Precision Drilling Announces 2025 First Quarter Unaudited Financial Results

CALGARY, Alberta, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This news release contains “forward-looking information and statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For a full disclosure of the forward-looking information and statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements” later in this news release. This news release contains references to certain Financial Measures and Ratios, including Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Funds Provided by (Used in) Operations, Net Capital Spending, Working Capital and Total Long-term Financial Liabilities. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See “Financial Measures and Ratios” later in this news release.

Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Company”) (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) announces 2025 first quarter results, confirms shareholder return targets, and lowers 2025 capital budget.

Financial Highlights

  • Revenue in the first quarter was $496 million compared to $528 million realized in the same period last year as strong drilling activity in Canada was offset by lower U.S. drilling activity.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $137 million and included $3 million of restructuring costs and $3 million of share-based compensation expense. In 2024, first quarter Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $143 million and included share-based compensation expense of $23 million.
  • First quarter net earnings attributable to shareholders was $35 million or $2.52 per share and comparable to $37 million or $2.53 per share in 2024. Precision has consistently delivered positive net earnings since mid-2022.
  • Cash provided by operations during the quarter was $63 million, allowing the Company to repurchase $31 million of common shares and repay $17 million of debt.
  • Capital expenditures were $60 million and the Company has lowered its 2025 capital budget to $200 million versus the $225 million previously announced.
  • Precision remains committed to repaying at least $100 million of debt in 2025 and allocating 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, to share buybacks.

Operational Highlights

  • Canada’s activity averaged 74 drilling rigs in the first quarter and surpassed the 73 active rigs in the same period last year.
  • Canadian revenue per utilization day was $35,601 and comparable to the $35,596 in the first quarter of 2024.
  • U.S. activity averaged 30 drilling rigs compared to 38 in the same period last year.
  • U.S. revenue per utilization day was US$33,157, which included US$1,263 per utilization day for idle but contracted rig revenue, versus US$32,867 in the first quarter of last year.
  • Internationally, we had eight rigs active in the first quarter, consistent with the first quarter of 2024, and realized revenue of US$36 million compared to US$38 million in 2024.
  • Service rig operating hours decreased 10% compared to the same quarter last year due to customer project deferrals and impacts of an earlier spring break up in Canada, plus lower U.S. activity.
          (1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“I am pleased with Precision’s first quarter financial and operational results, and particularly with the efforts of the Precision team as we manage our way through a period of unusual volatility and market uncertainty. In the first quarter, our net earnings attributable to shareholders was $35 million, marking 11 consecutive quarters of positive earnings, and we are well on our way to meeting our capital allocation targets. During the quarter, we generated $63 million of cash provided by operations, allowing us to repay $17 million of debt and purchase $31 million of shares. Over the last four quarters, Precision has reduced its outstanding shares by nearly one million shares, representing 7% of our outstanding balance.

“During the first quarter our Canadian drilling activity remained slightly higher than last year, averaging 74 active rigs compared to 73 in 2024 and we expect this trend to continue through the first half of this year. In the U.S., we have modestly increased our activity levels from the fourth quarter, currently operating 34 rigs, primarily by capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in natural gas plays. With initial Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports beginning shortly in Canada and significant LNG export capacity expansion underway in the U.S., we believe our market positioning for these increasing LNG opportunities is constructive.

“Second-half industry activity in North America will depend largely on customer realized cash flows and their capital allocation priorities. We believe industry capital discipline will remain a stabilizing market feature muting our customers’ short-term response to volatile commodity prices. However, global events and conflicts, including unexpected OPEC+ production increases, trade and tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical conflicts have the potential to impact global economic growth and access to commodity supplies, creating a range of commodity price scenarios which are difficult to predict.

“Tightly controlling all aspects of our business, adjusting spending and specifically managing Precision’s cash inflows and outflows at a pace that matches the cyclicality of our industry is a cornerstone of Precision’s business model. We are reducing our 2025 capital spending by $25 million to $200 million to mitigate increased market uncertainty and a potential reduction in customer demand. This includes trimming our expected upgrade spending by approximately $8 million and maintenance capital by $17 million. We remain poised to further adjust capital spending in response to actual customer demand. 

“We have also reduced our fixed costs by approximately $10 million annually by streamlining our internal structure and focusing more directly on customer needs and aligning with current activity levels. These changes included flattening our operations leadership structure, exiting our North Dakota well-servicing business and reducing the related staffing levels.

