CALGARY, Alberta, April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This news release contains "forward-looking information and statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For a full disclosure of the forward-looking information and statements and the risks to which they are subject, see the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements" later in this news release. This news release contains references to certain Financial Measures and Ratios, including Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, (gain) loss on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), Net Capital Spending, Working Capital and Total Long-Term Financial Liabilities. These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. See "Financial Measures and Ratios" later in this news release.
Precision Drilling Corporation ("Precision" or the "Company") (TSX:PD; NYSE:PDS) announces its 2026 first quarter results, reflecting higher utilization in both Canadian and U.S. drilling and well service operations year over year.
Financial Highlights
- Revenue of $526 million was 6% higher than $496 million reported in the first quarter of 2025, due to higher activity in both the U.S. and Canada, which more than offset lower results internationally.
- Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $124 million, including $19 million of share-based compensation expense as our share price appreciated 39% in the quarter. In 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA was $137 million and included $3 million of restructuring costs and $3 million of share-based compensation expense.
- Net earnings attributable to shareholders in the first quarter was $17 million compared with $35 million in 2025. Our lower net earnings in 2026 was due to higher share-based compensation expense and increased depreciation expense from the change in useful life estimates.
- Cash provided by operations during the quarter was $63 million, allowing the Company to repurchase $4 million of common shares and reduce debt by $25 million.
- Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2026 were $65 million compared to $60 million in 2025. Precision has revised its 2026 capital budget to $265 million from $245 million, driven by two contracted Canadian Super Triple drilling rig upgrades and higher expected activity in Canada and the U.S.
Operational Highlights
- Canada averaged 79 active rigs compared to 74 active rigs in the first quarter of 2025, outpacing Canadian industry activity that declined 7%(2)-
- Canadian revenue per utilization day decreased to $35,021 from $35,601, primarily due to rig mix, as we had proportionately fewer active Super Triples-
- U.S. averaged 37 active rigs in the first quarter of 2026 versus 30 in 2025. Precision's first quarter 2026 U.S. rig utilization days increased 24% while industry activity declined 7%(2)-
- U.S. revenue per utilization day increased to US$33,715 from US$33,157 in the same period last year. Excluding revenue from turnkey projects and idle but contracted rigs, revenue per utilization day in the first quarter of 2026 of US$31,865 was comparable to US$31,894 in 2025.
- Continued deploying Alpha digital technologies to unlock performance improvements through automation, data analytics and real-time optimization, delivering record drilling results for our Canadian and U.S. customers.
- Internationally, we had seven rigs under contract versus eight in the first quarter of 2025. Revenue per utilization day was US$51,596 from US$49,419 in 2025, driven by higher mobilization revenue.
- Canadian well service rig operating hours increased 4% versus the same quarter in 2025.
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
(2) See "SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES."
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
Executing Safely and Delivering High Performance Amid Global Volatility
Precision's President and CEO, Carey Ford, provided the following commentary: "In the first quarter, Precision delivered year over year revenue growth in a declining market, enhanced the capability of our drilling fleet, and continued to deliver on shareholder return commitments.
"As we entered the year, the global operating environment became increasingly complex, driven in part by escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The resulting commodity and financial market volatility, combined with heightened scrutiny of the global energy industry, has created one of the most unique operating environments we have experienced in several decades. For a company like Precision, with operations in the Middle East, effectively navigating the daily changes is critical.
"Throughout this period, our priorities have remained clear: first and foremost, ensuring the safety of our people; reliably delivering our High Performance, High Value offering to our customers; and increasing the velocity of communication with our customers, vendors, and crews. These priorities position us to respond quickly and decisively as conditions change.
"Internationally, despite minor activity disruptions and increased costs, our crews in the Middle East continue to operate safely and deliver excellent results for our customers. During the quarter, we also reactivated one rig, bringing our total active rig count in the region to seven, all supported by long-term contracts.
