EX-99.1 2 exh99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 exh99-1.htm


Exhibit 99.1
 
 

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NEWS RELEASE
Calgary, Alberta, Canada – April 27, 2015
(Canadian dollars except as indicated)

PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
ANNOUNCES 2015 SECOND QUARTER DIVIDEND, 2015 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

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.

The Board of Directors of Precision Drilling Corporation (TSX:PD) (NYSE:PDS) (“Precision” or the “Corporation”) has declared a dividend on its common shares of $0.07 per share, payable on May 29, 2015, to shareholders of record on May 15, 2015.  For Canadian income tax purposes, all dividends paid by Precision on its common shares are designated as “eligible dividends”, unless otherwise indicated by Precision.

Net earnings this quarter were $24 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $102 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2014.

Revenue this quarter was $512 million or 24% lower than the first quarter of 2014, mainly due to lower drilling activity in the U.S. and Canada. Revenue from our Contract Drilling Services and Completion and Production Services segments decreased over the comparative prior year period by 22% and 36%, respectively.

Earnings before income taxes, finance charges, foreign exchange, and depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) this quarter were $163 million or 31% less than the first quarter of 2014. Our activity for the quarter, as measured by drilling rig utilization days, decreased 45% in Canada and 15% in the U.S. and increased 15% internationally, compared to the first quarter of 2014.  Our adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue was 32% this quarter, compared to 35% in the first quarter of 2014.  The decrease in adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue was mainly due to decreased activity in our Contract Drilling Services segment, decreased activity and lower pricing in our Completion and Production Services segment and costs associated with restructuring, which were $7 million this quarter.
 
Our current expected capital plan for 2015 is $506 million, an increase of $39 million compared to the $467 million capital plan announced in February 2015.  The increase relates to changes in the forecasted foreign exchange rate on U.S. dollar denominated capital.  Of the 17 new-build contracted drilling rigs scheduled for delivery in 2015 (13 in the U.S., three in Canada and one internationally) ten were delivered in the first quarter.  After delivery of the remaining seven contracted new-build rigs in 2015, Precision’s drilling rig fleet will consist of 330 drilling rigs, including 234 Tier 1 rigs, 74 Tier 2 rigs and 22 PSST rigs.  For the Tier 1 rigs, 122 will be in Canada, 106 in the U.S. and six internationally.

Kevin Neveu, Precision’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated:  “During the first quarter, demand for North American land drilling services failed to meet even the most pessimistic forecasts as our customers continue to seek ways to reduce spending and budgets in this low commodity price environment.  Nowhere is this more apparent than in Canada where the industry spring break-up activity is 53% below 2014 levels, and in the U.S., most oil-weighted regions are more than 50% below November 2014 peak activity levels.”

“Precision’s first quarter results have been significantly impacted by the abrupt collapse in customer demand with total revenue down 24% from the first quarter of 2014.  We have been able to mitigate the full impact of the industry slowdown through effective execution of Precision’s variable cost business model, preemptive fixed cost management and customer contract coverage on our Tier 1 asset base. Despite the lower activity environment and revenue base, we achieved EBITDA margins of 32% in the quarter, compared to 35% in the first quarter of 2014.”
 

 
 
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“As of the end of the first quarter, we held a cash position of $449 million, and post-quarter-end received $69 million from the Ontario tax authorities in settlement of our income tax recoverable plus interest.  We continue to support our strong liquidity position through excellent working capital management and have adjusted credit terms to ensure maximum access to our revolver.  Our financial flexibility, tight spending controls and free cash flow focus enable us to continue to deliver our High Performance, High Value strategy through an extended downturn.”
 
“Through the first quarter and continuing today, competitive pricing tension remains a dominate feature in virtually every customer conversation.  Despite the challenging environment, and while at times our utilization may suffer, Precision has held firm on our strategy to defend field margins.  Notably and despite these headwinds, our take or pay term contracts continue to demonstrate integrity with our customers honouring commitments.”
 
“Over the last few months we have made many difficult decisions that have affected all within the Precision family.  We have consolidated three operating facilities across our North American operations and since our peak in November 2014 we have reduced our salaried employee headcount by approximately 14% and field headcount by approximately 2,500.  Should activity levels improve, Precision will respond as it has in the past and I am certain we will work to bring back many of our dedicated employees.  We understand our people will distinguish us in the end and will continue to deliver the High Performance, High Value services our customers expect from Precision”, concluded Mr. Neveu.

 
SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Adjusted EBITDA and funds provided by operations are additional GAAP measures.  See “ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES”.

