (1.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 120,526 | 151,231 | (20.3 | ) | 521,221 | 611,118 | (14.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings | 14,930 | 146,722 | (89.8 | ) | 111,330 | 289,244 | (61.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to shareholders | 14,795 | 146,722 | (89.9 | ) | 111,195 | 289,244 | (61.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Cash provided by operations | 162,791 | 170,255 | (4.4 | ) | 482,083 | 500,571 | (3.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations(1) | 120,535 | 145,189 | (17.0 | ) | 463,372 | 533,409 | (13.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 61,954 | 57,627 | 7.5 | 202,986 | 214,784 | (5.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 21,565 | 24,459 | (11.8 | ) | 52,066 | 63,898 | (18.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Maintenance and infrastructure | 37,335 | 54,388 | (31.4 | ) | 164,632 | 162,851 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale | (8,570 | ) | (3,117 | ) | 174.9 | (30,395 | ) | (23,841 | ) | 27.5 | |||||||||||||
Net capital spending(1) | 50,330 | 75,730 | (33.5 | ) | 186,303 | 202,908 | (8.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to shareholders per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 1.06 | 10.42 | (89.8 | ) | 7.81 | 21.03 | (62.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted | 1.06 | 9.81 | (89.2 | ) | 7.81 | 19.53 | (60.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 13,982 | 14,084 | (0.7 | ) | 14,229 | 13,754 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 13,987 | 15,509 | (9.8 | ) | 14,234 | 15,287 | (6.9 | ) |
(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”
Operating Highlights
For the three months ended December 31, |
For the year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Contract drilling rig fleet | 214 | 214 | - | 214 | 214 | - | |||||||||||||||||
Drilling rig utilization days: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 3,084 | 4,138 | (25.5 | ) | 12,969 | 17,961 | (27.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Canada | 6,018 | 5,909 | 1.8 | 23,685 | 21,156 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 736 | 693 | 6.2 | 2,928 | 2,132 | 37.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. (US$) | 30,991 | 34,452 | (10.0 | ) | 32,531 | 35,040 | (7.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Canada (Cdn$) | 35,675 | 34,616 | 3.1 | 34,797 | 33,151 | 5.0 | |||||||||||||||||
International (US$) | 49,636 | 49,872 | (0.5 | ) | 51,227 | 50,840 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating costs per utilization day: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. (US$) | 21,698 | 21,039 | 3.1 | 22,009 | 20,401 | 7.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Canada (Cdn$) | 21,116 | 19,191 | 10.0 | 20,424 | 19,225 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig fleet | 170 | 183 | (7.1 | ) | 170 | 183 | (7.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 59,834 | 56,683 | 5.6 | 254,224 | 201,627 | 26.1 |
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 | Dec. 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Precision active rig count(1): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 60 | 51 | 41 | 45 | 38 | 36 | 35 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 69 | 42 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 49 | 72 | 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
International | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 134 | 98 | 104 | 117 | 119 | 93 | 115 | 107 |
(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.
Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023(2) | |||||
Working capital(1) | 162,592 | 136,872 | |||||
Cash | 73,771 | 54,182 | |||||
Long-term debt | 812,469 | 914,830 | |||||
Total long-term financial liabilities(1) | 888,173 | 995,849 | |||||
Total assets | 2,956,315 | 3,019,035 | |||||
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio (1) | 0.33 | 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 December 31, 2024:
Summary for the year ended December 31, 2024:
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 that we establish at the beginning of every year.
Below we summarize the results of our 2024 strategic priorities:
2025 Strategic Priorities
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 as OPEC+ continues to honour its production quotas, producers remain committed to returning capital to shareholders versus increasing production, and geopolitical issues continue to threaten supply. In Canada, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which became operational in May of 2024, combined with the imminent startup of LNG Canada are projected 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 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals 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 artificial intelligence data centers could provide further support for natural gas drilling.
Our Canadian drilling activity continues to be robust in 2025 and we currently have 81 rigs operating and expect this activity level to continue until spring breakup. Our Super Single fleet is near full utilization as heavy oil 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, rig demand could exceed supply. Overall, we expect our Canadian drilling activity to be up year over year with near full utilization of our Super Series rigs, which should support day rates and increase demand for term contracts as customers secure rigs to ensure fulfillment of their development programs. The uncertainty introduced by potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil and gas exports, has been tempered and we have not experienced any change in customer demand or their longer-term plans.
