Press Release

Precision Drilling Corporation Announces 2020 Fourth Quarter and Year End Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 10, 2021 — 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 Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant EBITDA, Operating Earnings (Loss), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations and Working Capital. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Non-GAAP Measures” later in this news release. Amounts presented are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.

Precision Drilling announces 2020 fourth quarter and year end highlights:

  • Revenue of $202 million was a decrease of 46% compared with the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Net loss of $38 million or $2.74 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $1 million or $0.08 per diluted share in 2019.
  • Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA, see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $55 million compared with $105 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Generated cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $5 million and $35 million, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • End of year cash balance was $109 million, an increase of $34 million from December 31, 2019.
  • Fourth quarter capital expenditures were $23 million.
  • Reduced our unsecured senior notes balance by $50 million, recognizing a gain on repurchase of $14 million, repaid $34 million on our Senior Credit Facility and established a US$11 million Real Estate Credit Facility.
  • Completed a 20:1 consolidation of our common shares.
  • Repurchased and cancelled 265,382 common shares for $6 million. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we repurchased an additional 108,962 common shares for $3 million.
  • Recognized the Canadian government’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) program assistance of $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Precision’s President and CEO, Kevin Neveu stated:

“Precision’s fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results demonstrate the resiliency of our business model and strong cash generating capabilities of our High Performance rig fleet. Despite unprecedented obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price collapse, we exceeded the targets set out in our 2020 strategic priorities. I am thrilled with our organization’s performance and the outstanding business execution that our people delivered during these incredibly challenging times. Notably, during the year, we delivered our best safety performance in the history of Precision, improved our capital structure and strengthened Precision’s overall competitive positioning through targeted investments in our assets, people and our Alpha digital technologies.”

“Precision generated $55 million of Adjusted EBITDA and $5 million of cash provided by operations in the fourth quarter of 2020, with results driven by improving market share and intense cost control throughout the organization. During the year, we reduced our fixed costs by over 35% and lowered general and administrative expenses by over $30 million. We believe these reductions are sustainable in a recovering market. We reduced debt levels by $171 million, exceeding the high end of our annual targeted range for the third consecutive year and we increased our long-term debt reduction target from $700 million to $800 million from 2018 through 2022, targeting a debt leverage level of less than two-times net debt to Adjusted EBITDA. At the end of 2020, we have reduced debt by $550 million in just three years, leaving $250 million remaining over the next two years for us to achieve this target.”

“Precision’s operational excellence was further evidenced by several key performance indicators including our reported market share and resilient field margins. In Canada, Precision sustained fourth quarter market share levels above 30%, led by outstanding performance in heavy oil and the deeper liquid-rich gas plays where we expect to remain strong in 2021. In the U.S., Precision achieved a 9% fourth quarter market share and sustained strong margins by leveraging our contract book and reducing operating costs. Internationally, our operations continued to deliver High Performance operating results and steady cash flow from our six contracted rigs.”

“Precision’s Completion and Production Services business demonstrated a notable uptick in activity throughout 2020, driven by improving customer demand and Precision’s participation in the Government of Canada’s $1.7 billion well abandonment program. During the fourth quarter, almost one-third of Precision’s well service work was derived from well abandonment projects.”

“2020 marked another year of strong progress for our suite of Alpha digital technologies, as we consistently reported growing demand and value creation for our customers, achieving record performance and new efficiency benchmarks throughout North America. We increased our AlphaAutomation market penetration of Precision wells drilled, from 23% in 2019 to 41% in 2020. In 2020, our commercial suite of AlphaApps generated over 2,300 App-days, while our AlphaAnalytics data analysis platform delivered over 800 Analytics-days. We believe our digital drilling technology momentum represents an important competitive differentiator and revenue driver for Precision as customers continue to prioritize digital strategies and operational efficiencies.”

“Looking forward, we see improving oil fundamentals supported by OPEC+ curtailments and modestly recovering oil demand and anticipate this recovery continuing with further vaccine rollouts. North American natural gas fundamentals are also strengthening with domestic and LNG demand increasing and storage levels decreasing. While we believe our customers’ commitment to capital discipline will hold, we expect continued improvements to rig demand as inventories of drilled but uncompleted wells are further depleted. Internationally, we remain optimistic in our ability to secure re-activations as our customers return to pre-pandemic operations.”

“For 2021, Precision’s strategic priorities include further market penetration of our Alpha Digital Technologies, utilizing operational leverage to generate free cash flow for continued de-leveraging and adding a strategic focus on our ESG performance to strengthen our customer and stakeholder positioning. Precision has long been a strong performer on ESG business elements, and we have a unique opportunity to both support our customers efforts to reduce their GHG emissions with our technologies and provide stakeholders additional disclosure on how Precision is managing these initiatives. In addition to our stated strategic priorities and in light of the additional health risks of COVID-19, the health and wellbeing of our employees and our communities will remain a key focus, while Precision continues to deliver our customary industry leading High Performance, High Value services to our customers,” concluded Mr. Neveu.

IMPACT OF COVID-19

In March 2020, the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Governments worldwide, including those countries in which Precision operates, have enacted emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of lockdowns, travel bans, quarantine periods and social distancing, have caused a material disruption to businesses globally resulting in an economic slowdown and decreased demand for oil. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions; however, the long-term success of these interventions is not yet determinable.

As a result of the decrease in demand, worldwide inventories of oil increased significantly. However, voluntary production restraint from national oil companies and governments of oil-producing nations along with curtailments in the U.S. and Canada have shifted global oil markets from a position of over supply to inventory draws. The situation remains dynamic and the ultimate duration and magnitude of the impact on the economy and the financial effect on Precision remains unknown at this time.

Financial impacts

The current challenging economic climate has or may have significant adverse impacts on Precision including, but not exclusively:

  • material declines in revenue and cash flows, as our customers are concentrated in the oil and natural gas industry;
  • future impairment charges to our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets;
  • risk of non-collection of accounts receivable and customer defaults; and
  • additional restructuring charges as we align our structure and personnel to the dynamic environment.

Our estimates and judgements made in the preparation of our financial statements are increasingly difficult and subject to a higher degree of measurement uncertainty during this volatile period.

Precision took the following measures in 2020 to align our cost structure and maximize cash preservation as a result of the current market conditions, including:

  • Compensation reductions for the Board of Directors and management;
  • Staff headcount reductions;
  • Elimination of all non-essential travel, entertaining and other discretionary spending;
  • Reductions to our 2020 capital expenditure plan; and
  • Discontinued our U.S. directional drilling operations.

We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets for indications of impairment at the end of each reporting period. At March 31, 2020, we tested all cash-generating units (“CGU”) for impairment and no impairment charges were identified. At December 31, 2020, we reviewed each CGU and did not identify any indications of impairment. Accordingly, we did not test our CGUs for impairment.

Operational impacts

During this pandemic, in regions where the local authorities have ordered non-essential business closures and implemented “stay at home” orders, the oil and natural gas extractive services industry has been classified as an “essential service.” As a result, Precision’s operations remain open. This includes all of Precision’s field operations, technical support centres and administration groups. The vertical integration of our operations has resulted in minimal supply chain constraints and disruptions during the pandemic.

To manage the additional safety risks presented by COVID-19, Precision implemented a comprehensive infectious disease plan to keep our field crews, support staff and customers safe and well-informed. Precision has implemented additional safety, sanitization and physical distancing procedures, including remote work sites where possible and ceased all non-essential business travel. Precision’s procedures are in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and various federal, state and provincial government health authorities.

Liquidity

Despite the enormous challenges posed by COVID-19, we maintained our strong liquidity position. We exited the quarter with a cash balance of $109 million and $552 million of available borrowing capacity under our secured credit facilities, providing us with $661 million of total liquidity as compared with $725 million at September 30, 2020, which was comprised of cash of $178 million and available borrowing capacity of $547 million. To provide additional liquidity, we established a real estate term credit facility in the amount of US$11 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

At December 31, 2020, our available borrowing capacity of $552 million was comprised of our Senior Credit Facility of US$500 million less drawn amounts of US$75 million and US$32 million of outstanding letters of credit, our undrawn Canadian operating facility of $40 million less $7 million of outstanding letters of credit and our undrawn U.S. operating facility of US$15 million. Our available borrowing capacity calculation excludes our US$30 demand letter of credit facility.

We expect that cash provided by operations, cash on hand and our sources of financing, including our Senior Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our debt obligations and fund committed and future capital expenditures.

Amendments to Senior Credit Facility

On April 9, 2020 we agreed with the lenders of our Senior Credit Facility to amend our interest expense coverage ratio financial covenant in future periods. The amending agreement also restricts Precision’s distributions in the form of dividends, distributions and share repurchases. Despite obtaining financial covenant relief on our Senior Credit Facility through March 31, 2022, if the global economic slowdown continues for a prolonged period, there may be an increased risk to Precision’s ability to comply with these financial covenants.

Additional discussion of amendments to our Senior Credit Facility can be found in the “LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES” section later in this release.

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) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 201,688 372,301 (45.8 ) 935,753 1,541,320 (39.3 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 55,263 105,006 (47.4 ) 263,403 391,905 (32.8 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (17,613 ) 7,699 (328.8 ) (40,988 ) 94,577 (143.3 )
Net earnings (loss) (37,518 ) (1,061 ) 3,436.1 (120,138 ) 6,618 (1,915.3 )
Cash provided by operations 4,737 74,981 (93.7 ) 226,118 288,159 (21.5 )
Funds provided by operations(1) 35,282 75,779 (53.4 ) 170,727 292,652 (41.7 )
Capital spending:
Expansion and upgrade 13,094 8,115 61.4 26,858 120,910 (77.8 )
Maintenance and infrastructure 9,818 13,426 (26.9 ) 34,677 38,976 (11.0 )
Intangibles 332 (100.0 ) 57 808 (92.9 )
Proceeds on sale (4,678 ) (4,931 ) (5.1 ) (21,094 ) (90,768 ) (76.8 )
Net capital spending 18,234 16,942 7.6 40,498 69,926 (42.1 )
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (2.74 ) (0.08 ) 3,325.0 (8.76 ) 0.46 (2,004.3 )
Diluted (2.74 ) (0.08 ) 3,325.0 (8.76 ) 0.45 (2,046.7 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”

Operating Highlights

For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Contract drilling rig fleet 227 226 0.4 227 226 0.4
Drilling rig utilization days:
U.S. 2,396 5,814 (58.8 ) 12,080 26,544 (54.5 )
Canada 2,578 3,919 (34.2 ) 10,794 14,498 (25.5 )
International 552 818 (32.5 ) 2,526 3,093 (18.3 )
Revenue per utilization day:
U.S.(1) (US$) 25,577 23,949 6.8 26,184 23,397 11.9
Canada (Cdn$) 21,670 22,182 (2.3 ) 21,611 21,569 0.2
International (US$) 55,453 52,283 6.1 54,811 51,360 6.7
Operating cost per utilization day:
U.S. (US$) 14,419 14,073 2.5 14,666 14,447 1.5
Canada (Cdn$) 12,291 14,791 (16.9 ) 13,546 15,240 (11.1 )
Service rig fleet 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 27,286 39,865 (31.6 ) 81,952 147,154 (44.3 )

(1) Includes revenue from idle but contracted rig days and contract cancellation fees.

Financial Position

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Working capital(1) 175,423 201,696
Cash 108,772 74,701
Long-term debt 1,236,210 1,427,181
Total long-term financial liabilities 1,304,162 1,500,950
Total assets 2,898,878 3,269,840
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio 0.47 0.48

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”

Summary for the three months ended December 31, 2020:

  • Revenue was $202 million, 46% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, resulting from lower activity across all operating segments with reduced customer drilling programs responding to the global economic slowdown. Our activity, as measured by drilling rig utilization days, decreased by 59% in the U.S., 34% in Canada and 33% internationally compared with the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $55 million decreased $50 million from the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was 27%, slightly lower than the comparative quarter.
  • Operating loss (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) was $18 million compared with operating earnings of $8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Our operating earnings in the current year were negatively impacted by lower activity levels as a result of the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • General and administrative expenses were $21 million, $5 million lower than in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily due to lower fixed costs from our realigned cost structure and the impact of CEWS program assistance, partially offset by higher share-based incentive compensation.
  • Share-based compensation was $11 million, an increase of $4 million from the comparable 2019 quarter, as a result of our improved share price and higher vesting multiplier applied to outstanding performance share units (PSU) and Executive PSUs.
  • Net finance charges were $24 million, a decrease of $4 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt.
  • Our U.S. contract drilling revenue per utilization day increased to US$25,577 from US$23,949 in fourth quarter of 2019, primarily resulting from higher revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey drilling, which were US$7 million and US$5 million, respectively, compared with US$3 million and US$3 million, respectively, in 2019. Operating costs on a per day basis of $14,419 were higher compared with the prior year of $14,073, primarily due to higher turnkey activity and fixed operating overheads spread over fewer utilization days. On a sequential basis, revenue per utilization day, excluding revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey activity decreased by US$1,331 as compared with the third quarter of 2020. Operating costs per day decreased by US$1,618 due to lower repairs and maintenance and fixed operating overheads spread over more utilization days, offset by higher turnkey activity.
  • Our Canadian contract drilling revenue per utilization day decreased to $21,670 from $22,182 in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily due to our rig mix. We recognized $1 million of contract shortfall revenue as compared with nil in 2019. Operating costs per utilization day decreased to $12,291 compared with the prior year quarter of $14,791, mainly due to the impact of the CEWS program assistance, offset by fixed operating overheads spread over fewer utilization days.
  • During the quarter, we recognized CEWS program assistance of $10 million, of which $8 million and $2 million were presented as reductions to our operating and general and administrative costs, respectively.
  • Our international contract drilling division realized revenue of US$31 million, as compared with US$43 million in the prior year quarter with the decrease due to lower activity levels. Revenue per utilization day increased 6% to US$55,453 from the comparable quarter, primarily due to our rig mix.
  • Cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $5 million and $35 million, respectively, compared to $75 million and $76 million in 2019.
  • Capital expenditures of $23 million in the fourth quarter were consistent with the same period in 2019.

Summary for the year ended December 31, 2020:

  • Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $936 million, a decrease of 39% from the prior year.
  • Operating loss (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) was $41 million compared with operating earnings of $95 million in 2019. Our operating earnings in the current year were negatively impacted by lower activity levels as a result of the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • General and administrative costs were $71 million, a decrease of $33 million from 2019. The decrease was due to lower fixed costs from our restructuring activities and the impact of CEWS program assistance of $5 million.
  • Net finance charges were $107 million, a decrease of $11 million from 2019 primarily due to a reduction in interest expense related to retired debt partially offset by the weakening of the Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest expense.
  • Cash provided by operations was $226 million as compared with $288 million in 2019. Funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) were $171 million, a decrease of $122 million from the prior year comparative period of $293 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $62 million, a decrease of $99 million compared with 2019. Capital spending in 2020 included $27 million for upgrade and expansion capital and $35 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure spending and intangibles.