Financial Highlights
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
 
2015
   
2014
   
% Change
 
Revenue
  $ 512,120     $ 672,249       (23.8 )
Adjusted EBITDA
    163,384       237,274       (31.1 )
Net earnings
    24,033       101,557       (76.3 )
Cash provided by operations
    215,138       170,127       26.5  
Funds provided by operations
    155,186       231,393       (32.9 )
Capital spending:
                       
Expansion
    197,317       68,185       189.4  
Upgrade
    19,943       19,857       (0.4 )
Maintenance and infrastructure
    8,562       17,957       (52.3 )
Proceeds on sale
    (2,876 )     (7,257 )     (60.4 )
  Net capital spending
    222,946       98,742       125.8  
                         
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic
    0.08       0.35       (77.1 )
Diluted
    0.08       0.35       (77.1 )
Dividends paid per share
    0.07       0.06       16.7  


 
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Operating Highlights
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
% Change
 
Contract drilling rig fleet
    323       330       (2.1 )
Drilling rig utilization days:
Canada
    6,230       11,384       (45.3 )
U.S.
    7,197       8,473       (15.1 )
International
    1,134       990       14.5  
Service rig fleet
    177       222       (20.3 )
Service rig operating hours
    48,001       82,564       (41.9 )


Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios)
 
March 31,
 2015
   
December 31,
 2014
 
Working capital
    584,487       653,630  
Long-term debt(1)
    2,009,970       1,852,186  
Total long-term financial liabilities
    2,038,063       1,881,275  
Total assets
    5,492,647       5,308,996  
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio(1)
    0.45       0.43  
 
(1)
Net of unamortized debt issue costs.
 
Our portfolio of term customer contracts, a scalable operating cost structure and economies achieved through vertical integration of the supply chain all help us manage our business through the industry cycles.

Precision’s strategic priorities for 2015 are as follows:

 
1.
Work with our customers to lower well costs – Deliver High Performance, High Value services to customers to create maximum efficiency and lower risks for drilling programs.  Utilize our unique platform of Tier 1 assets, geographically diverse operations and highly efficient service offering to deliver cost-reducing solutions.  Grow our cost-reducing integrated directional drilling service with the Schlumberger alliance.
 
 
2.
Maximize cost efficiency throughout the organization – Continue to leverage Precision’s scale to reduce costs and deliver High Performance.  Maximize the benefits of the variable nature of operating and capital expenses.  Maintain an efficient corporate cost structure by optimizing systems for assets, people and business management.  Maintain our uncompromising focus on worker safety, premium service quality and employee development.
 
 
3.
Reinforce our competitive advantage – Gain market share as Tier 1 assets remain most in demand rigs.  High-grade our active rig fleet by delivering new-build rigs and maximizing customer opportunities to utilize High Performance assets.  Deliver consistent, reliable, High Performance service.  Retain and continue to develop the industry’s best people.
 
 
4.
Manage liquidity and focus activities on cash flow generation.   Monitor working capital, debt and liquidity ratios.  Maintain a scalable cost structure that is responsive to changing competition and market demand.  Adjust capital plans according to utilization and customer demand.
 


 
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For the first quarter of 2015, there has been a dramatic drop in the average prices of oil and natural gas compared with the averages from 2014.

   
Three months ended March 31,
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
 
Average oil and natural gas prices
                 
Oil
                 
       West Texas Intermediate (per barrel) (US$)
    48.74       98.65       93.06  
Natural gas
                       
       Canada
                       
            AECO (per MMBtu) (CDN$)
    2.78       5.49       4.45  
        United States
                       
            Henry Hub (per MMBtu) (US$)
    2.86       5.06       4.33  


Summary for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
     We realized operating earnings (see “Additional GAAP Measures”) this quarter of $47 million a decrease of $85 million from the first quarter 2014 operating earnings of $132 million.  Operating earnings were negatively impacted by the decrease in drilling activity in our Canadian and U.S. operations and lower activity and pricing in our Completion and Production Services segment, partially offset by improved performance in our international drilling division.

     General and administrative expenses this quarter were $46 million, $6 million higher than the first quarter of 2014.  The increase was due to restructuring costs and the effect of the weakening Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated expenses.

     During the quarter we incurred restructuring costs totaling $7 million.  These costs were primarily the result of consolidating three North American operating facilities and reducing our salaried workforce by 14% since December 31, 2014.  Our total workforce as of April 24, 2015 is down approximately 2,200 from 7,834 on December 31, 2014 and a portion of this decline is caused by seasonally low activity in Canada during spring break- up.

    Net finance charges were $20 million, a decrease of $5 million compared with the first quarter of 2014.  During the quarter we recognized $14 million in interest revenue related to an income tax dispute settlement partially offset by interest expense from the issuance of US$400 million of 5.25% Senior Notes on June 3, 2014 and the effect of the weakening Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest.