"In North America, Precision delivered activity growth in both Canada and the U.S., despite lower industry activity levels year over year. This performance reflects our continued success in driving revenue growth and deepening customer relationships through contracted rig upgrades, disciplined operational excellence, and the deployment of performance-driven technology. Precision remains well positioned as a trusted partner for customers seeking reliable, repeatable, and efficient drilling outcomes.
"Technology continues to be a key differentiator and central to our long-term strategy. During the quarter, we continued deploying Alpha digital technologies to unlock performance improvements through automation, data analytics, and real-time optimization, delivering record drilling results for our Canadian and U.S. customers. Our scalable digital portfolio has been a key contributor to our success in North America for several years.
"Looking ahead, we are encouraged by improving customer sentiment in both Canada and the U.S. In Canada, we expect our second quarter activity to be well above last year's level, supported by demand for our pad-capable Super Triple and Super Single rigs and a robust oil price environment. In the U.S., while we experienced contract churn in March and April, we expect our active rig count to return to the high 30s in June. We are experiencing a notable increase in inquiries from both oil and natural gas customers regarding rig availability and expect further rig additions and pricing increases in the second half of the year. Precision's scale, technology offering, and operational excellence will support growth opportunities as they emerge.
"Precision continues to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing balance sheet strength, high-return investments in our equipment and technology, and enhanced shareholder returns. We remain focused on maximizing free cash flow generation and reaffirm our published shareholder return commitments for 2026.
"I would like to thank our field leadership and crews for their continued commitment to safety, execution, and customer service. Their dedication underpins our ability to deliver consistent performance and advance our High Performance, High Value strategy while delivering long-term value for all stakeholders," concluded Mr. Ford.
SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Financial Highlights
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||
| Revenue | 526,051 | 496,331 | 6.0 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 123,947 | 137,497 | (9.9 | - | |||||||
| Net earnings | 17,845 | 34,947 | (48.9 | - | |||||||
| Net earnings attributable to shareholders | 17,376 | 34,511 | (49.7 | - | |||||||
| Cash provided by operations | 63,154 | 63,419 | (0.4 | - | |||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | 74,702 | 57,202 | 30.6 | ||||||||
| Capital spending by spend category(1) | |||||||||||
| Expansion and upgrade | 30,274 | 19,546 | 54.9 | ||||||||
| Maintenance and infrastructure | 34,726 | 40,419 | (14.1 | - | |||||||
| Proceeds on sale | (2,287 | - | (3,765 | - | (39.3 | - | |||||
| Net capital spending(1) | 62,713 | 56,200 | 11.6 | ||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to shareholders per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 1.34 | 2.52 | (46.8 | - | |||||||
| Diluted | 1.34 | 2.20 | (39.1 | - | |||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 12,932 | 13,683 | (5.5 | - | |||||||
| Diluted | 12,941 | 14,287 | (9.4 | - | |||||||
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
Operating Highlights
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | |||||||||
| Contract drilling rig fleet | 184 | 215 | (14.4 | - | |||||||
| Drilling rig utilization days: | |||||||||||
| Canada | 7,116 | 6,680 | 6.5 | ||||||||
| U.S. | 3,332 | 2,691 | 23.8 | ||||||||
| International | 611 | 720 | (15.1 | - | |||||||
| Revenue per utilization day: | |||||||||||
| Canada (Cdn$) | 35,021 | 35,601 | (1.6 | - | |||||||
| U.S. (US$) | 33,715 | 33,157 | 1.7 | ||||||||
| International (US$) | 51,596 | 49,419 | 4.4 | ||||||||
| Operating costs per utilization day: | |||||||||||
| Canada (Cdn$) | 20,739 | 20,821 | (0.4 | - | |||||||
| U.S. (US$) | 24,424 | 23,568 | 3.6 | ||||||||
| Service rig fleet(1) | 145 | 143 | 1.4 | ||||||||
| Service rig operating hours(1) | 68,219 | 65,635 | 3.9 | ||||||||
(1) The service rig fleet and service rig operating hours exclude our U.S. operations that we wound down in the second quarter of 2025.
