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Essential Energy Services Ltd
Symbol ESN
Shares Issued 125,836,930
Close 2015-05-05 C$ 1.18
Market Cap C$ 148,487,577
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Essential earns $3.09-million in Q1

2015-05-05 18:44 ET - News Release

Subject: Essential Energy Services Announces First Quarter Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend Essential Energy Services Announces First Quarter Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend
Marketwired
 
 
Essential Energy Services Ltd.
TSX:ESN
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May 5, 2015
Essential Energy Services Announces First Quarter Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 5, 2015) - Essential Energy Services Ltd. (TSX:ESN) ("Essential" or the "Company") announces first quarter results and the quarterly dividend.

QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

The cash dividend for the period April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 has been set at $0.03 per share. The dividend will be paid on July 15, 2015 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2015. The ex-dividend date is June 26, 2015. This dividend is an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes.

SELECTED INFORMATION


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
(in thousands of dollars except per share,                                 
 percentages and fleet data)                   Three months ended March 31 
                                                                           
                                                      2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Revenue                                     $       70,419  $      103,730 
                                                                           
Gross margin                                        15,302          27,327 
  Gross margin %                                       22%             26% 
                                                                           
EBITDAS(1)                                          10,859          22,507 
  EBITDAS %(1)                                         15%             22% 
                                                                           
Net income                                           3,096          10,149 
  Per share - basic                                   0.02            0.08 
  Per share - diluted                                 0.02            0.08 
                                                                           
Total assets                                       371,496         439,745 
Total long-term debt                                39,817          50,821 
                                                                           
Utilization                                                                
  Masted coil tubing rigs                              90%            109% 
  Service rigs                                         37%             66% 
                                                                           
Equipment fleet                                                            
  Masted coil tubing rigs                               19              16 
  Service rigs                                          54              55 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
(1) Refer to "Non-IFRS Measures" section for further information.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

Industry activity in the first quarter of 2015 was significantly below the same quarter in the prior year, as weak oil and natural gas prices resulted in exploration and production ("E&P") companies drastically reducing spending. The reduction in E&P spending directly impacted oilfield service activity and led customers to demand lower prices for oilfield services. During the first quarter of 2015, drilling rig utilization, the number of wells drilled, and well completions, all indicators of oilfield activity, were significantly below the first quarter 2014 comparatives. Well completions, a key driver of Essential's services, was down 34% compared to 2014.

First quarter 2015 revenue was $70.4 million, 32% lower than the first quarter of 2014. Price declines were experienced across all of Essential's service lines as oilfield service companies competed for limited work. Essential's primary service lines performed well compared to industry declines in completions and drilling activity. Masted coil tubing utilization was strong at 90%.

Essential's well servicing revenue decreased 36% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due to lower utilization, particularly in service rigs and conventional coil tubing, and pricing reductions. Compared to the significant decline in industry well completions, masted coil tubing performed well as operating hours were consistent with the first quarter of 2014. This was driven by demand for Essential's equipment in the Montney, Bakken and Duvernay regions. Service rig utilization was 37% for the quarter compared to Canadian Association of Oil Drilling Contractors ("CAODC") service rig industry utilization of 34%. Revenue per hour reductions in Essential's well servicing segment ranged from 10% to 15% compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Essential's downhole tools & rentals revenue decreased 22% from the first quarter of 2014 due to decreased activity and pricing in Canadian operations, partially offset by growth in U.S. downhole tools revenue.

Given industry conditions, Essential took proactive steps during the first quarter of 2015 to manage costs. Compensation and discretionary spending reductions were implemented in March 2015, including a 20% reduction in board of directors' fees and executive salaries and suspension of various benefit and incentive programs. Essential decreased non-executive employee salaries by an average of 10% and reduced its labour force prior to the end of March by 25% of salaried employees and 35% of field staff. Severance costs totalling $1.7 million were recorded in the first quarter of 2015 in the corporate and eliminations segment. Essential expects to realize annualized fixed cost savings from these initiatives of approximately $10 million.