    Average revenue per utilization day for contract drilling rigs increased slightly in the first quarter of 2015 to $23,515 from the prior year first quarter of $22,773 in Canada and in the U.S. to US$25,180 from US$24,146.  The increase in revenue rates for Canada is primarily due to a higher percentage of Tier 1 rigs operating offset by competitive pricing in some rig segments compared to the prior year quarter.   The increase in revenue rates for the U.S. is primarily due to a higher percentage of revenue from Tier 1 rigs compared to the prior year quarter and idle-but-contracted payments, partially offset by decreased turnkey revenue in the current quarter.  Turnkey revenue for the first quarter of 2015 was US$10 million compared with US$17 million in the 2014 comparative period.  Within the Completion and Production Services segment, the average hourly rate for service rigs was $837 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $882 in the first quarter of 2014.  The decrease in the average hourly rate is the result of pricing pressure across all service rig classes and the absence of our U.S. coil tubing assets, disposed in the fourth quarter of 2014.

    Average operating costs per utilization day for drilling rigs increased in the first quarter of 2015 to $11,497 from the prior year first quarter of $10,230 in Canada while in the U.S. costs decreased to US$13,940 in 2015 from US$14,495 in 2014.  The cost increase in Canada was primarily due to an increase in crew labour rates and less activity to cover the portion of our operating costs that are fixed in nature, while the decrease in the U.S. was due to lower turnkey activity.
 
 
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    We realized revenue from international contract drilling of $61 million in the first quarter of 2015, an $19 million increase over the prior year period due to expansion in the Middle East with three new build rigs deployed in 2014 and one rig deployed to Georgia in the middle of the quarter.  Average revenue per utilization day in our international contract drilling business was US$42,969 an increase of 10% over the comparable prior year quarter.  The increase was the result of new rigs added during 2014 and the first quarter of 2015.

    Directional drilling services realized revenue of $15 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared with $34 million in the prior year period.  The decrease from the prior year period was due to lower industry drilling activity in Canada and the U.S.

    Funds provided by operations in the first quarter of 2015 were $155 million, a decrease of $76 million from the prior year comparative quarter of $231 million.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower activity levels.

    Capital expenditures for the purchase of property, plant and equipment were $226 million in the first quarter, an increase of $120 million over the same period in 2014.  Capital spending for the first quarter of 2015 included $197 million for expansion capital, $20 million for upgrade capital and $9 million for the maintenance of existing assets and infrastructure spending.

    On April 7, 2015 we received payment from the Ontario Minister of Revenue of $69 million representing $55 million owed to us on a reassessment of income tax, recorded as income tax recoverable on the consolidated statement of financial position plus interest of $14 million.

    During the quarter we increased access to our revolving term credit facility by receiving temporary covenant relief from our senior lending group.  The covenant changes, effective until December 31, 2016, included increasing total debt to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreement, to 6:1 from 4:1 and reducing Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense from 2.75:1 to 2.50:1.

 
OUTLOOK
 
Contracts
Our portfolio of term customer contracts provides a base level of activity and revenue and, as of April 24, 2015, we had term contracts in place for an average of 47 rigs in Canada, 51 in the U.S. and 12 internationally for the second quarter of 2015 and an average of 45 rig contracts in Canada, 48 in the U.S. and 11 internationally for the full year in 2015.  In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access.  In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year.

Drilling Activity
In the U.S., our average active rig count in the first quarter was 80 rigs, down 14 rigs over the first quarter in 2014 and down 20 rigs over the fourth quarter of 2014.  We currently have 56 rigs active in the U.S.

In Canada, our average active rig count in the first quarter was 69 rigs, a decrease of 57 rigs over the first quarter in 2014 and down 24 rigs over the fourth quarter of 2015. We currently have 19 rigs active in Canada.

In general we expect lower drilling activity levels and pricing pressure on spot market rigs in North America as significantly lower oil prices have caused producers to meaningfully reduce drilling budgets.  We expect Tier 1 rigs to remain the preferred rigs of producers in the North American market and for us to benefit from our completed fleet enhancements over the past several years as well as recent and scheduled delivery of contracted new-build and upgraded rigs to the North American market in 2015.
 
 
 
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Internationally, our average active rig count in the quarter was 13 rigs, up two rigs over the first quarter in 2014 and up one rig over the fourth quarter of 2015.  During the quarter we began operations in the country of Georgia with an upgraded 2,000 horsepower rig.  We expect to deliver a new-build rig to begin operations in Kuwait in mid-2015.

Industry Conditions
Industry drilling activity in the U.S. continues to decline with the active rig count down over 900 rigs since the industry peak in November 2014, according to industry sources.  Since the peak, the active rig count has declined for 22 consecutive weeks.  The active rig count in Canada continues to trend lower in 2015 compared to last year and is currently well below levels experienced at this time last year.  According to industry sources, as of April 24, 2015, the U.S. active land drilling rig count was down approximately 50% from the same point last year and the Canadian active land drilling rig count was down approximately 53%.  The decrease in the North American rig count has been caused by lower spending by producers as a result of weaker oil and natural gas prices.