STRATEGY

Precision’s strategic priorities for 2020 were:

  1. Generate strong free cash flow and reduce debt by $100 million to $150 million in 2020 – In the fourth quarter of 2020, Precision generated $5 million of cash provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) and $5 million of cash proceeds from the divestiture of non-core assets. We lowered debt levels by $65 million, recognizing $14 million of captured discounts on debt repurchases, leaving reported full year debt reduction at $171 million. As a result of accelerated de-leveraging achieved to date, Precision increased its long-term debt reduction target from $700 million to $800 million from 2018 through 2022. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has reduced debt by approximately $550 million. Precision reported a cash balance of $109 million at December 31, 2020, compared with $75 million at December 31, 2019, and when combined with available credit facilities, has access to $661 million in liquidity.
  2. Demonstrate operational excellence in all aspects of our business – In the U.S., we sustained strong market share, lowered field costs and leveraged our contract book to generate reported fourth quarter operating margins of US$11,158 per utilization day. In Canada, we continued at record level market share and reported fourth quarter operating margins (revenue less operating costs) of $9,379 per utilization day. Internationally, we maintained stable activity, averaging six active drilling rigs, and recorded average day rates of US$55,453.
  3. Leverage our Alpha Technology platform as a competitive differentiator and source of financial returns – At December 31, 2020, we had 39 pad-walking, AC Super Triple Alpha-Rigs equipped with our AlphaAutomation platform, which drilled approximately 650 wells in 2020. Since 2017, we have drilled approximately 1,800 wells with AlphaAutomation and currently have 18 AlphaApps available, of which six are commercial. In 2020, we drilled approximately 200 wells with AlphaApps, generating over 2,300 AlphaApp-days, further allowing us to differentiate our High Performance, High Value offering.

Precision’s strategic priorities for 2021 are:

  1. Grow revenue and market share through our digital leadership position.
  2. Demonstrate operational leverage to generate free cash flow and reduce debt.
  3. Deliver leading ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance to strengthen customer and stakeholder positioning.

OUTLOOK

The oilfield services industry outlook and customer sentiment has improved in recent months, largely due to vaccine announcements, reopening of economies and steadily increasing commodity prices. Although longer-term visibility remains limited, improved fundamentals from recovering global oil demand should further stabilize commodity prices and result in customers continuing to increase activity levels throughout the year. In this environment, our customers are expected to remain focused on capital discipline and maximizing operational efficiencies. We anticipate these industry dynamics will accelerate the industry’s transition towards service providers with the highest performing assets and competitive digital technology offerings. Pursuit of predictable and repeatable results will further drive field application of drilling automation processes to create additional cost efficiencies and performance value for customers.

Precision continues to closely monitor announcements of available government financial support and economic stimulus programs. We remain encouraged by the Government of Canada’s $1.7 billion well site abandonment and rehabilitation program, which will support industry activity levels and provide thousands of jobs throughout western Canada. The program will run through the end of 2022 with government funds provided in stages. As the use of service rigs is an integral part of the well abandonment process, our well servicing business is positioned to capture these opportunities as a result of our scale, operational performance and strong safety record. During the fourth quarter, we saw a continued rise in the number of approved abandonment applications and further distribution of program funding to oilfield service providers. Our abandonment service activity increased in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with the third quarter and we expect further increases through the end of the well site abandonment and rehabilitation program in 2022.

On April 1, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the CEWS program, which subsidizes a portion of employee wages for Canadian employers whose businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The program is intended to help employers re-hire previously laid off workers, prevent further job losses and better position Canadian businesses to resume normal operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $26 million in CEWS program assistance, reducing operating and general and administrative expenses by $21 million and $5 million, respectively. The CEWS program has benefitted both Precision and our employees as it has allowed us to retain a higher employment level for Canadian positions within our organization. We remain highly supportive of this effective government program that extends to June of 2021.

Commodity Prices

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the average West Texas Intermediate oil price was 25% lower compared with 2019 while the average Western Canadian Select oil price increased 5%. Henry Hub and AECO natural gas prices were 15% and 8% higher than the comparative period, respectively.

For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
2020 2019 2020 2019
Average oil and natural gas prices
Oil
West Texas Intermediate (per barrel) (US$) 42.63 57.02 39.40 57.07
Western Canadian Select (per barrel) (US$) 43.37 41.12 35.59 44.28
Natural gas
United States
Henry Hub (per MMBtu) (US$) 2.76 2.40 2.13 2.56
Canada
AECO (per MMBtu) (CDN$) 2.66 2.47 2.24 1.77

Contracts

During 2020, we entered into 21 term contracts. The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs by quarter that we had under contract for 2020 and 2021 as of February 9, 2021. For those quarters ended after December 31, 2020, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts where we will be earning revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional contracts and certain customers elect to pay contract cancellation fees.

Average for the quarter ended 2020 Average for the quarter ended 2021
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Average rigs under term contract
as of February 9, 2021:
U.S. 41 32 26 24 21 19 13 9
Canada 5 4 3 4 6 6 6 6
International 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6
Total 54 44 35 34 33 31 25 21

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had under contract for 2020 and the average number of rigs we have under contract as of February 9, 2021.

Average for the year ended
2020 2021
Average rigs under term contract
as of February 9, 2021:
U.S. 31 16
Canada 4 6
International 7 6
Total 42 28

In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access. In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year.

Drilling Activity

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had working or moving by quarter for the periods noted.

Average for the quarter ended 2019 Average for the quarter ended 2020
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Average Precision active rig count:
U.S. 79 77 72 63 55 30 21 26
Canada 48 27 42 43 63 9 18 28
International 8 8 9 9 8 8 6 6
Total 135 112 123 115 126 47 45 60

To start 2021, drilling activity has decreased relative to the prior year in the U.S. and Canada. According to industry sources, as of February 9, 2021, the U.S. active land drilling rig count is down 51% from the same point last year and the Canadian active land drilling rig count is down 25%. To date in 2021, approximately 76% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs and 54% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared with 85% for the U.S. and 61% for Canada at the same time last year.

Capital Spending

Capital spending in 2021 is expected to be $54 million and includes $16 million for upgrade and expansion and $38 million for sustaining, infrastructure and intangibles. We expect the $54 million will be split $50 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment, $3 million in the Completion and Production Services segment and $1 million to the Corporate segment. At December 31, 2020, Precision had capital commitments of $113 million with payments expected through 2023.

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rig, directional drilling, 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) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue:
Contract Drilling Services 179,142 338,886 (47.1 ) 861,202 1,399,068 (38.4 )
Completion and Production Services 23,620 34,985 (32.5 ) 77,251 147,829 (47.7 )
Inter-segment eliminations (1,074 ) (1,570 ) (31.6 ) (2,700 ) (5,577 ) (51.6 )
201,688 372,301 (45.8 ) 935,753 1,541,320 (39.3 )
Adjusted EBITDA:(1)
Contract Drilling Services 63,485 112,566 (43.6 ) 300,425 429,483 (30.0 )
Completion and Production Services 5,297 6,259 (15.4 ) 11,257 24,155 (53.4 )
Corporate and Other (13,519 ) (13,819 ) (2.2 ) (48,279 ) (61,733 ) (21.8 )
55,263 105,006 (47.4 ) 263,403 391,905 (32.8 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”

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) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 179,142 338,886 (47.1 ) 861,202 1,399,068 (38.4 )
Expenses:
Operating 109,220 216,305 (49.5 ) 526,716 927,612 (43.2 )
General and administrative 6,437 10,015 (35.7 ) 26,441 38,927 (32.1 )
Restructuring n/m 7,620 3,046 150.2
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 63,485 112,566 (43.6 ) 300,425 429,483 (30.0 )
Depreciation 67,928 73,196 (7.2 ) 288,389 300,882 (4.2 )
Gain on asset disposals (1,554 ) (3,621 ) (57.1 ) (10,171 ) (46,849 ) (78.3 )
Loss on asset decommissioning 20,263 (100.0 ) 20,263 (100.0 )
Impairment reversal n/m (5,810 ) (100.0 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (2,889 ) 22,728 (112.7 ) 22,207 160,997 (86.2 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) as a percentage of revenue (1.6 )% 6.7 % 2.6 % 11.5 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”
n/m Not meaningful

United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 55 764 79 1,023
June 30 30 378 77 967
September 30 21 241 72 896
December 31 26 297 63 798
Year to date average 33 420 73 921

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

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 63 196 48 183
June 30 9 25 27 82
September 30 18 47 42 132
December 31 28 88 43 138
Year to date average 29 89 40 134

(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.

Revenue from Contract Drilling Services was $179 million this quarter, or 47% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, while Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) decreased by 44% to $63 million. The decrease in revenue was due to lower activity across all geographic operating locations.

In the U.S., we had fourth quarter revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects of US$7 million and US$5 million, respectively. Whereas in 2019, we had revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects of US$3 million and US$3 million, respectively. During the quarter, we recognized $1 million of contract shortfall revenue in Canada as compared with nil in 2019.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, industry drilling activity remained low due to the COVID-19 economic slowdown. Accordingly, our U.S. drilling rig utilization days (drilling days plus move days) were 2,396, 59% lower than 2019 while our Canadian utilization days were 2,578, 34% lower than 2019. Drilling rig utilization days in our international business were 552 in the fourth quarter of 2020, 33% lower than 2019 due to the expiration of drilling contracts.

Drilling rig revenue per utilization day for the quarter in the U.S. was up 7% compared with the prior year as we realized higher revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects. Compared with the same quarter in 2019, drilling rig revenue per utilization day in Canada decreased 2%, primarily due to our rig mix. International revenue per utilization day increased 6% due to changes in our rig mix as compared with the fourth quarter of 2019.

In the U.S., 62% of utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract as compared with 66% in the fourth quarter of 2019. In Canada, 11% of our utilization days in the quarter were generated from rigs under term contract, compared with 9% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Operating costs were 61% of revenue for the quarter, as compared to 64% in the prior year period. In the U.S., operating costs for the quarter on a per day basis were higher than the prior year period primarily due to higher turnkey activity and fixed operating overheads spread over fewer utilization days. On a per utilization day basis, operating costs in Canada were lower than the 2019 quarter due to the impact of the CEWS program assistance, partially offset by fixed operating overheads spread over fewer utilization days. During the quarter, we recognized CEWS program assistance of $7 million, of which $6 million and $1 million were presented as reductions to our operating and general and administrative costs, respectively.

Depreciation expense in the quarter was 7% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily because of a lower capital asset base as assets become fully depreciated, decommissioned or disposed.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, through the completion of normal course business operations, we sold used assets recognizing a gain on disposal of $2 million, compared with $4 million in 2019.

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) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019
Revenue 23,620 34,985 (32.5 ) 77,251 147,829 (47.7 )
Expenses:
Operating 17,348 26,982 (35.7 ) 59,404 116,932 (49.2 )
General and administrative 975 1,744 (44.1 ) 3,995 6,285 (36.4 )
Restructuring n/m 2,595 457 467.8
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 5,297 6,259 (15.4 ) 11,257 24,155 (53.4 )
Depreciation 3,959 4,309 (8.1 ) 16,375 17,881 (8.4 )
Gain on asset disposals (210 ) (201 ) 4.5 (1,447 ) (3,767 ) (61.6 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) 1,548 2,151 (28.0 ) (3,671 ) 10,041 (136.6 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) as a percentage of revenue 6.6 % 6.1 % (4.8 )% 6.8 %
Well servicing statistics:
Number of service rigs (end of period) 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 27,286 39,865 (31.6 ) 81,952 147,154 (44.3 )
Service rig operating hour utilization 24 % 35 % 18 % 32 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”
n/m Not meaningful

Completion and Production Services revenue decreased 33% compared with the fourth quarter of 2019 due to lower activity in each of our service lines. Our service rig operating hours in the quarter were down 32% from the fourth quarter of 2019, consistent with lower industry activity. Approximately 73% of our fourth quarter Canadian service rig activity was oil related.

During the quarter, Completion and Production Services generated 21% of its revenue from U.S. operations compared with 19% in the comparative period.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, operating and general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue were lower as compared with 2019. The lower percentage in 2020 was primarily due to the impact of our reduced cost structure and CEWS program assistance, partially offset by fixed overhead costs spread over a lower revenue base.

During the quarter, we recognized CEWS program assistance of $3 million, which was presented as reductions to our operating and general and administrative costs of $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) was lower than the fourth quarter of 2019 due to lower segment activity.

Depreciation expense in the quarter was 8% lower than the comparative period, primarily because of a lower capital asset base as assets become fully depreciated or disposed.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER

Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had negative Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $14 million, consistent with 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2020, our improved cost structure and CEWS program assistance were offset by higher share-based compensation expense. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we recognized $1 million of CEWS program assistance.

OTHER ITEMS

Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

We have several cash and equity settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2019 Annual Report.

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

For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash settled share-based incentive plans 4,404 3,529 4,354 8,193
Equity settled share-based incentive plans:
Executive PSU 6,454 3,149 14,582 11,648
Stock option plan 197 524 911 2,275
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense 11,055 7,202 19,847 22,116
Allocated:
Operating 2,057 1,711 3,811 5,025
General and Administrative 8,998 5,491 16,036 17,091
11,055 7,202 19,847 22,116

Cash settled shared-based compensation expense increased by $1 million in the current quarter primarily due to our higher share price. Our total equity settled share-based compensation expense for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $7 million, compared to $4 million in 2019. The increased expense in 2020 was primarily due to a higher vesting multiplier applied to our Executive PSUs compared with the prior year.

On December 31, 2020, we reclassified our Executive PSU equity settled share-based compensation plan to cash settled as we intend to settle vesting units in cash. Accordingly, we reclassified $7 million from contributed surplus to establish a financial liability at December 31, 2020. The reclassification did not impact our net earnings for the current year periods.

Finance Charges

Net finance charges were $24 million, a decrease of $4 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt.

Interest charges on our U.S. denominated long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2020 were US$16 million ($21 million) as compared with US$20 million ($26 million) in 2019.

Income Tax

Income tax expense for the quarter was $8 million compared with a recovery of $12 million in the same quarter in 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we did not recognize deferred tax assets in Canada and certain international jurisdictions, resulting in a higher income tax expense as compared with 2019.

Share Consolidation

On November 12, 2020, we completed a 20:1 consolidation of our common shares. No fractional shares were issued pursuant to the share consolidation. In lieu of any such fractional shares, each registered shareholder otherwise entitled to a fractional share following the implementation of the share consolidation received the nearest whole number of post-consolidation shares. All comparative share and per share figures have been adjusted.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

During the third quarter of 2020, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved our application to renew our Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”). Under the terms of the NCIB, we may purchase and cancel up to a maximum of 1,199,883 common shares, representing 10% of the public float of common shares as of August 14, 2020. The NCIB will terminate no later than August 26, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased and cancelled a total of 420,588 common shares. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we repurchased and cancelled an additional 108,962 common shares for $3 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 maintain a variable operating cost structure so we can be responsive to changes in demand.

Our maintenance capital expenditures are tightly governed by and highly responsive to changes in activity levels with additional cost savings achieved through our internal manufacturing and supply divisions. Term contracts on expansion capital and upgrade rig programs provide more certainty of future revenues and return on our capital investments.

Liquidity

Amount Availability Used for Maturity
Senior credit facility (secured)
US$500 million (extendible, revolving
term credit facility with US$300 million accordion feature)
US$75 million drawn and US$32 million in outstanding letters of credit General corporate purposes November 21, 2023
Real estate credit facility (secured)
US$11 million Fully drawn General corporate purposes November 19, 2025
Operating facilities (secured)
$40 million Undrawn, except $7 million in
outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit and general
corporate purposes
US$15 million Undrawn Short term working capital
requirements
Demand letter of credit facility (secured)
US$30 million Undrawn, except US$2 million in
outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit
Unsecured senior notes (unsecured)
US$286 million – 7.75% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases December 15, 2023
US$263 million – 5.25% Fully drawn Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
November 15, 2024
US$348 million – 7.125% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases January 15, 2026

As at December 31, 2020, we had US$982 million ($1,250 million) outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility, Real Estate Credit Facility and unsecured senior notes as compared with US$1,113 million ($1,445 million) at December 31, 2019.

During the year, we retired our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021 through redemptions of US$88 million principal amount and repurchases and cancellations of US$3 million.

In addition, we repurchased and cancelled US$59 million of our 7.75% unsecured senior notes due 2023, US$44 million of our 5.25% unsecured senior notes due 2024 and US$22 million of our 7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2026. We recognized a gain of $44 million on the repurchase of unsecured senior notes. At December 31, 2020, we had US$75 million drawn on our Senior Credit Facility and US$11 million outstanding on our Real Estate Credit Facility.

