STAMPEDE DRILLING INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

Canada NewsWire

CALGARY, AB, May 15, 2025

CALGARY, AB, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Stampede Drilling Inc. ("Stampede" or the "Corporation") (TSXV: SDI) announces today its consolidated financial and operational results for the three month period ended March 31, 2025.

The following press release should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2024 audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, under International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting (together, "IFRS Accounting Standards"), and the annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes for the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and management's discussion and analysis thereon. Additional information regarding Stampede, including the AIF, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

All amounts or dollar figures are denominated in thousands of Canadian dollars except for number of drilling rigs, operating days, or unless otherwise noted. All share amounts are presented to the nearest thousand.

Estimates and forward-looking information are based on assumptions of future events and actual results may vary from these estimates. See "Forward-Looking Information" in this press release for additional details.

FIRST QUARTER 2025 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

   -- Revenue of $23,408 -- a decrease of $4,091 (15%) from $27,499 in the 
      corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily due to the 
      decreased number of operating days. 
 
   -- Gross Margin(1) of 34% -- a decrease of 2% from 36% in the corresponding 
      2024 period. The decrease was primarily due to the reduction in operating 
      days and revenue, along with an increase in repair and maintenance costs 
      per day. 
 
   -- Net Income of $1,454 -- a decrease of $3,487 (71%) from $4,941 in the 
      corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily related to the 
      decrease in operating margin, higher depreciation expense, and an 
      increase in deferred income tax expense compared to the corresponding 
      period of 2024. 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $5,115 -- a decrease of $2,550 (33%) from $7,665 in 
      the corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily due to customer 
      drilling program deferrals and operator consolidation, which resulted in 
      a reduction in operating days and operating margin. 
 
   -- Free Cash Flow(1) of $3,887 -- a decrease of $1,264 (25%) from $5,151 in 
      the corresponding 2024 period, primarily related to a decrease in funds 
      from operating activities compared to the corresponding 2024 period. 
 
   -- Repurchase of 1,130 common shares -- In the first quarter of 2025, the 
      Corporation repurchased and cancelled 1,130 common shares under its 
      normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") at a weighted average price per common 
      share of $0.14, for total consideration of $163. The total amount of 
      common shares repurchased and cancelled during the first quarter of 2025, 
      represents 6.4% of the total share repurchases since the inception of the 
      Corporation's NCIB program in August 2023. 
 
 
 

OUTLOOK

Ongoing geopolitical challenges affecting global energy supply and demand are expected to continue to impact the volatility of commodity prices, which we anticipate continuing into 2025. However, increased tidewater access for Canadian producers from the startup of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion during 2024 and LNG Canada planned for 2025 are anticipated to help alleviate some of these pressures.

The evolving political situations in Canada and the U.S. are causing uncertainty in the energy sector. U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as tariffs on Canadian energy imports, have led to Canadian retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. imports. Despite the implementation of tariffs, price volatility, and other factors, Stampede anticipates modest growth in oilfield activity in Canada, with the potential for attractive returns for its shareholders.

Stampede had 14 out of its 17 marketable rigs operational in the first quarter of 2025. Stampede anticipates building on this positive momentum into the back half of 2025. The Corporation ended 2024 with a debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.09x. Stampede continues to demonstrate prudent debt management, maintaining financial risk at manageable levels.

With the NCIB program renewed on June 3, 2024, the Corporation can further return value to shareholders through share repurchases, dependent on market conditions and growth prospects. Notably, since the inception of the Corporation's NCIB program in August 2023, the Corporation has repurchased 31,858 common shares, representing 15.9% of the Corporation's total issued and outstanding common shares, at an average price of $0.22 per share, at a cost of approximately $6,992.

 
(1) -- Refer to "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" 
 for further information. 
 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 
                                              Three months ended, March 31 
(000's CAD $ except per share amounts)        2025       2024       % Change 
Revenue                                          23,408     27,499      (15 %) 
Direct operating expenses                        15,539     17,586      (12 %) 
Gross margin(1)                                   7,869      9,913      (21 %) 
Net income                                        1,454      4,941      (71 %) 
Basic and diluted income per share                 0.01       0.02      (50 %) 
Adjusted EBITDA(1)                                5,115      7,665      (33 %) 
Funds from operating activities                   5,099      7,614      (33 %) 
Free cash flow(1)                                 3,887      5,151      (25 %) 
Weighted average common shares outstanding 
 (000's)                                        204,066    211,276       (3 %) 
Weighted average diluted common shares 
 outstanding 
 (000's)                                        204,066    212,029       (4 %) 
Capital expenditures                              4,792      6,180      (22 %) 
Number of marketed rigs                              17         19      (11 %) 
Drilling rig utilization(2)                        53 %       55 %       (2 %) 
CAOEC industry average utilization(3)              54 %       50 %         4 % 
 