To date in 2015, approximately 45% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs and 79% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared to 63% for Canada and 81% for the U.S. at the same time last year.

Capital Spending
Capital spending in 2015 is expected to be $506 million:

The 2015 capital expenditure plan includes $385 million for expansion capital, $78 million for sustaining and infrastructure expenditures, and $43 million to upgrade existing rigs. We expect that the $506 million will be split $500 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment and $6 million in the Completion and Production Services segment.

Precision’s expansion capital plan for 2015 includes the completion of 17 new-build contracted drilling rigs to be delivered in the first three quarters of the year,  13 for the U.S., three for Canada and one for Kuwait.  Eleven of the 2015 new-build rigs have been delivered to date, two in Canada and nine in the U.S.

The 13 rigs for the U.S. are all Super Triple rigs and are scheduled to be delivered to multiple unconventional basins for five different customers.  The new-build rigs in Canada are ST-1200 rigs for three different customers.  The Kuwait new-build is a ST-1500 rig and is expected to be delivered in June.
 
Following is a new-build delivery schedule for expected deliveries in 2015.  All of the rigs shown on the table below are backed by customer contracts.

   
2015
 
      Q1       Q2       Q3       Q4    
Total
 
Rig Deliveries
                                     
Canada
    2       -       1       -       3  
U.S.
    8       5       -       -       13  
International
    -       1       -       -       1  
      10       6       1       -       17  


The 2015 capital plan includes minimal rig upgrades and will vary depending on the scope of the upgrades and customer demand.

Precision’s sustaining and infrastructure capital plan is based upon currently anticipated activity levels for 2015.



 
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SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: the Contract Drilling Services segment which includes the drilling rig, directional drilling, oilfield supply and manufacturing divisions; and the Completion and Production Services segment which includes the service rig, snubbing, coil tubing, rental, camp and catering and wastewater treatment divisions.
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
       
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
2015
   
2014
   
% Change
 
Revenue:
                 
Contract Drilling Services
    448,065       571,922       (21.7 )
Completion and Production Services
    66,082       103,065       (35.9 )
Inter-segment eliminations
    (2,027 )     (2,738 )     (26.0 )
      512,120       672,249       (23.8 )
                         
Adjusted EBITDA:(1)
                       
Contract Drilling Services
    183,119       239,698       (23.6 )
Completion and Production Services
    7,057       19,453       (63.7 )
Corporate and other
    (26,792 )     (21,877 )     22.5  
      163,384       237,274       (31.1 )
 (1) See “ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES”.


SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES
   
Three months ended March 31,
       
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)
 
2015
   
2014
   
% Change
 
Revenue
    448,065       571,922       (21.7 )
Expenses:
                       
Operating
    251,239       318,907       (21.2 )
General and administrative
    13,707       13,317       2.9  
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
    183,119       239,698       (23.6 )
Depreciation
    103,831       92,111       12.7  
Operating earnings (1)
    79,288       147,587       (46.3 )
Operating earnings as a percentage of revenue
    17.7 %     25.8 %        
Drilling rig revenue per utilization day in Canada
    23,515       22,773       3.3  
Drilling rig revenue per utilization day in the United States(2)(US$)
    25,180       24,146       4.3  
Drilling rig revenue per utilization day in International (US$)
    42,969       38,930       10.4  
(1) See “ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES”.
(2) Includes revenue from idle but contracted rig days and lump sum payouts.

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1)
 
2015
   
2014
 
   
Precision
   
Industry(2)
   
Precision
   
Industry(2)
 
  Number of drilling rigs (end of period)
    176       777       189       816  
  Drilling rig operating days (spud to release)
    5,457       24,820       10,054       44,777  
  Drilling rig operating day utilization
    35 %     35 %     59 %     61 %
  Number of wells drilled
    467       1,783       950       3,451  
  Average days per well
    11.7       13.9       10.6       13.0  
  Number of metres drilled (000s)
    1,031       4,705       1,834       7,659  
  Average metres per well
    2,207       2,639       1,930       2,219  
  Average metres per day
    189       190       182       171  
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (“CAODC”), and Precision – excludes non-CAODC rigs and non-reporting CAODC members.
 
 
 
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United States onshore drilling statistics:(1)
 
2015
   
2014
 
   
Precision
   
Industry(2)
   
Precision
   
Industry(2)
 
Average number of active land rigs
       for quarters ended March 31:
     80       1,353       94       1,724  
(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.


Revenue from Contract Drilling Services was $448 million this quarter, or 22% lower than the first quarter of 2014, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 24% to $183 million.  The decreases were mainly due to lower drilling rig utilization days in our Canadian and U.S. contract drilling businesses partially offset by higher average day rates in Canada and the U.S. along with higher activity in our international drilling business.