Drilling Activity
| Average for the quarter ended 2025 | Average for the quarter ended 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | Mar. 31 | ||||||||||||||||
| Average Precision active rig count(1)- | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 74 | 50 | 63 | 66 | 79 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. | 30 | 33 | 36 | 37 | 37 | |||||||||||||||
| International | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 112 | 90 | 106 | 110 | 123 | |||||||||||||||
(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.
Financial Position
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except ratios) | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | |||||
| Working capital(1) | 208,099 | 186,815 | |||||
| Cash | 41,462 | 85,781 | |||||
| Long-term debt | 663,859 | 679,291 | |||||
| Total long-term financial liabilities(1) | 728,252 | 746,944 | |||||
| Total assets | 2,748,154 | 2,726,690 | |||||
| Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio(1) | 0.29 | 0.30 | |||||
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
Summary for the three months ended March 31, 2026:
- Revenue in the first quarter was $526 million, $30 million higher than in 2025 as U.S. and Canadian revenue increased by $24 million and $13 million, respectively, due to higher drilling activity, while partially offset by lower international drilling activity.
- Adjusted EBITDA decreased 10% to $124 million from $137 million in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease was primarily due to higher share-based compensation expense of $19 million compared with $3 million in the same period last year, as well as increased rig reactivation costs. For additional information on share-based compensation, please refer to "Other Items" later in this news release.
- Net earnings attributable to shareholders was $17 million or $1.34 per share compared to $35 million or $2.52 per share for the same period last year. The decrease was due to higher share-based compensation expense, as our share price appreciated 39% in the quarter, and increased depreciation expense from the change in useful life estimates.
- Cash provided by operations was $63 million and the Company repurchased 36,874 shares for $4 million and reduced long-term debt by $25 million. Precision ended the quarter with $41 million of cash and more than $430 million in available liquidity.
- In Canada, our operating margin(2) was $14,282 compared to $14,780 in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to rig mix, as we had proportionately fewer active Super Triples-
- In the U.S., our operating margin was US$9,291 compared to US$9,589 in 2025. Excluding the impact of turnkey projects and idle but contracted rig revenue, our operating margin was US$9,287 in 2026 compared to US$8,360 in 2025. The increase was primarily due to fixed costs being spread over more activity days.
- Internationally, we had revenue per utilization per day of US$51,596 compared to US$49,419 in the same period last year. The increase of 4% was primarily due to higher mobilization revenue. We realized revenue of US$32 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to US$36 million in 2025 as higher revenue per utilization day was more than offset by lower activity following the expiration of a drilling contract in Kuwait.
- Completion and Production Services revenue was $80 million, consistent with the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA was $18 million, representing 22%(1) of revenue which is consistent with the first quarter of 2025.
- General and administrative expenses were $42 million versus $30 million in the first quarter of 2025, with the increase primarily due to higher share-based compensation expense.
- Capital expenditures were $65 million compared to $60 million in the first quarter of 2025 and included $35 million for the maintenance of existing assets, infrastructure, and intangible assets and $30 million for upgrades(1)-
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
(2) Defined as revenue per utilization day less operating costs per utilization day.
STRATEGY
Precision's vision is to be globally recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of land drilling services. We work toward this vision by defining and measuring our results against strategic priorities that we establish at the beginning of every year.
Precision's 2026 strategic priorities and the progress made during the first quarter are summarized below.
- Drive revenue growth and deepen customer relationships through contracted upgrades, continuous operational excellence, and by leveraging our performance-driven technology as a key competitive differentiator.
- Grew rig utilization in both Canada and the U.S. even though industry activity declined in each region.
- Maintained strong pricing in Canada and the U.S. compared to the previous quarter and the first quarter of 2025.
- Deployed $30 million in targeted fleet upgrades to meet evolving customer requirements and deliver efficient, high-performance drilling outcomes.
- Maximize free cash flow through strategic capital deployment and sustained cost discipline.
- Generated cash from operations of $63 million, allowing Precision to reduce debt and buy back shares.