“Our International drilling operations and Completion and Production business both contributed meaningful free cash flow for the quarter, and this is expected to continue for the rest of the year.

“With a predominantly variable cost business and low debt levels, a highly experienced team committed to serving our customers, and a high-performance rig fleet, Precision is better positioned than any time in the past decade to navigate uncertainty while simultaneously creating shareholder value,” concluded Mr. Neveu.

SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Financial Highlights

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)   2025       2024     % Change  
Revenue   496,331       527,788       (6.0 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   137,497       143,149       (3.9 )
Net earnings   34,947       36,516       (4.3 )
Net earnings attributable to shareholders   34,511       36,516       (5.5 )
Cash provided by operations   63,419       65,543       (3.2 )
Funds provided by operations(1)   109,842       117,765       (6.7 )
                 
Cash used in investing activities   57,202       75,237       (24.0 )
Capital spending by spend category(1)                
Expansion and upgrade   19,546       14,370       36.0  
Maintenance and infrastructure   40,419       41,157       (1.8 )
Proceeds on sale   (3,765 )     (5,186 )     (27.4 )
Net capital spending(1)   56,200       50,341       11.6  
                 
Net earnings attributable to shareholders per share :                
Basic   2.52       2.53       (0.4 )
Diluted   2.20       2.53       (13.0 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:                
Basic   13,683       14,407       (5.0 )
Diluted   14,287       14,410       (0.9 )

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

Operating Highlights

  For the three months ended March 31,  
  2025     2024     % Change  
Contract drilling rig fleet   215       214       0.5  
Drilling rig utilization days:                
Canada   6,680       6,617       1.0  
U.S.   2,691       3,453       (22.1 )
International   720       728       (1.1 )
Revenue per utilization day:                
Canada (Cdn$)   35,601       35,596       0.0  
U.S. (US$)   33,157       32,867       0.9  
International (US$)   49,419       52,808       (6.4 )
Operating costs per utilization day:                
Canada (Cdn$)   20,822       19,959       4.3  
U.S. (US$)   23,568       21,719       8.5  
                 
Service rig fleet   153       183       (16.4 )
Service rig operating hours   66,986       74,505       (10.1 )



Drilling Activity

  Average for the quarter ended 2024   Average for the quarter ended 2025  
  Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     Mar. 31  
Average Precision active rig count(1):                            
Canada   73       49       72       65       74  
U.S.   38       36       35       34       30  
International   8       8       8       8       8  
Total   119       93       115       107       112  

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



Financial Position

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Working capital(1)   (45,033 )     162,592  
Cash   28,245       73,771  
Long-term debt   567,824       812,469  
Total long-term financial liabilities(1)   632,369       888,173  
Total assets   2,915,984       2,956,315  
Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio(1)   0.25       0.33  

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”


Summary for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

  • Revenue was $496 million compared to $528 million in the first quarter of 2024 as strong drilling activity in Canada was offset by lower U.S. drilling activity.
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $137 million from $143 million, primarily due to lower drilling activity in the U.S. and restructuring costs of $3 million that were partially offset by lower share-based compensation expense. Please refer to “Other Items” later in this news release for additional information on share-based compensation.
  • Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was relatively stable at 28% compared to 27% in 2024.
  • Net earnings attributable to shareholders was $35 million or $2.52 per share and comparable with $37 million or $2.53 per share for the same period last year. On a diluted basis, net earnings attributable to shareholders was $2.20 versus $2.53 in 2024.
  • Cash provided by operations was $63 million, allowing the Company to repurchase 408,973 shares for $31 million, reduce debt by $17 million by repaying the outstanding balance on the Senior Credit Facility, and end the quarter with $28 million of cash and almost $550 million of available liquidity.
  • In Canada, revenue per utilization day was $35,601, consistent with the first quarter of 2024. Canadian operating costs per utilization day increased 4% to $20,822, mainly due to wage increases and Super Single rig reactivations. First quarter revenue and operating costs per utilization day were consistent with the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • In the U.S. revenue per utilization day, excluding idle but contracted rig revenue of US$1,263, was US$31,894 compared with US$32,867 in the first quarter of last year. First quarter revenue per utilization day, excluding idle but contracted rig revenue, increased by 4% from the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • U.S. operating costs per utilization day increased 9% to US$23,568 compared to the same quarter last year due to higher mobilization costs, additional rig reactivations, and fixed costs being spread over fewer activity days. These same factors caused operating costs per utilization per day in the first quarter to rise 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • Internationally, we realized revenue of US$36 million from eight active drilling rigs, which is similar to the US$38 million generated in the first quarter of 2024.
  • Completion and Production Services revenue was $79 million, a decrease of $8 million from 2024, as service rig operating hours decreased 10% due to a number of customer project deferrals and an earlier spring break up in Canada, plus less activity in the U.S. Adjusted EBITDA was $18 million, representing 22% of revenue compared to 21% in the first quarter of 2024.
  • General and administrative expenses were $30 million compared with $45 million in the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense.
  • Capital expenditures increased slightly to $60 million versus $56 million in 2024 and by spend category included $40 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure, and intangible assets and $20 million for expansion and upgrades. Precision has lowered its 2025 capital budget to $200 million.

