Precision Drilling Announces 2026 Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Statements
CALGARY, Alberta, July 28, 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 second quarter results, highlighted by robust heavy oil drilling and well service activity in Canada and improving rig utilization in the U.S.
Financial Highlights
Operational Highlights
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
(2) See "SEGMENT REVIEW OF CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES."
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
Precision’s President and CEO, Carey Ford, provided the following commentary: "Precision delivered another quarter of solid operational execution. We continued to advance our 2026 strategic priorities, driving revenue growth through competitive differentiation and deeper customer relationships, free cash flow generation, and returning capital to shareholders. Revenue increased 11% year over year, reflecting increased North American activity levels, higher Alpha™ and EverGreen™ contributions, and improved pricing. Higher than expected rig reactivations in the quarter, scheduled upgraded rig deliveries in the second half of the year, and continued growth in our contract book position Precision to deliver stronger financial performance through the balance of 2026 and into 2027.
"During the first half of the year, Precision generated consistent operating cash flow, allowing us to reduce debt by $75 million and repurchase $16 million of our shares. At the same time, we continued to invest in high-return fleet upgrades and technology initiatives that support our recent activity gains, strengthen our competitive position, and ensure long-term value creation for our shareholders.
"In Canada, activity increased 22% year over year, supported by robust customer demand for our Super Triple and Super Single rigs. Improving producer economics and expanded market access continue to support an attractive Canadian drilling environment, most notably in the condensate and heavy oil basins. We expect activity during the second half of the year to remain above prior year levels.
"In the U.S., our business is reaching an inflection point with our active rig count steadily increasing through the quarter and standing at 43 rigs today. Higher day rates, increased technology adoption, and improving oil-directed activity supported year over year revenue growth. We are encouraged by improving customer sentiment and continue to see opportunities to deepen relationships with new and existing customers. While second quarter margins were below our long-term expectations, the actions we are taking position us for meaningful margin expansion, with fourth quarter margins expected to approach US$10,000 per utilization day.
"Technology remains a key competitive differentiator for Precision. Our Alpha™ digital platform and automation systems are improving drilling performance, minimizing downtime, and delivering measurable value for our customers. Combined with our high-performance fleet and experienced crews, these capabilities continue to strengthen customer relationships and support sustainable revenue and profitability growth.
"Internationally, our teams continue to execute safely and reliably despite geopolitical uncertainty in the region. During the quarter, we secured an additional five-year contract for an existing Kuwait rig, reinforcing resiliency of our customer relationships and our operational reputation in the region. With this new contract, we expect our international rig count to increase from seven to eight during mid-2027.
"Our Completion and Production Services business delivered outstanding results during the quarter. Operating hours increased 25% year over year as favorable oil prices and robust producer activity drove increased demand for our well servicing fleet. As Canada's premier well service provider, our scale, market position, and customer relationships position us to capture value from increased customer demand through the remainder of the year.
"Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the remainder of 2026. Constructive commodity prices, elevated customer demand for high-performance drilling rigs and well service equipment, improving contract coverage, and continued momentum across our businesses support a positive outlook. While geopolitical developments and commodity price volatility remain important considerations, we believe Precision is well positioned to generate long-term value through operational excellence, technology leadership, disciplined capital allocation, and a continued focus on shareholder returns,” concluded Mr. Ford.
SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Financial Highlights
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
Operating Highlights
(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
(1) Average number of drilling rigs working or moving.
Financial Position
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
Summary for the three months ended June 30, 2026:
(1) Defined as revenue per utilization day less operating costs per utilization day.
(2) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
Summary for the six months ended June 30, 2026:
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 second quarter are summarized below.
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
OUTLOOK
Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and relatively tight global crude oil inventories have reinforced the importance of secure and reliable energy supply, supporting constructive oil prices and customer investment confidence. While customers remain focused on capital discipline and returns, we continue to see sustained demand for high-performance drilling rigs and well service equipment. Assuming commodity prices remain supportive and market conditions do not materially change, we expect North American drilling and completion activity to improve modestly through the remainder of the year.
In Canada, demand for our Super Series rigs remains robust, supporting one of the most active drilling environments we have experienced in recent years. Improving heavy oil and condensate prices continue to enhance producer economics and support steady upstream investment in both oil and natural gas formations. Assuming a constructive commodity price environment, we expect our Super Triple and Super Single rigs to be nearly fully utilized through the fall drilling season.