The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 6.5%.

Covenants

Following is a listing of applicable Senior Credit Facility and Real Estate Credit Facility financial covenants and calculations as at December 31, 2020:

Covenant At December 31, 2020
Senior Credit Facility
Consolidated senior debt to consolidated covenant EBITDA(1) < 2.50 0.23
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense > 1.75 2.68
Real Estate Credit Facility
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense > 1.75 2.68

(1) For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.

At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with the covenants of our Senior Credit Facility and Real Estate Credit Facility.

Senior Credit Facility

The Senior Credit Facility requires we comply with certain covenants including a leverage ratio of consolidated senior debt to consolidated Covenant EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of less than 2.5:1. For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.

On April 9, 2020 we agreed with the lenders of our Senior Credit Facility to reduce the consolidated Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense coverage ratio for the most recent four consecutive quarters of greater than or equal to 2.5:1 to 2.0:1 for the period ending September 30, 2020, 1.75:1 for the period ending December 31, 2020, 1.25:1 for the periods ending March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2021, 1.75:1, for the period ending December 31, 2021, 2.0:1 for the period ending March 31, 2022 and 2.5:1 for periods ending thereafter.

During the covenant relief period, Precision’s distributions in the form of dividends, distributions and share repurchases are restricted to a maximum of US$15 million in 2020 and US$25 million in each of 2021 and 2022, subject to a pro forma senior net leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of less than or equal to 1.75:1. Distributions are not permitted if the borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility exceed US$250 million.

In addition, during 2021, the North American and acceptable secured foreign assets must directly account for at least 65% of consolidated Covenant EBITDA calculated quarterly on a rolling twelve-month basis, increasing to 70% thereafter. Precision also has the option to voluntarily terminate the covenant relief period prior to its March 31, 2022 end date.

The Senior Credit Facility limits the redemption and repurchase of junior debt subject to a pro forma senior net leverage covenant test of less than or equal to 1.75:1.

In addition, the Senior Credit Facility contains certain covenants that place restrictions on our ability to incur or assume additional indebtedness; dispose of assets; change our primary business; incur liens on assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; enter into mergers, consolidations or amalgamations; and enter into speculative swap agreements.

Real Estate Credit Facility

In November 2020, Precision established a Real Estate Credit Facility in the amount of US$11 million. The facility matures in November 2025 and is secured by real property located in Houston, Texas. Principal plus interest payments are due monthly, based on 15-year straight-line amortization with any unpaid principal and accrued interest due at maturity. Interest is calculated using a LIBOR rate plus margin.

The Real Estate Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, customary for this type of transactions. Under the terms of the Real Estate Credit Facility, Precision must maintain a consolidated Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense coverage ratio in accordance with the Senior Credit Facility, described above, as of the last day of each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters commencing December 31, 2020. In the event the consolidated Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense coverage ratio is waived or removed from the Senior Credit Facility, a minimum threshold of 1.15:1 is required.

Unsecured Senior Notes

The unsecured senior notes require we comply with an incurrence based consolidated interest coverage ratio test of consolidated cash flow, as defined in the senior note agreements, to consolidated interest expense of greater than 2.0:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters. In the event our consolidated interest coverage ratio is less than 2.0:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters, the senior notes restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

The unsecured senior notes contain a restricted payment covenant that limits our ability to make payments in the nature of dividends, distributions and for share repurchases from shareholders. This restricted payment basket grows from a starting point of October 1, 2010 for the 2024 senior notes, from October 1, 2016 for the 2023 senior notes and October 1, 2017 for the 2026 senior notes by, among other things, 50% of consolidated cumulative net earnings and decreases by 100% of consolidated cumulative net losses, as defined in the senior note agreements, and payments made to shareholders. The governing net restricted payments basket is currently negative, limiting our ability to declare and make dividend payments until such time as the restricted payments baskets become positive.

In addition, the unsecured senior notes contain certain covenants that limit our ability, and the ability of certain subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred shares; create liens; 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.

For further information, please see the unsecured senior note indentures which are available on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Impact of foreign exchange rates

The strengthening of the Canadian dollar in 2020 results in lower translated U.S. denominated revenue and costs. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Canadian dollar strengthened by 2% from the comparable 2019 period. On average, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Canadian dollar weakened by 1% compared with 2019. The following table summarizes the average and closing Canada-U.S. foreign exchanges rates.

For the three months ended December 31, For the Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2020 2019
Canada-U.S. foreign exchange rates
Average 1.30 1.32 1.34 1.33
Closing 1.27 1.30 1.27 1.30

Average shares outstanding

The following table reconciles the weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:

For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 13,679 14,143 13,722 14,539
Effect of stock options and other equity compensation plans 320
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 13,679 14,143 13,722 14,859

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020
Quarters ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenue 379,484 189,759 164,822 201,688
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 101,904 58,465 47,771 55,263
Net loss (5,277 ) (48,867 ) (28,476 ) (37,518 )
Net loss per basic share (0.38 ) (3.56 ) (2.08 ) (2.74 )
Net loss per diluted share (0.38 ) (3.56 ) (2.08 ) (2.74 )
Funds provided by operations(1) 81,317 26,639 27,489 35,282
Cash provided by operations 74,953 104,478 41,950 4,737

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2019
Quarters ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenue 434,043 359,424 375,552 372,301
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 107,967 81,037 97,895 105,006
Net earnings (loss) 25,014 (13,801 ) (3,534 ) (1,061 )
Net earnings (loss) per basic share 1.70 (0.93 ) (0.23 ) (0.08 )
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share 1.67 (0.93 ) (0.23 ) (0.08 )
Funds provided by operations(1) 95,993 40,950 79,930 75,779
Cash provided by operations 40,587 106,035 66,556 74,981

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Because of the nature of our business, we are required to make judgments and estimates in preparing our Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements that could materially affect the amounts recognized. Our judgments and estimates are based on our past experiences and assumptions we believe are reasonable in the circumstances. The critical judgments and estimates used in preparing the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are described in our 2019 Annual Report.

The COVID-19 global pandemic and commodity price volatility has created a challenging economic climate that may have significant adverse impacts on Precision. As the situation remains dynamic and the ultimate duration and magnitude of the impact on the economy and the financial effect on Precision is not known at this time. Our estimates and judgements made in the preparation of our Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are increasingly difficult and subject to a higher degree of measurement uncertainty during this volatile period. For additional discussion on the potential risks and impacts of the global economic downturn, see section “IMPACT OF COVID-19” earlier in this news release.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

In this release, we reference non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. 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.

Adjusted EBITDA

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, loss on asset decommissioning, gain on assets disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Net Earnings (Loss), 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.

Covenant EBITDA

Covenant EBITDA, as defined in our Senior Credit Facility agreement, is used in determining the Corporation’s compliance with its covenants. Covenant EBITDA differs from Adjusted EBITDA by the exclusion of bad debt expense, restructuring costs, certain foreign exchange amounts and the deduction of cash lease payments incurred after December 31, 2018.

Operating Earnings (Loss)

We believe that operating earnings (loss) 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. Operating earnings (loss) is calculated as follows:

For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue 201,688 372,301 935,753 1,541,320
Expenses:
Operating 125,494 241,717 583,420 1,038,967
General and administrative 20,931 25,578 70,869 104,010
Restructuring 18,061 6,438
Depreciation and amortization 74,696 80,932 316,322 333,616
Gain on asset disposals (1,820 ) (3,888 ) (11,931 ) (50,741 )
Loss on asset decommissioning 20,263 20,263
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Operating earnings (loss) (17,613 ) 7,699 (40,988 ) 94,577
Foreign exchange 1,618 (4,306 ) 4,542 (8,722 )
Finance charges 24,192 28,275 107,468 118,453
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes (13,872 ) (3,178 ) (43,814 ) (6,815 )
Loss before income taxes (29,551 ) (13,092 ) (109,184 ) (8,339 )

Funds Provided By (Used In) Operations

We believe that funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in the 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, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.

Working Capital

We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities as reported on the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement 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:

  • our strategic priorities for 2021;
  • our capital expenditure plans for 2021;
  • anticipated activity levels in 2021;
  • anticipated demand for our drilling rigs;
  • the average number of term contracts in place for 2021 and 2022;
  • anticipated cash savings and liquidity;
  • potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals; and
  • our future debt reduction plans.

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

  • the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
  • customer focus on safety performance;
  • existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
  • our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; and
  • the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
  • availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
  • the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
  • competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
  • general economic, market or business conditions;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $ 108,772 $ 74,701
Accounts receivable 207,209 310,204
Inventory 26,282 31,718
Income tax recoverable 1,142
Total current assets 342,263 417,765
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets 1,098 4,724
Right of use assets 55,168 66,142
Property, plant and equipment 2,472,683 2,749,463
Intangibles 27,666 31,746
Total non-current assets 2,556,615 2,852,075
Total assets $ 2,898,878 $ 3,269,840
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 150,957 $ 199,478
Income taxes payable 3,702 4,142
Current portion of lease obligation 11,285 12,449
Current portion of long-term debt 896
Total current liabilities 166,840 216,069
Non-current liabilities:
Share-based compensation 11,507 8,830
Provisions and other 7,563 9,959
Lease obligation 48,882 54,980
Long-term debt 1,236,210 1,427,181
Deferred tax liabilities 21,236 25,389
Total non-current liabilities 1,325,398 1,526,339
Shareholders’ equity:
Shareholders’ capital 2,285,738 2,296,378
Contributed surplus 72,915 66,255
Deficit (1,089,594 ) (969,456 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income 137,581 134,255
Total shareholders’ equity 1,406,640 1,527,432
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,898,878 $ 3,269,840


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

Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue $ 201,688 $ 372,301 $ 935,753 $ 1,541,320
Expenses:
Operating 125,494 241,717 583,420 1,038,967
General and administrative 20,931 25,578 70,869 104,010
Restructuring 18,061 6,438
Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of
unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign
exchange, impairment reversal, loss on asset
decommissioning, gain on asset disposals and
depreciation and amortization 55,263 105,006 263,403 391,905
Depreciation and amortization 74,696 80,932 316,322 333,616
Gain on asset disposals (1,820 ) (3,888 ) (11,931 ) (50,741 )
Loss on asset decommissioning 20,263 20,263
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange 1,618 (4,306 ) 4,542 (8,722 )
Finance charges 24,192 28,275 107,468 118,453
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (13,872 ) (3,178 ) (43,814 ) (6,815 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (29,551 ) (13,092 ) (109,184 ) (8,339 )
Income taxes:
Current (831 ) (3,473 ) 5,290 1,080
Deferred 8,798 (8,558 ) 5,664 (16,037 )
7,967 (12,031 ) 10,954 (14,957 )
Net earnings (loss) $ (37,518 ) $ (1,061 ) $ (120,138 ) $ 6,618
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ (2.74 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (8.76 ) $ 0.46
Diluted $ (2.74 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (8.76 ) $ 0.45


CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net earnings (loss) $ (37,518 ) $ (1,061 ) $ (120,138 ) $ 6,618
Unrealized loss on translation of assets and liabilities of
operations denominated in foreign currency (75,238 ) (41,849 ) (25,925 ) (106,781 )
Foreign exchange gain on net investment hedge
with U.S. denominated debt 58,685 28,941 23,853 79,022
Net investment hedge of long-term debt related tax
benefit 5,398 5,398
Comprehensive loss $ (48,673 ) $ (13,969 ) $ (116,812 ) $ (21,141 )


CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
Net earnings (loss) $ (37,518 ) $ (1,061 ) $ (120,138 ) $ 6,618
Adjustments for:
Long-term compensation plans 9,042 6,072 17,769 19,457
Depreciation and amortization 74,696 80,932 316,322 333,616
Gain on asset disposals (1,820 ) (3,888 ) (11,931 ) (50,741 )
Loss on asset decommissioning 20,263 20,263
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange 2,361 (4,263 ) 4,808 (8,585 )
Finance charges 24,192 28,275 107,468 118,453
Income taxes 7,967 (12,031 ) 10,954 (14,957 )
Other (1,487 ) (783 ) (2,392 ) (981 )
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (13,872 ) (3,178 ) (43,814 ) (6,815 )
Income taxes paid (383 ) (316 ) (6,468 ) (5,060 )
Income taxes recovered 157 1,337 1,385 2,479
Interest paid (28,164 ) (35,919 ) (103,851 ) (116,655 )
Interest received 111 339 615 1,370
Funds provided by operations 35,282 75,779 170,727 292,652
Changes in non-cash working capital balances (30,545 ) (798 ) 55,391 (4,493 )
4,737 74,981 226,118 288,159
Investments:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (22,912 ) (21,541 ) (61,535 ) (159,886 )
Purchase of intangibles (332 ) (57 ) (808 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 4,678 4,931 21,094 90,768
Changes in non-cash working capital balances 6,754 609 (19 ) (4,574 )
(11,480 ) (16,333 ) (40,517 ) (74,500 )
Financing:
Issuance of long-term debt 23,007 151,066
Repayment of long-term debt (73,726 ) (55,812 ) (278,112 ) (198,387 )
Repurchase of share capital (6,058 ) (17,719 ) (11,317 ) (25,902 )
Debt amendment fees (702 ) (690 ) (702 )
Debt issuance costs (354 ) (354 )
Lease payments (605 ) (1,699 ) (6,217 ) (6,823 )
(57,736 ) (75,932 ) (145,624 ) (231,814 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (4,534 ) (1,776 ) (5,906 ) (3,770 )
Increase (decrease) in cash (69,013 ) (19,060 ) 34,071 (21,925 )
Cash, beginning of period 177,785 93,761 74,701 96,626
Cash, end of period $ 108,772 $ 74,701 $ 108,772 $ 74,701


CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2020 $ 2,296,378 $ 66,255 $ 134,255 $ (969,456 ) $ 1,527,432
Net loss for the period (120,138 ) (120,138 )
Other comprehensive income for the period 3,326 3,326
Share repurchases (11,317 ) (11,317 )
Redemption of non-management director DSUs 677 (502 ) 175
Share-based compensation reclassification (8,331 ) (8,331 )
Share-based compensation expense 15,493 15,493
Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,285,738 $ 72,915 $ 137,581 $ (1,089,594 ) $ 1,406,640

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 2,322,280 $ 52,332 $ 162,014 $ (978,874 ) $ 1,557,752
Lease transition adjustment 2,800 2,800
Net earnings for the period 6,618 6,618
Other comprehensive loss for the period (27,759 ) (27,759 )
Share repurchases (25,902 ) (25,902 )
Share-based compensation expense 13,923 13,923
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 2,296,378 $ 66,255 $ 134,255 $ (969,456 ) $ 1,527,432


FOURTH QUARTER 2020 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 Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

The conference call dial in numbers are 844-515-9176 or 614-999-9312.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com by selecting “Investor Relations” then “Webcasts & Presentations.” Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 60 days.

An archived version of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until February 14, 2021 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, passcode 4951415.

About Precision

Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as “Alpha” that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel. Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS.”

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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


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Precision Drilling Corporation 2020 Fourth Quarter and End of Year Results Conference Call and Webcast

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 19, 2021 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision”) intends to release its 2020 fourth quarter results before the market opens on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 and has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 12:00 Noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on the same day.

The conference call dial in numbers are 844-515-9176 or 614-999-9312 (International) or a live webcast is accessible on our website at www.precisiondrilling.com

An archived version of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until February 14, 2021 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, passcode 4951415.

About Precision
Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as “Alpha” that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel. Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS.”

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, CFA
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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


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Precision Drilling Announces 2020 Debt Repayments Exceeding Guidance and Increases Long-Term Debt Reduction Target Through 2022

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 05, 2021 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or “the Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) provides a series of announcements including: 1) debt repayment update; 2) increase in long-term debt reduction target; 3) liquidity update; and 4) drilling activity update.

