Precision Drilling(US:PDS)2025-10-23 18:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $118 million, down from $142 million in the prior year [4] - Daily operating margins in Canada were $13,007, compared to $12,877 in Q3 2023 [4] - U.S. daily operating margins were $8,700, down from $9,026 in the previous quarter [5] - Net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA ratio is approximately 1.3 times, with an average cost of debt of 6.6% [10] 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 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International day rates averaged $53,811, an increase of 14% from the prior year [6] - U.S. gas basins saw a nearly 20% increase in rig activity year-to-date [67] 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 [15][19][20] - The company aims to allocate between 35% and 45% of free cash flow to share buybacks [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed optimism for the fourth quarter, expecting Canadian activity to meet or slightly exceed last year's winter drilling season [9] - U.S. rig counts are expected to remain stable in the upper 30s for Q4 [9] - The company is committed to long-term debt reduction and increasing direct returns to shareholders [12] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased $54 million worth of shares during the first nine months of the year [8] - The leadership transition included the appointment of Carey Ford as President and CEO, with a focus on maintaining operational excellence [2][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on contract duration visibility for 2026 - Management noted a trend towards longer-term contracts in the Montney and Marcellus regions, with ongoing constructive conversations for future contracts [26][28] Question: Rig upgrades and CapEx expectations for 2026 - Management indicated a commitment to maintaining capital commitments for debt pay down and share repurchases, with expectations for continued rig upgrades driven by customer demand [31][32] Question: Changes in strategy under new leadership - The new CEO emphasized continuity in successful strategies while sharpening focus on supporting field operations and customer performance [37][38] Question: Impact of mobilization costs on margins - Management clarified that mobilization costs in Canada would not be substantial, while U.S. costs have stabilized [39] Question: Performance-based contracts and M&A strategy - Management confirmed no significant changes in M&A strategy, focusing on organic growth opportunities and the potential for more performance-based contracts in the future [44][45] Question: Demand for rig upgrades next year - Management expressed optimism about ongoing demand for rig upgrades, particularly in heavy oil and gas markets [54][70]