STRATEGY

Precision’s vision is to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of land drilling services. We work toward this vision by defining and measuring our results against strategic priorities that we establish at the beginning of every year.

Precision’s 2025 strategic priorities and the progress made during the first quarter are as follows:

  1. Maximize free cash flow through disciplined capital deployment and strict cost management.

    • Generated cash from operations of $63 million, allowing the Company to reduce debt and buy back shares.
    • Proactively reduced fixed cost structure to address market uncertainty and expect to realize approximately $10 million in annual savings.
    • Reduced our 2025 capital budget to $200 million versus the $225 million previously announced.
  2. Enhance shareholder returns through debt reduction and share repurchases. Plan to reduce debt by at least $100 million and allocate 35% to 45% of free cash flow before debt repayments for share repurchases.

    • Returned $31 million of capital to shareholders by repurchasing 408,973 shares during the quarter.
    • Reduced debt by $17 million and ended the quarter with almost $550 million of available liquidity.
    • Remain committed to reducing debt by at least $100 million in 2025 and allocating 35% to 45% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, directly to shareholders.
  3. Grow revenue in existing service lines through contracted upgrades, optimized pricing and utilization, and opportunistic consolidating tuck-in acquisitions.

    • Increased Canadian rig utilization, averaging 74 active rigs for the first quarter versus 73 in 2024.
    • Maintained strong pricing in Canada with revenue per utilization per day of $35,601, aligning with an average day rate of $35,596 in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Invested $20 million in expansion and upgrade capital to enhance our drilling rigs.
    • Current market conditions and commodity price volatility make acquisitions less likely in the near term.

OUTLOOK

Near-term expectations for global energy demand growth have been tempered by several geopolitical events including OPEC+ easing of curtailments, trade policy uncertainty, and international conflicts. However, we believe the long-term fundamentals for energy demand are positive, driven by economic growth, increasing demand from emerging economies, and new energy sources of power demand. 

In Canada, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which became operational in May of 2024, combined with the imminent startup of LNG Canada will provide significant tidewater access for Canadian crude oil and natural gas, supporting Canadian drilling activity. In the U.S., the next wave of LNG export terminals is expected to add approximately 13 bcf/d of export capacity over the next five years, supporting U.S. natural gas drilling activity beyond domestic demand growth and further supporting natural gas drilling.

Our Canadian drilling activity peaked at 82 rigs in the first quarter with our Super Triple and Super Single rigs near full utilization. We expect the traditional spring breakup period this year to have a historically small impact on our activity, as strong demand for our growing fleet of pad-capable rigs should allow 45 to 48 rigs to continue operating during this period versus 43 last year. Despite trade and tariff uncertainty and oil prices falling to approximately US$60 per barrel, we have not experienced any meaningful change in customer demand or their longer-term plans. Overall, we expect our Canadian drilling activity to be up for the first half of the year compared to the first six months of 2024.

In the U.S., we have modestly increased our activity levels from the fourth quarter, currently operating 34 rigs, primarily by capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in natural gas plays. With significant LNG export capacity expansion underway in the U.S., we believe our market positioning for these increasing LNG opportunities is constructive.

North American industry activity in the second half of this year will depend largely on customer realized cash flows and their capital allocation priorities. We believe industry capital discipline will remain a stabilizing market feature muting our customers’ short-term response to volatile commodity prices. However, global events and conflicts, including unexpected OPEC+ production increases, trade and tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical conflicts have the potential to impact global economic growth and access to commodity supplies, creating a range of commodity price scenarios which are difficult to predict.