In the U.S., we currently have 34 rigs earning revenue, which has been relatively consistent since mid-2024. Drilling activity growth remains constrained as producers continue to focus on shareholder returns rather than growth, while volatile commodity prices, customer consolidation, and drilling and completion efficiencies have restricted activity growth. If commodity prices remain stable and around today’s level, we expect drilling demand to begin to improve in the second half and gain momentum through the remainder of 2025 as new LNG export capacity is added and customers seek to maintain or possibly increase production levels.
Internationally, we have eight rigs working on term contracts, five in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The majority of these rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028, providing predictable cash flow for the next few years. We continue to bid our remaining idle rigs within the region and remain optimistic in our ability to secure rig reactivations.
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 labour constraints, we expect firm pricing into the foreseeable future.
Contracts
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as at February 12, 2025. For those quarters ending after December 31, 2024, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.
As at February 12, 2025 | Average for the quarter ended 2024 | Average | Average for the quarter ended 2025 | Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | 2024 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average rigs under term contract: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. | 20 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 24 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 52 | 47 | 48 | 47 | 49 | 43 | 40 | 33 | 27 | 37 |
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) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 402,610 | 446,503 | (9.8 | ) | 1,617,735 | 1,704,265 | (5.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 68,830 | 62,459 | 10.2 | 294,817 | 240,716 | 22.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (3,269 | ) | (2,091 | ) | 56.3 | (10,224 | ) | (7,127 | ) | 43.5 | |||||||||||||
468,171 | 506,871 | (7.6 | ) | 1,902,328 | 1,937,854 | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA:(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 125,683 | 162,459 | (22.6 | ) | 532,345 | 630,761 | (15.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 15,895 | 12,193 | 30.4 | 66,681 | 51,224 | 30.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (21,052 | ) | (23,421 | ) | (10.1 | ) | (77,805 | ) | (70,867 | ) | 9.8 | ||||||||||||
120,526 | 151,231 | (20.3 | ) | 521,221 | 611,118 | (14.7 | ) |
(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) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 402,610 | 446,503 | (9.8 | ) | 1,617,735 | 1,704,265 | (5.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 264,858 | 270,303 | (2.0 | ) | 1,041,068 | 1,030,053 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 12,069 | 13,741 | (12.2 | ) | 44,322 | 43,451 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 125,683 | 162,459 | (22.6 | ) | 532,345 | 630,761 | (15.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 31.2 | % | 36.4 | % | 32.9 | % | 37.0 | % |
(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 | |||||||||||
December 31 | 34 | 569 | 45 | 603 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 36 | 580 | 49 | 670 |
(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 | |||||||||||
December 31 | 65 | 194 | 64 | 181 | |||||||||||
Year to date average | 65 | 186 | 58 | 177 |
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.
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) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 68,830 | 62,459 | 10.2 | 294,817 | 240,716 | 22.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 50,714 | 48,297 | 5.0 | 217,842 | 181,622 | 19.9 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 2,221 | 1,969 | 12.8 | 10,294 | 7,870 | 30.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 15,895 | 12,193 | 30.4 | 66,681 | 51,224 | 30.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 23.1 | % | 19.5 | % | 22.6 | % | 21.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
Well servicing statistics: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of service rigs (end of period) | 170 | 183 | (7.1 | ) | 170 | 183 | (7.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hours | 59,834 | 56,683 | 5.6 | 254,224 | 201,627 | 26.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Service rig operating hour utilization | 38 | % | 38 | % | 42 | % | 42 | % |
(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 December 31, |
For the year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||
Cash settled share-based incentive plans | 14,018 | 11,972 | 42,828 | 32,063 | |||||||||||
Equity settled share-based incentive plans | 1,071 | 697 | 4,588 | 2,531 | |||||||||||
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense | 15,089 | 12,669 | 47,416 | 34,594 | |||||||||||
Allocated: | |||||||||||||||
Operating | 3,709 | 2,765 | 11,868 | 9,497 | |||||||||||
General and Administrative | 11,380 | 9,904 | 35,548 | 25,097 | |||||||||||
15,089 | 12,669 | 47,416 | 34,594 |
FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | |
We reference certain 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 on acquisition, loss on investments and other assets, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, 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 December 31, |
For the year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||
Contract Drilling Services | 125,683 | 162,459 | 532,345 | 630,761 | |||||||||||