EBITDAS(1) for the first quarter of 2015 was $10.9 million, a decline of 52% from the first quarter of 2014. EBITDAS(1) before severance costs was $12.5 million or 18% as a percentage of revenue compared to 22% in the first quarter 2014.

At March 31, 2015, Essential had $39.8 million of debt outstanding, a decrease of $15.4 million from December 31, 2014. At May 5, 2015, Essential had $39.1 million of debt outstanding.

Segment Results - Well Servicing


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(in thousands of dollars, except                                           
 percentages, hours and fleet data)           Three months ended March 31, 
                                                                           
                                                      2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Revenue                                                                    
  Coil well service (i)                     $       31,976  $       41,499 
  Service rigs                                      15,026          32,499 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Total revenue                                       47,002          73,998 
                                                                           
Operating expenses                                  36,288          54,261 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Gross margin                                $       10,714  $       19,737 
  Gross margin %                                       23%             27% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Utilization (ii)                                                           
  Masted coil tubing rigs                                                  
    Utilization                                        90%            109% 
    Operating hours                                 15,335          15,312 
                                                                           
  Pumping                                                                  
    Utilization                                        61%             69% 
    Operating hours                                 17,586          19,995 
                                                                           
  Service rigs                                                             
    Utilization                                        37%             66% 
    Operating hours                                 17,745          32,616 
                                                                           
Equipment fleet (iii)                                                      
  Masted coil tubing rigs                               19              16 
  Pumping                                               32              32 
  Service rigs                                          54              55 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(i)   Includes revenue from coil tubing rigs, nitrogen and fluid pumping   
      and other ancillary equipment.                                       
(ii)  Utilization is calculated using a 10 hour day.                       
(iii) Fleet data represents the number of units at the end of the period.
 
Coil well service revenue decreased 23% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Masted coil tubing and pumping performed well compared to the decline in industry well completions. Masted coil tubing operating hours were consistent with 2014 and pumping utilization was down slightly. This relatively strong demand was initiated by certain customers for masted coil tubing equipment in the Montney, Bakken and Duvernay regions. Conventional coil tubing operating hours were down 47% year-over-year as this equipment, which is not as specialized as Essential's masted coil tubing fleet, was exposed to greater competitive pressures. Masted coil tubing and pumping revenue per hour declined between 10% and 15% compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Reduced activity in the first quarter allowed Essential to meet customer demand for masted coil tubing with its Generation II and Generation III masted coil tubing rigs. Essential used this time of slower industry activity to complete further modifications and enhancements on the two Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs. Both Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs are expected to be back in service by the end of the second quarter. The new modifications will be incorporated into the remaining four Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs.

First quarter service rig revenue decreased 54% compared to the first quarter of 2014 due to lower demand and pricing pressures driven by the industry downturn. Year-over-year quarterly revenue also decreased with the sale of Essential's rod rig assets in October 2014. Service rig utilization for the first quarter was 37%, higher than the CAODC industry utilization of 34%. Revenue per hour declined approximately 10% compared to the first quarter of 2014. Price reductions became more pronounced as the quarter progressed, reaching approximately 15% by quarter-end.

Well servicing gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased to 23% compared to 27% in the first quarter of 2014 due to the revenue decrease, partially offset by lower labour costs in coil well service from better crew management. As revenue declines, fixed costs comprise a larger percentage of revenue, reducing gross margin. Essential's fixed cost savings were implemented in March 2015 and the benefit will be realized in the remainder of 2015.

Following the first quarter of 2015, Essential reduced its conventional coil tubing fleet to eleven rigs by retiring six conventional coil tubing rigs: two deep rigs and four shallow rigs. As a cost reduction and efficiency measure, the remaining conventional coil tubing operation has been fully integrated with the masted coil tubing operation.