Drilling rig utilization days in Canada (drilling days plus move days) were 6,230 during the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of 45% compared to 2014 primarily resulting from the decrease in industry activity resulting from lower commodity prices.  Drilling rig utilization days in the U.S. were 7,197 or 15% lower than the same quarter of 2014.  The decrease in U.S. activity was primarily due to lower demand from customers and reduced industry activity.  The majority of our North American activity came from oil and liquids-rich natural gas related plays.  Drilling rig utilization days in our international business were 1,134 or 15% higher than the same quarter of 2014 due to contracted rigs added in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 2014 and the country of Georgia in the first quarter of 2015 partially offset by lower activity in Mexico.

Compared to the same quarter in 2014, drilling rig revenue per utilization day was up 4% in the U.S. while Canada was up 3% and international was up 10%.  The increase in average dayrates for the U.S. was driven by improved rig mix with a higher percentage of Tier 1 rigs running and idle-but-contracted payments, partially offset by lower turnkey revenue.  In Canada, the dayrate increase was the result of a change in rig mix offset by competitive pricing in some rig segments compared to the prior year quarter.  The average international day rate is up as we are realizing a higher percentage of our fleet utilization from our Middle East operations.

 In the U.S., 70% of utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract as compared to 61% in the first quarter of 2014.  In Canada, 45% of utilization days in the quarter were generated from rigs under term contract, compared to 40% in the first quarter of 2014.  Internationally 100% of utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract.  At the end of the quarter, we had 49 drilling rigs under contract in Canada, 53 in the U.S. and 13 internationally.

Operating costs were 56% of revenue for the quarter, which was in-line with the prior year period.  On a per utilization day basis, operating costs for the drilling rig division in Canada were higher than the prior year primarily because of fixed costs over a lower utilization base and increase in crew labour rates.  In the U.S., operating costs for the quarter on a per day basis were down from the first quarter of 2014 primarily as a result of lower turnkey activity.  Internationally operating costs in U.S. dollars for the quarter on a per day basis were in-line with the first quarter of 2014.

Depreciation expense in the quarter was 13% higher than in the first quarter of 2014 due to depreciation associated with new equipment.
 

 
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SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
   
Three months ended March 31,
       
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)
 
2015
   
2014
   
% Change
 
Revenue
    66,082       103,065       (35.9 )
Expenses:
                       
Operating
    53,977       78,984       (31.7 )
General and administrative
    5,048       4,628       9.1  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    7,057       19,453       (63.7 )
Depreciation
    8,758       11,428       (23.4 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1)
    (1,701 )     8,025       (121.2 )
Operating earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue
    (2.6 %)     7.8 %        
Well servicing statistics:
                       
Number of service rigs (end of period)
    177       222       (20.3 )
Service rig operating hours
    48,001       82,564       (41.9 )
Service rig operating hour utilization
    29.2 %     41.1 %        
Service rig revenue per operating hour(2)
    837       882       (5.1 )
(1)
See “ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES”.
(2)
Prior year comparative has been changed to conform with the current year calculation


Revenue from Completion and Production Services was down $37 million or 36% compared to the first quarter of 2014 due to lower activity levels in all service lines and lower average rates.  In response to lower oil prices, customers curtailed spending and activity including well completion and production programs.  Revenue was also negatively impacted by the sale of our U.S. coil tubing operations in the fourth quarter of last year.  Well servicing activity in the first quarter was down 42% from the first quarter of 2014.   Approximately 79% of our first quarter Canadian service rig activity was oil related.

During the quarter, Completion and Production Services generated 87% of its revenue from Canadian and 13% from U.S. operations.

Average service rig revenue per operating hour in the first quarter was $837 or $45 lower than the first quarter of 2014.  The decrease was primarily the result of industry pricing pressure and the sale of our U.S. coil tubing assets which generally received a higher rate per hour.

Adjusted EBITDA was $7 million or $12 million lower than the first quarter of 2014 due to a decline in activity and pricing.

Operating costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 82% in the first quarter of 2015, from 77% in the first quarter of 2014. Operating costs per service rig operating hour were higher than in the first quarter of 2014 due to a combination of restructuring costs and lower activity to cover fixed costs.
 
Depreciation in the quarter was 23% lower than the first quarter of 2014 because of the decommissioning of assets in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the disposal of our U.S. coil tubing assets.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER

Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had an adjusted EBITDA loss of $27 million for the first quarter of 2015, $5 million more than 2014 comparative period due to $2 million in restructuring costs and the impact of a weakening Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.
 
 
 
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OTHER ITEMS

Net financial charges for the quarter were $20 million, a decrease of $5 million from the first quarter of 2014.  During the quarter we recognized $14 million in interest revenue related to an income tax settlement partially offset by interest expense from the issuance of US$400 million of 5.25% Senior Notes on June 3, 2014 and the effect of the weakening Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest.  We had a foreign exchange gain of $28 million during the first quarter of 2015 due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, which affected the net U.S. dollar denominated monetary position in the Canadian dollar-based companies.