Internationally, we have eight rigs on term contracts, five in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The majority of these rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028, providing predictable cash flow for the next few years. In May and for the remainder of the year, we expect seven active rigs compared to eight for the first four months of the year but with no material impact on our 2025 cash flow. We continue to look for opportunities to leverage our international expertise.

As the premier well service provider in Canada, the outlook for this business remains strong, driven by increased takeaway capacity from Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and LNG Canada, and increased regulatory spending requirements for abandonment work. With continued labour constraints, we expect firm pricing into the foreseeable future.


Contracts

The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as at April 23, 2025. For those quarters ending after March 31, 2025, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.

As at April 23, 2025 Average for the quarter ended 2024     Average     Average for the quarter ended 2025     Average  
  Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     2024     Mar. 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     2025  
Average rigs under term contract:                                                          
Canada   24       22       23       23       23       20       19       18       14       18  
U.S.   20       17       17       16       18       16       15       11       8       13  
International   8       8       8       8       8       8       7       7       7       7  
Total   52       47       48       47       49       44       41       36       29       38  

SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Precision’s operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rig, oilfield supply and manufacturing divisions; and Completion and Production Services, which includes our service rig, rental and camp and catering divisions.

SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)   2025       2024     % Change  
Revenue   419,457       443,367       (5.4 )
Expenses:                
Operating   272,412       276,692       (1.5 )
General and administrative   11,029       13,002       (15.2 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   136,016       153,673       (11.5 )
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1)   32.4 %     34.7 %      

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2025     2024  
  Precision     Industry

(2)
    Precision     Industry(2)  
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:                      
March 31   74       214       73       208  

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

United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) 2025     2024  
  Precision     Industry

(2)
    Precision     Industry(2)  
Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:                      
March 31   30       572       38       602  

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

SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted)   2025       2024     % Change  
Revenue   79,330       87,087       (8.9 )
Expenses:                
Operating   59,112       65,480       (9.7 )
General and administrative   2,672       3,002       (11.0 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   17,546       18,605       (5.7 )
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1)   22.1 %     21.4 %      
Well servicing statistics:                
Number of service rigs (end of period)   153       183       (16.4 )
Service rig operating hours   66,986       74,505       (10.1 )

(1) See “FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS.”

OTHER ITEMS


Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans

We have several cash and equity-settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers, and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2024 Annual Report.

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

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2025     2024  
Cash settled share-based incentive plans   403       21,759  
Equity settled share-based incentive plans   2,427       875  
Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense   2,830       22,634  
           
Allocated:          
Operating   1,128       5,252  
General and Administrative   1,702       17,382  
    2,830       22,634  

FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We reference certain additional Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS Accounting Standards to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA
We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, gain on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings and our reportable operating segment disclosures, is a useful measure because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.

The most directly comparable financial measure is net earnings.

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2025       2024  
Adjusted EBITDA by segment:          
Contract Drilling Services   136,016       153,673  
Completion and Production Services   17,546       18,605  
Corporate and Other   (16,065 )     (29,129 )
Adjusted EBITDA   137,497       143,149  
Depreciation and amortization   75,036       78,213  
Gain on asset disposals   (2,872 )     (3,237 )
Foreign exchange   367       394  
Finance charges   15,760       18,369  
Gain on investments and other assets   (49 )     (228 )
Income taxes   14,308       13,122  
Net earnings   34,947       36,516  
Non-controlling interests   436        
Net earnings attributable to shareholders   34,511       36,516  


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

The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) operations.


Net Capital Spending
We believe net capital spending is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our primary investment activities.

The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) investing activities.