Completion and Production Services | 15,895 | 12,193 | 66,681 | 51,224 | |||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (21,052 | ) | (23,421 | ) | (77,805 | ) | (70,867 | ) | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 120,526 | 151,231 | 521,221 | 611,118 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 82,210 | 78,734 | 309,314 | 297,557 | |||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (1,913 | ) | (8,883 | ) | (16,148 | ) | (24,469 | ) | |||||||
Loss on asset decommissioning | — | 9,592 | — | 9,592 | |||||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,487 | (773 | ) | 2,259 | (1,667 | ) | |||||||||
Finance charges | 16,281 | 19,468 | 69,753 | 83,414 | |||||||||||
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes | — | — | — | (137 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on investments and other assets | 1,814 | 735 | 1,484 | 6,810 | |||||||||||
Gain on acquisition | — | (25,761 | ) | — | (25,761 | ) | |||||||||
Incomes taxes | 5,717 | (68,603 | ) | 43,229 | (23,465 | ) | |||||||||
Net earnings | 14,930 | 146,722 | 111,330 | 289,244 | |||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 135 | — | 135 | — | |||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to shareholders | 14,795 | 146,722 | 111,195 | 289,244 |
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. |
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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: |
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For the three months ended December 31, |
For the year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
Capital spending by spend category | |||||||||||||||||||
Expansion and upgrade | 21,565 | 24,459 | 52,066 | 63,898 | |||||||||||||||
Maintenance, infrastructure and intangibles | 37,335 | 54,388 | 164,632 | 162,851 | |||||||||||||||
58,900 | 78,847 | 216,698 | 226,749 | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | (8,570 | ) | (3,117 | ) | (30,395 | ) | (23,841 | ) | |||||||||||
Net capital spending | 50,330 | 75,730 | 186,303 | 202,908 | |||||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | — | 646 | — | 28,646 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets | — | — | (3,623 | ) | (10,013 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | 718 | 61 | 725 | 5,343 | |||||||||||||||
Receipt of finance lease payments | (208 | ) | (191 | ) | (799 | ) | (255 | ) | |||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 11,114 | (18,619 | ) | 20,380 | (11,845 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | 61,954 | 57,627 | 202,986 | 214,784 |
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: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
Current assets | 501,284 | 510,881 | |||||
Current liabilities | 338,692 | 374,009 | |||||
Working capital | 162,592 | 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: |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
Total non-current liabilities | 935,624 | 1,069,364 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 47,451 | 73,515 | |||||
Total long-term financial liabilities | 888,173 | 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.
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. Profit attributable to Non-Controlling Interests (NCI) was $0.1 million in 2024.
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 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) | December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023(1) |
January 1, 2023(1) |
|||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 73,771 | $ | 54,182 | $ | 21,587 | ||||||
Accounts receivable | 378,712 | 421,427 | 413,925 | |||||||||
Inventory | 43,300 | 35,272 | 35,158 | |||||||||
Assets held for sale | 5,501 | — | — | |||||||||
Total current assets | 501,284 | 510,881 | 470,670 | |||||||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||
Income tax recoverable | — | 682 | 1,602 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 6,559 | 73,662 | 455 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,356,173 | 2,338,088 | 2,303,338 | |||||||||
Intangibles | 12,997 | 17,310 | 19,575 | |||||||||
Right-of-use assets | 66,032 | 63,438 | 60,032 | |||||||||
Finance lease receivables | 4,806 | 5,003 | — | |||||||||
Investments and other assets | 8,464 | 9,971 | 20,451 | |||||||||
Total non-current assets | 2,455,031 | 2,508,154 | 2,405,453 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,956,315 | $ | 3,019,035 | $ | 2,876,123 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 314,355 | $ | 350,749 | $ | 404,350 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 3,778 | 3,026 | 2,991 | |||||||||
Current portion of lease obligations | 20,559 | 17,386 | 12,698 | |||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | — | 2,848 | 2,287 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 338,692 | 374,009 | 422,326 | |||||||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 13,666 | 16,755 | 47,836 | |||||||||
Provisions and other | 7,472 | 7,140 | 7,538 | |||||||||
Lease obligations | 54,566 | 57,124 | 52,978 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 812,469 | 914,830 | 1,085,970 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 47,451 | 73,515 | 28,946 | |||||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 935,624 | 1,069,364 | 1,223,268 | |||||||||
Equity: | ||||||||||||
Shareholders’ capital | 2,301,729 | 2,365,129 | 2,299,533 | |||||||||
Contributed surplus | 77,557 | 75,086 | 72,555 | |||||||||
Deficit | (900,834 | ) | (1,012,029 | ) | (1,301,273 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 199,020 | 147,476 | 159,714 | |||||||||
Total equity attributable to shareholders | 1,677,472 | 1,575,662 | 1,230,529 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest | 4,527 | — | — | |||||||||
Total equity | 1,681,999 | 1,575,662 | 1,230,529 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 2,956,315 | $ | 3,019,035 | $ | 2,876,123 |
(1) Comparative period figures were restated due to a change in accounting policy. See "CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY."