In the U.S., increasing oil prices, disruptions in global crude supply, and concerns over low inventory levels have contributed to a more constructive outlook for oil-directed drilling activity. As a result, U.S. land drilling activity has strengthened in recent months and we increased our oil-weighted activity while maintaining a strong position in key natural gas basins, including the Haynesville and Marcellus. We currently have 43 active rigs and expect our active rig count to remain in the low 40s with continued rig churn during the third quarter. We remain focused on deepening customer relationships and strengthening margins, which we expect to increase throughout the remainder of the year.
Internationally, our crews continue to safely deliver services to our customers despite minor activity disruptions and incremental costs related to the Middle East conflict. We have seven active rigs, including four in Kuwait and three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all under five-year term contracts that extend into 2027 and 2028. Activity is expected to remain at seven rigs until mid-2027, when one of our idle Kuwait rigs is scheduled to return to work under a five-year contract following planned recertifications and upgrades. Crew-related operating costs are expected to remain elevated while regional tensions persist. We continue to seek opportunities for our one idle international rig.
As Canada's premier well service provider, we remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for our Completion and Production Services business. Expanded market access, robust heavy oil drilling and production activity, favorable oil prices and our High Performance, High Value service offering continue to support customer investment and demand for our services. We believe these factors position us well to benefit from strong activity levels and pricing, assuming no significant change in market conditions.
Overall, our outlook for the remainder of the year is optimistic, with potential upside supported by sustained strength in oil prices and continued customer investment. In Canada, we expect third quarter operating margins to average between $12,000 and $13,000 per utilization day, with a higher proportion of Super Singles working this fall 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$7,000 and US$8,000 per utilization day with cost pressures persisting due to additional rig reactivation expenses. While U.S. margin performance in the second and third quarters remains below our long-term expectations, fourth quarter margins are expected to approach US$10,000 per utilization day.
Contracts
The following chart outlines the average number of drilling rigs under term contract by quarter as of July 28, 2026. For the quarter ending after June 30, 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.
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
(1) See "FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS."
(1) Canadian operations only.
(2) Source: Baker Hughes rig counts.
(1) United States lower 48 operations only.
(2) Source: Baker Hughes rig counts.
SEGMENT REVIEW OF COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
(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 (recovery) amounts under these plans during the reporting periods are as follows:
Contingencies
In the 2018 to 2023 tax years, Precision deducted certain intercompany dividends received in connection with a preferred share financing. In late July 2026, Precision received a NOR from the CRA relating to its 2018 tax year, denying the deduction of such intercompany dividends. In addition to the 2018 NOR, Precision received a proposal from the CRA for the 2019 to 2022 tax years on the same basis, but no reassessments have been received at this time.
Precision will file a Notice of Objection to the 2018 NOR and intends to vigorously contest the 2018 NOR as well as any additional reassessments that may be issued by the CRA in respect of the intercompany dividends received. The Company and its tax advisors believe that the Company’s tax filing position is appropriate. As such, Precision has not recognized a liability in its unaudited interim consolidated financial statements with respect to the reassessment.
Due to existing tax pools, the CRA’s reassessment of the 2018 tax year and anticipated reassessments of the 2019 to 2023 tax years are not expected to impact taxes payable until the 2024 to 2027 tax years. Additional notices of reassessment for the subsequent tax years are expected to be issued over the next 24 months. If it is ultimately determined that the Company is not entitled to deduct the intercompany dividends, we estimate a maximum tax liability of approximately $155 million, excluding interest.
Once reassessments are issued, Precision will be required to pay 50% of the assessed tax liability and interest, until the issue has been resolved. If Precision is ultimately successful in defending its position, then any taxes and interest paid to the CRA will be refunded plus interest, and if the CRA is successful then any remaining taxes and interest payable will have to be remitted by Precision.
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 second quarter of 2026.
FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this report, 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:
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:
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:
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 or under Precision’s EDGAR profile. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this report 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)
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
2026 SECOND 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 Wednesday, July 29, 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/BI0caa23577c564e18afa1950d4e8a0869
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 for 12 months.
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/3tuuogfm
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