Segment Results - Downhole Tools & Rentals


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
(in thousands of dollars, except                                           
 percentages)                                 Three months ended March 31, 
                                                                           
                                                      2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Revenue                                     $       23,611  $       30,286 
                                                                           
Operating expenses                                  16,831          21,228 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Gross margin                                $        6,780  $        9,058 
  Gross margin %                                       29%             30% 
                                                                           
Downhole Tools & Rentals revenue - % of                                    
 revenue                                                                   
  Tryton MSFS(R)                                       38%             39% 
  Conventional Tools & Rentals                         62%             61% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Downhole tools & rentals first quarter revenue decreased 22% from the same quarter of 2014. Downhole tools revenue decreased due to industry declines for well completions and production work, as well as pricing pressure. Pricing pressures became more pronounced as the quarter progressed, reaching approximately 15% by the end of the quarter. During the first three months of 2015, Essential realized incremental growth from its U.S. downhole tools business, which remains a small portion of the segment. Rental revenue was consistent with 2014 due to demand for specialty drill pipe that Essential added to its rental fleet in 2014.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the first quarter of 2015 was 29% compared to 30% for the same period in 2014. Decreased operating margin in Canada was partially offset by improvement from U.S. operations, which had an operating loss in 2014 during its initial start-up phase, and relatively greater contribution of higher margin rental revenue in 2015.

General and Administrative


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
(in thousands of dollars, except              Three months ended March 31, 
 percentages)                                                              
                                                                           
                                                      2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
General and administrative expenses         $        4,443  $        4,820 
  As a % of revenue                                     6%              5% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
General and administrative expenses ("G&A") are comprised of wages, professional fees, office space and other administrative costs incurred at corporate and operational levels. G&A expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were lower than the same quarter in the prior year due primarily to the suspension of incentive plans in 2015. As cost cutting primarily occurred in later March 2015, including implementation of salary rollbacks and layoffs, G&A is expected to be lower for the remainder of 2015.

Other Expense


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                              Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands of dollars)                             2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Loss on disposal of assets                  $          268  $          249 
Write-down of assets                                     -             797 
Foreign exchange gain                               (1,002)           (316)
Other loss                                              18              25 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Other (income) expense                      $         (716) $          755 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The weakening of the Canadian dollar in relation to the U.S. dollar resulted in higher foreign exchange gains in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Funds Flow from Operations(1)


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
(in thousands of dollars, except per share                                 
 amounts)                                     Three months ended March 31, 
                                                                           
                                                      2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Net cash provided by operating activities   $       28,346  $        4,303 
Add:                                                                       
  Changes in non-cash working capital              (16,679)         15,498 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Funds flow provided by operations(1)        $       11,667  $       19,801 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Per share - basic                           $         0.09  $         0.16 
Per share - diluted                         $         0.09  $         0.15 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Working Capital(1)


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                     As at           As at 
                                                  March 31     December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except ratios)              2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Current assets                              $       92,981  $      118,758 
Current liabilities, excluding current                                     
 portion of long-term debt                         (26,944)        (37,789)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Working capital (1)                         $       66,037  $       80,969 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Working capital ratio                                3.5:1           3.1:1 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Working capital typically grows through the first, third and fourth quarters of the year when industry activity is stronger. Working capital declined in the first quarter of 2015, which is not typical for this time of year, due to the industry downturn. Essential uses its revolving credit facility to meet the variable nature of its working capital needs as collection periods for accounts receivable are longer than payment cycles to vendors and employees. In periods of higher activity, debt initially tends to increase and in periods of lower activity debt initially declines.