Debt Repayment Update

Following additional open market repurchases of its unsecured senior notes in the fourth quarter, Precision’s 2020 debt repayments totaled $170 million, exceeding the high end of its 2020 annual targeted range of $100 million to $150 million. As of December 31, 2020, the amounts outstanding under Precision’s unsecured senior notes are as follows:

  • US$286 million – 7.75% senior notes due December 15, 2023
  • US$263 million – 5.25% senior notes due November 15, 2024
  • US$348 million – 7.125% senior notes due January 15, 2026

The Company has paid down $550 million of debt just three years into its long-term debt reduction plan, exceeding the high end of each year’s annual targeted debt reduction range. As a result of Precision’s further reduction of absolute debt levels, the Company anticipates its forward run-rate of cash interest costs from debt to be approximately $85 million.

Increase in Long-Term Debt Reduction Target

Precision has increased its long-term debt reduction target from $700 million to $800 million for the years 2018 through 2022, requiring $250 million of debt reduction over the next two years to achieve our revised target. The target increase is due to accelerated debt reduction achieved and the Company’s forward free cash flow outlook, further strengthened by its reduced fixed cost structure and lower interest expense run-rate.

Liquidity Update

Precision anticipates a reported 2020 year-end cash balance of approximately $105 million to $110 million, $30 million to $35 million higher than year-end 2019, which combined with availability under the Company’s credit facilities, provides Precision access to over $700 million in total liquidity entering 2021.

Drilling Activity Update

In the fourth quarter of 2020, Precision’s average active rig count was 26 for the U.S. plus an average of 6 rigs earning idle but contracted revenues, 28 for Canada and six internationally. As of January 5, 2021, Precision has 45 active rigs in Canada, 31 active rigs in the U.S. and six rigs active internationally. Active rig counts in Canada are expected to peak at approximately 60 in the first quarter of 2021, while U.S. activity levels are expected to continue trending upwards modestly in the quarter.

Precision’s CFO, Carey Ford stated: “Precision continues to demonstrate its ability to generate robust free cash flow and deliver on both short and long-term debt reduction targets while maintaining a strong liquidity position. The Company successfully enacted several cash preservation initiatives during 2020, including aggressive reductions in fixed costs and capital spending. In addition, we further leveraged our SAP enterprise platform to automate numerous business processes and enhance business analytics to establish a reduced fixed cost structure that is sustainable in an increasing activity environment. Precision will continue to leverage its global scale and high-quality, digitally-enabled Super Series fleet to maximize free cash flow and prioritize reducing debt levels to reach targeted leverage of below two-times net debt to Adjusted EBITDA.”

About Precision
Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as “Alpha” that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel. Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS.”

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

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

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

  • our strategic priorities;
  • anticipated future activity levels in 2021;
  • anticipated demand for Tier 1 rigs;
  • anticipated fixed cost savings, capital spending and liquidity; and
  • our future debt reduction plans.

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

  • the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
  • customer focus on safety performance;
  • existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
  • our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; and
  • the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
  • availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
  • the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
  • competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
  • general economic, market or business conditions;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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


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Precision Drilling Announces Share Consolidation

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2020 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) announces that it is proceeding with a 20:1 consolidation of the common shares of the Company (the “Consolidation”). Notice has been provided to the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and Precision’s common shares are expected to begin trading on the TSX and NYSE, on a consolidated basis, on or about November 12, 2020.

At Precision’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, held on May 14, 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved a special resolution authorizing the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) to, in its discretion, file articles of amendment to consolidate the common shares of the Company at a consolidation ratio within the range of one post-consolidation share for every five to 40 old common shares. The Board has resolved to proceed with the Consolidation on a 20:1 ratio (one post-consolidation share for every 20 old common shares).

Following the Consolidation, the number of outstanding common shares of the Company will be reduced from approximately 274.5 million outstanding common shares to approximately 13.7 million outstanding common shares. Precision’s shares will continue to be listed on the TSX under the symbol “PD” and on the NYSE under the symbol “PDS”. Following the Consolidation, the new CUSIP number for the Company’s common shares will be 74022D407 and the new ISIN for the Company’s common shares will be CA74022D4075.

No fractional shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation. In lieu of any such fractional shares, each registered shareholder otherwise entitled to a fractional share following the implementation of the Consolidation will receive the nearest whole number of post-consolidation shares. For example, any fractional interest representing less than 0.5 of a post-consolidation share will not entitle the holder thereof to receive a post-consolidation share and any fractional interest representing 0.5 or more of a post-consolidation share will entitle the holder thereof to receive one whole post-consolidation share. In calculating such fractional interests, all shares registered in the name of each registered shareholder will be aggregated.

The Company’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada (“Computershare”), will act as the exchange agent for the Consolidation. On the effective date of the Consolidation, which is expected to be November 9, 2020, Computershare will send instructions (i.e., a Letter of Transmittal) to shareholders who hold share certificates. Registered shareholders who will hold at least one new post-consolidation share will be required to exchange their old share certificates for new share certificates, or alternatively, a Direct Registration System (“DRS”) Advice/Statement representing the number of new post-consolidation shares they hold following the Consolidation. Until registered shareholders have returned their properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and surrendered their old share certificate(s) for exchange, registered shareholders will not be entitled to receive any distributions, if any, that may be declared and payable to holders of record following the Consolidation.

Beneficial shareholders who hold their shares through intermediaries (securities brokers, dealers, banks, financial institutions, etc.) and who have questions regarding how the Consolidation will be processed should contact their intermediaries.

About Precision
Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as “Alpha” that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel. Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

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

In particular, forward looking information and statements include, but are not limited to timing of completion of the Consolidation.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive disadvantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • the effects of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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

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Precision Drilling Corporation Announces 2020 Third Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 22, 2020 — 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 Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant EBITDA, Operating Earnings (Loss), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations and Working Capital. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Non-GAAP Measures” later in this news release.

Precision Drilling announces 2020 third quarter financial results:

  • Revenue of $165 million was a decrease of 56% compared with the third quarter of 2019.
  • Net loss of $28 million or negative $0.10 per diluted share compared with a net loss of $4 million or negative $0.01 per diluted share in 2019.
  • Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA, see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $48 million as compared with $98 million in the third quarter of 2019.
  • Generated cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $42 million and $27 million, respectively.
  • Third quarter ending cash balance was $178 million, an increase of $3 million from June 30, 2020.
  • Third quarter capital expenditures were $3 million.
  • Reduced our unsecured senior notes balance by $159 million, recognizing a gain on repurchase of $28 million, and drew $123 million under our Senior Credit Facility. Our debt reduction included the full retirement of our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021.
  • Subsequent to September 30, 2020, we repurchased and cancelled US$14 million of our 7.75% unsecured senior notes due 2023, recognizing a gain on repurchase of $5 million.
  • Recognized restructuring charges of $2 million and the Canadian government’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program assistance of $8 million.

Precision’s President and CEO, Kevin Neveu stated:

“Precision’s third quarter results reflect better than expected financial performance as we generated $48 million in Adjusted EBITDA and $42 million in cash provided by operations, with results driven by excellent field performance and cost control throughout the organization. We accelerated debt reduction during the quarter and executed further debt repurchases in October, reducing debt by approximately $125 million year to date, reaching the mid-point of our 2020 targeted debt reduction range. Since 2018, Precision has reduced debt levels by over $500 million and remains on track to reach our long-term debt reduction target of $700 million by the end of 2022. We have retired the balance of our 2021 unsecured senior notes, utilizing our revolver to lower interest costs and create flexibility for future debt reduction, while preserving a strong liquidity position. These actions position us with increased financial strength with no maturities until late 2023, further enhancing our ability to persevere through a prolonged market downturn and capture value in a market recovery.”

“Our global scale, High Performance Super Triple rig fleet and stringent cost management drove strong third quarter market share and field margins in all of our core geographies. We have executed on key structural changes within Precision, including fixed cost and spending reductions and exiting underperforming business lines, all of which will reduce total 2020 cash outflows by up to $150 million. We expect to meet our targeted annualized fixed cost reductions of 35%, which includes normalized general and administrative expense savings of over $30 million and have positioned the business to sustain these savings in an increasing activity environment. A notable highlight is the success of our recently implemented SAP cloud platform, which has automated several administrative functions throughout the organization. This system has enabled significant and permanent cost savings and remains a major driver of the long-term structural cost improvements we have implemented. We believe our core business lines and lean cost structure position us well for the inevitable recovery, further promoting our operational leverage and strong cash flow generation capabilities.”

“Precision reinforced our digital leadership position during the quarter by not only increasing utilization of the Alpha suite of technologies on our Super Series rigs, but also through leveraging repeatable and proven field results to enhance our value proposition to existing Alpha customers and engaging in Alpha discussions with over a dozen new customer accounts. Precision currently has 39 Alpha-Rigs throughout North America, which are fully digitally enabled, pad-walking AC Super Triples equipped with AlphaAutomation and a platform to deploy AlphaApps and AlphaAnalytics. To date, these rigs have drilled approximately 1,700 wells in both the U.S. and Canada and have been fully commercialized in numerous basins for more than one year. We remain excited about our growing AlphaApps and AlphaAnalytics portfolio, which have further enhanced the value creation abilities of our Alpha-Rigs. To date we have 18 AlphaApps, six of which are commercial, generating over 1,650 App-days this year. We believe Precision’s Alpha technology is the industry’s leading digital platform which enables our customers to sustainably lower their drilling costs, critically important in this depressed commodity price environment. For Precision, Alpha is easily scalable across our standardized AC Super Triple fleet as industry activity levels improve.”

“In the U.S, we have seen rig counts improve from third quarter lows back to 25 rigs running today and expect additional rig deployments to occur into year-end. In Canada, the seasonal activity recovery to date has been largely led by deeper, gas and liquid-rich plays and is expected to continue into the winter season with a modestly improved outlook with 26 rigs running today. Internationally, Precision has six contracted rigs operating in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which will continue to generate excellent operational results for our customers and stable cash flow for Precision. We remain optimistic about re-contracting opportunities for additional rigs in Kuwait in the near term.”

“We remain on track to deliver on our 2020 strategic priorities, including our long-term deleveraging targets, while ensuring we preserve strong liquidity. We believe our assets, people, technology and cost focus will be primary vehicles for continuing our strong cash generation into 2021 while we remain ideally positioned for the inevitable industry rebound,” concluded Mr. Neveu.

IMPACT OF COVID-19

In March 2020, the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Governments worldwide, including those countries in which Precision operates, have enacted emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing, have caused a material disruption to businesses globally resulting in an economic slowdown and decreased demand for oil. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions; however, the long-term success of these interventions is not yet determinable.

As a result of the decrease in demand, worldwide inventories of oil have increased significantly. However, voluntary production restraint from national oil companies and governments of oil-producing nations along with curtailments in the U.S. and Canada have shifted global oil markets from a position of over supply to inventory draws. The situation remains dynamic and the ultimate duration and magnitude of the impact on the economy and the financial effect on Precision remains unknown at this time.

SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Financial Highlights

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 164,822 375,552 (56.1 ) 734,065 1,169,019 (37.2 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 47,771 97,895 (51.2 ) 208,140 286,899 (27.5 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (26,785 ) 19,235 (239.3 ) (23,375 ) 86,878 (126.9 )
Net earnings (loss) (28,476 ) (3,534 ) 705.8 (82,620 ) 7,679 (1,175.9 )
Cash provided by operations 41,950 66,556 (37.0 ) 221,381 213,178 3.8
Funds provided by operations(1) 27,489 79,930 (65.6 ) 135,445 216,873 (37.5 )
Capital spending:
Expansion and upgrade 13,083 (100.0 ) 13,764 112,795 (87.8 )
Maintenance and infrastructure 3,211 10,831 (70.4 ) 24,859 25,550 (2.7 )
Intangibles 12 (100.0 ) 57 476 (88.0 )
Proceeds on sale (5,705 ) (3,385 ) 68.5 (16,416 ) (85,837 ) (80.9 )
Net capital spending (2,494 ) 20,541 (112.1 ) 22,264 52,984 (58.0 )
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (0.10 ) (0.01 ) 938.4 (0.30 ) 0.03 (1,100.0 )
Diluted (0.10 ) (0.01 ) 938.4 (0.30 ) 0.03 (1,100.0 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

Operating Highlights

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Contract drilling rig fleet 227 233 (2.6 ) 227 233 (2.6 )
Drilling rig utilization days:
U.S. 1,957 6,613 (70.4 ) 9,684 20,730 (53.3 )
Canada 1,613 3,822 (57.8 ) 8,216 10,579 (22.3 )
International 559 827 (32.4 ) 1,974 2,275 (13.2 )
Revenue per utilization day:
U.S.(1) (US$) 28,334 23,092 22.7 26,335 23,242 13.3
Canada (Cdn$) 21,430 19,311 11.0 21,593 21,342 1.2
International (US$) 54,887 51,233 7.1 54,631 50,923 7.3
Operating cost per utilization day:
U.S. (US$) 16,037 14,487 10.7 14,727 14,552 1.2
Canada (Cdn$) 12,924 14,639 (11.7 ) 13,940 15,406 (9.5 )
Service rig fleet 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 15,599 34,851 (55.2 ) 54,666 107,289 (49.0 )

(1) Includes revenue from idle but contracted rig days and contract cancellation fees.

Financial Position

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
Working capital(1) 220,173 201,696
Cash 177,785 74,701
Long-term debt 1,359,800 1,427,181
Total long-term financial liabilities 1,426,762 1,500,950
Total assets 3,073,324 3,269,840
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio 0.48 0.48

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

Summary for the three months ended September 30, 2020:

  • Revenue this quarter was $165 million, 56% lower than the third quarter of 2019. Our decreased revenue resulted from lower activity across all operating segments as customers reduced drilling programs in response to the global economic slowdown. Compared with the third quarter of 2019, our activity, as measured by drilling rig utilization days, decreased by 70% in the U.S., 58% in Canada and 32% internationally.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $48 million for the quarter decreased $50 million from the previous year. As a percentage of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA was 29% compared with 26% in the comparative quarter. The improved percentage was primarily due to U.S. idle but contracted rig payments and CEWS program assistance partially offset by higher restructuring costs and share-based compensation charges. See discussion on share-based incentive compensation under “Other Items” later in this release for additional details.
  • Operating loss (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) this quarter was $27 million compared with operating earnings of $19 million in the third quarter of 2019. Our operating earnings in the prior year quarter were positively impacted by higher activity levels.
  • General and administrative expenses this quarter were $12 million, $9 million lower than in 2019. Our lower general and administrative costs in 2020 were primarily due to lower fixed costs as we continued to align our cost structure to reflect reduced global activity, and the impact of CEWS program assistance.
  • Restructuring charges were $2 million as compared to nil in 2019.
  • Net finance charges were $28 million, a decrease of $1 million compared with the third quarter of 2019, primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt, offset by the accelerated amortization of debt issue costs from the retirement of our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021.
  • In the third quarter of 2020, revenue per utilization day in the U.S. increased to US$28,334 from US$23,092 in 2019, primarily resulting from higher revenues from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey drilling. We had third quarter revenue from idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects of US$10 million and US$2 million, respectively, as compared with nil in 2019. Operating costs on a per day basis increased to US$16,037 in the third quarter of 2020 compared with US$14,487 in 2019. The increase was mainly due to higher turnkey activity and fixed operating overheads being spread over fewer utilization days. On a sequential basis, revenue per utilization day, excluding revenue from contract cancellations, idle but contracted rigs and turnkey activity decreased by US$488 as compared to the second quarter of 2020. Operating costs per day increased by US$1,865 due to higher repairs and maintenance, turnkey activity and fixed operating overheads being spread over fewer utilization days.
  • In Canada, average revenue per utilization day for contract drilling rigs was $21,430 compared with $19,311 in the third quarter of 2019 primarily due to our rig mix and higher operating expense recoveries. During the quarter, we did not recognize any contract shortfall revenue, consistent with 2019. Average operating costs per utilization day for drilling rigs in Canada decreased to $12,924 compared with the prior year quarter of $14,639. The decrease was mainly due to lower repairs and maintenance and the impact of CEWS program assistance. During the third quarter of 2020, we recognized CEWS program assistance of $4 million which lowered our operating costs per utilization day by $2,297.
  • We realized revenue from international contract drilling of US$31 million in the third quarter of 2020, as compared with US$42 million in the prior year quarter. Average revenue per utilization day in our international contract drilling business increased 7% to US$54,887 from the comparable prior year quarter, primarily due to our rig mix.
  • Cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) in the third quarter of 2020 were $42 million and $27 million, respectively, compared to $67 million and $80 million in the prior year comparative period.
  • Capital expenditures were $3 million in the third quarter, a decrease of $21 million over the same period in 2019.