Net capital spending is calculated as follows:

  For the three months ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2025       2024  
Capital spending by spend category          
Expansion and upgrade   19,546       14,370  
Maintenance, infrastructure and intangibles   40,419       41,157  
    59,965       55,527  
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment   (3,765 )     (5,186 )
Net capital spending   56,200       50,341  
Purchase of investments and other assets   11        
Receipt of finance lease payments   (208 )     (191 )
Changes in non-cash working capital balances   1,199       25,087  
Cash used in investing activities   57,202       75,237  


Working Capital
We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Working capital is calculated as follows:

  March 31,     December 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2025       2024  
Current assets   481,111       501,284  
Current liabilities   (526,144 )     (338,692 )
Working capital   (45,033 )     162,592  


Total Long-term Financial Liabilities
We define total long-term financial liabilities as total non-current liabilities less deferred tax liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Total long-term financial liabilities is calculated as follows:

  March 31,     December 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2025       2024  
Total non-current liabilities   688,940       935,624  
Deferred tax liabilities   (56,571 )     (47,451 )
Total long-term financial liabilities   632,369       888,173  

Non-GAAP Ratios
We reference certain additional Non-GAAP ratios that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA % of Revenue
We believe Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings, provides an indication of our profitability from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges.

Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity
We believe that long-term debt (as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to long-term debt plus equity (total equity as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) provides an indication of our debt leverage. For the period ended March 31, 2025 long-term debt includes long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt as reported in our Consolidated Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
We believe that the Net Debt (long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt less cash, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio provides an indication of the number of years it would take for us to repay our debt obligations. For the period ended March 31, 2025 long-term debt includes long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt as reported in our Consolidated Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Supplementary Financial Measures
We reference certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors.

Capital Spending by Spend Category
We provide additional disclosure to better depict the nature of our capital spending. Our capital spending is categorized as expansion and upgrade, maintenance and infrastructure, or intangibles.



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

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

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

  • our strategic priorities for 2025;
  • our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plans for 2025 and beyond;
  • anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and daily operating margins in 2025;
  • the average number of term contracts in place for 2025;
  • customer adoption of Alpha™ technologies and EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions;
  • 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:

  • our ability to react to customer spending plans as a result of changes in oil and natural gas prices;
  • 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;
  • the impact of an increase/decrease in capital spending; and
  • the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate.

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

  • volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
  • fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
  • fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • our customers’ inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
  • 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;
  • the impact of tariffs and trade disputes;
  • competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
  • ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
  • general economic, market or business conditions;
  • the availability of qualified personnel and management;
  • a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
  • changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
  • terrorism, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions where we operate;
  • fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
  • other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision’s ability to respond to such conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which may be accessed on Precision’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or under Precision’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash $ 28,245     $ 73,771  
Accounts receivable   397,684       378,712  
Inventory   49,176       43,300  
Assets held for sale   6,006       5,501  
Total current assets   481,111       501,284  
Non-current assets:          
Deferred tax assets   2,437       6,559  
Property, plant and equipment   2,342,482       2,356,173  
Intangibles   13,537       12,997  
Right-of-use assets   63,223       66,032  
Finance lease receivables   4,670       4,806  
Investments and other assets   8,524       8,464  
Total non-current assets   2,434,873       2,455,031  
Total assets $ 2,915,984     $ 2,956,315  
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 271,696     $ 314,355  
Income taxes payable   4,526       3,778  
Current portion of lease obligations   19,703       20,559  
Current portion of long-term debt   230,219        
Total current liabilities   526,144       338,692  
           
Non-current liabilities:          
Share-based compensation   5,391       13,666  
Provisions and other   7,478       7,472  
Lease obligations   51,676       54,566  
Long-term debt   567,824       812,469  
Deferred tax liabilities   56,571       47,451  
Total non-current liabilities   688,940       935,624  
Equity:          
Shareholders’ capital   2,287,422       2,301,729  
Contributed surplus   77,011       77,557  
Accumulated other comprehensive income   197,827       199,020  
Deficit   (866,323 )     (900,834 )
Total equity attributable to shareholders   1,695,937       1,677,472  
Non-controlling interest   4,963       4,527  
Total equity   1,700,900       1,681,999  
Total liabilities and equity $ 2,915,984     $ 2,956,315  



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

  Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2025     2024  
           
           
Revenue $ 496,331     $ 527,788  
Expenses:          
Operating   329,068       339,506  
General and administrative   29,766       45,133  
Earnings before income taxes, gain on
investments and other assets, finance
charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset
disposals, and depreciation and amortization
  137,497       143,149  
Depreciation and amortization   75,036       78,213  
Gain on asset disposals   (2,872 )     (3,237 )
Foreign exchange   367       394  
Finance charges   15,760       18,369  
Gain on investments and other assets   (49 )     (228 )
Earnings before income taxes   49,255       49,638  
Income taxes:          
Current   1,106       1,017  
Deferred   13,202       12,105  
    14,308       13,122  
Net earnings $ 34,947     $ 36,516  
Attributable to:          
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation $ 34,511     $ 36,516  
Non-controlling interests $ 436     $  
Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders
of Precision Drilling Corporation:
         