Equipment Expenditures and Fleet Additions


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                              Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands of dollars)                             2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Well Servicing                              $        5,543  $        6,807 
Downhole Tools & Rentals                               646           3,716 
Corporate                                              272             525 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total equipment expenditures                         6,461          11,048 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Less proceeds on disposal of property and                                  
 equipment                                             (95)           (865)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net equipment expenditures(1)               $        6,366  $       10,183 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Essential classifies its equipment expenditures as growth capital(1) and maintenance capital(1):


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                              Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands of dollars)                             2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Growth capital(1)                           $        5,343  $        8,539 
Maintenance capital(1)                               1,118           2,509 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total equipment expenditures                $        6,461  $       11,048 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Essential's 2015 capital budget of $21 million is comprised of $13 million in growth capital and $8 million of maintenance capital. Growth capital consists primarily of one Generation III and progress payments on four Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs. Two of these five masted coil tubing rigs are expected to be in service in 2015 and three in 2016.

Essential added a Generation III masted coil tubing rig to its 2015 capital budget. This masted coil tubing rig was deferred earlier this year with Essential having the right of first refusal to purchase the rig prior to its completion. Negotiated deferrals in the Generation IV masted coil tubing rig program reduced capital in 2015 as costs have been deferred to 2016, resulting in Essential's capital budget remaining at $21 million.

Essential's long-term capital build program is aimed at increasing the size and depth capacity of the masted coil tubing fleet. To date, the Company has added three Generation III and two Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs. Essential expects to spend approximately $52 million on this program. Upon completion of the $52 million spending program in 2016, Essential will have four Generation III and six Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs. At March 31, 2015, Essential has spent approximately $41 million on this capital program. The Generation III and Generation IV masted coil tubing rigs have the capability to work on long-reach horizontal wells and are well-suited to work in deep, high pressure regions including the Montney, Bakken, Duvernay and Horn River. With a coil diameter of 2 3/8", the Generation III masted coil tubing rigs can reach 6,300 meters and the Generation IV rigs can reach 7,900 meters.

The following table shows the expected in-service dates of the major equipment as at May 5, 2015:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Capital          Rigs            Expected
                             Build Program    In-Service    In-Service Dates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
Masted coil tubing rigs:                                                    
Generation III                           4             3               Q4'15
Generation IV                            6             2      Q4'15, 2016(3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OUTLOOK

The extent and duration of the industry downturn is highly uncertain. In Canada, industry drilling rig utilization in the first quarter was down significantly from the prior year, reaching levels similar to the first quarter of 2009. For the remainder of 2015, sustained commodity price improvement will be required for improved industry activity. During this time, management will remain focused on the things the Company can control: costs, capital spending and debt.

Essential implemented a number of cost management initiatives in the first quarter. The timing was critical to minimize fixed costs during the seasonally slow second quarter and thereafter. Reductions included employee compensation reductions at all levels of the organization and significant employee layoffs in the field and the Calgary corporate office. The objective is to continue to operate profitably during the downturn while retaining key employees so the Company is ready to return as a stronger entity when the industry recovers. Annualized fixed cost savings continue to be anticipated at $10 million.

The capital spending budget was "right-sized" for the downturn earlier in the year and remains unchanged at $21 million. This is less than 50% of what the Company spent on capital in each of the last few years. Investment capital is focused on the masted coil tubing fleet. Management believes continuing with the build program is an appropriate use of capital given the industry trend of drilling and completing long-reach horizontal wells. The masted coil tubing rigs have the capability to work on long-reach horizontal wells and are well-suited to work in deep, high pressure regions, including the Montney, Bakken, Duvernay and Horn River.

The cost cutting efforts and conservative capital spending will help to preserve the strength of the balance sheet. At May 5, 2015, Essential had $39.1 million outstanding and reported debt to EBITDAS(1) of 0.7x at the end of the first quarter.