Income tax expense for the quarter was $32 million compared with an expense of $9 million in the same quarter in 2014. Income tax expense is recognized based on the income tax rate expected for the full financial year multiplied by the pre-tax income of the interim reporting period.

In August 2014 the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Precision’s wholly owned subsidiary, reversing a decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in June 2013 regarding the reassessment of Ontario income tax for the subsidiary’s 2001 through 2004 taxation years. The Ontario Minister of Revenue made an application to the Supreme Court of Canada seeking leave to appeal this decision.  On March 5, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada brought the appeal process to an end and we have reflected the $55 million paid to the Ontario tax authorities in 2008, related to the reassessed taxation years, as a current receivable.  Subsequent to quarter end, we received payment for this balance plus interest totaling $69 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The oilfield services business is inherently cyclical in nature. To manage this, we focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet so we have the financial flexibility we need to continue to manage our growth and cash flow, regardless of where we are in the business cycle.

We apply a disciplined approach to managing and tracking results of our operations to keep costs down. We maintain a variable cost structure so we can be responsive to changes in demand.

Our maintenance capital expenditures are tightly governed by and highly responsive to activity levels with additional cost savings leverage provided through our internal manufacturing and supply divisions. Term contracts on expansion capital for new-build rig programs provide more certainty of future revenues and return on our capital investments.

Liquidity

In June 2014 we issued US$400 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due in 2024 in a private offering.  The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by current and future U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries that also guarantee our revolving credit facility and certain other indebtedness.

In addition, we amended our credit agreement governing our revolving credit facility to, among other things, voluntarily reduce the size of the revolving credit facility from US$850 million to US$650 million and extend the maturity to June 3, 2019.

As at March 31, 2015 we had $2,039 million outstanding under our senior unsecured notes.  The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 6.2%.

 
 
10

 

 
Amount
Availability
Used for
Maturity
Senior facility (secured)
     
US$650 million (extendible, revolving
term credit facility with US$250 million
accordion feature)
Drawn US$26 million in
outstanding letters of credit
General corporate purposes
June 3, 2019
 
Operating facilities (secured)
   
$40 million
 
Undrawn, except $22 million in outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit and general
corporate purposes
 
US$15 million
 
Undrawn
Short term working capital
requirements
 
Demand letter of credit facility (secured)
US$25 million
Undrawn, except US$13 million in outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit
 
Senior notes  (unsecured)
   
$200 million
 
Fully drawn
Debt repayment
March 15, 2019
US$650 million
 
Fully drawn
Debt repayment and general
corporate purposes
November 15, 2020
US$400 million
 
Fully drawn
 
Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
December 15, 2021
 
US$400 million
 
Fully drawn
 
Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
November 15, 2024
 

 
Covenants

Senior Facility
The revolving term credit facility requires that we comply with certain financial covenants including leverage ratios of consolidated senior debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as defined in the agreement (Adjusted EBITDA) of less than 3:1 and consolidated total debt to Adjusted EBITDA of less than 4:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters.  During the quarter we received temporary relief for a period up to and including December 31, 2016 for the ratio of consolidated total debt to Adjusted EBITDA whereby the ratio of less than 4:1 is increased to less than 6:1.  For purposes of calculating the leverage ratios, consolidated total debt includes all outstanding secured and unsecured indebtedness, while consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness. EBITDA as defined in our revolving term facility agreement differs from Adjusted EBITDA as defined under Additional GAAP Measures by the exclusion of bad debt expense and certain foreign exchange amounts.  As at March 31, 2015 our consolidated senior debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.1:1 while our consolidated total debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.9:1.

Under the revolving credit facility we are also required to maintain an interest to Adjusted EBITDA coverage ratio, calculated as Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense, of greater than 2.75:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters.  During the quarter we received temporary relief for a period up to and including December 31, 2016 for the interest to Adjusted EBITDA coverage ratio whereby ratio of greater than 2.75:1 is reduced to greater than 2.5:1.

In addition, the revolving credit facility contains certain covenants that place restrictions on our ability to incur or assume additional indebtedness; dispose of assets; pay dividends, share redemptions or other distributions; change its primary business; incur liens on assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; enter into mergers, consolidations or amalgamations; and enter into speculative swap agreements. At Mach 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants of the revolving credit facility.

Senior Notes
The senior notes require that we comply with certain financial covenants including an interest to EBITDA coverage ratio of greater than 2.5:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters.

In addition, the senior  notes contain certain covenants that limit our ability and the ability of certain subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock; create liens; make restricted payments (including the payment of dividends); create or permit to exist restrictions on our ability or certain subsidiaries to make certain payments and distributions; engage in amalgamations, mergers or consolidations; make certain dispositions and engage in transactions with affiliates. At March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants of our senior notes.