- Recorded resilient operating margins in Canada and the U.S. compared to the previous quarter and the first quarter of 2025.
- Enhance shareholder returns by reducing debt by $100 million in 2026 and allocating up to 50% of free cash flow, before debt repayments, directly to shareholders.
- Reduced debt by $25 million and continue to target a sustained Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(1) of below 1.0 times.
- Returned $4 million to shareholders by repurchasing 36,874 shares during the quarter.
- Well positioned to meet our long-term debt reduction target of $700 million between 2022 and 2027. As of March 31, 2026, we have reduced our debt by $560 million since the beginning of 2022.
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
OUTLOOK
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have increased global supply risks, contributing to higher oil prices and a renewed focus on energy supply security. This environment continues to support steady upstream investment and near-term activity in politically stable jurisdictions. Customers continue to prioritize capital discipline and returns, resulting in measured but sustained drilling rather than reacting to short-term price movements. However, if the oil price outlook remains constructive, we expect activity levels to increase over the course of the year.
In Canada, demand for our Super Series rigs remains robust, driving one of our most active winter drilling seasons. Improving commodity prices for heavy oil and condensate, plus additional takeaway capacity for both oil and natural gas continue to support Canadian activity levels. As we move into spring break up with more pad-capable Super Triple and Super Single rigs and an improved oil price environment, we expect our second quarter activity to be well above the prior year's level.
In the U.S., the natural gas rig count increased approximately 20% in 2025 as customers became more constructive on LNG off-take and rising AI-related power demand. We capitalized on this trend by increasing activity in key natural gas basins such as the Haynesville and Marcellus, resulting in a 24% increase in U.S. drilling rig utilization days in the first quarter of 2026 compared with 2025. Oil directed drilling activity remained subdued through 2025 and into 2026; however, with a more favorable pricing environment, we are experiencing a notable increase in inquiries from both oil and natural gas customers regarding rig availability and expect further rig additions and pricing increases in the second half of the year.
Internationally, despite minor disruptions and increased costs due to the tension in the Middle East, our crews are safely delivering results for our international customers. We have seven active rigs, including four in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These rigs are under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028. We currently expect seven active rigs for the remainder of the year. We continue to seek opportunities for our two idle international rigs.
As the premier well service provider in Canada, the long-term outlook for this business is positive, driven by increased takeaway capacity from the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and LNG Canada, and our High Performance, High Value service offering. We expect customer demand and pricing to remain strong in the foreseeable future, assuming no significant change in market conditions.
Overall, our outlook for the remainder of the year is optimistic, with potential upside driven by sustained higher oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In Canada, we expect second quarter operating margins to average between $12,000 and $13,000 per utilization day, driven by a higher proportion of Super Singles working through spring break up compared with the prior year. In the U.S., revenue per utilization day is expected to remain stable, while operating margins are anticipated to range between US$7,500 and US$8,500 per utilization day due to additional rig reactivation expenses.
Contracts
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as of April 29, 2026. For the quarter ending after March 31, 2026, this chart represents the minimum number of term contracts from which we will earn revenue. We expect the actual number of contracted rigs to vary in future periods as we sign additional term contracts.
| As at April 29, 2026 | Average for the quarter ended 2025 | Average | Average for the quarter ended 2026 | Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | 2025 | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average rigs under term contract: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 20 | 18 | 16 | 21 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 44 | 41 | 40 | 45 | 43 | 43 | 38 | 35 | 28 | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS
Precision's operations are reported in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, which includes our drilling rigs, procurement and distribution of oilfield supplies, and the manufacture, sale and repair of drilling equipment; and Completion and Production Services, which includes our service rigs, oilfield equipment rental, and camp services.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||
| Revenue | 449,009 | 419,457 | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Operating | 303,573 | 272,412 | 11.4 | ||||||||
| General and administrative | 12,441 | 11,029 | 12.8 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 132,995 | 136,016 | (2.2 | - | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 29.6 | - | 32.4 | - | |||||||
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
| Canadian onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
| Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
| March 31 | 79 | 199 | 74 | 214 | |||||||||||
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Source: Baker Hughes rig counts.