The Management's Discussion and Analysis and Financial Statements are available on Essential's website at www.essentialenergy.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

(1) Non-IFRS Measures

Throughout this news release, certain terms that are not specifically defined in IFRS are used to analyze Essential's operations. In addition to the primary measures of net earnings and net earnings per share in accordance with IFRS, Essential believes that certain measures not recognized under IFRS assist both Essential and the reader in assessing performance and understanding Essential's results. Each of these measures provides the reader with additional insight into Essential's ability to fund principal debt repayments, capital programs and pay dividends. As a result, the method of calculation may not be comparable with other companies. These measures should not be considered alternatives to net earnings and net earnings per share as calculated in accordance with IFRS.

EBITDAS (Earnings before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, transaction costs, losses or gains on disposal of equipment, write-down of assets, impairment loss, foreign exchange gains or losses, and share-based compensation, which includes both equity-settled and cash-settled transactions) - These adjustments are relevant as they provide another measure which is considered an indicator of Essential's ability to generate funds flow in order to fund required working capital, service debt, invest in capital programs and pay dividends.

EBITDAS % - This measure is considered an indicator of Essential's ability to generate funds flow as calculated by EBITDAS divided by revenue.

Funds flow or funds flow provided by operations - This measure is an indicator of Essential's ability to generate funds flow in order to fund working capital, principal debt repayments, capital programs and pay dividends. Funds flow or funds flow from operations is defined as cash flow from operations before changes in non-cash operating working capital. This measure is useful in assessing Essential's operational cash flow as it provides cash generated in the period excluding the timing of non-cash operating working capital. This reflects the ability of the operations of Essential to meet the above noted funding requirements.

Growth capital - Growth capital is capital spending which is intended to result in incremental increases in revenue. Growth capital is considered to be a key measure as it represents the total expenditures on equipment expected to add incremental revenue and funds flow to Essential.

Maintenance capital - Equipment additions that are incurred in order to refurbish or replace previously acquired equipment. Such additions do not provide incremental increases in revenue. Maintenance capital is a key component in understanding the sustainability of Essential's business as cash resources retained within Essential must be sufficient to meet maintenance capital needs to replenish the assets for future cash generation.

Net equipment expenditures - This measure is equipment expenditures less proceeds on the disposal of equipment. Essential uses net equipment expenditures to describe net cash outflows related to the financing of Essential's capital program.

Working capital - Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of long-term debt.

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA

Essential operates primarily in western Canada, where activity is directly impacted by seasonality. Activity is traditionally higher in the first, third and fourth quarters of the year and lower in the second quarter. With the onset of spring, melting snow renders many roadways incapable of supporting heavy equipment. In addition, certain areas in Canada are typically only accessible during the winter months. The following table provides the Company's quarterly information for the past eight quarters:


-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share                                 
amounts, percentages and fleet data)                                       
                                     Mar 31,   Dec 31,  Sept 30,   Jun 30, 
                                        2015      2014      2014      2014 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well Servicing:                                                            
  Coil Well Service                   31,976    41,426    39,233    17,398 
  Service Rigs                        15,026    22,034    22,105    16,437 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Well Servicing                  47,002    63,460    61,338    33,835 
Downhole Tools & Rentals              23,611    35,921    35,261    19,521 
Inter-segment eliminations              (194)     (527)     (463)     (604)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue                         70,419    98,854    96,136    52,752 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
Gross margin                          15,302    27,330    27,515     5,222 
  Gross margin %                         22%       28%       29%       10% 
                                                                           
EBITDAS(1)                            10,859    21,992    22,657       440 
  EBITDAS %(1)                           15%       22%       24%        1% 
Net income (loss) (i)                  3,096   (38,323)   10,777    (5,425)
  Per share - basic                     0.02     (0.30)     0.09     (0.04)
  Per share - diluted                   0.02     (0.30)     0.08     (0.04)
                                                                           
Total assets                         371,496   397,351   454,745   408,964 
Long-term debt                        39,817    55,253    65,043    38,433 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
Utilization (ii)                                                           
  Masted coil tubing rigs                90%      104%      105%       42% 
  Pumping (iii)                          61%       72%       66%       34% 
  Service rigs                           37%       49%       48%       34% 
                                                                           