 
(1) Refer to "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" 
 for further information. 
 (2) Drilling rig utilization is calculated based on 
 operating days (spud to rig release). 
 (3) Source: The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors 
 ("CAOEC") monthly Contractor Summary. The CAOEC industry 
 average is based on operating days divided by total 
 available drilling days. 
 

DESCRIPTION OF STAMPEDE'S BUSINESS

Stampede is an energy services company that provides premier contract drilling services in Western Canada. Stampede operates a fleet of 17 marketable telescopic double drilling rigs suited for most formations within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB"). The Corporation's head office is located in Calgary, Alberta with operations based out of Nisku, Alberta and Estevan, Saskatchewan. The Corporation's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") under the symbol "SDI".

Recent Developments

As previously announced, on May 5, 2025, Stampede entered into a drilling equipment purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with a private company (the "Purchaser") providing for the sale (the "Transaction") of certain drilling components (the "Equipment") from the Triple. The total consideration to be paid to Stampede is $5 million in cash, plus the transfer to Stampede of certain drilling equipment valued at approximately $290,000 (collectively, the "Purchase Price"). Stampede has retained key components of the Triple for future sale or internal deployment to minimize future capital expenditures.

The Agreement contains customary covenants, representations and warranties of and from each of the Purchaser and the Corporation, and various conditions precedent, including that each party obtain all necessary consents from its lenders and other secured parties, and that the Purchaser successfully completes a debt financing with its bank to enable it to pay the cash portion of the Purchase Price. Unless all such conditions are satisfied or waived by the party for whose benefit such conditions exist, the Transaction will not proceed. In connection with the Transaction, Stampede and the Purchaser have also agreed to indemnify one another in certain circumstances.

The Agreement may be terminated prior to the closing of the Transaction in certain circumstances, including by either the Corporation or the Purchaser if the Transaction is not consummated on or before November 30, 2025. If the Agreement is terminated, the Corporation will be entitled to retain, at no cost to it, any upgrades or other improvements that the Purchaser makes to the Equipment prior to the date of termination.

RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2025

 
                                        Three months ended, March 31 
(000's CAD $)                           2025       2024      % Change 
Revenue                                    23,408    27,499       (15 %) 
Direct operating expenses                  15,539    17,586       (12 %) 
Gross margin(1)                             7,869     9,913       (21 %) 
Gross margin %(1)                            34 %      36 %        (2 %) 
Net Income                                  1,454     4,941       (71 %) 
General and administrative expenses         3,118     2,524         24 % 
Adjusted EBITDA(1)                          5,115     7,665       (33 %) 
Drilling rig operating days(2)                805       956       (16 %) 
Drilling rig revenue per day(3)              29.1      28.8          1 % 
Drilling rig utilization(4)                  53 %      55 %        (2 %) 
CAOEC industry average utilization(5)        54 %      50 %          4 % 
 
 
(1) Refer to "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" 
 for further information. 
 (2) Defined as contract drilling days, between spud 
 to rig release. 
 (3) Drilling rig revenue per day is calculated by 
 revenue divided by drilling rig operating days. 
 (4) Drilling rig utilization is calculated based on 
 operating days (spud to rig release). 
 (5) Source: The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors 
 ("CAOEC") monthly Contractor Summary. The CAOEC industry 
 average is based on Operating Days divided by total 
 available drilling days. 
 
   -- Revenue of $23,408 -- a decrease of $4,091 (15%) from $27,499 in the 
      corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily driven by a 16% 
      decrease in operating days compared to the corresponding period of 2024. 
 
   -- Operating days of 805 -- a decrease of 151 operating days (16%) from 956 
      operating days in the corresponding 2024 period. Operating days decreased 
      due to customer consolidation and drilling program deferrals in the first 
      quarter of 2025, resulting in lower drilling rig utilization compared to 
      the corresponding period of 2024. 
 
