Precision Drilling(PDS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $137 million, a decrease from$143 million when excluding share-based compensation and restructuring charges [6][7] - Revenue for the quarter was $496 million, a decrease of 6$35 million or $2.52 per share, marking the 11th consecutive quarter of positive earnings [8] - Funds from operations were$110 million, with cash provided by operations at $63 million [8] - Long-term debt position net of cash was approximately$778 million, with a net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA ratio of approximately 1.5x [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., drilling activity averaged 30 rigs in Q1, a decrease of 4 rigs from the previous quarter, with daily operating margins at US$8,360, down US$787 from Q4 [8][9] - Canadian drilling activity averaged 74 rigs, an increase of 1 rig from Q1 2024, with daily operating margins at $14,779, a decrease of$858 from Q1 2024 [13] - Internationally, drilling activity averaged 8 rigs, with average day rates at US$49,419, a decrease of 6$7,000 and US$8,000 for Q2 [9][10] - In Canada, the market remains strong with LNG Canada’s first shipments imminent, supporting long-term stability in the Montney region [27][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain a strong presence in key regions while managing costs effectively to drive down operating costs throughout 2025 [11][12] - Capital expenditures for Q1 were$60 million, with a full-year capital plan reduced from $225 million to$200 million [15][40] - The company aims to reduce debt by $700 million between 2022 and 2027, with a target of$100 million for 2025 [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding customer sentiment in the U.S. and Canada, with ongoing interest in gas-directed drilling despite macroeconomic uncertainties [24][36] - The company is focused on free cash flow and maintaining capital discipline while being well-positioned for emerging opportunities [25][34] - Management noted that customers are managing costs tightly and are in a strong financial position, which supports ongoing drilling programs [29][30] Other Important Information - The company exited the North Dakota market due to competitive pressures and is reallocating resources back to Canada [32] - The company has recognized a $230 million balance on its 2026 note as current debt and plans to reduce this balance by at least$80 million in the last three quarters of the year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on performance model versus day rate model - Management prefers the a la carte style of base rate for rigs, with about one-third of U.S. rigs under performance contracts [50][51] Question: Rationale for continuing debt reduction over stock buybacks - Management emphasizes a commitment to deleveraging and maintaining a strong capital structure, targeting a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 1x [55][56] Question: Impact of capital expenditure reduction on free cash flow - Management is confident in meeting capital allocation guidance and is focused on managing cash outflows tightly [62] Question: Changes in U.S. margins and impact of restructuring - Management expects margins to improve as fixed costs decrease with increased rig activity [66][67] Question: Rig mobilization and reactivation costs - Typical costs for rig mobilization or reactivation range from $500,000 to$1 million [75][76] Question: Impact of tariffs on capital and operating costs - Tariffs primarily affect drill pipe costs, but management believes they can manage the impact effectively [84][86] Question: Pricing pressures in Canada - Management acknowledges ongoing pricing pressures from customers but expects to manage margins effectively [93][94]