| United States onshore drilling statistics:(1) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Precision | Industry(2) | Precision | Industry(2) | ||||||||||||
| Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended: | |||||||||||||||
| March 31 | 37 | 530 | 30 | 572 | |||||||||||
(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Source: Baker Hughes rig counts.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where noted) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||
| Revenue | 79,931 | 79,330 | 0.8 | ||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Operating | 59,675 | 59,112 | 1.0 | ||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,644 | 2,672 | (1.0 | - | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 17,612 | 17,546 | 0.4 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue(1) | 22.0 | - | 22.1 | - | |||||||
| Well servicing statistics: | |||||||||||
| Number of service rigs (end of period)(2) | 145 | 143 | 1.4 | ||||||||
| Service rig operating hours(2) | 68,219 | 65,635 | 3.9 | ||||||||
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
(2) The service rig fleet and service rig operating hours exclude our U.S. operations that we wound down in the second quarter of 2025.
OTHER ITEMS
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans
We have several cash and equity-settled share-based incentive plans for non-management directors, officers, and other eligible employees. Our accounting policies for each share-based incentive plan can be found in our 2025 Annual Report.
A summary of expense amounts under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Cash settled share-based incentive plans | 15,961 | 403 | |||||
| Equity settled share-based incentive plans | 2,912 | 2,427 | |||||
| Total share-based incentive compensation plan expense | 18,873 | 2,830 | |||||
| Allocated: | |||||||
| Operating | 3,763 | 1,128 | |||||
| General and Administrative | 15,110 | 1,702 | |||||
| 18,873 | 2,830 | ||||||
Depreciation
In 2025, we completed a detailed review of our drilling rig equipment and revised the estimated useful life of drill pipe as more complex drilling programs have reduced the useful life of this asset class. This revision resulted in additional depreciation expense of $11 million in the first quarter of 2026.
FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
| Non-GAAP Financial Measures | |
| We reference certain additional Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non-GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under IFRS Accounting Standards to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | We believe Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, (gain) loss on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals and depreciation and amortization), as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings and our reportable operating segment disclosures, is a useful measure because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges. The most directly comparable financial measure is net earnings. |
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||
| Contract Drilling Services | 132,995 | 136,016 | |||||
| Completion and Production Services | 17,612 | 17,546 | |||||
| Corporate and Other | (26,660 | - | (16,065 | - | |||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 123,947 | 137,497 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 84,330 | 75,036 | |||||
| Gain on asset disposals | (1,713 | - | (2,872 | - | |||
| Foreign exchange | 448 | 367 | |||||
| Finance charges | 12,356 | 15,760 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on investments and other assets | 1,467 | (49 | - | ||||
| Income taxes | 9,214 | 14,308 | |||||
| Net earnings | 17,845 | 34,947 | |||||
| Non-controlling interest | 469 | 436 | |||||
| Net earnings attributable to shareholders | 17,376 | 34,511 | |||||
| Net Capital Spending | We believe net capital spending is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our primary investment activities. The most directly comparable financial measure is cash provided by (used in) investing activities. Net capital spending is calculated as follows: |
| For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| Capital spending by spend category | ||||||||
| Expansion and upgrade | 30,274 | 19,546 | ||||||
| Maintenance, infrastructure and intangibles | 34,726 | 40,419 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | 65,000 | 59,965 | ||||||
| Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | (2,287 | - | (3,765 | - | ||||
| Net capital spending | 62,713 | 56,200 | ||||||
| Purchase of investments and other assets | 698 | 11 | ||||||
| Receipt of finance lease payments | (251 | - | (208 | - | ||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital balances | 11,542 | 1,199 | ||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | 74,702 | 57,202 | ||||||
| Working Capital | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Working capital is calculated as follows: |
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Current assets | 505,033 | 486,915 | |||||
| Current liabilities | (296,934 | - | (300,100 | - | |||
| Working capital | 208,099 | 186,815 | |||||
| Total Long-term Financial Liabilities | We define total long-term financial liabilities as total non-current liabilities less deferred tax liabilities, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Total long-term financial liabilities is calculated as follows: |
