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Precision Drilling Corporation

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Industry Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2012 Annual Report · Precision Drilling Corporation
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Precision Drilling Corporation 2012 Annual Report

2012 SHARE TRADING SUMMARY

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)

PD

Volume (millions)

Share Price (Cdn$)

$15

$12

$9

$6

$3

)
$
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C

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c
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P
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0
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Toronto (TSX: PD)
High: $12.72    Low: $5.97    Close: $8.22    Volume Traded: 338,041,496

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

P DS

Volume (millions)

Share Price (US$)

$15

$12

$9

$6

$3

)
$
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U

(
e
c
i
r

P
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a
h
S

0
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

New York (NYSE: PDS) 
High: US$12.89    Low: US$5.82    Close: US$8.28    Volume Traded: 454,653,537

)
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6

3

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12

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Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes

Precision Drilling Corporation 2012

What’s inside

  6 

  8 

12 

13 

14 

26 

36 

41 

43 

43 

44 

 About Precision 

2012 Highlights and Outlook

Contract Drilling Services

Completion and Production Services

Understanding Our Business Drivers

 The energy industry
 A competitive operating model
 An effective strategy
 Risks to achieving our strategy

2012 Results

Financial Condition

Critical Accounting Estimates

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Corporate Governance

Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes

2   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis

This  management’s  discussion  and  analysis  (MD&A)  contains  information  to  help  you  understand  our  business  and 
financial performance. Information is as of March 8, 2013. This MD&A focuses on our consolidated financial statements, 
and includes a discussion of known risks and uncertainties relating to the oilfield services sector. It does not, however, 
cover the potential effects of general economic, political, governmental and environmental events, or other events that 
could affect us in the future.

You  should  read  this  MD&A  with  the  accompanying  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and  notes,  which  have 
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and with the information in About 
forward‑looking information on page 4. We began reporting under IFRS effective January 1, 2011, and restated our 2010 
results  at  that  time.  2009  and  prior  years  are  presented  in  accordance  with  previous  Canadian  Generally  Accepted 
Accounting Principles (Previous Canadian GAAP).

The terms, we, us, our, corporation and Precision mean Precision Drilling Corporation and all of our consolidated subsidiaries 
and any partnerships that we and/or our subsidiaries are part of.

All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     3

ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
We disclose forward-looking information to help current and prospective investors understand our future prospects. This 
MD&A contains statements about what we believe, intend and expect about developments, results and events that may or 
will occur in the future and are forward-looking within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and the safe harbor 
provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively the forward-looking information 
and statements). 

Forward-looking information and statements in this MD&A:

   typically  include  words  and  phrases  about  the  future,  such  as  anticipate,  could,  should,  can,  expect,  seek,  may, 

intend, likely, will, plan, estimate and believe 

   are based on certain assumptions and analyses based on our experience, understanding of historical trends, current 
conditions and expected future developments, and other factors we believe are appropriate given the circumstances 
   can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to 

differ materially from our expectations. 

Actual  results,  performance  or  achievements  may  be  significantly  different  from  what  is  expressed  or  implied  in  the 
forward-looking information.

Our forward-looking information includes statements about the following, among other things: 

   performance of the oil and natural gas industry, including commodity prices 
   our capital expenditures and potential international expansion
   2013 strategic plans
   deployment of additional rigs, building new ones and upgrading existing ones
   the obsolescence of Tier 3 rigs in North American markets over the next few years and Precision exiting the Tier 3 

contract drilling business

   the supply and demand for oil and natural gas 
   demand for our equipment and services 
   the potential impact of current or anticipated regulatory regimes and tax, environmental, health, safety and other laws 
   the potential impact of seasonal and weather conditions, competition in markets where we compete, technology 
advances, finding and retaining employees, reliance on suppliers, credit market conditions, access to additional 
financing, foreign exchange, international operations as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed herein

   payment of quarterly dividends
   our future growth potential
   remaining compliant with financial ratio covenants
   amounts of contractual obligations not yet accrued.

4   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks and uncertainties
This MD&A discusses a number of risks and uncertainties, including the following among others: 

   fluctuations in the price and demand for oil and natural gas 
   fluctuations in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development activities 
   fluctuations in the demand for contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services 
   liquidity of the capital markets to fund customer drilling programs 
   availability of cash flow, debt and/or equity sources to fund our capital and operating requirements, as needed 
   the sustainability of our dividend
   the impact of seasonal and weather conditions on operations and facilities 
   competitive operating risks inherent in contract drilling, directional drilling, well servicing and ancillary oilfield services 
   ability to improve our rig technology to improve drilling efficiency
   general economic, market or business conditions 
   changes in laws or regulations 
   availability of qualified personnel, management or other key inputs 
   currency exchange fluctuations
   operating in foreign countries
   other unforeseen conditions that could affect the use of our services 
   other risks and uncertainties set out in this MD&A under the heading “Risks to Achieve Our Strategy”. 

These risks and uncertainties are also discussed in our annual information form (AIF), on file with the Canadian securities 
commissions on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and with the SEC on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). 

All of the forward-looking information and statements made in this MD&A are qualified by these cautionary statements. 
There can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized. We caution you not 
to  place  undue  reliance  on  forward-looking  information  and  statements.  We  will  not  necessarily  update  or  revise  this 
forward-looking information as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless we are required to by law.

ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES
In this MD&A we reference Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measures that are not defined terms under 
IFRS to assess performance because we believe they provide useful supplemental information to investors. 

