Globenewswire·2026-01-06 13:00Core Viewpoint - Precision Drilling Corporation has reported strong financial performance and disciplined capital allocation, achieving its 2025 debt reduction target and maintaining a robust liquidity position [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - In 2025, Precision reduced its debt by $101 million, achieving its annual debt reduction goal, ending the year with a cash balance of approximately $85 million and total available liquidity of approximately $447 million [3]. - The company has reduced its debt by $535 million over the past four years and aims to reach a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio of below 1.0 times [4]. - Precision returned $76 million to shareholders through share repurchases in 2025, meeting its target of allocating 35% to 45% of free cash flow before debt repayments to share buybacks [5]. Capital Allocation Strategy - Precision has allocated $1.7 billion of its free cash flow to debt repayments and share buybacks over the past decade, while investing over $1.5 billion in its fleet and completing two acquisitions [6]. - The company plans to further reduce debt and increase share buyback allocation in 2026, with specific capital allocation plans to be provided in February [7]. Operational Update - Precision's average active rig count in Canada remained robust at 66, with expectations to peak at 87 during the winter drilling season [10]. - In the U.S., the company averaged 37 rigs in the fourth quarter, with a 21% increase in the natural gas rig count in 2025 [11]. - Internationally, Precision expects to maintain seven active rigs throughout 2026, supported by long-term contracts [12]. CEO Commentary - The CEO highlighted the substantial free cash flow generated in 2025, which allowed the company to meet its debt reduction and share repurchase targets while upgrading rigs to meet customer needs [14].