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 827,942 | 837,707 | |||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | (99,690 | - | (90,763 | - | |||
| Total long-term financial liabilities | 728,252 | 746,944 | |||||
| Non-GAAP Ratios | ||
| We reference certain additional Non-GAAP ratios that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA % of Revenue | We believe Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings, provides an indication of our profitability from our principal business activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation and depreciation and amortization charges. | |
| Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity | We believe that long-term debt (as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to long-term debt plus equity (total equity as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) provides an indication of our debt leverage. | |
| Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA | We believe that the Net Debt (long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt less cash, as reported in our Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio provides an indication of the number of years it would take for us to repay our debt obligations. | |
| Supplementary Financial Measures | ||
| We reference certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. | ||
| Capital Spending by Spend Category | We provide additional disclosure to better depict the nature of our capital spending. Our capital spending is categorized as expansion and upgrade, maintenance and infrastructure, or intangibles. | |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements that contain words such as "could", "should", "can", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "continue", "project", "potential" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking information and statements").
In particular, forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- our 2026 strategic priorities;
- our capital expenditures, free cash flow allocation and debt reduction plans for 2026 and beyond;
- anticipated activity levels, demand for our drilling rigs, day rates and daily operating margins in 2026;
- the average number of term contracts in place for 2026;
- customer adoption of Alpha technologies and EverGreen suite of environmental solutions; and
- potential commercial opportunities and rig contract renewals.
These forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by Precision in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These include, among other things:
- our ability to react to customer spending plans as a result of changes in oil and natural gas prices;
- the status of current negotiations with our customers and vendors;
- customer focus on safety performance;
- existing term contracts are neither renewed nor terminated prematurely;
- continued market demand for our drilling rigs;
- our ability to deliver rigs to customers on a timely basis;
- the impact of an increase/decrease in capital spending; and
- the general stability of the economic and political environments in the jurisdictions where we operate in.
Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information and statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
- volatility in the price and demand for oil and natural gas;
- fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities;
- fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
- our customers' inability to obtain adequate credit or financing to support their drilling and production activity;
- changes in drilling and well servicing technology, which could reduce demand for certain rigs or put us at a competitive advantage;
- shortages, delays and interruptions in the delivery of equipment supplies and other key inputs;
- liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs;
- availability of cash flow, debt and equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed;
- the physical, regulatory and transition impacts of climate change;
- the impact of weather and seasonal conditions on operations and facilities;
- the impact of tariffs and trade disputes;
- competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services;
- ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency;
- general economic, market or business conditions;
- the availability of qualified personnel and management;
- a decline in our safety performance which could result in lower demand for our services;
- the impact of inflation and supply chain disruptions;
- business interruptions related to cybersecurity risks;
- changes in laws or regulations, including changes in environmental laws and regulations such as increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing or restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which could have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas;
- terrorism, acts of war, social, civil and political unrest in the foreign jurisdictions or regions where we operate;
- fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rates and tax rates; and
- other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by Precision and Precision's ability to respond to such conditions.
