Globenewswire·2025-07-29 22:39Core Viewpoint - Precision Drilling Corporation reported stronger than anticipated financial and operational results for the second quarter of 2025, driven by excellent free cash flow, new contracts, and strong demand for its Super Series rig fleet [2][5][21]. Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $407 million, a decrease of 5.3% from $429 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower U.S. and international activity [6][14]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, down 6.1% from $115 million in the same quarter last year, with a consistent EBITDA margin of 27% [6][21]. - Net earnings attributable to shareholders were $16 million or $1.21 per share, compared to $21 million or $1.44 per share in Q2 2024, marking the 12th consecutive quarter of positive earnings [5][21]. - Cash provided by operations was $147 million, allowing the company to repay $74 million of debt and repurchase $14 million of common shares [7][21]. Operational Highlights - The average number of active drilling rigs in Canada was 50, slightly up from 49 in Q2 2024, while U.S. active rigs averaged 33, down from 36 [8][16]. - Canadian revenue per utilization day increased to $37,725 from $36,075 year-over-year, driven by customer-funded rig upgrades [6][21]. - U.S. revenue per utilization day decreased to $31,113 from $33,227, reflecting lower industry activity [6][21]. - International operations generated $36 million in revenue with seven active rigs, down from eight in Q2 2024 [10][21]. Strategic Initiatives - The company revised its 2025 capital budget to $240 million from $200 million to support upgrades of 22 Super Series rigs, responding to increased customer demand [12][26]. - Precision aims to maximize free cash flow through disciplined capital deployment and enhance shareholder returns via debt reduction and share repurchases [22][26]. - The company is positioned to further adjust capital spending based on evolving customer demand, with a focus on technological advancements in its rig fleet [12][22]. Market Outlook - In Canada, increased takeaway capacity from the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is expected to support heavy oil activity, while LNG Canada’s first shipment is anticipated to drive demand for Super Triple rigs [27][30]. - In the U.S., natural gas drilling is expected to increase as customers become more optimistic about LNG off-take and AI demand, with a focus on natural gas basins like Haynesville and Marcellus [28][30]. - Internationally, the company maintains a steady level of activity with five rigs in Kuwait and two in Saudi Arabia, under long-term contracts extending into 2027 and 2028 [10][29].