   -- Gross margin percentage of 34% -- a decrease of 2% from 36% in the 
      corresponding 2024 period. The gross margin decrease was primarily due to 
      the reduction in operating days and revenue, along with an increase in 
      repair and maintenance costs per day. 
 
   -- Net income of $1,454 -- a decrease of $3,487 (71%) from $4,941 in the 
      corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily related to 
      decreased Adjusted EBITDA, along with increased depreciation costs and 
      deferred income tax expense. 
 
   -- General and administrative expenses of $3,118 -- an increase of $594 
      (24%) from $2,524 in the corresponding 2024 period. The increase was 
      primarily related to the increase in worker compensation insurance and 
      credit loss allowance in the first quarter of 2025. 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA of $5,115 -- a decrease of $2,550 (33%) from $7,665 in 
      the corresponding 2024 period. The decrease was primarily due to customer 
      drilling program deferrals and operator consolidation resulting in a 
      reduction in operating days and operating margin. 

NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release contains references to (i) adjusted EBITDA, (ii) gross margin (iii) gross margin percentage, and (iv) free cash flow. These financial measures are not measures that have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards and are therefore referred to as non-generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") measures. The non-GAAP measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

 
(i)  Adjusted EBITDA - is defined as "income from operations 
      before interest income, interest expense, taxes, transaction 
      costs, depreciation and amortization, share-based 
      compensation expense, gains on asset disposals, impairment 
      expenses, other income, foreign exchange, non-recurring 
      restructuring charges, finance costs, accretion of 
      debentures and other income/expenses, foreign exchange 
      gain and any other items that the Corporation considers 
      appropriate to adjust given the irregular nature and 
      relevance to comparable operations." Management believes 
      that in addition to net income, adjusted EBITDA is 
      a useful supplemental measure as it provides an indication 
      of the results generated by the Corporation's principal 
      business activities prior to consideration of how 
      these activities are financed, how assets are depreciated, 
      amortized and impaired, the impact of foreign exchange, 
      or how the results are affected by the accounting 
      standards associated with the Corporation's stock-based 
      compensation plan. Investors should be cautioned, 
      however, that adjusted EBITDA should not be construed 
      as an alternative to net income and comprehensive 
      income determined in accordance with IFRS Accounting 
      Standards as an indicator of the Corporation's performance. 
      The Corporation's method of calculating adjusted EBITDA 
      may differ from that of other organizations and, accordingly, 
      its adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to that 
      of other companies. 
 
 
                         Three months ended, March 31 
(000's CAD $)            2025      2024      % Change 
Net income                  1,454     4,941        (71 %) 
Depreciation                2,422     2,068          17 % 
Finance costs                 442       517        (15 %) 
Other income                    5         -            nm 
Income tax expense            577         -            nm 
Gain on asset disposal       (23)      (19)          21 % 
Share-based payments          219       170          29 % 
Transaction costs              19         1       1,800 % 
Foreign exchange gain           -      (13)            nm 
Adjusted EBITDA             5,115     7,665        (33 %) 
nm - not meaningful 
 
 
(ii)   Gross margin - is defined as "Income from operations 
        before depreciation of property and equipment". Gross 
        margin is a measure that provides shareholders and 
        potential investors additional information regarding 
        the Corporation's cash generating and operating performance. 
        Management utilizes this measure to assess the Corporation's 
        operating performance. Investors should be cautioned, 
        however, that gross margin should not be construed 
        as an alternative to net income (loss) determined 
        in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as an 
        indicator of the Corporation's performance. The Corporation's 
        method of calculating gross margin may differ from 
        that of other organizations and, accordingly, its 
        gross margin may not be comparable to that of other 
        companies. 
 
(iii)  Gross margin percentage - is calculated as gross margin 
        divided by revenue. The Corporation believes gross 
        margin as a percentage of revenue is an important 
        measure to determine how the Corporation is managing 
        its revenues and corresponding cost of sales. The 
        Corporation's method of calculating gross margin percentage 
        may differ from that of other organizations and, accordingly, 
        its gross margin percentage may not be comparable 
        to that of other companies. 
 