Readers are cautioned that the forgoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our business, operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to Precision's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2025, which may be accessed on Precision's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or under Precision's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Precision undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | - | 41,462 | - | 85,781 | ||||
| Accounts receivable | 410,271 | 352,142 | ||||||
| Inventory | 53,300 | 48,992 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 505,033 | 486,915 | ||||||
| Non-current assets: | ||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 2,235 | 2,235 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 2,159,598 | 2,159,212 | ||||||
| Intangibles | 8,581 | 9,470 | ||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 61,023 | 56,817 | ||||||
| Finance lease receivables | 4,244 | 4,474 | ||||||
| Investments and other assets | 7,440 | 7,567 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 2,243,121 | 2,239,775 | ||||||
| Total assets | - | 2,748,154 | - | 2,726,690 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | - | 276,444 | - | 280,652 | ||||
| Income taxes payable | 1,853 | 1,670 | ||||||
| Current portion of lease obligations | 18,637 | 17,778 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 296,934 | 300,100 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 8,034 | 13,780 | ||||||
| Provisions and other | 6,781 | 6,704 | ||||||
| Lease obligations | 49,578 | 47,169 | ||||||
| Long-term debt | 663,859 | 679,291 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 99,690 | 90,763 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 827,942 | 837,707 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,124,876 | 1,137,807 | ||||||
| Equity: | ||||||||
| Shareholders' capital | 2,245,234 | 2,238,766 | ||||||
| Contributed surplus | 77,831 | 79,270 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 174,350 | 165,020 | ||||||
| Deficit | (879,253 | - | (898,992 | - | ||||
| Total equity attributable to shareholders | 1,618,162 | 1,584,064 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interest | 5,116 | 4,819 | ||||||
| Total equity | 1,623,278 | 1,588,883 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | - | 2,748,154 | - | 2,726,690 | ||||
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| Revenue | - | 526,051 | - | 496,331 | ||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||
| Operating | 360,359 | 329,068 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 41,745 | 29,766 | ||||||
| Earnings before income taxes, (gain) loss on investments and other assets, finance charges, foreign exchange, gain on asset disposals, and depreciation and amortization | 123,947 | 137,497 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 84,330 | 75,036 | ||||||
| Gain on asset disposals | (1,713 | - | (2,872 | - | ||||
| Foreign exchange | 448 | 367 | ||||||
| Finance charges | 12,356 | 15,760 | ||||||
| (Gain) loss on investments and other assets | 1,467 | (49 | - | |||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 27,059 | 49,255 | ||||||
| Income taxes: | ||||||||
| Current | 702 | 1,106 | ||||||
| Deferred | 8,512 | 13,202 | ||||||
| 9,214 | 14,308 | |||||||
| Net earnings | - | 17,845 | - | 34,947 | ||||
| Attributable to: | ||||||||
| Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation | - | 17,376 | - | 34,511 | ||||
| Non-controlling interest | - | 469 | - | 436 | ||||
| Net earnings per share attributable to share- holders of Precision Drilling Corporation: | ||||||||
| Basic | - | 1.34 | - | 2.52 | ||||
| Diluted | - | 1.34 | - | 2.20 | ||||
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| Net earnings | - | 17,845 | - | 34,947 | ||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities of operations denominated in foreign currency | 18,244 | (658 | - | |||||
| Foreign exchange loss on net investment hedge with U.S. denominated debt | (8,914 | - | (535 | - | ||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 27,175 | - | 33,754 | ||||
| Attributable to: | ||||||||
| Shareholders of Precision Drilling Corporation | - | 26,706 | - | 33,318 | ||||
| Non-controlling interest | - | 469 | - | 436 | ||||
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| Operations: | ||||||||
| Net earnings | - | 17,845 | - | 34,947 | ||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||
| Long-term compensation plans | 9,261 | 3,016 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 84,330 | 75,036 | ||||||
| Gain on asset disposals | (1,713 | - | (2,872 | - | ||||
| Foreign exchange | 554 | (783 | - | |||||
| Finance charges | 12,356 | 15,760 | ||||||
| Income taxes | 9,214 | 14,308 | ||||||
| Other | (13 | - | - | |||||
| (Gain) loss on investments and other assets | 1,467 | (49 | - | |||||
| Income taxes paid | (342 | - | (321 | - | ||||
| Interest paid | (21,991 | - | (29,637 | - | ||||
| Interest received | 424 | 437 | ||||||
| Funds provided by operations | 111,392 | 109,842 | ||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (48,238 | - | (46,423 | - | ||||
| Cash provided by operations | 63,154 | 63,419 | ||||||
| Investments: | ||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (65,000 | - | (59,965 | - | ||||
| Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment | 2,287 | 3,765 | ||||||