Operating Hours                                                            
  Masted coil tubing rigs             15,335    17,469    15,524     6,094 
  Pumping (iii)                       17,586    20,885    19,397     9,861 
  Conventional coil tubing rigs        3,665     3,951     4,426     2,942 
  Service rigs                        17,745    24,394    23,997    16,907 
                                                                           
Downhole Tools & Rentals - % of revenue                                    
  Tryton MSFS(R) (iv)                    38%       45%       46%       25% 
  Conventional Tools & Rentals (iv)      62%       55%       54%       75% 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
Equipment fleet (v)                                                        
  Masted coil tubing rigs                 19        19        17        17 
  Fluid pumpers                           18        18        18        18 
  Nitrogen pumpers                        14        14        14        14 
  Conventional coil tubing rigs                                            
   (vi)                                   17        17        29        30 
  Service rigs                            54        54        54        55 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     Mar 31,   Dec 31,  Sept 30,   Jun 30, 
                                        2014      2013      2013      2013 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Well Servicing:                                                            
  Coil Well Service                   41,499    36,150    33,037     9,433 
  Service Rigs                        32,499    25,593    23,870    14,732 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Well Servicing                  73,998    61,743    56,907    24,165 
Downhole Tools & Rentals              30,286    31,560    28,185    14,252 
Inter-segment eliminations              (554)     (480)     (582)        - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total revenue                        103,730    92,823    84,510    38,417 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Gross margin                          27,327    25,332    21,414    (1,310)
  Gross margin %                         26%       27%       25%       -3% 
                                                                           
EBITDAS(1)                            22,507    20,705    17,132    (5,171)
  EBITDAS %(1)                           22%       22%       20%      -13% 
Net income (loss) (i)                 10,149    11,126     3,843   (11,501)
  Per share - basic                     0.08      0.09      0.03     (0.09)
  Per share - diluted                   0.08      0.09      0.03     (0.09)
                                                                           
Total assets                         439,745   423,963   409,613   380,728 
Long-term debt                        50,821    39,027    40,484    14,592 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Utilization (ii)                                                           
  Masted coil tubing rigs               109%      107%      112%       19% 
  Pumping (iii)                          69%       55%       47%       14% 
  Service rigs                           66%       53%       50%       28% 
                                                                           
Operating Hours                                                            
  Masted coil tubing rigs             15,312    14,699    14,738     2,477 
  Pumping (iii)                       19,995    16,612    14,418     4,241 
  Conventional coil tubing rigs        6,959     6,612     5,002     2,832 
  Service rigs                        32,616    26,557    25,084    14,234 
                                                                           
Downhole Tools & Rentals - % of                                            
 revenue                                                                   
  Tryton MSFS(R) (iv)                    39%       55%       55%       40% 
  Conventional Tools & Rentals (iv)      61%       45%       45%       60% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Equipment fleet (v)                                                        
  Masted coil tubing rigs                 16        15        15        14 
  Fluid pumpers                           18        18        18        18 
  Nitrogen pumpers                        14        14        15        15 
  Conventional coil tubing rigs                                            
   (vi)                                   30        30        30        30 
  Service rigs                            55        55        54        56 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(i)   The quarter ended December 31, 2014 includes an impairment loss on   
      goodwill and intangible assets of $47.2 million.                     
(ii)  Utilization is calculated using a 10 hour day.                       
(iii) Pumping includes both fluid and nitrogen pumpers.                    
(iv)  Certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 
      current period's presentation.                                       
(v)   Fleet data represents the number of units at the end of the period.  
(vi)  Effective April 1, 2015, the conventional coil tubing fleet was      
      reduced to 11 rigs.                                                  
                                                                           
ESSENTIAL ENERGY SERVICES LTD.                                             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION                              
(Unaudited)                                                                
                                                                           