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 468,171 | $ | 506,871 | $ | 1,902,328 | $ | 1,937,854 | ||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Operating | 312,303 | 316,509 | 1,248,686 | 1,204,548 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 35,342 | 39,131 | 132,421 | 122,188 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes, loss on investments and other assets, gain on acquisition, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on asset disposals, and depreciation and amortization |
120,526 | 151,231 | 521,221 | 611,118 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 82,210 | 78,734 | 309,314 | 297,557 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (1,913 | ) | (8,883 | ) | (16,148 | ) | (24,469 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on asset decommissioning | — | 9,592 | — | 9,592 | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,487 | (773 | ) | 2,259 | (1,667 | ) | ||||||||||
Finance charges | 16,281 | 19,468 | 69,753 | 83,414 | ||||||||||||
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes | — | — | — | (137 | ) | |||||||||||
Gain on acquisition | — | (25,761 | ) | — | (25,761 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on investments and other assets | 1,814 | 735 | 1,484 | 6,810 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 20,647 | 78,119 | 154,559 | 265,779 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes: | ||||||||||||||||
Current | 2,811 | 486 | 7,470 | 4,494 | ||||||||||||
Deferred | 2,906 | (69,089 | ) | 35,759 | (27,959 | ) | ||||||||||
5,717 | (68,603 | ) | 43,229 | (23,465 | ) | |||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 14,930 | $ | 146,722 | $ | 111,330 | $ | 289,244 | ||||||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation | $ | 14,795 | $ | 146,722 | $ | 111,195 | $ | 289,244 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests | $ | 135 | $ | — | $ | 135 | $ | — | ||||||||
Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.06 | $ | 10.42 | $ | 7.81 | $ | 21.03 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.06 | $ | 9.81 | $ | 7.81 | $ | 19.53 |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 14,930 | $ | 146,722 | $ | 111,330 | $ | 289,244 | ||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency | 89,412 | (36,755 | ) | 119,821 | (33,433 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt | (49,744 | ) | 22,679 | (69,027 | ) | 21,195 | ||||||||||
Tax related to net investment hedge of long-term debt | 750 | — | 750 | — | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 55,348 | $ | 132,646 | $ | 162,874 | $ | 277,006 | ||||||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation | $ | 55,213 | $ | 132,646 | $ | 162,739 | $ | 277,006 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests | $ | 135 | $ | — | $ | 135 | $ | — |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||
Operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 14,930 | $ | 146,722 | $ | 111,330 | $ | 289,244 | ||||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term compensation plans | 4,398 | (2,541 | ) | 18,888 | 6,659 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 82,210 | 78,734 | 309,314 | 297,557 | ||||||||||||
Gain on asset disposals | (1,913 | ) | (8,883 | ) | (16,148 | ) | (24,469 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on asset decommissioning | — | 9,592 | — | 9,592 | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange | 1,477 | (853 | ) | 2,442 | (866 | ) | ||||||||||
Finance charges | 16,281 | 19,468 | 69,753 | 83,414 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 5,717 | (68,603 | ) | 43,229 | (23,465 | ) | ||||||||||
Other | (392 | ) | (9 | ) | (272 | ) | (229 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on investments and other assets | 1,814 | 735 | 1,484 | 6,810 | ||||||||||||
Gain on acquisition | — | (25,761 | ) | — | (25,761 | ) | ||||||||||
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes | — | — | — | (137 | ) | |||||||||||
Income taxes paid | (1,617 | ) | (708 | ) | (6,459 | ) | (3,103 | ) | ||||||||
Income taxes recovered | 27 | 17 | 85 | 24 | ||||||||||||
Interest paid | (2,806 | ) | (3,335 | ) | (72,241 | ) | (83,037 | ) | ||||||||
Interest received | 409 | 614 | 1,967 | 1,176 | ||||||||||||