 
 
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Hedge of investments in U.S. operations
 
Effective January 1, 2015 we have included the US$400 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due in 2024 as a designated hedge of our investment in our U.S. operations and now all of our U.S. dollar denominated Senior notes are designated as a hedge against our investment in our U.S. operations. To be accounted for as a hedge, the foreign currency denominated long-term debt must be designated and documented as such and must be effective at inception and on an ongoing basis. We recognize the effective amount of this hedge (net of tax) in other comprehensive income. We recognize ineffective amounts (if any) in earnings.

Average shares outstanding
The following table reconciles the weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
    292,820       292,060  
Effect of share options and other equity compensation plans
    597       1,298  
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
    293,417       293,358  


QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
 
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
 
2014
   
2015
 
Quarters ended
 
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
   
March 31
 
Revenue
    475,174       584,590       618,525       512,120  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    129,695       199,390       234,011       163,384  
Net earnings (loss):
    (7,174 )     52,813       (114,044 )     24,033  
Per basic share
    (0.02 )     0.18       (0.39 )     0.08  
Per diluted share
    (0.02 )     0.18       (0.39 )     0.08  
Funds provided by operations(1)
    97,805       196,217       172,059       155,186  
Cash provided by operations
    228,412       146,733       134,887       215,138  
Dividends paid per share
    0.06       0.06       0.07       0.07  

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)  
2013
   
2014
 
Quarters ended
 
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
   
March 31
 
Revenue
    378,898       488,450       566,909       672,249  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    88,248       137,660       197,744       237,274  
Net earnings:
    473       29,443       67,921       101,557  
Per basic share
    0.00       0.11       0.24       0.35  
Per diluted share
    0.00       0.10       0.24       0.35  
Funds provided by operations(1)
    33,791       127,684       155,816       231,393  
Cash provided by operations
    182.345       88,341       94,452       170,127  
Dividends paid per share
    0.05       0.05       0.06       0.06  
(1) See “ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES”.
 
 
 
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ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES

We reference Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under International Financial Reporting Standards to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA
We believe that adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, financing charges, foreign exchange, and depreciation and amortization) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings 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.

Operating Earnings
We believe that operating earnings, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, is a useful measure because it provides an indication of the results of our principal business activities before consideration of how those activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange and taxation.

Funds Provided by Operations
We believe that funds provided by operations, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow is a useful measure because it provides an indication of the funds our principal business activities generate prior to consideration of working capital, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report, including statements that contain words such as "could", "should", "can", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "continue", "project", "potential" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking information and statements").
In particular, forward looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
·
the payment of our declared quarterly dividend;
 
·
our capital expenditure plans for 2015, which includes the amounts expected to be allocated for expansion capital, sustaining and infrastructure expenditures and upgrading existing rigs;
 
·
the expected composition of our rig fleet and its geographic distribution following the delivery of the seven remaining contracted new build rigs in 2015;
 
·
the timing on the delivery of the remaining new build rigs under our 2015 new build program;
 
·
our strategic priorities for 2015;
 
·
our expectations regarding lower drilling activity levels and pricing pressure on spot market rigs in North America;
 
·
timing on the expected delivery to and startup of an additional, new build rig in Kuwait; and
 
·
our expectations regarding Tier 1 rigs remaining the preferred rigs in the North American market and our ability to benefit from this demand due to the enhancements we have made to our fleet.

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 and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These include, among other things:
 
·
the significant decline in oil prices will continue to pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
 
 
 
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·
the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
 
·
continued demand for Tier 1 rigs;
 
·
our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; and
 
·
the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information and statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
 
·
volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
 
·
fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services and its impact on customer spending;
 
·
the risks associated with our investments in capital assets and changing technology;
 
·
shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment, supplies and other key inputs;
 
·
the effects of seasonal and weather conditions on operations and facilities;
 
·
the availability of qualified personnel and management;
 
·
the existence of competitive operating risks inherent in our businesses;
 
·
changes in environmental and safety rules or regulations including increased regulatory burden on horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing;
 
·
terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
 
·
fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
 
·
other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive.  Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2014, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov.  The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a results of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so requires by applicable securities laws.


