Precision Drilling(US:PDS)2025-10-23 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $118 million, down from $142 million in the prior year [4] - Daily operating margins in Canada increased to $13,007 per day from $12,877 per day in Q3 2023 [4] - U.S. daily operating margins decreased to $8,700 per day from $9,026 per day in the previous quarter [5] - The company reduced its debt by $101 million, achieving its annual debt reduction target [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, drilling activity averaged 63 active rigs, a decrease of 9 rigs from Q3 2023 [4] - U.S. drilling activity averaged 36 rigs, an increase of 3 rigs from the previous quarter [4] - International drilling activity averaged 7 rigs, down from 8 rigs in the prior year [5] - CMP segment adjusted EBITDA was $19.3 million, slightly down from $19.7 million in the prior year [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International day rates averaged $53,811 per day, an increase of 14% from the prior year [5] - The U.S. rig count increased from a low of 27 rigs in Q1 to a high of 40 rigs [5] - The company expects Q4 rig counts in Canada to be similar to Q4 2024, averaging 65 rigs [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company increased its 2025 capital budget by $20 million for additional rig upgrades, reflecting a long-term view of energy demand [3] - The strategic focus includes leveraging scale, utilizing technology for rig performance, and maintaining customer focus [14][18][19] - The company aims to achieve a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of less than one times and increase free cash flow allocated to shareholders towards 50% [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive outlook for the remainder of the year, dependent on commodity prices [7] - The company anticipates that winter drilling activity in Canada will meet or slightly exceed last year's levels [8] - Management highlighted the importance of customer focus and the successful upgrade program as key drivers for future performance [19] Other Important Information - The company completed a leadership transition with the appointment of new executives, including Carey Ford as CEO [2] - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $400 million in total liquidity [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility on contract extensions for 2026 - Management noted that longer-term contracts are being seen in the Montney and Marcellus regions, with some short-term contracts in oil basins [25][26] Question: Future rig upgrades and CapEx - Management indicated that while they hope for more upgrades, the focus will remain on debt pay down and shareholder returns [28][29] Question: Changes in strategy under new leadership - The new CEO emphasized continuity in strategy, focusing on supporting field operations and enhancing customer performance [32][34] Question: Performance-based contracts and M&A approach - Management confirmed no significant changes in M&A strategy, with a focus on organic growth through asset utilization and rig upgrades [41][42] Question: Demand for rig upgrades next year - Management is closely working with customers to understand rig requirements and expects continued demand for upgrades [50][52]