Adjusted EBITDA
We  believe  that  Adjusted  EBITDA  (earnings  before  income  taxes,  finance  charges,  foreign  exchange,  impairment  of 
goodwill, loss on asset decommissioning and depreciation and amortization) as reported in the Consolidated Statement 
of Earnings is a useful supplemental measure, because it gives an indication of the results from our principal business 
activities prior to consideration of how our activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange, taxation, non-cash 
depreciation and amortization charges and non-cash decommissioning charges.

Operating earnings
We believe that operating earnings, as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, is a useful measure of our 
income because it provides an indication of the results of our principal business activities before consideration of how our 
activities are financed and the impact of foreign exchange and taxation.

Funds provided by operations
We believe that funds provided by operations, as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow, is a useful measure 
because it provides an indication of the funds our principal business activities generated prior to consideration of working 
capital, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
About Precision

Precision  Drilling  provides  onshore  drilling  and  completion  and  production  services  to  exploration  and  production 
companies in the oil and natural gas industry.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we are Canada’s largest oilfield services company, and one of the largest 
drillers in the United States. We also have operations in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and have announced long-term contracts 
for other areas in the Middle East.

Our shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PD, and on the New York Stock Exchange under the 
symbol PDS.

Two business segments
We operate our business in two segments, supported by vertically integrated business support systems. 

Precision Drilling Corporation

Contract Drilling Services

(cid:127) Drilling Rig Operations
   – Canada
   – United States
   – International

(cid:127) Directional Drilling Operations
   – Canada
   – United States

Business support systems

(cid:127) Sales and
   marketing

(cid:127) Procurement
   and distribution

Completion and Production Services

(cid:127) Canada and U.S.
   – Service Rigs, Snubbing and Coil Tubing
   – Equipment rentals
   – Camps and catering

(cid:127) Canada
   – Wastewater treatment

(cid:127) Manufacturing

(cid:127) Equipment
   maintenance
   and certification

(cid:127) Engineering

Corporate support

(cid:127) Governance

(cid:127) Information
   systems

(cid:127) Health, safety
   and environment

(cid:127) Human
   resources

(cid:127) Finance

6   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Revenue by Location

International

3%

Canada

51%

USA

46%

Adjusted EDITDA by Segment

Contract Drilling

Services

87%

Completion and 

Production Services

13%

2012 Adjusted EBITDA by Segment

2012 Revenue by Region

Contract
Drilling
Services
87%

Completion & 
Production 
Services
13%

International

3%

Canada

51%

USA

46%

Vision
Our vision is to be recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of services for global energy exploration and 
development. 

Strategy

2012 strategic priorities

2012 results

Execute our High Performance, High Value strategy
Continue to deliver safe, reliable, predictable and repeatable 
performance with high environmental responsibility and 
community standards.

Execute on existing organic growth opportunities 
including contracting additional new build and upgraded drilling 
rigs, adding assets and people to the directional drilling and 
Completion and Production Services businesses and pursuing 
additional rig deployments internationally. Continue to evaluate 
accretive acquisitions.

Build our brand
Continue to promote Precision’s High Performance, High Value 
brand with customers, employees, investors and within the 
communities in which we operate.

Improved safety performance in both operating segments in 2012, 
matching the best results in our history. 

Delivered 36 new build Tier 1 Super Series drilling rigs to 
customers on long-term contracts and upgraded 11 existing drilling 
rigs to higher specification assets under long-term contracts.

Established footprint in the Middle East and expanded international 
operations from two rigs to eight operating at the end of the year. 
However, start-up activities took longer than expected.

Expanded service lines in Completion and Production Services 
adding higher end rental offerings and entered the coil tubing 
business. Expanded penetration into Northern U.S. markets.

Over the past two years, we have grown our directional drilling 
business but financial results and utilization have been weaker 
than expected.

Had strong Canadian and U.S. dayrates throughout 2012 and 
exceeded employee retention goals across all targeted skill 
positions.

Increased recognition from U.S. and international investors while 
retaining strong support from Canadian base.

Strength and flexibility
From our founding as a private drilling contractor in the 1950s, Precision Drilling has grown to become one of the most 
active drillers in North America.

  a competitive operating model drives efficiency, quality and cost control
  size and scale provide higher margins and better service
  strong liquidity position allows us to take advantage of opportunities throughout business cycles
  capital structure provides long-term stability and flexibility

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     7

 
 
 
 
2012 Highlights and Outlook

Adjusted EBITDA and funds provided by operations are additional GAAP measures. 

Please see page 5 for more information.

Financial highlights

Year ended December 31 
(thousands of $, except where noted)

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA % of revenue

Net earnings

Cash provided by operations

Funds provided by operations

Investing activities

  Capital spending:

  Expansion 

  Upgrade 

  Maintenance and infrastructure 

  Proceeds on sale

  Net capital spending
  Business acquisitions (net of cash  

  acquired)

Earnings per share ($):

  Basic

  Diluted

Dividends per share ($)

n/m – calculation not meaningful.