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                     As at           As at 
                                                  March 31     December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)                             2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Assets                                                                     
Current                                                                    
  Trade and other accounts receivable       $       57,658  $       79,651 
  Inventories                                       33,147          35,991 
  Prepayments                                        2,176           3,116 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                    92,981         118,758 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Non-current                                                                
  Property and equipment                           240,262         239,696 
  Intangible assets                                 23,658          24,599 
  Goodwill                                          14,595          14,298 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                   278,515         278,593 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Total assets                                $      371,496  $      397,351 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Liabilities                                                                
Current                                                                    
  Bank indebtedness                         $        2,098  $          991 
  Trade and other accounts payable                  21,071          32,822 
  Dividends payable                                  3,775           3,773 
  Income taxes payable                                   -             203 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                    26,944          37,789 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Non-current                                                                
  Long-term debt                                    39,817          55,253 
  Deferred tax liabilities                          29,023          28,299 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                    68,840          83,552 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Total liabilities                                   95,784         121,341 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Equity                                                                     
  Share capital                                    262,977         262,871 
  Retained earnings                                  8,027           8,706 
  Other reserves                                     4,708           4,433 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total equity                                       275,712         276,010 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Total liabilities and equity                $      371,496  $      397,351 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
ESSENTIAL ENERGY SERVICES LTD.                                              
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME      
(Unaudited)                                                                 
                                                                            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                 For the three months ended 
                                                                  March 31, 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share                                  
 amounts)                                              2015            2014 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
Revenue                                      $       70,419  $      103,730 
                                                                            
Operating expenses                                   55,117          76,403 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Gross margin                                         15,302          27,327 
                                                                            
General and administrative expenses                   4,443           4,820 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                     10,859          22,507 
                                                                            
Depreciation and amortization                         6,690           6,785 
Share-based compensation                                154             651 
Other (income) expenses                                (716)            755 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating profit                                      4,731          14,316 
                                                                            
Finance costs                                           472             433 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Income before income taxes                            4,259          13,883 
                                                                            
Current income tax expense                              442           2,782 
Deferred income tax expense                             721             952 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total income tax expense                              1,163           3,734 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
Net income                                   $        3,096  $       10,149 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)                 248             (86)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
Comprehensive income                         $        3,344  $       10,063 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            
                                                                            
Net income per share                                                        
  Basic and diluted                          $         0.02  $         0.08 
                                                                            
Comprehensive income per share                                              
  Basic and diluted                          $         0.03  $         0.08 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
ESSENTIAL ENERGY SERVICES LTD.                                             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                                      
(Unaudited)                                                                
                                                                           
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                For the three months ended 
                                                                 March 31, 
(in thousands of dollars)                             2015            2014 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating activities:                                                      
Net income                                  $        3,096  $       10,149 
                                                                           
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net                                      
 income for the period to operating cash                                   
 flow:                                                                     
  Depreciation and amortization                      6,690           6,785 
  Deferred income tax expense                          721             952 
  Share-based compensation                              65             211 
  Provision for impairment of trade                                        
   accounts receivable                                 355             225 
  Finance costs                                        472             433 
  Loss on disposal and write-down of assets            268           1,046 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating cash flow before changes in non-                                 
 cash operating working capital                     11,667          19,801 
Changes in non-cash operating working                                      
 capital:                                                                  
  Trade and other accounts receivable                                      
   before provision                                 21,545         (13,276)
  Inventories                                        2,844          (1,155)
  Prepayments                                          940             643 
  Trade and other accounts payable                  (8,250)          1,141 
  Current income taxes payable                        (400)         (2,851)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net cash provided by operating activities           28,346           4,303 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Investing activities:                                                      
  Purchase of property, equipment and                                      
   intangible assets                                (6,461)        (11,048)
  Non-cash investing working capital in                                    
   trade and other accounts payable                 (3,500)         (3,815)
  Proceeds on disposal of equipment                     95             865 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net cash used in investing activities               (9,866)        (13,998)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Financing activities:                                                      
  (Repayment) issuance of long-term debt           (15,437)         11,794 
  Proceeds from exercise of share options               68             140 
  Dividends paid                                    (3,773)         (3,765)
  Finance costs                                       (472)           (433)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing                                   
 activities                                        (19,614)          7,736 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Foreign exchange gain on cash held in a                                    
 foreign currency                                       27              46 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Net decrease in cash                                (1,107)         (1,913)
Bank indebtedness, beginning of period                (991)         (2,112)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Bank indebtedness, end of period            $       (2,098) $       (4,025)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           
Supplemental cash flow information                                         
  Cash taxes paid                           $          840  $        5,650 
  Cash interest and standby fees paid       $          448  $          386 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
2015 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Essential has scheduled a conference call and webcast at 10:00 am MT (12:00 pm ET) on May 6, 2015.