Basic $ 2.52     $ 2.53  
Diluted $ 2.20     $ 2.53  



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

  Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2025     2024  
Net earnings $ 34,947     $ 36,516  
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets
and liabilities of operations denominated in
foreign currency
  (658 )     32,253  
Foreign exchange loss on net investment hedge
with U.S. denominated debt
  (535 )     (20,159 )
Comprehensive income $ 33,754     $ 48,610  
Attributable to:          
Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation $ 33,318     $ 48,610  
Non-controlling interests $ 436     $  



CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

  Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2025     2024  
Cash provided by (used in):          
Operations:          
Net earnings $ 34,947     $ 36,516  
Adjustments for:          
Long-term compensation plans   3,016       7,451  
Depreciation and amortization   75,036       78,213  
Gain on asset disposals   (2,872 )     (3,237 )
Foreign exchange   (783 )     728  
Finance charges   15,760       18,369  
Income taxes   14,308       13,122  
Gain on investments and other assets   (49 )     (228 )
Income taxes paid   (321 )     (234 )
Interest paid   (29,637 )     (33,430 )
Interest received   437       495  
Funds provided by operations   109,842       117,765  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances   (46,423 )     (52,222 )
Cash provided by operations   63,419       65,543  
           
Investments:          
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   (59,965 )     (55,527 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment   3,765       5,186  
Purchase of investments and other assets   (11 )      
Receipt of finance lease payments   208       191  
Changes in non-cash working capital balances   (1,199 )     (25,087 )
Cash used in investing activities   (57,202 )     (75,237 )
           
Financing:          
Repayment of long-term debt   (17,110 )     (716 )
Repurchase of share capital   (30,766 )     (10,081 )
Lease payments   (3,587 )     (3,200 )
Cash used in financing activities   (51,463 )     (13,997 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (280 )     457  
Increase (decrease) in cash   (45,526 )     (23,234 )
Cash, beginning of period   73,771       54,182  
Cash, end of period $ 28,245     $ 30,948  



CONDENSED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

  Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation              
(Stated in thousands of

Canadian dollars)
Shareholders’
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Deficit     Total     Non-
controlling
interest
    Total
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2025 $ 2,301,729     $ 77,557     $ 199,020     $ (900,834 )   $ 1,677,472     $ 4,527     $ 1,681,999  
Net earnings for the period                     34,511       34,511       436       34,947  
Other comprehensive income
for the period
              (1,193 )           (1,193 )           (1,193 )
Settlement of Executive
Performance and Restricted
Share Units
  11,651       (2,790 )                 8,861             8,861  
Share repurchases   (26,141 )                       (26,141 )           (26,141 )
Redemption of non-management
directors share units
  183       (183 )                              
Share-based compensation
expense
        2,427                   2,427             2,427  
Balance at March 31, 2025 $ 2,287,422     $ 77,011     $ 197,827     $ (866,323 )   $ 1,695,937     $ 4,963     $ 1,700,900  

  Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation              
(Stated in thousands of

Canadian dollars)
Shareholders’
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Deficit     Total     Non-
controlling interest
    Total
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2024 $ 2,365,129     $ 75,086     $ 147,476     $ (1,012,029 )   $ 1,575,662     $     $ 1,575,662  
Net earnings for the period                     36,516       36,516             36,516  
Other comprehensive income
for the period
              12,094             12,094             12,094  
Settlement of Executive
Performance and Restricted
Share Units
  21,846       (1,479 )                 20,367             20,367  
Share repurchases   (10,081 )                       (10,081 )           (10,081 )
Share-based compensation
expense
        875                   875             875  
Balance at March 31, 2024 $ 2,376,894     $ 74,482     $ 159,570     $ (975,513 )   $ 1,635,433     $     $ 1,635,433  



2025 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

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


https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIfac587dca2994a30be564b41d99b43ac

The call will also be webcast and can be accessed through the link below. A replay of the webcast call will be available on Precision’s website for 12 months.


https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/gifawh57

About Precision

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

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

Additional Information

For further information, please contact:

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

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