Operating highlights

Year ended December 31

Contract drilling rig fleet

Drilling rig utilization days:

  Canada

  United States

International

Service rig fleet

Service rig operating hours1

% increase/

2012

(decrease) 

2011

% increase/
(decrease)

2,040,741

670,792

32.9%

52,360

635,286

598,812

596,194

130,094
141,769

(31,423)

836,634

4.6

(3.5)

(72.9)

19.2

1.1

30.9

(13.2)
16.9

96.6

17.8

1,951,027

695,064

35.6%

193,477

532,772

592,388

455,302

149,811
121,244

(15,983)

710,374

25

(100.0)

92,886

0.19

0.18

0.05

(72.9)

(73.1)

n/m

0.70

0.67

–

36.5

59.8

344.4

74.0

46.6

539.7

174.0
142.3

30.4

334.1

n/m

337.5

346.7

–

% increase/

2012

(decrease) 

321

(4.7)

32,352

34,597

2,086

214

294,681

(14.8)

(8.7)

197.2

3.4

(7.2)

2011

337

37,970

37,887

702

207

317,418

% increase/

(decrease) 

(5.1)

21.8

16.8

16.6

(5.9)

7.9

2010

1,429,653

434,908

30.4%

43,535

306,264

404,165

71,179

54,683
50,039

(12,256)

163,645

–

0.16

0.15

–

2010

355

31,176

32,450

602

220

294,126

% increase/
(decrease)

19.4

6.9

(73.1)

(39.3)

21.9

(56.4)

3,007.0
75.3

(23.3)

(7.8)

–

(75.4)

(76.2)

–

% increase/

(decrease) 

0.9

46.9

43.1

(15.2)

–

33.9

1 Prior year comparatives have been changed to include United States based service rig activity.

8   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial position and ratios

Years ended December 31  
(thousands of $, except ratios)

Working capital

Working capital ratio

Long-term debt

Total long-term financial liabilities

Total assets

Enterprise value1

Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity

Long-term debt to cash provided by operations

Long-term debt to enterprise value 

 2012

278,021

1.7

1,218,796

1,245,290

4,300,263

3,213,406

0.36

1.92

0.38

2011

610,429

2.4

1,239,616

1,267,040

4,427,874

3,528,046

0.37

2.33

0.35

2010

458,003

3.1

804,494

834,813

3,564,540

2,993,083

0.29

2.63

0.27

1 Share price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding plus long-term debt minus working capital. See page 40 for more information. 

2012 OVERVIEW
Net earnings this year were $52 million or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $193 million or $0.67 per diluted share in 
2011. This year’s results include the impact of charges associated with asset decommissioning, and an impairment charge 
to the goodwill attributable to our Canadian Directional Drilling operations.

Revenue this year was $2,041 million, or 5% higher than 2011, mainly due to higher drilling pricing in both Canada and 
the United States, growth in international operations, and product line expansion partially offset by lower utilization days 
in North America. Contract Drilling Services revenue was up 6%, while revenue from Completion and Production Services 
was down 1%. Our international drilling activity increased three-fold: an average of six rigs working in 2012 compared to 
two in 2011. 

Adjusted  EBITDA  this  year  was  $671  million,  or  3%  lower  than  2011.  Our  adjusted  EBITDA  margin  was  33%  this  year, 
compared to 36% in 2011. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA margin was mainly the result of higher average operating 
costs and lower equipment utilization in both Canada and the United States, partially offset by higher average dayrates in 
both Canada and the United States. Operating costs were higher because of labour related costs, repairs and maintenance 
costs  and  higher  operating  costs  internationally.  Our  portfolio  of  term  customer  contracts,  a  highly  variable  operating 
cost structure and economies achieved through vertical integration of the supply chain all help us manage our adjusted 
EBITDA margin.

North America industry activity was down on the prior year as a result of volatile oil and natural gas prices, oil transportation 
bottlenecks resulting in regional oil price discounts, record inventory levels resulting in depressed natural gas prices and 
general global economic uncertainty persisting for much of the year.

In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2012  our  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  introduction  of  an  annualized  dividend  of  $0.20  per 
common share, payable quarterly. 

Outlook

Contracts
Our strong portfolio of term customer contracts provides a base level of activity and revenue, and as at March 8, 2013 we 
have term contracts in place for an average of 96 rigs: 52 in Canada, 36 in the United States and 8 internationally in 2013. 
In Canada, term contracted rigs normally generate 250 utilization days per rig year because of the seasonal nature of well 
access. In most regions in the United States and internationally, they normally generate 365 utilization days per rig year.

Pricing, demand and utilization
The demand for energy has been rising as the global economic situation has improved and per capita energy consumption 
has increased in many developing countries. These demand fundamentals, along with the challenges of maintaining or 
growing global supply, have supported stronger oil prices since 2009.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     9

Natural gas prices, however, remain depressed, reaching 10-year lows in 2012. Lower natural gas prices have persisted 
due to higher than average storage levels, increased production from unconventional resource development and the lack 
of  an  export  market  from  North  America.  Despite  lower  industry-wide  natural  gas  drilling  activity,  production  remained 
stable, meeting or exceeding demand and keeping prices low.

Natural  gas  demand  largely  depends  on  the  weather,  and  moderate  North  American  winter  temperatures  in  2011  and 
2012 hampered overall demand. Other demand drivers, however, like natural gas fired power generation and industrial 
applications, have shown positive growth over the past three years and are expected to continue, and the growing potential 
of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export development could serve as a catalyst for natural gas directed drilling activity in the 
medium to long term. 

Industry-wide drilling utilization has declined year-over-year in North America, however demand for the higher specification 
Tier 1 drilling assets has remained strong, supporting dayrates. We have deployed 60 new build Tier 1 Super Series drilling 
rigs since the beginning of 2010 for a total current fleet of 189 Tier 1 drilling rigs and we have upgradeable rigs within 
our fleet. We believe the existing new builds and potential rig upgrades favourably position us in the market for premium 
drilling rigs. 