Summary for the nine months ended September 30, 2020:

  • Revenue for the first nine months of 2020 was $734 million, a decrease of 37% from the comparative 2019 period.
  • Operating loss (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) was $23 million compared with operating earnings of $87 million in 2019. Our operating earnings in the prior year period were positively impacted by higher activity levels.
  • General and administrative costs were $50 million, a decrease of $28 million from 2019. The decrease was due to lower overhead costs as a result of our restructuring activities, lower share-based compensation and the impact of CEWS program assistance of $4 million.
  • Net finance charges were $83 million, a decrease of $7 million from 2019 primarily due to a reduction in interest expense related to retired debt partially offset by the weakening of the Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest expense.
  • Cash provided by operations was $221 million in 2020 as compared with $213 million in 2019. Funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) were $135 million, a decrease of $81 million from the prior year comparative period of $217 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $39 million, a decrease of $100 million compared with 2019. Capital spending in 2020 included $14 million for upgrade and expansion capital and $25 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure spending and intangibles.

STRATEGY

Precision’s strategic priorities for 2020 are as follows:

  1. Generate strong free cash flow and reduce debt by $100 million to $150 million in 2020 – In the third quarter of 2020, Precision generated $42 million of cash provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) and $6 million of cash proceeds from the divestiture of non-core assets. We lowered debt levels by $64 million, recognizing $28 million of captured discounts on debt repurchases, leaving reported year to date debt reduction at $106 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2020, Precision repurchased an additional $19 million of unsecured senior notes in October, bringing our year to date debt reduction to approximately $125 million and reaching the mid-point of our 2020 targeted debt reduction range. Precision reported a cash balance of $178 million at September 30, 2020, compared to $175 million at June 30, 2020. We will place a high priority on maintaining a strong liquidity position until visibility improves.
  2. Demonstrate operational excellence in all aspects of our business – In Canada, we continued at record level market share and reported operating margins (revenue less operating costs) of $8,506 per utilization day. In the U.S., we lowered field costs and leveraged our contract book to generate reported operating margins of US$12,297 per utilization day. Internationally, we maintained stable activity, averaging six active drilling rigs, and recorded average day rates of US$54,887.
  3. Leverage our Alpha Technology platform as a competitive differentiator and source of financial returns – As at September 30, 2020, we have 39 pad-walking, AC Super Triple Alpha-Rigs equipped with our AlphaAutomation platform which have drilled over 500 wells in 2020. Since 2017, we have drilled approximately 1,700 wells with AlphaAutomation and currently have 18 AlphaApps available, six of which are commercial. In 2020, we have drilled approximately 150 wells with AlphaApps, generating over 1,650 AlphaApp days, further allowing us to differentiate our High Performance, High Value offering.

OUTLOOK

The energy industry continues to have a challenging outlook as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant global oil supply imbalances and near-term crude oil price volatility. Our customers have responded by materially reducing capital spending leading to a rapid reduction in global oilfield service activity levels. In this reduced-activity environment, our customers remain focused on operational efficiencies. We anticipate this will accelerate the industry’s transition towards service providers with the highest performing assets and competitive digital technology offerings. Pursuit of predictable and repeatable results will further drive field application of drilling automation processes to create additional cost efficiencies and performance value for customers.

Precision continues to closely monitor announcements of available government financial support and economic stimulus programs. We are encouraged by the Government of Canada’s $1.7 billion well site abandonment and rehabilitation program, which will support industry activity levels and provide thousands of jobs throughout western Canada. The program is expected to run through the end of 2022 with government funds provided in stages. As the use of service rigs is an integral part of the well abandonment process, we believe our well servicing business is positioned to capture these opportunities as a result of our scale, operational performance and strong safety record. During the third quarter, we saw a rise in the number of approved abandonment applications and the distribution of program funding to oilfield service providers. Accordingly, we expect our abandonment service activity to increase in the fourth quarter of 2020 and support additional demand through the end of the well site abandonment and rehabilitation program in 2022.

On April 1, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the CEWS program, which would subsidize a portion of employee wages for Canadian employers whose businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The program is intended to help employers re-hire previously laid off workers, prevent further job losses and better position Canadian businesses to resume normal operations. Under this program in the third quarter of 2020, we recognized $8 million of CEWS program assistance that was presented as a reduction to operating and general and administrative expense of $6 million and $2 million, respectively. The CEWS program has benefitted Precision and our employees as it has allowed us to retain a higher employment level for Canadian positions within our organization. As a result, we are highly supportive of this effective government program and are encouraged by the recent commitment of the Government of Canada to extend the program to June of 2021.

Contracts

Year to date in 2020 we have entered into 18 term contracts. The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under contract by quarter as of October 21, 2020. For those quarters ending after September 30, 2020, this chart represents the minimum number of long-term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional contracts and certain customers elect to pay contract cancellation fees.

Average for the quarter ended 2019 Average for the quarter ended 2020
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Average rigs under term contract
as of October 21, 2020:
U.S. 56 52 49 41 41 32 26 24
Canada 8 5 5 5 5 4 3 4
International 8 8 9 9 8 8 6 6
Total 72 65 63 55 54 44 35 34

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had under contract for 2019 and the average number of rigs we have under contract as of October 21, 2020.

Average for the year ended
2019 2020 2021
Average rigs under term contract
as of October 21, 2020:
U.S. 49 31 7
Canada 6 4 5
International 9 7 6
Total 64 42 18

In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access. In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year.

Drilling Activity

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had working or moving by quarter for the periods noted.

Average for the quarter ended 2019 Average for the quarter ended 2020
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30
Average Precision active rig count:
U.S. 79 77 72 63 55 30 21
Canada 48 27 42 43 63 9 18
International 8 8 9 9 8 8 6
Total 135 112 123 115 126 47 45

According to industry sources, as of October 21, 2020, the U.S. active land drilling rig count is down 74% from the same point last year and the Canadian active land drilling rig count is down 44%. To date in 2020, approximately 80% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs and 54% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared with 82% for the U.S. and 62% for Canada at the same time last year.

Capital Spending

Capital spending in 2020 is expected to be $48 million and includes $30 million for sustaining, infrastructure and intangibles and $18 million for upgrade and expansion. We expect that the $48 million will be split $45 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment, $2 million in the Completion and Production Services segment and less than $1 million to the Corporate segment. At September 30, 2020, Precision had capital commitments of $109 million with payments expected through to 2022.

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue:
Contract Drilling Services 150,773 346,443 (56.5 ) 682,060 1,060,182 (35.7 )
Completion and Production Services 14,443 30,880 (53.2 ) 53,631 112,844 (52.5 )
Inter-segment eliminations (394 ) (1,771 ) (77.8 ) (1,626 ) (4,007 ) (59.4 )
164,822 375,552 (56.1 ) 734,065 1,169,019 (37.2 )
Adjusted EBITDA:(1)
Contract Drilling Services 51,594 105,167 (50.9 ) 236,940 316,917 (25.2 )
Completion and Production Services 3,945 4,597 (14.2 ) 5,960 17,896 (66.7 )
Corporate and Other (7,768 ) (11,869 ) (34.6 ) (34,760 ) (47,914 ) (27.5 )
47,771 97,895 (51.2 ) 208,140 286,899 (27.5 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 150,773 346,443 (56.5 ) 682,060 1,060,182 (35.7 )
Expenses:
Operating 93,669 233,370 (59.9 ) 417,496 711,307 (41.3 )
General and administrative 5,151 7,906 (34.8 ) 20,004 28,912 (30.8 )
Restructuring 359 n/m 7,620 3,046 150.2
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 51,594 105,167 (50.9 ) 236,940 316,917 (25.2 )
Depreciation 70,675 74,532 (5.2 ) 220,461 227,686 (3.2 )
Gain on asset disposals (2,684 ) (3,956 ) (32.2 ) (8,617 ) (43,228 ) (80.1 )
Impairment reversal n/m (5,810 ) (100.0 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (16,397 ) 34,591 (147.4 ) 25,096 138,269 (81.8 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) as a percentage of revenue (10.9 )% 10.0 % 3.7 % 13.0 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.
n/m Not meaningful

United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 55 764 79 1,023
June 30 30 378 77 967
September 30 22 241 72 896
Year to date average 35 461 76 962

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

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 63 196 48 183
June 30 9 25 27 82
September 30 18 47 39 132
Year to date average 30 89 39 132

(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 14,443 30,880 (53.2 ) 53,631 112,844 (52.5 )
Expenses:
Operating 9,872 24,994 (60.5 ) 42,056 89,950 (53.2 )
General and administrative 626 1,289 (51.4 ) 3,020 4,541 (33.5 )
Restructuring n/m 2,595 457 467.8
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 3,945 4,597 (14.2 ) 5,960 17,896 (66.7 )
Depreciation 4,014 4,282 (6.3 ) 12,416 13,572 (8.5 )
Loss (gain) on asset disposals (236 ) 36 (755.6 ) (1,237 ) (3,566 ) (65.3 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) 167 279 (40.1 ) (5,219 ) 7,890 (166.1 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) as a percentage of revenue 1.2 % 0.9 % (9.7 )% 7.0 %
Well servicing statistics:
Number of service rigs (end of period) 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 15,599 34,851 (55.2 ) 54,666 107,289 (49.0 )
Service rig operating hour utilization 14 % 31 % 16 % 31 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.
n/m Not meaningful

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER

Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had negative Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $8 million, as compared with $12 million in the third quarter of 2019. The improved margin was primarily due to our improved cost structure and CEWS program assistance partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense and increased restructuring charges. During the third quarter of 2020, we incurred $2 million of restructuring charges and recognized $1 million of CEWS program assistance.

OTHER ITEMS

Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

We have several cash and equity-settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2019 Annual Report.

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

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash settled share-based incentive plans 971 (1,655 ) (50 ) 4,664
Equity settled share-based incentive plans:
Executive PSU 2,434 3,103 8,128 8,499
Stock option plan 160 514 714 1,751
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense 3,565 1,962 8,792 14,914
Allocated:
Operating 740 87 1,754 3,314
General and Administrative 2,825 1,875 7,038 11,600
3,565 1,962 8,792 14,914

Cash settled shared-based compensation expense increased by $3 million in the current quarter primarily due to our increased share price. Our total equity settled share-based compensation expense for the third quarter of 2020 was $3 million, compared to $4 million in 2019. The lower expense in 2020 was primarily due to vesting of Executive PSUs and stock options granted in prior years.

Finance Charges

Net finance charges were $28 million, a decrease of $1 million compared with the third quarter of 2019, primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt, offset by accelerated amortization of debt issue costs from the retirement of our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021.

Interest charges on our U.S. denominated long-term debt in the third quarter of 2020 were US$18 million ($24 million) as compared with US$20 million ($27 million) in 2019.

Income Tax

Income tax expense for the quarter was $1 million compared with a recovery of $5 million in the same quarter in 2019. The higher income tax expense in the third quarter of 2020 was the result of not recognizing the benefit of Canadian deferred tax assets.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

During the third quarter of 2020, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved our application to renew our Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB). Under the terms of the NCIB, we may purchase and cancel up to a maximum of 23,997,668 common shares, representing 10% of the public float of common shares as of August 14, 2020. The NCIB will terminate no later than August 26, 2021.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Amount Availability Used for Maturity
Senior credit facility (secured)
US$500 million (extendible, revolving
term credit facility with US$300 million accordion
feature)
US$97 million drawn and US$32
million in outstanding letters of
credit
General corporate purposes November 21, 2023
Operating facilities (secured)
$40 million Undrawn, except $8 million in
outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit and general
corporate purposes
US$15 million Undrawn Short term working capital
requirements
Demand letter of credit facility (secured)
US$30 million Undrawn, except US$2 million in
outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit
Unsecured senior notes (unsecured)
US$306 million – 7.75% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases December 15, 2023
US$271 million – 5.25% Fully drawn Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
November 15, 2024
US$358 million – 7.125% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases January 15, 2026

As at September 30, 2020, we had US$1,032 million ($1,374 million) outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility and unsecured senior notes as compared with US$1,113 million ($1,445 million) at December 31, 2019. During the first nine months of 2020, we redeemed US$88 million principal amount and repurchased and cancelled US$3 million of our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021, repurchased and cancelled US$37 million of our 5.25% unsecured senior notes due 2024, US$12 million of our 7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2026 and US$39 million of our 7.75% unsecured senior notes due 2023 and drew US$97 million under our Senior Credit Facility. We recognized a gain of $30 million on the repurchase of unsecured senior notes.

The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 6.5%.

Subsequent to September 30, 2020, we repurchased and cancelled US$14 million of our 7.75% unsecured senior notes due 2023, recognizing a gain on repurchase of $5 million.

Covenants

Following is a listing of our applicable Senior Credit Facility financial covenants and the calculations as at September 30, 2020:

Covenant At September 30, 2020
Senior Credit Facility
Consolidated senior debt to consolidated covenant EBITDA(1) < 2.5 0.07
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense(1) > 2.0 2.97

(1) For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.

At September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with the covenants of our Senior Credit Facility.

Senior Credit Facility

The Senior Credit Facility requires we comply with certain covenants including a leverage ratio of consolidated senior debt to consolidated Covenant EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of less than 2.5:1. For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.

On April 9, 2020 we agreed with the lenders of our Senior Credit Facility to reduce the consolidated Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense coverage ratio for the most recent four consecutive quarters of greater than or equal to 2.5:1 to 2.0:1 for the period ending September 30, 2020, 1.75:1 for the period ending December 31, 2020, 1.25:1 for the periods ending March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2021, 1.75:1, for the period ending December 31, 2021, 2.0:1 for the period ending March 31, 2022 and 2.5:1 for periods ending thereafter.

During the covenant relief period, Precision’s distributions in the form of dividends, distributions and share repurchases are restricted to a maximum of US$15 million in 2020 and US$25 million in each of 2021 and 2022, subject to a pro forma senior net leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of less than or equal to 1.75:1.

In addition, during 2021, the North American and acceptable secured foreign assets must directly account for at least 65% of consolidated Covenant EBITDA calculated quarterly on a rolling twelve-month basis, increasing to 70% thereafter. Precision also has the option to voluntarily terminate the covenant relief period prior to its March 31, 2022 end date.

The Senior Credit Facility limits the redemption and repurchase of junior debt subject to a pro forma senior net leverage covenant test of less than or equal to 1.75:1.

Average shares outstanding

The following table reconciles the weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 274,500 292,811 274,718 293,455
Effect of stock options and other equity compensation plans 6,213
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 274,500 292,811 274,718 299,668

NON-GAAP MEASURES

In this release we reference non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. 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.

Adjusted EBITDA

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, gain on assets disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Net Earnings (Loss), 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.