Funds provided by operations | 120,535 | 145,189 | 463,372 | 533,409 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 42,256 | 25,066 | 18,711 | (32,838 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash provided by operations | 162,791 | 170,255 | 482,083 | 500,571 | ||||||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (58,900 | ) | (78,582 | ) | (216,647 | ) | (224,960 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase of intangibles | — | (265 | ) | (51 | ) | (1,789 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | 8,570 | 3,117 | 30,395 | 23,841 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and other assets | — | — | 3,623 | 10,013 | ||||||||||||
Business acquisitions | — | (646 | ) | — | (28,646 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchase of investments and other assets | (718 | ) | (61 | ) | (725 | ) | (5,343 | ) | ||||||||
Receipt of finance lease payments | 208 | 191 | 799 | 255 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (11,114 | ) | 18,619 | (20,380 | ) | 11,845 | ||||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | (61,954 | ) | (57,627 | ) | (202,986 | ) | (214,784 | ) | ||||||||
Financing: | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of long-term debt | 17,078 | — | 27,978 | 162,649 | ||||||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (41,813 | ) | (86,699 | ) | (204,319 | ) | (375,237 | ) | ||||||||
Repurchase of share capital | (25,023 | ) | (17,004 | ) | (75,488 | ) | (29,955 | ) | ||||||||
Issuance of common shares from the exercise of options | — | — | 686 | — | ||||||||||||
Debt amendment fees | (46 | ) | — | (1,363 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Lease payments | (3,266 | ) | (3,010 | ) | (13,271 | ) | (9,423 | ) | ||||||||
Funding from non-controlling interest | — | — | 4,392 | — | ||||||||||||
Cash used in financing activities | (53,070 | ) | (106,713 | ) | (261,385 | ) | (251,966 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 1,700 | (798 | ) | 1,877 | (1,226 | ) | ||||||||||
Increase in cash | 49,467 | 5,117 | 19,589 | 32,595 | ||||||||||||
Cash, beginning of period | 24,304 | 49,065 | 54,182 | 21,587 | ||||||||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 73,771 | $ | 54,182 | $ | 73,771 | $ | 54,182 |
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 | — | — | — | 111,195 | 111,195 | 135 | 111,330 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the period | — | — | 51,544 | — | 51,544 | — | 51,544 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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 | (86,570 | ) | — | — | — | (86,570 | ) | — | (86,570 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Redemption of non-management directors share units | 346 | (346 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | — | 4,588 | — | — | 4,588 | — | 4,588 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Funding from non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | 4,392 | 4,392 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 | $ | 2,301,729 | $ | 77,557 | $ | 199,020 | $ | (900,834 | ) | $ | 1,677,472 | $ | 4,527 | $ | 1,681,999 |
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 | — | — | — | 289,244 | 289,244 | — | 289,244 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the period | — | — | (12,238 | ) | — | (12,238 | ) | — | (12,238 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition share consideration | 75,588 | — | — | — | 75,588 | — | 75,588 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units | 19,206 | — | — | — | 19,206 | — | 19,206 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (29,955 | ) | — | — | — | (29,955 | ) | — | (29,955 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Redemption of non-management directors share units | 757 | — | — | — | 757 | — | 757 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | — | 2,531 | — | — | 2,531 | — | 2,531 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 2,365,129 | $ | 75,086 | $ | 147,476 | $ | (1,012,029 | ) | $ | 1,575,662 | $ | — | $ | 1,575,662 |
2024 FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 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 Thursday, February 13, 2025.
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/BI9168b4c0516f4409ab4f297340994ebc
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/8hij84aa
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