While  the  increase  in  oil  and  liquids  rich  natural  gas  drilling  in  areas  like  the  Montney,  Cardium,  Bakken,  Viking,  Eagle 
Ford, Tuscaloosa, Niobrara and Granite Wash have been strong, the oil rig count at March 8, 2013 was 2% higher in the 
United States than it was a year ago, and 9% lower in Canada. The overall North American land oil directed rig count on 
March 8, 2013 was 3.9 times higher than it was on March 6, 2009. As exploration and production companies continue to 
improve unconventional oil drilling and completion techniques, we expect that the economics our customers realize will 
drive additional investment capital toward these unconventional plays, supporting drilling activity especially for Tier 1 rigs.

International
We contracted two new build 3000 horsepower (HP) drilling rigs in 2012 for deep drilling operations in Kuwait. The two new 
rigs are on long-term contracts and are expected to be deployed in 2014 on a long-term contract. We contracted two 2000 
HP rigs for deep drilling operations in Northern Iraq in the Kurdistan region. The two rigs are existing Precision rigs that will 
be upgraded for desert operations. These rigs are expected to be deployed mid 2013 under a long-term contract. We also 
signed a contract for operations in Mexico that will add a rig to our Mexican fleet in the second quarter of 2013, increasing 
our active Mexican fleet to six rigs. 

Upgrading the fleet
We and the land drilling industry are in the process of upgrading the drilling rig fleet by building new rigs and upgrading 
existing ones. We believe this “retooling” of the industry-wide fleet will make Tier 3 rigs virtually obsolete in North America 
over the next few years. In the fourth quarter of 2012 we decommissioned 42 Tier 3 drilling rigs and 10 Tier 2 rigs from 
our fleet. We are exiting the Tier 3 contract drilling business but will retain 26 drilling rigs for seasonal, stratification and 
turnkey drilling work. These will be categorized as “PSST” rigs. Our focus on the Tier 1 and Tier 2 market is aligned with our 
corporate strategy, customer relationships and competitive position. 

Capital spending
We expect capital spending in 2013 to be approximately $526 million: 

   $205 million for expansion capital, which includes the cost to complete the two remaining drilling rigs from the 2012 
new build rig program, one new rig build for the North American market, the cost to complete about 50 percent of 
two new build rigs going to Kuwait and new equipment for our Completion and Production Services segment

   $127 million for upgrade capital, which includes the upgrade of approximately 20 rigs, including the two rigs going 

to Northern Iraq in the Kurdistan region

   $194 million for sustaining and infrastructure expenditures, which is based on currently anticipated activity levels, 

and the cost to consolidate and upgrade our Nisku, Alberta operations facility.

10   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
Revenue and EBITDA

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Funds From Operations

i

%
n
o
g
r
a
M

50

40

30

20

10

0

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

M
$

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Utilization Days

80,000

60,000

s
y
a
D

40,000

20,000

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Source: Precision 

Note: 2008 and 2009 are prepared 
under previous Canadian Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles

Source: Precision

International

USA

Canada

Source: Precision 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     11

 
 
 
Contract Drilling Services

We provide onshore drilling services to exploration and production companies in the oil and natural gas industry, operating 
in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

We are the second largest land drilling contractor in North American servicing approximately 24% of the land drilling market 
in Canada and five percent of the United States market. We also have an international presence with operations in Mexico 
and the Middle East. 

At December 31, 2012, the segment consisted of:

  321 land drilling rigs, including:
  – 186 in Canada
  – 127 in the U.S.
  – 3 in Saudi Arabia
  – 5 in Mexico

   capacity for approximately 91 

concurrent directional drilling jobs  
in Canada and U.S.

   engineering, manufacturing 

and repair services primarily for 
Precision’s operations

   centralized procurement, inventory 
and distribution of consumable 
supplies primarily for our Canadian, 
U.S. and Mexican operations.

Drilling rigs at December 31, 2012

Horsepower

< 1000

1000-1500

>1500

Tier 1

Tier 2

PSST

Total

Geographic location

Tier 1

Tier 2

PSST

Total

94

64

17

175

Canada

105

64

17

186

89

25

4

118

U.S.

83

35

9

127

5

18

5

28

International

–

8

–

8

Total

188

107

26

321

Total

188

107

26

321

Contract Drilling Revenue

Contract Drilling Adjusted EBITDA

Contract Drilling Utilization Days

$ Millions

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

$ Millions

800

Utilization Days

80,000

600

400

200

0

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Note: 2008 and 2009 are prepared under previous Canadian 
          Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

12   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Completion and Production Services

We  provide  completion  and  workover  services  and  ancillary  services  and  equipment  rentals  to  oil  and  natural  gas 
exploration and production companies primarily in Canada, with a growing presence in the U.S. 

Service rigs and snubbing units each serve about 18% of the market for these services in Canada. 

At December 31, 2012, the segment consisted of:

   190 well completion and workover 

service rigs, including: 

  – 185 in Canada
  – 5 in the U.S.

  19 snubbing units, including: 
  – 16 in Canada 
  – 3 in the U.S.

  5 coil tubing units, including: 
  – 3 in Canada 
  – 2 in the U.S.

   approximately 3,800 oilfield rental 
items including surface storage, 
small-flow wastewater treatment, 
power generation and solids  
control equipment

   243 wellsite accommodation units  

in Canada and 61 in the U.S.