The conference call dial in numbers are 416-340-2217 or 866-696-5910, passcode 5627608.

An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after completion of the call until May 24, 2015 by dialing 905-694-9451 or 800-408-3053, passcode 4935655.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Essential's website at www.essentialenergy.ca by selecting "Investors" and "Events and Presentations". Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 30 days.

ABOUT ESSENTIAL

Essential is a growth-oriented, dividend paying corporation that provides oilfield services to producers in western Canada for producing wells and new drilling activity. Essential operates the largest masted coil tubing fleet in Canada and has a fleet of service rigs. Essential also sells, rents and services downhole tools and equipment including the Tryton Multi-Stage Fracturing System (Tryton MSFS(R)). Further information can be found at www.essentialenergy.ca.

(R) MSFS is a registered trademark of Essential Energy Services Ltd.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "continues", "projects", "potential", "budget" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to, among other things, the following: capital spending; cash flow and earnings; the impact of Essential's financial resources or liquidity on its future operating, investing and financing activities; Essential's long-term build program and the addition of new masted coil tubing rigs, the costs and timing associated with such program, the delivery and in-service dates of the equipment, and the demand for the services of the rigs; the impact of sustained improvement in commodity price on industry activity; the ability of the Company to operate profitably during the downturn; the retention of key employees; the ability of the Company to return as a stronger entity when the industry recovers; anticipated savings from cost reduction initiatives; and the impact of cost cutting efforts and conservative capital spending on Essential's balance sheet.

Although the Company believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements are made, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurances that such statements and information will prove to be correct and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual performance and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to: known and unknown risks, including those set forth in the Company's Annual Information Form (a copy of which can be found under Essential's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com); the risks associated with the oilfield services sector (e.g. demand, pricing and terms for oilfield services; current and expected oil and natural gas prices; exploration and development costs and delays; reserves discovery and decline rates; pipeline and transportation capacity; weather, health, safety and environmental risks); integration of acquisitions, competition, and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to acquisitions, development projects or capital expenditures and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, incentive programs and environmental regulations; stock market volatility and the inability to access sufficient capital from external and internal sources; the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to enforce legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; general economic, market or business conditions; global economic events; changes to Essential's financial position and cash flow; the availability of qualified personnel, management or other key inputs; currency exchange fluctuations; changes in political and security stability; risks and uncertainty related to distribution and pipeline constraints; and other unforeseen conditions which could impact the use of services supplied by the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue importance or reliance on the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

Statements, including forward-looking statements, contained in this news release are made as of the date they are given and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed under Essential's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Essential Energy Services Ltd.
Garnet K. Amundson
President and CEO
(403) 513-7272
service@essentialenergy.ca

or

Essential Energy Services Ltd.
Karen Perasalo
Investor Relations
(403) 513-7272
service@essentialenergy.ca
www.essentialenergy.ca
INDUSTRY: Energy and Utilities - Equipment, Energy and Utilities - Oil and Gas

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