Covenant EBITDA

Covenant EBITDA, as defined in our Senior Credit Facility agreement, is used in determining the Corporation’s compliance with its covenants. Covenant EBITDA differs from Adjusted EBITDA by the exclusion of bad debt expense, restructuring costs, certain foreign exchange amounts and the deduction of cash lease payments incurred after December 31, 2018.

Operating Earnings (Loss)

We believe that operating earnings (loss) 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. Operating earnings (loss) is calculated as follows:

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue 164,822 375,552 734,065 1,169,019
Expenses:
Operating 103,147 256,593 457,926 797,250
General and administrative 11,954 21,064 49,938 78,432
Restructuring 1,950 18,061 6,438
Depreciation and amortization 77,588 82,604 241,626 252,684
Gain on asset disposals (3,032 ) (3,944 ) (10,111 ) (46,853 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Operating earnings (loss) (26,785 ) 19,235 (23,375 ) 86,878
Foreign exchange 1,161 1,470 2,924 (4,416 )
Finance charges 27,613 28,490 83,276 90,178
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes (27,971 ) (2,239 ) (29,942 ) (3,637 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (27,588 ) (8,486 ) (79,633 ) 4,753

Funds Provided By (Used In) Operations

We believe that funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in the 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, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.

Working Capital

We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities as reported on the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement 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:

  • our strategic priorities for 2020;
  • our capital expenditure plans for 2020;
  • anticipated activity levels in 2020 and our scheduled infrastructure projects;
  • anticipated demand for Tier 1 rigs;
  • the average number of term contracts in place for 2020 and 2021;
  • anticipated cash outflow savings and liquidity;
  • potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals; and
  • our future debt reduction plans.

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

  • the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
  • customer focus on safety performance;
  • existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
  • our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; and
  • the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
  • availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
  • the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
  • competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
  • general economic, market or business conditions;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $ 177,785 $ 74,701
Accounts receivable 175,243 310,204
Inventory 29,137 31,718
Income tax recoverable 1,142
Total current assets 382,165 417,765
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets 5,179 4,724
Right of use assets 59,571 66,142
Property, plant and equipment 2,597,577 2,749,463
Intangibles 28,832 31,746
Total non-current assets 2,691,159 2,852,075
Total assets $ 3,073,324 $ 3,269,840
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 145,726 $ 199,478
Income taxes payable 5,079 4,142
Current portion of lease obligation 11,187 12,449
Total current liabilities 161,992 216,069
Non-current liabilities:
Share-based compensation 5,261 8,830
Provisions and other 9,434 9,959
Lease obligation 52,267 54,980
Long-term debt 1,359,800 1,427,181
Deferred tax liabilities 23,017 25,389
Total non-current liabilities 1,449,779 1,526,339
Shareholders’ equity:
Shareholders’ capital 2,291,796 2,296,378
Contributed surplus 73,097 66,255
Deficit (1,052,076 ) (969,456 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income 148,736 134,255
Total shareholders’ equity 1,461,553 1,527,432
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,073,324 $ 3,269,840



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

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue $ 164,822 $ 375,552 $ 734,065 $ 1,169,019
Expenses:
Operating 103,147 256,593 457,926 797,250
General and administrative 11,954 21,064 49,938 78,432
Restructuring 1,950 18,061 6,438
Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of
unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign
exchange, impairment reversal, gain on asset disposals
and depreciation and amortization
47,771 97,895 208,140 286,899
Depreciation and amortization 77,588 82,604 241,626 252,684
Gain on asset disposals (3,032 ) (3,944 ) (10,111 ) (46,853 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange 1,161 1,470 2,924 (4,416 )
Finance charges 27,613 28,490 83,276 90,178
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (27,971 ) (2,239 ) (29,942 ) (3,637 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (27,588 ) (8,486 ) (79,633 ) 4,753
Income taxes:
Current 2,946 1,540 6,121 4,553
Deferred (2,058 ) (6,492 ) (3,134 ) (7,479 )
888 (4,952 ) 2,987 (2,926 )
Net earnings (loss) $ (28,476 ) $ (3,534 ) $ (82,620 ) $ 7,679
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.10 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.03
Diluted $ (0.10 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.03



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

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net earnings (loss) $ (28,476 ) $ (3,534 ) $ (82,620 ) $ 7,679
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and
liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency
(36,384 ) 26,432 49,313 (64,932 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge
with U.S. denominated debt, net of tax
29,404 (18,792 ) (34,832 ) 50,081
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (35,456 ) $ 4,106 $ (68,139 ) $ (7,172 )



CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
Net earnings (loss) $ (28,476 ) $ (3,534 ) $ (82,620 ) $ 7,679
Adjustments for:
Long-term compensation plans 3,106 2,461 8,727 13,385
Depreciation and amortization 77,588 82,604 241,626 252,684
Gain on asset disposals (3,032 ) (3,944 ) (10,111 ) (46,853 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange 1,293 1,796 2,447 (4,322 )
Finance charges 27,613 28,490 83,276 90,178
Income taxes 888 (4,952 ) 2,987 (2,926 )
Other (142 ) (39 ) (905 ) (198 )
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (27,971 ) (2,239 ) (29,942 ) (3,637 )
Income taxes paid (2,137 ) (857 ) (6,085 ) (4,744 )
Income taxes recovered 1,228 71 1,228 1,142
Interest paid (22,644 ) (20,240 ) (75,687 ) (80,736 )
Interest received 175 313 504 1,031
Funds provided by operations 27,489 79,930 135,445 216,873
Changes in non-cash working capital balances 14,461 (13,374 ) 85,936 (3,695 )
41,950 66,556 221,381 213,178
Investments:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (3,211 ) (23,914 ) (38,623 ) (138,345 )
Purchase of intangibles (12 ) (57 ) (476 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and
equipment
5,705 3,385 16,416 85,837
Changes in non-cash working capital balances (1,367 ) (4,456 ) (6,773 ) (5,183 )
1,127 (24,997 ) (29,037 ) (58,167 )
Financing:
Proceeds from Senior Credit Facility 123,029 128,059
Repurchase of unsecured senior notes (158,921 ) (18,742 ) (204,386 ) (142,575 )
Share repurchase (8,183 ) (5,259 ) (8,183 )
Lease payments (1,987 ) (1,767 ) (5,612 ) (5,124 )
Debt amendment fees (22 ) (690 )
(37,901 ) (28,692 ) (87,888 ) (155,882 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (2,516 ) 314 (1,372 ) (1,994 )
Increase (decrease) in cash 2,660 13,181 103,084 (2,865 )
Cash, beginning of period 175,125 80,580 74,701 96,626
Cash, end of period $ 177,785 $ 93,761 $ 177,785 $ 93,761



CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2020 $ 2,296,378 $ 66,255 $ 134,255 $ (969,456 ) $ 1,527,432
Net loss for the period (82,620 ) (82,620 )
Other comprehensive income for the period 14,481 14,481
Share repurchases (5,259 ) (5,259 )
Redemption of non-management director DSUs 677 (502 ) 175
Share-based compensation reclassification (1,498 ) (1,498 )
Share-based compensation expense 8,842 8,842
Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 2,291,796 $ 73,097 $ 148,736 $ (1,052,076 ) $ 1,461,553

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 2,322,280 $ 52,332 $ 162,014 $ (978,874 ) $ 1,557,752
Lease transition adjustment 2,800 2,800
Net earnings for the period 7,679 7,679
Other comprehensive loss for the period (14,851 ) (14,851 )
Share repurchases (8,183 ) (8,183 )
Share-based compensation expense 10,250 10,250
Balance at September 30, 2019 $ 2,314,097 $ 62,582 $ 147,163 $ (968,395 ) $ 1,555,447



THIRD QUARTER 2020 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 Thursday, October 22, 2020.

The conference call dial in numbers are 1-844-515-9176 or 614-999-9312.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com by selecting “Investor Relations”, then “Webcasts & Presentations”. Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 60 days.

An archived version of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until October 28, 2020 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, passcode 4983760.

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 Super Series drilling rigs supported by an industry leading technology platform that offers the most innovative drilling solutions to deliver efficient, predictable and repeatable results through service differentiation. Precision also offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all 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 and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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

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Precision Drilling Corporation 2020 Third Quarter Results Conference Call and Webcast

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 05, 2020 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision”) intends to release its 2020 third quarter results before the market opens on Thursday, October 22, 2020 and has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 12:00 Noon MT (2:00 p.m. ET) on the same day.

The conference call dial in numbers are 844-515-9176 or 614-999-9312 (International) or a live webcast is accessible on our website at www.precisiondrilling.com

An archived version of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until October 28, 2020 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, passcode 4983760.

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 Super Series drilling rigs supported by an industry leading technology platform that offers the most innovative drilling solutions to deliver efficient, predictable and repeatable results through service differentiation. Precision also offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all 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, CFA
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations
403.716.4500

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

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Precision Announces the Release of 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 14, 2020 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) announced the release of its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report, detailing the performance of Precision’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Through equipment and process standardization and scalable application of a robust digital technology portfolio, Precision’s operations deliver consistency, reliability and efficiency, which not only lowers costs for customers, but also enables the Company to minimize its environmental impact. The Company’s social and community involvement, and governance initiatives, have enhanced its corporate brand, minimized the potential impact of unforeseen business interruptions, and serve to enhance its ability to recruit and retain the highest quality personnel. This Corporate Responsibility Report will be a valuable tool for investors and stakeholders to review Precision’s material ESG initiatives, performance and opportunities.

Key highlights from Precision’s reported results include:

  • Investing in our Super Series Rigs and Alpha technologies, where unique alignment exists among reducing operating costs, environmental footprint and GHG emissions.
  • Awarded the Data Insights Optimization Award by Hitachi for increasing efficiencies and reducing environmental footprint.
  • Participating in several “Green” partnerships including a geothermal technology project aimed at sustainable emission-free energy alternatives.
  • Continuing our unwavering focus on the health and safety of our people and our stakeholders.
  • Supporting an inclusive workplace which provides equal opportunity to all staff members.
  • Maintaining a leading role supporting our communities and numerous charitable initiatives.
  • Commitment to our robust governance practices throughout the organization.

A copy of the report can be accessed on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com/corporate-responsibility/

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 Super Series drilling rigs supported by an industry leading technology platform that offers the most innovative drilling solutions to deliver efficient, predictable and repeatable results through service differentiation. Precision also offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all 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, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6136

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
403.716.4515

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

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Precision Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 21, 2020 — Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX“) has approved its intention to implement a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB“) through the facilities of the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange for a portion of its common shares (“Common Shares“). The NCIB effectively renews the existing NCIB, which is scheduled to terminate on August 26, 2020. Precision believes the NCIB continues to represent another tool for the Company to enhance the value of its underlying shares.

Pursuant to the renewed NCIB, the Company has been authorized by the TSX to acquire up to a maximum of 23,997,668 Common Shares, or approximately 10% of the public float as of August 14, 2020 for cancellation. Purchases under the NCIB may commence on August 27, 2020 and will terminate no later than August 26, 2021, or such earlier time as the Company completes its purchases pursuant to the NCIB or provides notice of termination.

Purchases under the NCIB will be made through the facilities of the TSX and the NYSE or alternative trading platforms and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements at a price per Common Share representative of the market price at the time of acquisition. The number of Common Shares that can be purchased pursuant to the NCIB is subject to a current daily maximum of 390,304 Common Shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the six full calendar months ending July 31, 2020), subject to the Company’s ability to make one block purchase of Common Shares per calendar week that exceeds such limits. All Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled after their purchase. The Company intends to fund the purchases out of its available resources.

Pursuant to its existing NCIB, under which the Company has approval from the TSX to purchase up to 29,170,887 Common Shares for the period of August 27, 2019 to August 26, 2020, the Company has purchased 19,586,159 Common Shares on the TSX, NYSE and alternative trading platforms at a weighted average purchase price of CAD$1.59 per Common Share.

The Company intends to enter into an automatic securities purchase plan effective August 27, 2020 under which its broker may purchase Common Shares in connection with the NCIB. The plan will contain a prearranged set of criteria in accordance with which its broker may make Common Share purchases. These strict parameters enable the purchase of Common Shares during times when it would ordinarily not be permitted due to self-imposed blackout periods, insider trading rules or otherwise. Such plan is adopted in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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 Super Series drilling rigs supported by an industry leading technology platform that offers the most innovative drilling solutions to deliver efficient, predictable and repeatable results through service differentiation. Precision also offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services all 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”.

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 entering in to of an automatic securities purchase plan and advantages of the NCIB.

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:

  • the impact of COVID-19 on our operations;
  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive disadvantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • the effects of seasonal and weather conditions on our operations and facilities;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Carey Ford, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6136

Dustin Honing, CPA
Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
403.716.4515

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

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Precision Drilling Corporation Announces 2020 Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, July 23, 2020 — 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 Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant EBITDA, Operating Earnings (Loss), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations and Working Capital. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see “Non-GAAP Measures” later in this news release.

Precision Drilling announces 2020 second quarter financial results:

  • Revenue of $190 million was a decrease of 47% compared with the second quarter of 2019.
  • Net loss of $49 million or negative $0.18 per diluted share compared with a net loss of $14 million or negative $0.05 per diluted share in 2019.
  • Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA, see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $58 million as compared with $81 million in the second quarter of 2019.
  • Generated cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $104 million and $27 million, respectively.
  • Second quarter ending cash balance was $175 million, an increase of $78 million from March 31, 2020.
  • Second quarter capital expenditures were $24 million.
  • Reduced our unsecured senior notes balance by $5 million and drew $5 million under our Senior Credit Facility.
  • In U.S., recognized US$8 million of idle but contracted rig revenue and US$8 million of contract cancellation fees of which US$2 million pertained to second quarter contracted days.
  • Recognized restructuring charges of $6 million and Government of Canada wage subsidies of $9 million.
  • To secure our liquidity position, on April 9, 2020, we amended our Senior Credit Facility to provide temporary covenant relief through March 31, 2022.

Precision’s President and CEO Kevin Neveu stated:

“The immediate and decisive steps the Precision team has executed during this pandemic and economic crisis have delivered very strong financial and operational results. Our actions have further strengthened and positioned the company both financially and competitively for an eventual industry recovery. During the second quarter we generated $58 million in Adjusted EBITDA and cash from operations of $104 million with our results further supported by field performance and operational excellence in all parts of our business. Also during the quarter, we improved our liquidity position by increasing our cash balance to $175 million bringing our total liquidity available to nearly $900 million, which supports our ability to persevere through a prolonged market downturn and capture value in a market recovery.”

“During the quarter, we executed structural cost reductions beyond those previously announced, which we expect will lead to an additional $14 million in annualized savings. We now expect our total annualized fixed cost reductions to be 35%, an increase from our previous target of 30% and our normalized general and administrative expense savings to exceed $30 million. We expect these cash preservation measures, combined with capital expenditure reductions and Canadian wage subsidy program, will reduce total 2020 cash outflows by up to $150 million, an increase from our previously communicated target of over $100 million. We will continue to explore every avenue to reduce our costs and spending and conserve cash to keep Precision on track to meet long-term debt reduction goals and support our High Performance, High Value competitive strategy.”

“Second quarter U.S. operating results reflected improved field margins delivered with tightly managed expenses and strong contract book performance, both critical in this challenged environment. While industry activity appears to be flattening, visibility remains limited for the second half of the year. In Canada, Precision achieved 36% market share during the second quarter driven by our Super Triple rig fleet, which is well-positioned for pad style development drilling activity in the Montney and Duvernay. We expect the third quarter seasonal rebound in Canada to remain muted with limited visibility into long-term customer demand. While global international rig activity is contracting sharply, we expect Precision’s six rigs under long-term contract in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to remain stable sources of revenue. Additional rig deployment and re-contracting opportunities will be delayed until the customers in these regions fully return to work.”