   50 drilling camps and three base 
camps in Canada and four drilling 
camps in the U.S.

   eight large-flow treatment units and 
six potable water production units  
in Canada

Canadian fleet as at December 31

Type of Service Rig

Horsepower

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Singles:

  Mobile

  Freestanding mobile

Doubles:

  Mobile

  Freestanding mobile

  Skid

Slants:

  Freestanding

Total service rigs

Snubbing units

Coil tubing units

Total service rigs, snubbing units  
  and coil tubing units

150-400

150-400

250-550

200-550

300-860

250-400

2

97

42

23

48

17

229

29

–

258

–

94

28

30

30

18

200

20

–

220

–

94

25

35

28

18

200

20

–

220

–

90

19

40

22

18

189

18

–

207

–

88

18

38

22

19

185

16

3

204

Completion & Production Revenue

Completion & Production 
Adjusted EBITDA

Completion and Production
Service Rig Hours

$ Millions

$400

$300

$200

$100

0

$ Millions

$150

$100

$50

0

Hours

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Note: 2008 and 2009 are prepared under previous Canadian 
          Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     13

Understanding Our Business Drivers

THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
Precision operates in the energy services business, which is an inherently challenging cyclical industry. Customer demand 
depends on the price for their end products: oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Oil is a more global commodity that 
depends on global oil economics, while natural gas and natural gas liquids are more regional energy commodities. 

We depend on oil and natural gas exploration and production companies to contract us as part of their development. The 
economics of their business are dictated by the current and expected future margin between the cost to find and develop 
oil and natural gas, and the eventual prices of those products.

To excel in this environment, we operate using a business model designed to control risk and optimize performance. The 
model is directly linked to competitive strategy and reflected in our operating capabilities. 

Commodity prices
Cash  flow  to  fund  exploration  and  development  is  dependent  on  commodity  prices:  higher  prices  increase  cash  flow 
and funding. Oil can be transported relatively easily and cheaply, so it is priced in a more global market influenced by an 
array of economic and political factors. Recently, transportation constraints have resulted in oil prices in North America 
decoupling from global prices. Natural gas and natural gas liquids continue to be priced regionally. 

Oil prices moved lower during the economic crisis of 2008, but have increased since the beginning of 2009 as supply and 
demand fundamentals have tightened. Natural gas prices have dipped to levels that existed during the economic crisis 
of 2008, because increasing supplies of unconventional natural gas, particularly in North America, are keeping markets 
well supplied. This is keeping prices competitive compared to oil, and is supporting the projected growth in worldwide 
gas consumption. 

WTI Oil and Henry Hub Natural Gas Prices

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

l

e
r
r
a
b
/
$
S
U

Jul 08

Jan 09

Jul 09

Jan 10

Jul 10

Jan 11

Jul 11

Jan 12

Jul 12

Jan 13

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

t

u
B
M
M
/
$
S
U

0
Jan 08

Henry Hub Natural Gas

West Texas Intermediate Oil (“WTI”)

Source: Precision

14   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

New technology 
Recent technological advancements in fracturing, stimulation and horizontal drilling have brought about a shift in development 
from conventional to unconventional oil and natural gas reservoirs. This is giving companies cost-effective access to more 
complex wells in North America, in existing basins and in new basins that haven’t been economic in the past. 

The following chart shows the consistent trend away from vertical wells to the more demanding directional/horizontal well 
programs, which require higher capacity equipment and greater technical expertise for drilling. These trends are driving 
the demand growth for high performing drilling rigs, which garner premium pricing. 

Growth of Rigs Drilling Directional/Horizontal Wells in Canada

Precision’s capabilities are 

demonstrated by the high 

proportion of rigs drilling 

complex wells.

s

l
l

e
W

l

t

a
n
o
z
i
r
o
H

/
l
a
n
o

Precision

Canada Industry Less Precision

Source: Whelby Data

i
t

c
e
r
i

D

f

t

o
e
g
a
n
e
c
r
e
P

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

These  technical  innovations  have  been  a  major  factor  in  the  increase  in  natural  gas  production  in  the  United  States. 
Although oil production has been increasing in Canada, natural gas production is declining as the U.S. is becoming less 
reliant on Canada as a source of natural gas resulting in pricing pressure on Canadian natural gas.

U.S. Lower 48 Natural Gas and Crude Oil Production

80

70

60

50

)
d
/
f
c
B

(

s
a
G

l

a
r
u
a
N

t

40
Jan-08

Jan-09

Jan-10

Jan-11

Jan-12

8

7

6

5

4

l

)
d
/
s
b
b
M
M

(

l
i

O
e
d
u
r
C

U.S. Lower 48 Natural Gas Production

U.S. Crude Oil Production

Source: Energy Information Administration

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Natural Gas and Crude Oil Production

18

16

14

d
/
f
c
B

Canadian Natural Gas Production

Canadian Crude Oil Production

Source: Energy Information Administration
and First Energy Capital

12
Jan-08

Jan-09

Jan-10

Jan-11

Jan-12

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

l

)
d
/
s
b
b
M
M

(

l
i

O
e
d
u
r
C

Drilling activity
The graphs below show that since 2010 drilling activity in the United States and Canada has been shifting from natural 
gas to oil. The Canadian drilling rig activity graph also shows how Canadian drilling activity fluctuates with the seasons, a 
market dynamic that, in general, is not present in the United States. 

U.S. Drilling Rig Activity

i

g
n
k
r
o
W
s
g
R

i

1,600

1,200

800

400

0
Jan-08

Jul-08

Jan-09

Jul-09

Jan-10

Jul-10

Jan-11

Jul-11

Jan-12

Jul-12

Jan-13

Canadian Drilling Rig Activity

i

g
n
k
r
o
W
s
g
R

i

600

400

200

0
Jan-08

Jul-08

Jan-09

Jul-09

Jan-10

Jul-10

Jan-11

Jul-11

Jan-12

Jul-12

Jan-13

Gas Rigs
Oil Rigs

Source: Baker Hughes, Inc.