 
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INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
March 31,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 449,184     $ 491,481  
Accounts receivable
    495,209       598,063  
Income tax recoverable
    55,138       55,138  
Inventory
    12,391       9,170  
Total current assets
    1,011,922       1,153,852  
Non-current assets:
               
Income tax recoverable
    3,297       3,297  
Property, plant and equipment
    4,250,719       3,928,826  
Intangibles
    4,149       3,302  
Goodwill
    222,560       219,719  
Total non-current assets
    4,480,725       4,155,144  
Total assets
  $ 5,492,647     $ 5,308,996  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 418,968     $ 493,038  
Income tax payable
    8,467       7,184  
Total current liabilities
    427,435       500,222  
Non-current liabilities:
               
Share based compensation
    10,288       14,252  
Provisions and other
    17,805       14,837  
Long-term debt
    2,009,970       1,852,186  
Deferred tax liabilities
    533,469       486,133  
Total non-current liabilities
    2,571,532       2,367,408  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Shareholders’ capital
    2,315,539       2,315,539  
Contributed surplus
    32,310       31,109  
Retained earnings
    51,962       48,426  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    93,869       46,292  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,493,680       2,441,366  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 5,492,647     $ 5,308,996  

 
 
15

 


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share  amounts)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Revenue
  $ 512,120     $ 672,249  
Expenses:
               
Operating
    303,189       395,153  
General and administrative
    45,547       39,822  
Earnings before income taxes, finance charges, foreign exchange and depreciation and amortization
      163,384         237,274  
Depreciation and amortization
    116,097       105,705  
Operating earnings
    47,287       131,569  
Foreign exchange
    (28,406 )     (3,629 )
Finance charges
    19,682       24,432  
Earnings before income taxes
    56,011       110,766  
Income taxes:
               
Current
    6,303       5,444  
Deferred
    25,675       3,765  
      31,978       9,209  
Net earnings
  $ 24,033     $ 101,557  
Net earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.08     $ 0.35  
Diluted
  $ 0.08     $ 0.35  


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Net earnings
  $ 24,033     $ 101,557  
Unrealized gain on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency
    204,467       70,335  
Foreign exchange loss on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt, net of tax
    (156,890 )     (43,785 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 71,610     $ 128,107  



 
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INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Cash provided by (used in):
           
Operations:
           
Net earnings
  $ 24,033     $ 101,557  
Adjustments for:
               
Long-term compensation plans
    3,407       10,311  
Depreciation and amortization
    116,097       105,705  
Foreign exchange
    (29,445 )     (4,389 )
Finance charges
    19,682       24,432  
Income taxes
    31,978       9,209  
Other
    1,399       1,499  
Income taxes paid
    (5,696 )     (9,031 )
Income taxes recovered
    862       12  
Interest paid
    (7,449 )     (8,025 )
Interest received
    318       113  
Funds provided by operations
    155,186       231,393  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances
    59,952       (61,266 )
      215,138       170,127  
Investments:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (225,822 )     (105,999 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment
    2,876       7,257  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances
    (54,627 )     (16,308 )
      (277,573 )     (115,050 )
Financing:
               
Repayment of long-term debt
          (16,728 )
Debt amendment fees
    (975 )      
Dividends paid
    (20,497 )     (17,527 )
Issuance of common shares on the exercise of options
          2,610  
      (21,472 )     (31,645 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    41,610       2,127  
Increase (decrease)  in cash and cash equivalents
    (42,297 )     25,559  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    491,481       80,606  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 449,184     $ 106,165  

 
17

 


  INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
 
Shareholders’
capital
   
 
Contributed
surplus
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
 income
   
 
Retained
earnings
   
 
Total
equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
  $ 2,315,539     $ 31,109     $ 46,292     $ 48,426     $ 2,441,366  
Net earnings for the period
                      24,033       24,033  
Other comprehensive income for the period
                47,577             47,577  
Dividends
                      (20,497 )     (20,497 )
Share based compensation expense
          1,201                   1,201  
Balance at March 31, 2015
  $ 2,315,539     $ 32,310     $ 93,869     $ 51,962     $ 2,493,680  
 

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
 
Shareholders’
capital
   
Contributed
surplus
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
 income
(loss)
   
Retained
earnings
   
Total
equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
  $ 2,305,227     $ 29,175     $ (23,475 )   $ 88,416     $ 2,399,343  
Net earnings for the period
                      101,557       101,557  
Other comprehensive income for the period
                26,550             26,550  
Dividends
                      (17,527 )     (17,527 )
Share options exercised
    3,739       (1,129 )                 2,610  
Share based compensation expense
          1,395                   1,395  
Balance at March 31, 2014
  $ 2,308,966     $ 29,441     $ 3,075     $ 172,446     $ 2,513,928  


 
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FIRST QUARTER 2015 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 12:00 noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on Monday, April 27, 2015.

The conference call dial in numbers are 1-866-226-1793 or 416-340-2216.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com by selecting “Investor Centre”, then “Webcasts”.  Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 30 days.

An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until May 25, 2015 by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451, pass code 9740329.

About Precision

Precision is a leading provider of safe and High Performance, High Value services to the oil and gas industry. Precision provides customers with access to an extensive fleet of contract drilling rigs, directional drilling services, well service and snubbing rigs, coil tubing services, camps, rental equipment, and wastewater treatment units backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

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

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, Senior Vice President, Operations Finance
Precision Drilling Corporation

403.716.4575
403.716.4755 (FAX)

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

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