“Precision’s Alpha technologies continue to demonstrate exceptional field results, driving strong customer interest and field adoption of our broad portfolio of digital solutions. During the second quarter, we commercialized two additional drilling apps for a total of six commercial apps this year and we have 12 more under development. This year we have utilized AlphaApps on over 110 wells throughout North America, generating 890 AlphaApp days. Additionally, we are utilizing AlphaAnalytics for an integrated oil company in the Delaware basin and reduced drilling time on a 28-day horizontal well by 4.1 days, setting a new efficiency benchmark. In the Haynesville basin, we applied AlphaAnalytics to a separate customer’s full fleet of rigs and delivered an 8% improvement in drilling times compared to results achieved in the first quarter. AlphaAnalytics, AlphaApps and the AlphaAutomation platform are functioning on over half of our active North American fleet today and the drilling performance enhancements are inarguable. We believe the Alpha digital enablement of the drilling rig process to be the single most important technology transformation our customers can leverage to reduce their well construction costs and we believe this may be the ideal market to capitalize on these initiatives.”

“We will remain focused on the continued execution of our strategic priorities, including our 2020 deleveraging targets while preserving our strong liquidity position. We will concentrate on maximizing cash flow, stringently managing costs, leveraging our high-quality fleet and collaborating with our customers to utilize our Alpha portfolio to maximize efficiencies and deliver predictable, repeatable results” concluded Mr. Neveu.

IMPACT OF COVID-19

In March 2020, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Governments worldwide, including those countries in which Precision operates, have enacted emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing, have caused a material disruption to businesses globally resulting in an economic slowdown and decreased demand for oil. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions; however, the long-term success of these interventions is not yet determinable.

As a result of the decrease in demand, worldwide inventories of oil have increased significantly. However, in the second quarter voluntary production restraint from national oil companies and governments of oil-producing nations along with curtailments in the U.S. and Canada have shifted global oil markets from a position of over supply to inventory draws. The situation remains dynamic and the ultimate duration and magnitude of the impact on the economy and the financial effect on the Corporation remains unknown at this time.

SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Financial Highlights
For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 189,759 359,424 (47.2 ) 569,243 793,467 (28.3 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 58,465 81,037 (27.9 ) 160,369 189,004 (15.2 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (19,189 ) 5,569 (444.6 ) 3,410 67,643 (95.0 )
Net earnings (loss) (48,867 ) (13,801 ) 254.1 (54,144 ) 11,213 (582.9 )
Cash provided by operations 104,478 106,035 (1.5 ) 179,431 146,622 22.4
Funds provided by operations(1) 26,639 40,950 (34.9 ) 107,956 136,943 (21.2 )
Capital spending:
Expansion and upgrade 12,111 33,595 (63.9 ) 13,764 99,712 (86.2 )
Maintenance and infrastructure 11,816 9,874 19.7 21,648 14,719 47.1
Intangibles 26 (100.0 ) 57 464 (87.7 )
Proceeds on sale (5,021 ) (24,575 ) (79.6 ) (10,711 ) (82,452 ) (87.0 )
Net capital spending 18,906 18,920 (0.1 ) 24,758 32,443 (23.7 )
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (0.18 ) (0.05 ) 256.4 (0.20 ) 0.04 (600.0 )
Diluted (0.18 ) (0.05 ) 256.4 (0.20 ) 0.04 (600.0 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

Operating Highlights
For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Contract drilling rig fleet 227 232 (2.2 ) 227 232 (2.2 )
Drilling rig utilization days:
U.S. 2,743 6,994 (60.8 ) 7,727 14,117 (45.3 )
Canada 834 2,413 (65.4 ) 6,603 6,757 (2.3 )
International 687 728 (5.6 ) 1,415 1,448 (2.3 )
Revenue per utilization day:
U.S.(1) (US$) 29,370 23,425 25.4 25,828 23,312 10.8
Canada(2) (Cdn$) 22,940 21,613 6.1 21,633 22,490 (3.8 )
International (US$) 54,779 51,542 6.3 54,529 50,746 7.5
Operating cost per utilization day:
U.S. (US$) 14,172 14,803 (4.3 ) 14,406 14,584 (1.2 )
Canada (Cdn$) 13,898 17,414 (20.2 ) 14,196 15,840 (10.4 )
Service rig fleet 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 4,702 29,540 (84.1 ) 39,067 72,438 (46.1 )

(1) Includes revenue from idle but contracted rig days and contract cancellation fees.
(2) Includes lump sum contract shortfall revenue.

Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) June 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Working capital(1) 237,867 201,696
Cash 175,125 74,701
Long-term debt 1,450,900 1,427,181
Total long-term financial liabilities 1,521,067 1,500,950
Total assets 3,204,233 3,269,840
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio 0.49 0.48

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

Summary for the three months ended June 30, 2020:

  • Revenue this quarter was $190 million which is 47% lower than the second quarter of 2019. Our decreased revenue was primarily the result of lower activity across all operating segments. Industry drilling activity steeply declined in the second quarter of 2020 as customers reduced drilling programs in response to the global economic slowdown. Compared with the second quarter of 2019, our activity, as measured by drilling rig utilization days, decreased by 61% in the U.S., 65% in Canada and 6% internationally.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $58 million for the quarter was a decrease of $23 million from the previous year and was primarily due to lower activity. As a percentage of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA was 31% compared with 23% in the comparative quarter. The improved percentage was primarily due to U.S. contract cancellation fees, increased idle but contracted rig payments and Canadian wage subsidies partially offset by higher restructuring costs and share-based compensation charges. See discussion on share-based incentive compensation under “Other Items” later in this release for additional details.
  • Operating loss (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) this quarter was $19 million compared with operating earnings of $6 million in the second quarter of 2019. Our operating earnings in the prior year quarter were positively impacted by higher activity levels.
  • General and administrative expenses this quarter were $18 million, $8 million lower than in 2019. Our lower general and administrative costs in 2020 were primarily due to lower overhead costs as we continued to align our cost structure to reflect reduced global activity and the impact of Canadian wage subsidies.
  • Restructuring charges were $6 million as compared to nil in 2019.
  • Net finance charges were $28 million, a decrease of $2 million compared with the second quarter of 2019 and primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt, offset by the impact of the weakening of the Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest.
  • In the second quarter of 2020, revenue per utilization day in the U.S. increased to US$29,370 from US$23,425 in 2019. The increase was primarily the result of higher revenues from contract cancellation fees, idle but contracted rigs and turnkey drilling. We had second quarter revenue from contract cancellation fees, idle but contracted rigs and turnkey projects of US$8 million, US$8 million and US$3 million, respectively, as compared with nil, US$1 million and nil, respectively in 2019. Operating costs on a per day basis decreased to US$14,172 in the second quarter of 2020 compared with US$14,803 in 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower repairs and maintenance partially offset by increased turnkey activity. On a sequential basis, revenue per utilization day, excluding revenue from contract cancellations, idle but contracted rigs and turnkey activity were in line with the first quarter. Operating costs per day decreased by US$362 due to lower repairs and maintenance partially offset by turnkey drilling costs.
  • In Canada, average revenue per utilization day for contract drilling rigs was $22,940 compared with $21,613 in the second quarter of 2019. The higher average revenue per utilization day in the second quarter of 2020 was primarily due to rig mix partially offset by lower contract shortfall revenue. During the quarter, we did not recognize any contract shortfall revenue compared with $1 million in 2019. Average operating costs per utilization day for drilling rigs in Canada decreased to $13,898 compared with the prior year quarter of $17,414. The decrease was mainly caused by the impact of the Canadian wage subsidy programs partially offset by fixed operating overheads being spread over fewer utilization days. During the quarter, we recognized Canadian wage subsidies of $4 million which lowered our operating costs per utilization day by $5,173.
  • We realized revenue from international contract drilling of US$38 million in the second quarter of 2020, consistent with the prior year quarter. Average revenue per utilization day in our international contract drilling business increased 6% to US$54,779 from the comparable prior year quarter, primarily due to rate increases from the commencement, renewal and extension of drilling contracts.
  • Cash and funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) in the second quarter of 2020 were $104 million and $27 million, respectively, compared to $106 million and $41 million in the prior year comparative.
  • Capital expenditures were $24 million in the second quarter, a decrease of $20 million over the same period in 2019. Capital spending for the quarter included $12 million for upgrade and expansion capital and $12 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure spending and intangibles.

Summary for the six months ended June 30, 2020:

  • Revenue for the first half of 2020 was $569 million, a decrease of 28% from the comparative 2019 period.
  • Operating earnings (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) were $3 million, a decrease of $64 million from the same period in 2019. As a percentage of revenue, operating earnings were 1% compared with 9% in 2019. Operating results this year were negatively impacted by lower activity.
  • General and administrative costs were $38 million, a decrease of $19 million from 2019. The decrease was due to lower overhead costs as a result of our restructuring activities and lower share-based compensation.
  • Net finance charges were $56 million, a decrease of $6 million from 2019 primarily due to a reduction in interest expense related to retired debt partially offset by the weakening of the Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest expense.
  • Cash provided by operations was $179 million in 2020 as compared with $147 million in 2019. Funds provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) in the first half of 2020 were $108 million, a decrease of $29 million from the prior year comparative period of $137 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $35 million for the first half of 2020, a decrease of $79 million over the same period in 2019. Capital spending for the first half of 2020 included $14 million for upgrade and expansion capital and $22 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure spending and intangibles.

STRATEGY

Precision’s strategic priorities for 2020 are as follows:

  1. Generate strong free cash flow and reduce debt by $100 million to $150 million in 2020 – In the second quarter of 2020, Precision generated $104 million of cash provided by operations (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) and $5 million of cash proceeds from the divestiture of non-core assets. We increased our cash balance by $78 million during the quarter, exiting with a cash balance of $175 million, compared to $97 million at March 31, 2020. We will place a high priority on maintaining a strong liquidity position and will continue to reduce debt levels once visibility improves.
  2. Demonstrate operational excellence in all aspects of our business – In Canada, we continued at record level market share of 36% and reported operating margins (revenue less operating costs) of $9,042 per utilization day. In the U.S., we lowered field costs and leveraged our contract book to generate reported operating margins of US$15,198 per utilization day. Internationally, we maintained stable activity, averaging eight active drilling rigs, and recorded average day rates of US$54,779.
  3. Leverage our Alpha Technology platform as a competitive differentiator and source of financial returns – As at June 30, 2020, we have 38 field-deployed rigs equipped with our AlphaAutomation platform which have drilled 316 wells in 2020. Since 2017, we have drilled approximately 1,500 wells with AlphaAutomation and currently have 18 AlphaApps available, of which six are commercial. In 2020, we have drilled over 110 wells with AlphaApps, generating 890 AlphaApp days, further allowing us to differentiate our High Performance, High Value offering. We are currently utilizing AlphaAnalytics for an integrated oil company in the Delaware basin and have reduced drilling time on a 28-day horizontal well by 4.1 days, setting a new drilling efficiency benchmark. With a separate customer in the Haynesville basin, we applied AlphaAnalytics to their full fleet of rigs and delivered an 8% improvement in drilling times compared to results achieved in the first quarter. AlphaAnalytics, AlphaApps and the AlphaAutomation platform are functioning on over half of our active North American fleet today.

OUTLOOK

The energy industry continues to have a challenging outlook as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant global oil supply imbalances and near-term crude oil price volatility. Our customers have responded by materially reducing capital spending leading to a rapid reduction in global oilfield service activity levels. In this reduced-activity environment, our customers remain focused on operational efficiencies. We anticipate this will accelerate the industry’s transition towards service providers with the highest performing assets and competitive digital technology offerings. Pursuit of predictable and repeatable results will further drive field application of drilling automation processes to create additional cost efficiencies and performance value for customers.

Precision continues to closely monitor announcements of available government financial support and economic stimulus programs. We are encouraged by the Government of Canada’s $1.7 billion well site abandonment and rehabilitation program, which will support industry activity levels and provide thousands of jobs throughout western Canada. The program is expected to run through to the end of 2022 with government funds being provided in stages. As the use of service rigs is an integral part of the well abandonment process, we believe our well servicing business is well positioned to capture these opportunities as a result of our scale, operational performance and strong safety record.

On April 1, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, which would subsidize 75% of employee wages for Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19. The program is intended to help employers re-hire previously laid off workers, prevent further job losses and better position Canadian businesses to resume normal operations. Under this program in the second quarter of 2020, we recognized $9 million of CEWS subsidies that were presented as reductions to operating and general and administrative expense of $6 million and $3 million, respectively. The Government of Canada recently indicated its continued support of this program through to the end of the year. We expect to participate in the third and fourth quarter of 2020 and receive similar levels of wage subsidies as recognized in the second quarter.

Contracts

Year to date in 2020 we have entered into ten term contracts. The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under contract by quarter as of July 22, 2020. For those quarters ending after June 30, 2020, this chart represents the minimum number of long-term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional contracts and certain customers elect to pay contract cancellation fees.

Average for the quarter ended 2019 Average for the quarter ended 2020
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
Average rigs under term contract as of July 22, 2020:
U.S. 56 52 49 41 41 32 26 22
Canada 8 5 5 5 5 4 3 3
International 8 8 9 9 8 8 6 6
Total 72 65 63 55 54 44 35 31

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had under contract for 2019 and the average number of rigs we have under contract as of July 22, 2020.

Average for the year ended
2019 2020 2021
Average rigs under term contract as of July 22, 2020:
U.S. 49 30 6
Canada 6 4 2
International 9 7 6
Total 64 41 14

In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per year because of the seasonal nature of well site access. In most regions in the U.S. and internationally, term contracts normally generate 365 utilization days per year.

Drilling Activity

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs that we had working or moving by quarter for the periods noted.

Average for the quarter ended 2019 2020
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30
Average Precision active rig count:
U.S. 79 77 72 63 55 30
Canada 48 27 42 43 63 9
International 8 8 9 9 8 8
Total 135 112 123 115 126 47

According to industry sources, as of July 22, 2020, the U.S. active land drilling rig count is down 74% from the same point last year and the Canadian active land drilling rig count is down 73%. To date in 2020, approximately 82% of the U.S. industry’s active rigs and 58% of the Canadian industry’s active rigs were drilling for oil targets, compared with 81% for the U.S. and 58% for Canada at the same time last year.

Capital Spending

Capital spending in 2020 is expected to be $48 million and includes $34 million for sustaining, infrastructure and intangibles and $14 million for upgrade and expansion. We expect that the $48 million will be split $45 million in the Contract Drilling Services segment, $3 million in the Completion and Production Services segment and less than $1 million to the Corporate segment. At June 30, 2020, Precision had capital commitments of $113 million with payments expected through to 2022.