Gas Rigs
Oil Rigs

Source: Baker Hughes, Inc.

16   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
A COMPETITIVE OPERATING MODEL
The  contract  drilling  business  is  highly  competitive  and  there  are  many  industry  participants.  We  compete  for  drilling 
contracts that are usually awarded based on competitive bids. 

We believe potential customers focus on pricing and rig availability when selecting a drilling contractor, but also consider 
many other things, including drilling capabilities and condition of rigs, quality of rig crews, breadth of service, safety record 
and adaptability among others.

Providing  High  Performance,  High  Value  services  to  our  customers  is  the  core  of  our  competitive  strategy.  We  deliver 
High Performance by delivering passionate people supported by superior systems and equipment designed to maximize 
productivity and reduce risks. We create High Value by operating safely, lowering customer risks and costs, developing 
people, generating financial growth and attracting investment.

Operating efficiency
We keep customer well costs down by maximizing the efficiency of operations in several ways:
  using innovative and advanced drilling technology that is efficient and reduces costs
  having equipment that is geographically dispersed, reliable and well maintained 
  monitoring and maintaining our equipment to minimize mechanical downtime
  effectively managing operations to keep non-productive time to a minimum
   compensating our executive and eligible employees based on performance against safety, operational, employee 

retention and financial measures.

Efficient, cost-reducing technology
We  focus  on  providing  efficient,  cost-reducing  drilling  technology.  Design  innovations  and  technology  improvements 
capture  incremental  time  savings  during  all  phases  of  the  well  drilling  process,  including  multi-well  pad  capability  and 
mobility between wells. 

The  versatile  Precision  Super  Single  design  includes  technical  innovations  in  safety  and  drilling  efficiency  in  slant  or 
directional drilling on single or multiple well pad locations in shallow to medium depth wells. Precision Super Single rigs 
use extended length tubulars, integrated top drive, innovative unitization to facilitate quick moves between well locations, 
a small footprint to minimize environmental impact and enhanced safety features such as automated pipe handling and 
remotely operated torque wrenches.

Triple rigs have greater hoisting capacity and are used in deeper exploration and development drilling. Our Super Triple 
electric rigs (ST-1200 and ST-1500) are designed to keep the load count as low as possible using widely available conventional 
rig moving equipment. Power capabilities are a major design criterion for the new Super Triple rigs. Drilling productivity and 
reliability with AC power drive systems provides added precision and measurability along with a computerized electronic 
auto driller feature that precisely controls weight, rotation and torque on the drill bit. These rigs use extended length drill 
pipe, an integrated top drive, automated pipe handling with iron roughnecks and control automation off the rig floor. 

Broad geographic footprint
Geographic proximity and fleet versatility make us a comprehensive provider of High Performance, High Value services 
to our customers. Our large diverse fleet of rigs is strategically deployed across most active regions in North America, 
including all the major prolific unconventional oil and gas fields. More recently, we have expanded drilling operations into 
select international markets.

Managing downtime
Reliable  and  well  maintained  equipment  minimizes  downtime  and  non-productive  time  during  operations.  We  manage 
mechanical downtime through preventative maintenance programs, detailed inspection processes, an extensive fleet of 
strategically placed spare equipment, an in-house supply chain and continuous equipment upgrades.

We minimize non-productive time (move, rig-up and rig-out time) by utilizing walking and skidding systems, decreasing 
the number of move loads per rig, and using mechanized equipment for safer and quicker rig component connections. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     17

 
 
 
 
 
Tracking our results
We unitize key financial information per day and per hour, and compare it to established benchmarks and past performance. 
We evaluate the relative strength of our financial position by monitoring our working capital, debt ratios and returns on 
capital employed. We track industry rig utilization statistics to evaluate our performance against competitors. And we link 
incentive compensation for our senior team to returns generated compared to established benchmarks. 

We  reward  executives  and  eligible  employees  through  incentive  compensation  plans  for  performance  against  the 
following measures:

   Safety  performance  –  total  recordable  incident  frequency  per  200,000  man-hours.  Measured  against  prior  year 

performance and current year industry performance in Canada and the United States.

   Operational  performance  –  rig  down  time  for  repair  as  measured  by  time  not  billed  to  the  customer.  Measured 

against predetermined target of available billable time.

   Key  field  employee  retention  –  senior  field  employee  retention  rates.  Measured  against  predetermined  target  of 

retention.

   Financial performance – return on capital employed calculated as a percentage of pre-tax operating earnings divided 

by total assets less current liabilities. Measured against predetermined target percentage.

   Financial performance – total shareholder return performance against an industry peer group, including dividends, 

over a three year period. Measured against predetermined selection of competitors in peer group.

Top tier service 
We pride ourselves on providing quality equipment operated by experienced and well trained crews. We also strive to align 
our capabilities with evolving technical requirements associated with more complex well bore programs. 

Large, diverse fleet of rigs
Our fleet of drilling rigs can handle every kind of onshore conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas wells in 
North America. 

Our service rigs provide completion, workover, abandonment, well maintenance, high pressure and critical sour gas well 
work and well re-entry preparation across the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and the northern U.S. markets. Service 
rigs are supported by three field locations in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan, one in each of Manitoba, British Columbia, 
North Dakota, Texas and Pennsylvania.

Snubbing  complements  traditional  natural  gas  well  servicing  by  allowing  customers  to  work  on  wells  while  they  are 
pressurized and production has been suspended. We have two kinds of snubbing units: rig assist and self-contained. 
Self-contained  units  do  not  require  a  service  rig  on  site  and  are  capable  of  snubbing  and  performing  many  other  well 
servicing procedures.