| Purchase of investments and other assets | (698 | - | (11 | - | ||||
| Receipt of finance lease payments | 251 | 208 | ||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (11,542 | - | (1,199 | - | ||||
| Cash used in investing activities | (74,702 | - | (57,202 | - | ||||
| Financing: | ||||||||
| Issuance of long-term debt | 3,000 | - | ||||||
| Repayment of long-term debt | (28,000 | - | (17,110 | - | ||||
| Repurchase of share capital | (4,015 | - | (30,766 | - | ||||
| Issuance of common shares from the exercise of options | 195 | - | ||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | (300 | - | - | |||||
| Lease payments | (4,093 | - | (3,587 | - | ||||
| Cash used in financing activities | (33,213 | - | (51,463 | - | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 442 | (280 | - | |||||
| Decrease in cash | (44,319 | - | (45,526 | - | ||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 85,781 | 73,771 | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | - | 41,462 | - | 28,245 | ||||
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
| Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders' Capital | Contributed Surplus | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Deficit | Total | Non- Controlling Interest | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2026 | - | 2,238,766 | - | 79,270 | - | 165,020 | - | (898,992 | - | - | 1,584,064 | - | 4,819 | - | 1,588,883 | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings for the period | - | - | - | 17,376 | 17,376 | 469 | 17,845 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | 9,330 | - | 9,330 | - | 9,330 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share options exercised | 279 | (84 | - | - | - | 195 | - | 195 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units | 4,095 | (4,095 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interest | - | - | - | - | - | (172 | - | (172 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | (6,378 | - | - | - | 2,363 | (4,015 | - | - | (4,015 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Liability reversal for automated share purchase plan | 10,000 | - | - | - | 10,000 | - | 10,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liability for automated share purchase plan | (1,700 | - | - | - | - | (1,700 | - | - | (1,700 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of non-management directors share units | 172 | (172 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | - | 2,912 | - | - | 2,912 | - | 2,912 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2026 | - | 2,245,234 | - | 77,831 | - | 174,350 | - | (879,253 | - | - | 1,618,162 | - | 5,116 | - | 1,623,278 | |||||||||||||
| Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars) | Shareholders' Capital | Contributed Surplus | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Deficit | Total | Non- Controlling Interest | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2025 | - | 2,301,729 | - | 77,557 | - | 199,020 | - | (900,834 | - | - | 1,677,472 | - | 4,527 | - | 1,681,999 | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings for the period | - | - | - | 34,511 | 34,511 | 436 | 34,947 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | (1,193 | - | - | (1,193 | - | - | (1,193 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of Executive Performance and Restricted Share Units | 11,651 | (2,790 | - | - | - | 8,861 | - | 8,861 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | (31,141 | - | - | - | - | (31,141 | - | - | (31,141 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Liability reversal for automated share purchase plan | 10,000 | - | - | - | 10,000 | - | 10,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liability for automated share purchase plan | (5,000 | - | - | - | - | (5,000 | - | - | (5,000 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of non-management directors share units | 183 | (183 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | - | 2,427 | - | - | 2,427 | - | 2,427 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | - | 2,287,422 | - | 77,011 | - | 197,827 | - | (866,323 | - | - | 1,695,937 | - | 4,963 | - | 1,700,900 | |||||||||||||
2026 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Precision Drilling Corporation has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
To participate in the conference call please register at the URL link below. Once registered, you will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN, which will allow you to ask questions.
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI8811660f92894f7aa14eca5d58cbc0df
The call will also be webcast and can be accessed through the link below. A replay of the webcast call will be available on Precision's website until the following quarterly conference call is posted.
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/952icqoy
About Precision
Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.
Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "PD" and on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Texas, Inc., under the trading symbol "PDS".
Additional Information
For further information, please contact:
Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
Vice President, Investor Relations
403.716.4500
800, 525 - 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
Website: www.precisiondrilling.com