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rig, directional drilling, 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 June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue:
Contract Drilling Services 184,738 334,475 (44.8 ) 531,287 713,739 (25.6 )
Completion and Production Services 5,525 26,145 (78.9 ) 39,188 81,964 (52.2 )
Inter-segment eliminations (504 ) (1,196 ) (57.9 ) (1,232 ) (2,236 ) (44.9 )
189,759 359,424 (47.2 ) 569,243 793,467 (28.3 )
Adjusted EBITDA:(1)
Contract Drilling Services 74,613 93,295 (20.0 ) 185,346 211,750 (12.5 )
Completion and Production Services (1,220 ) 2,781 (143.9 ) 2,015 13,299 (84.8 )
Corporate and Other (14,928 ) (15,039 ) (0.7 ) (26,992 ) (36,045 ) (25.1 )
58,465 81,037 (27.9 ) 160,369 189,004 (15.2 )

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES
For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 184,738 334,475 (44.8 ) 531,287 713,739 (25.6 )
Expenses:
Operating 101,498 231,422 (56.1 ) 323,827 477,937 (32.2 )
General and administrative 6,083 9,758 (37.7 ) 14,853 21,006 (29.3 )
Restructuring 2,544 n/m 7,261 3,046 138.4
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 74,613 93,295 (20.0 ) 185,346 211,750 (12.5 )
Depreciation 74,062 75,155 (1.5 ) 149,786 153,154 (2.2 )
Gain on asset disposals (3,091 ) (4,271 ) (27.6 ) (5,933 ) (39,272 ) (84.9 )
Impairment reversal n/m (5,810 ) (100.0 )
Operating earnings(1) 3,642 22,411 (83.7 ) 41,493 103,678 (60.0 )
Operating earnings(1) as a percentage of revenue 2.0 % 6.7 % 7.8 % 14.5 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.
n/m Not meaningful

United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 55 764 79 1,023
June 30 30 378 77 967
Year to date average 42 571 78 995

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

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2020 2019
Precision Industry(2) Precision Industry(2)
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:
March 31 63 196 48 183
June 30 9 25 27 82
Year to date average 36 110 37 132

(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Baker Hughes rig counts.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
Revenue 5,525 26,145 (78.9 ) 39,188 81,964 (52.2 )
Expenses:
Operating 5,558 21,823 (74.5 ) 32,184 64,956 (50.5 )
General and administrative 915 1,541 (40.6 ) 2,394 3,252 (26.4 )
Restructuring 272 n/m 2,595 457 467.8
Adjusted EBITDA(1) (1,220 ) 2,781 (143.9 ) 2,015 13,299 (84.8 )
Depreciation 4,119 4,341 (5.1 ) 8,402 9,290 (9.6 )
Gain on asset disposals (262 ) (3,546 ) (92.6 ) (1,001 ) (3,602 ) (72.2 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) (5,077 ) 1,986 (355.6 ) (5,386 ) 7,611 (170.8 )
Operating earnings (loss)(1) as a percentage of revenue (91.9 )% 7.6 % (13.7 )% 9.3 %
Well servicing statistics:
Number of service rigs (end of period) 123 123 123 123
Service rig operating hours 4,702 29,540 (84.1 ) 39,067 72,438 (46.1 )
Service rig operating hour utilization 4 % 26 % 17 % 31 %

(1) See “NON-GAAP MEASURES”.
n/m Not meaningful

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CORPORATE AND OTHER

Our Corporate and Other segment provides support functions to our operating segments. The Corporate and Other segment had negative Adjusted EBITDA (see “NON-GAAP MEASURES”) of $15 million, slightly lower than the second quarter of 2019 primarily due to Canadian wage subsidies offset by higher share-based compensation expense and increased restructuring charges. During the second quarter of 2020, we incurred $3 million of restructuring charges and recognized $2 million of Canadian wage subsidies.

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 2019 Annual Report.

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

For the three months
ended June 30,
For the six months
ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash settled share-based incentive plans 5,372 515 (1,021 ) 6,319
Equity settled share-based incentive plans:
Executive PSU 2,959 3,024 5,694 5,396
Stock option plan 168 506 554 1,237
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense 8,499 4,045 5,227 12,952
Allocated:
Operating 1,987 798 1,014 3,227
General and Administrative 6,512 3,247 4,213 9,725
8,499 4,045 5,227 12,952

Cash settled shared-based compensation expense increased by $5 million in the current quarter primarily due to our increasing share price. Our total equity settled share-based compensation expense for the second quarter of 2020 was $3 million, slightly lower than 2019 due to vesting of stock options granted in prior years.

Finance Charges

Net finance charges were $28 million, a decrease of $2 million compared with the second quarter of 2019, primarily due to reduced interest expense related to retired debt, offset by the impact of the weakening of the Canadian dollar on our U.S. dollar denominated interest.

Interest charges on our U.S. denominated long-term debt in the second quarter of 2020 were US$19 million ($26 million) as compared with US$21 million ($28 million) in 2019.

Income Tax

Income tax expense for the quarter was $4 million compared with a recovery of $6 million in the same quarter in 2019. The higher income tax expense in the second quarter of 2020 was the result of not recognizing the benefit of $14 million on Canadian deferred tax assets.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Amount Availability Used for Maturity
Senior credit facility (secured)
US$500 million (extendible, revolving
term credit facility with US$300 million accordion feature)
US$4 million drawn and US$32 million in outstanding letters of credit General corporate purposes November 21, 2023
Operating facilities (secured)
$40 million Undrawn, except $8 million in
outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit and general
corporate purposes
US$15 million Undrawn Short term working capital
requirements
Demand letter of credit facility (secured)
US$30 million Undrawn, except US$2 million
in outstanding letters of credit
Letters of credit
Unsecured senior notes (unsecured)
US$63 million – 6.5% Fully drawn Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
December 15, 2021
US$344 million – 7.75% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases December 15, 2023
US$303 million – 5.25% Fully drawn Capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes
November 15, 2024
US$368 million – 7.125% Fully drawn Debt redemption and repurchases January 15, 2026

As at June 30, 2020, we had US$1,080 million ($1,467 million) outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility and unsecured senior notes as compared with US$1,113 million ($1,445 million) at December 31, 2019. During the first half of 2020, we redeemed US$25 million principal amount and repurchased and cancelled US$3 million of our 6.50% unsecured senior notes due 2021, repurchased and cancelled US$5 million of our 5.25% unsecured senior notes due 2024, US$2 million of our 7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2026 and US$1 million of our 7.75% unsecured senior notes due 2023 and we drew US$4 million on our Senior Credit Facility. The weakening of the Canadian dollar resulted in $64 million of additional stated debt such that at June 30, 2020, we had $1,462 million of outstanding unsecured senior notes and $16 million in unamortized debt issue costs.

The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is approximately 6.7%.

Covenants

Following is a listing of our applicable Senior Credit Facility financial covenants and the calculations as at June 30, 2020:

Covenant At June 30, 2020
Senior Credit Facility
Consolidated senior debt to consolidated covenant EBITDA(1) < 2.50 (0.23 )
Consolidated covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense(1) > 2.50 3.39

(1) For purposes of calculating the leverage ratio consolidated senior debt only includes secured indebtedness.

At June 30, 2020, we were in compliance with the covenants of our Senior Credit Facility.

Senior Credit Facility

On April 9, 2020 we agreed with the lenders of our Senior Credit Facility to reduce the consolidated Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense coverage ratio for the most recent four consecutive quarters greater than or equal to 2.5:1 to 2.0:1 for the period ending September 30, 2020, 1.75:1 for the period ending December 31, 2020, 1.25:1 for the periods ending March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2021, 1.75:1, for the period ending December 31, 2021, 2.0:1 for the period ending March 31, 2022 and 2.5:1 for periods ending thereafter.

During the covenant relief period, Precision’s distributions in the form of dividends, distributions and share repurchases are restricted to a maximum of US$15 million in 2020 and US$25 million in each of 2021 and 2022, subject to a pro forma senior net leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of less than or equal to 1.75:1.

In addition, during 2021, the North American and acceptable secured foreign assets must directly account for at least 65% of consolidated Covenant EBITDA calculated quarterly on a rolling twelve-month basis, increasing to 70% thereafter. Precision also has the option to voluntarily terminate the covenant relief period prior to its March 31, 2022 end date.

The Senior Credit Facility limits the redemption and repurchase of junior debt subject to a pro forma senior net leverage covenant test of less than or equal to 1.75:1.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

In this release we reference non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. 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.

Adjusted EBITDA

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, gain on assets disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in the Interim Consolidated Statement of Net Earnings (Loss), 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.

Covenant EBITDA

Covenant EBITDA, as defined in our Senior Credit Facility agreement, is used in determining the Corporation’s compliance with its covenants. Covenant EBITDA differs from Adjusted EBITDA by the exclusion of bad debt expense, restructuring costs, certain foreign exchange amounts and the deduction of cash lease payments incurred after December 31, 2018.

Operating Earnings (Loss)

We believe that operating earnings (loss) 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. Operating earnings is calculated as follows:

For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue 189,759 359,424 569,243 793,467
Expenses:
Operating 106,552 252,049 354,779 540,657
General and administrative 18,449 26,338 37,984 57,368
Restructuring 6,293 16,111 6,438
Depreciation and amortization 81,124 83,327 164,038 170,080
Gain on asset disposals (3,470 ) (7,859 ) (7,079 ) (42,909 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Operating earnings (loss) (19,189 ) 5,569 3,410 67,643
Foreign exchange (928 ) (3,763 ) 1,763 (5,886 )
Finance charges 28,083 30,385 55,663 61,688
Gain on repurchase of unsecured notes (1,121 ) (1,085 ) (1,971 ) (1,398 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (45,223 ) (19,968 ) (52,045 ) 13,239

Funds Provided By (Used In) Operations

We believe that funds provided by (used in) operations, as reported in the Interim 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.

Working Capital

We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities as reported on the Interim Consolidated Statement 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:

  • our strategic priorities for 2020;
  • our capital expenditure plans for 2020;
  • anticipated activity levels in 2020 and our scheduled infrastructure projects;
  • anticipated demand for Tier 1 rigs;
  • the average number of term contracts in place for 2020 and 2021;
  • anticipated cash outflow savings and liquidity;
  • potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals; and
  • our future debt reduction plans.

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

  • the fluctuation in oil prices may pressure customers into reducing or limiting their drilling budgets;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
  • customer focus on safety performance;
  • existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
  • our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis; and
  • the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • the success of our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic;
  • changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
  • shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
  • liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
  • availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
  • the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
  • competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
  • general economic, market or business conditions;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $ 175,125 $ 74,701
Accounts receivable 192,645 310,204
Inventory 31,502 31,718
Income tax recoverable 1,194 1,142
Total current assets 400,466 417,765
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets 6,011 4,724
Right of use assets 63,412 66,142
Property, plant and equipment 2,704,377 2,749,463
Intangibles 29,967 31,746
Total non-current assets 2,803,767 2,852,075
Total assets $ 3,204,233 $ 3,269,840
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 148,139 $ 199,478
Income taxes payable 4,285 4,142
Current portion of lease obligation 10,175 12,449
Total current liabilities 162,599 216,069
Non-current liabilities:
Share-based compensation 4,785 8,830
Provisions and other 9,655 9,959
Lease obligation 55,727 54,980
Long-term debt 1,450,900 1,427,181
Deferred tax liabilities 26,152 25,389
Total non-current liabilities 1,547,219 1,526,339
Shareholders’ equity:
Shareholders’ capital 2,291,796 2,296,378
Contributed surplus 70,503 66,255
Deficit (1,023,600 ) (969,456 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income 155,716 134,255
Total shareholders’ equity 1,494,415 1,527,432
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,204,233 $ 3,269,840


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

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Revenue $ 189,759 $ 359,424 $ 569,243 $ 793,467
Expenses:
Operating 106,552 252,049 354,779 540,657
General and administrative 18,449 26,338 37,984 57,368
Restructuring 6,293 16,111 6,438
Earnings before income taxes, gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes, finance charges, foreign exchange, impairment reversal, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization 58,465 81,037 160,369 189,004
Depreciation and amortization 81,124 83,327 164,038 170,080
Gain on asset disposals (3,470 ) (7,859 ) (7,079 ) (42,909 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange (928 ) (3,763 ) 1,763 (5,886 )
Finance charges 28,083 30,385 55,663 61,688
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (1,121 ) (1,085 ) (1,971 ) (1,398 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (45,223 ) (19,968 ) (52,045 ) 13,239
Income taxes:
Current 2,116 1,403 3,175 3,013
Deferred 1,528 (7,570 ) (1,076 ) (987 )
3,644 (6,167 ) 2,099 2,026
Net earnings (loss) $ (48,867 ) $ (13,801 ) $ (54,144 ) $ 11,213
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.18 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.04
Diluted $ (0.18 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.04


CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net earnings (loss) $ (48,867 ) $ (13,801 ) $ (54,144 ) $ 11,213
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency (71,311 ) (42,846 ) 85,697 (91,364 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt, net of tax 53,920 29,859 (64,236 ) 68,873
Comprehensive loss $ (66,258 ) $ (26,788 ) $ (32,683 ) $ (11,278 )


CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
Net earnings (loss) $ (48,867 ) $ (13,801 ) $ (54,144 ) $ 11,213
Adjustments for:
Long-term compensation plans 6,324 3,612 5,621 10,924
Depreciation and amortization 81,124 83,327 164,038 170,080
Gain on asset disposals (3,470 ) (7,859 ) (7,079 ) (42,909 )
Impairment reversal (5,810 )
Foreign exchange (1,718 ) (3,880 ) 1,154 (6,118 )
Finance charges 28,083 30,385 55,663 61,688
Income taxes 3,644 (6,167 ) 2,099 2,026
Other (823 ) (281 ) (763 ) (159 )
Gain on repurchase of unsecured senior notes (1,121 ) (1,085 ) (1,971 ) (1,398 )
Income taxes paid (3,128 ) (3,550 ) (3,948 ) (3,887 )
Income taxes recovered 1,071
Interest paid (33,548 ) (40,263 ) (53,043 ) (60,496 )
Interest received 139 512 329 718
Funds provided by operations 26,639 40,950 107,956 136,943
Changes in non-cash working capital balances 77,839 65,085 71,475 9,679
104,478 106,035 179,431 146,622
Investments:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (23,927 ) (43,469 ) (35,412 ) (114,431 )
Purchase of intangibles (26 ) (57 ) (464 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and
equipment
5,021 24,575 10,711 82,452
Changes in non-cash working capital balances (1,880 ) 2,536 (5,406 ) (727 )
(20,786 ) (16,384 ) (30,164 ) (33,170 )
Financing:
Proceeds from senior credit facility 5,030 5,030
Repurchase of unsecured senior notes (4,911 ) (107,161 ) (45,465 ) (123,833 )
Share repurchase (15 ) (5,259 )
Lease payments (1,897 ) (1,685 ) (3,625 ) (3,357 )
Debt amendment fees (647 ) (668 )
(2,440 ) (108,846 ) (49,987 ) (127,190 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (3,129 ) (1,255 ) 1,144 (2,308 )
Increase in cash 78,123 (20,450 ) 100,424 (16,046 )
Cash, beginning of period 97,002 101,030 74,701 96,626
Cash, end of period $ 175,125 $ 80,580 $ 175,125 $ 80,580


CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2020 $ 2,296,378 $ 66,255 $ 134,255 $ (969,456 ) $ 1,527,432
Net loss for the period (54,144 ) (54,144 )
Other comprehensive income for the period 21,461 21,461
Share repurchases (5,259 ) (5,259 )
Redemption of non-management director DSUs 677 (502 ) 175
Share-based compensation reclassification (1,498 ) (1,498 )
Share-based compensation expense 6,248 6,248
Balance at June 30, 2020 $ 2,291,796 $ 70,503 $ 155,716 $ (1,023,600 ) $ 1,494,415

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) Shareholders’
Capital
Contributed
Surplus
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Deficit Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2019 $ 2,322,280 $ 52,332 $ 162,014 $ (978,874 ) $ 1,557,752
Lease transition adjustment 2,800 2,800
Net earnings for the period 11,213 11,213
Other comprehensive loss for the period (22,491 ) (22,491 )
Share-based compensation expense 6,633 6,633
Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 2,322,280 $ 58,965 $ 139,523 $ (964,861 ) $ 1,555,907


SECOND QUARTER 2020 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 Thursday, July 23, 2020.

The conference call dial in numbers are 1-844-515-9176 or 614-999-9312.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Precision’s website at www.precisiondrilling.com by selecting “Investor Relations”, then “Webcasts & Presentations”. Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 60 days.

An archived version of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days. An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until July 29, 2020 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, passcode 5483895.

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 Super Series drilling rigs supported by an industry leading technology platform that offers innovative drilling solutions to deliver efficient, predictable and repeatable results through service differentiation. Precision also offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment and directional drilling services, all 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 and Chief Financial Officer
713.435.6100

Dustin Honing, Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
403.716.4500

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

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