We are investing in coil tubing units that have the ability to service horizontal wells by pushing the tubing rather than relying 
on gravity. Coil tubing often works more effectively in unconventional horizontal wells which represent the majority of wells 
drilled in North America today. We began using our first coil tubing unit in the first quarter of 2012 and finished with five 
units at the end of 2012. 

This year we high-graded our drilling rig fleet by:
   adding 36 Tier 1 new build drilling rigs
   upgrading 11 drilling rigs – about half of these were Tier upgrades 
   decommissioning 42 Tier 3 and 10 Tier 2 rigs. 

18   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As at December 31, 2012, 92% of our 321 drilling rigs were Tier 1 or Tier 2 rigs.

Capabilities

Tier 1
 high performance rigs
 newer design and manufacture

Best suited to the more complex 
resources in North American shale 
and unconventional plays: 
 pad development
 directional or horizontal drilling
 slant drilling 
  drilling in environmentally sensitive 

areas

Tier 2
 high performance rigs
  modified and new equipment  

added to improve performance 

Capable of directional and  
horizontal drilling

PSST
 conventional 
 mechanical rigs

Designed for traditional, vertical 
drilling
  used in seasonal and stratification 

work in Canada

  can be used in our turkey operations 

in the United States

Key features

  advanced AC, silicone controlled 
rectifier (“SCR”), or mechanical 
power distribution and controls
  mobile in their class (require fewer 

  some mechanization of tubular 

handling equipment
  top drive adaptability
  SCR or mechanical type power 

 no automation
 lower pump capacity
  provide acceptable performance
 some are top drive adaptable

trucking loads)

systems

  highly mechanized tubular handling 

  increased hook load and or racking 

equipment

capabilities

  integrated top drive or top drive 

  upgraded power generating, 

adaptability

  electronic or hydraulic control of the 
majority of operating parameters

  specialized drilling tubulars
 high-capacity mud pumps

control systems and other major 
components

 high-capacity mud pumps

Inventory of ancillary equipment
An inventory of equipment (portable top drives, loaders, boilers, tubulars and well control equipment) supports our fleet 
of  drilling  and  service  rigs.  We  also  maintain  an  inventory  of  key  rig  components  to  minimize  downtime  if  there  is  an 
equipment failure.

Precision  Rentals  supplies  customers  with  an  inventory  of  specialized  equipment  and  wellsite  accommodations.  LRG 
Catering supplies meals and provides accommodation for crews at remote oilfield worksites. Terra Water Systems plays 
an essential role in providing water treatment services as well as potable water production plants for LRG Catering and 
other camp facilities.

Systematic maintenance
We consistently reinvest capital to sustain and upgrade existing property, plant and equipment, and benchmark equipment 
repair and maintenance expenses to activity levels in accordance with our maintenance and certification programs. 

We use computer systems to track key preventative maintenance indicators for major rig components, to record equipment 
performance history, schedule equipment certifications, reduce downtime and allow for better asset management. 

We benefit from internal services for equipment certifications and component manufacturing provided by Rostel Industries 
and for standardization and distribution of consumable oilfield products through Columbia Oilfield Supply in Canada and 
Precision Supply in the United States.

We have a continuous maintenance program for essential elements, like tubulars and engines.

Upgrade opportunities
We leverage our internal manufacturing and repair capabilities and inventory of quality rigs to address market demand 
through upgraded drilling and service rigs. For drilling rigs, the upgrade may result in a change in tier classification.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     19

People
Having an experienced, high performance crew is a competitive strength and highly valued by our customers. There are 
often  shortages  of  qualified  manpower  in  peak  operating  periods.  We  rely  heavily  on  our  safety  record,  investment  in 
employee development and reputation to attract and retain employees, and focus on initiatives that provide a safe and 
productive  work  environment,  opportunity  for  advancement  and  added  wage  security.  We  have  centralized  personnel, 
orientation and training programs in Canada and the U.S.; however, in the U.S. these functions are sometimes managed 
to align with regional labour and customer service requirements. In 2008 we launched Toughnecks, our highly successful 
North America field recruiting program. 

Systems
Our  fully  integrated  enterprise-wide  reporting  system  has  improved  business  performance  through  real-time  access  to 
information across all functional areas. All of our divisions operate on a common integrated system using standardized 
business processes across finance, payroll, equipment maintenance, procurement and inventory control.

We  continue  to  invest  in  information  systems  that  provide  competitive  advantages.  Electronic  links  between  field  and 
financial systems provide accuracy and timely processing. This repository of rig data improves response time to customer 
inquiries. Rig manufacturing projects benefit from scheduling and budgeting tools as economies of scale can be identified 
and leveraged as construction demands increase.

Safe operations
Safety, environmental stewardship and employee wellness are critical for us and for our customers, and are the foundation 
of our culture. 

Safety performance is a fundamental contributor to operating performance and the financial results we generate for our 
shareholders. Target Zero – our safety vision for eliminating workplace incidents – is a fundamental belief that all injuries 
can be prevented. We track safety using an industry standard recordable frequency statistic that benchmarks successes 
and isolates areas for improvement. We have taken it to another level by tracking and measuring all injuries regardless of 
severity, which is seen as a leading indicator for the potential of a more serious incident. In 2012, 269 of our drilling rigs and 
186 of our service rigs and snubbing units achieved Target Zero. We continue to embrace technological advancements 
which make operations safer. 