       The following table reconciles the Corporation's income 
        from operations, being the most directly comparable 
        financial measure disclosed in the Corporation's interim 
        financial statements, to gross margin and gross margin 
        percentage: 
 
 
                                         Three months ended, March 31 
(000's CAD $)                            2025      2024      % Change 
Income from operations                      5,592     7,951        (30 %) 
Depreciation of property and equipment      2,277     1,962          16 % 
Gross margin                                7,869     9,913        (21 %) 
Gross margin %                               34 %      36 %         (2 %) 
 
 
(iv)  Free cash flow - is calculated based on funds from 
       operating activities less maintenance and sustaining 
       capital, and interest and principal debt repayments. 
       The Corporation uses this measure to assess the discretionary 
       cash that management has to invest in growth capital, 
       asset acquisitions, or return capital to shareholders. 
       The Corporation's method of calculating free cash 
       flow may differ from that of other organizations and, 
       accordingly, its free cash flow may not be comparable 
       to that of other companies. The following table reconciles 
       the Corporation's funds from operating activities 
       to free cash flow. 
 
 
                                        Three months ended, March 31 
(000's CAD $)                           2025      2024       % Change 
Funds from operating activities            5,099      7,614       (33 %) 
Maintenance and sustaining capital         (371)    (1,012)       (63 %) 
Interest paid on Demand Facility           (101)       (63)         60 % 
Term Loan Facility principal payments      (441)      (987)       (55 %) 
Interest on Term Loan Facility             (299)      (401)       (25 %) 
Total free cash flow                       3,887      5,151       (25 %) 
 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information relates to future events or the Corporation's future performance. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "contemplate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "propose", "might", "may", "will", "could", "should", "believe", "predict", and "forecast" are intended to identify forward-looking information.

This press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the Corporation's performance; expectations associated with the Corporation's outlook, including among other things, anticipated commodity prices and the volatility thereof and potential mitigating factors; expectations about industry activities and the impacts thereof on the Corporation; market conditions and corresponding rig utilization; the Transaction, including the terms thereof; the expected closing date of the Transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof to the Corporation; the expected sources of funding for the Transaction; future projects and the anticipated benefits thereof to the Corporation; and factors impacting global energy supply.

Forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions that Stampede has made in respect thereof as at the date of this press release regarding, among other things: the Corporation's ability to fully crew and contract its rigs; the success of the measures implemented by the Corporation to ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operations at each of its drilling sites; the effectiveness of the Corporation's financial risk management policies at ensuring all payables are paid within the pre-agreed credit terms; that the Corporation has adequate access to its credit facilities to provide the necessary liquidity needed to manage fluctuations in the timing of receipt and/or disbursement of operating cash flows; expectations regarding Stampede's share price; the impact of inflation, weather conditions, and expectations regarding the duration and overall impact of the continued conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; the ability of the Corporation to retain qualified staff; the ability of the Corporation to maintain key customers; the ability of the Corporation to obtain financing on acceptable terms; the belief that the Corporation's principal sources of liquidity will be sufficient to service its debt and fund its operations and other strategic opportunities; the ability to protect and maintain the Corporation's intellectual property; the regulatory framework regarding taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which the Corporation operates; the ability of Stampede and the Purchaser to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Transaction in a timely manner and substantially on the terms thereof; the Purchaser's ability to successfully complete its bank financing; and that there are no unforeseen events preventing the performance of the Agreement and matters ancillary thereto.

Forward-looking information is presented in this press release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Corporation's financial results and business plan, as well as the objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook of the Corporation, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Corporation's anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

While Stampede believes the expectations and material factors and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information is reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these expectations, factors and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results or events could differ materially from the expectations of the Corporation expressed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: the condition of the global economy, including trade, inflation, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and other geopolitical risks, including the imposition of tariffs and other non-tariff trade barriers; the condition of the crude oil and natural gas industry and related commodity prices; other commodity prices and the potential impact on the Corporation and the industry in which the Corporation operates, including levels of exploration and development activities; the impact of increasing competition; fluctuations in operating results; the ongoing significant volatility in world markets and the resulting impact on drilling and completions programs; foreign currency exchange rates; interest rates; labour and material shortages; cyber security risks; natural catastrophes; the ability of Stampede and the Purchaser to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transaction; and certain other risks and uncertainties detailed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Corporation's annual MD&A and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's AIF, each dated March 13, 2025, for the year ended December 31, 2024, and from time to time in Stampede's public disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.ca.

This list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted, or projected. Statements, including forward-looking information, are made as of the date of this press release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Stampede Drilling Inc.

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/CONTACT:

For further information, please contact: Lyle Whitmarsh, President & Chief Executive Officer, Stampede Drilling Inc., Tel: (403) 984-5042

Copyright CNW Group 2025 
 

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May 15, 2025 17:00 ET (21:00 GMT)