Together with our customers, we are continuously looking for opportunities to reduce our consumption of non-renewable 
resources and our environmental footprint. We use technology to reduce our impact on the environment, including: 

   heat recovery and distribution systems
   power generation and distribution
   fuel management
   fuel type
   noise reduction
   recycling of used materials 
   use of recycled materials
   efficient equipment designs
   spill containment.

20   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY
Precision’s vision is to be recognized as the High Performance, High Value provider of services for global energy exploration 
and development. 

We work toward that vision by defining and measuring our results against strategic priorities we establish at the beginning 
of every year. 

 2012 Strategic Priorities

2012 Results

Plans for 2013

Execute our High Performance,  
High Value strategy
Continue to deliver safe, reliable,  
predictable and repeatable performance  
with high environmental responsibility  
and community standards. 

Execute on existing organic growth 
opportunities including contracting 
additional new build and upgraded drilling 
rigs, adding assets and people to the 
directional drilling and Completion and 
Production Services businesses and  
pursuing additional rig deployments 
internationally. Continue to evaluate  
accretive acquisitions.

Improved safety performance in both 
operating segments in 2012, matching  
the best results in our history. 

Delivered 36 new build Super Series  
to customers on long-term contracts  
and upgraded 11 existing drilling rigs  
to higher specification assets under  
long-term contracts.

Established footprint in the Middle East  
and expanded international operations  
from two rigs to eight operating at the  
end of the year. Start-up activities took  
longer than expected.

Expanded service lines in Completion  
and Production Services adding higher  
end rental offerings and entering the coil 
tubing business. Expanded penetration  
into Northern U.S. markets.

Over the past two years, we have grown  
our directional drilling business but  
financial results and utilization have  
been weaker than expected.

Continue to drive execution excellence in our 
people, internal systems and infrastructure 
supporting our world class safety, training 
and development programs, upgrading 
and consolidating our Nisku operations and 
leveraging our investments in our Houston 
and Red Deer Tech Centers.

Remain poised to seize growth opportunities, 
leveraging our balance sheet strength and 
flexibility.

Deliver new build rigs to the North American 
market and upgrade existing drilling rigs 
to higher specification assets on customer 
contracts.

Grow High Performance, High Value service 
lines for unconventional field development, 
such as integrated directional drilling, coil 
tubing and rentals. 

Continue to expand geographically with 
international drilling operations and increased 
Completion and Production presence in the 
U.S. market.

Build our brand
Continue to promote Precision’s High 
Performance, High Value brand with 
customers, employees, investors  
and within the communities in which  
we operate.

Had strong Canadian and U.S. dayrates 
throughout 2012 and exceeded employee 
retention goals across all targeted  
skill positions.

Uphold our reputation and market breadth 
in North America while strengthening 
our presence in select oilfield markets 
internationally.

Increased recognition from U.S. and 
international investors while retaining  
strong support from Canadian base.

Our corporate and competitive growth strategies are designed to optimize resource allocation and differentiate us from the 
competition, generating value for investors. 

We  see  opportunities  for  growth  in  our  Contract  Drilling  Services  land  drilling  rig  fleet  both  in  North  America  and 
internationally.  Unconventional  drilling  is  the  primary  opportunity  in  the  North  American  market  place.  Unconventional 
resource development requires advanced Tier 1 drilling rigs and other highly developed services that promote the drilling 
of reliable, predictable and repeatable horizontal wells. 

The completion and production work associated with unconventional wells provides the most profitable growth opportunities 
for Completion and Production Services.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     21

RISKS TO ACHIEVING OUR STRATEGY
The following is a list of our key business risks. You’ll find more information and other risks to our business in our annual 
information form, which you can find on our website, www.precisiondrilling.com.

Price of oil and gas
We sell our services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors 
associated with oil and natural gas supply and demand are the primary factors driving pricing and profitability in the oilfield 
services industry. Generally, we experience high demand for our services when commodity prices are relatively high and 
the opposite is true when commodity prices are low. The volatility of crude oil and natural gas prices accounts for much of 
the cyclical nature of the energy services business. 

The markets for oil and natural gas are separate and distinct. Oil is a global commodity with a vast distribution network, 
although the differential between benchmarks such as West Texas Intermediate and European Brent crude oil can fluctuate. 
As in all markets, when supply, demand and other market factors change, so can the spreads between benchmarks. The 
most economical way to transport natural gas is in its gaseous state by pipeline, and the natural gas market depends on 
pipeline infrastructure and regional supply and demand. However, recent developments in the transportation of liquefied 
natural gas in ocean going tanker ships have introduced an element of globalization to the natural gas market. 

We try to manage this risk by keeping our cost structure as variable as we can while still being able to maintain the level of 
service our customers require.

Weather patterns
Seasonal  weather  patterns  in  Canada  and  the  northern  part  of  the  U.S.  affect  activity  in  the  oilfield  services  industry. 
During the spring months, wet weather and the spring thaw make the ground unstable so municipalities and counties 
and provincial and state transportation departments enforce road bans that restrict the movement of rigs and other heavy 
equipment. This reduces activity and highlights the importance of the location of our equipment prior to the imposition of 
the road bans. The timing and length of road bans depend on weather conditions leading to the spring thaw and during 
the thawing period. Additionally, certain oil and natural gas producing areas are located in parts of Western Canada that 
are only accessible during the winter months because the ground surrounding or containing the drilling sites in these areas 
consists of terrain known as muskeg. The rigs and other necessary equipment cannot cross the terrain to reach the drilling 
site until the muskeg freezes. Moreover, once the rigs and other equipment have been moved to a drilling site, they may 
become stranded or are unable to be relocated to another site if the muskeg thaws unexpectedly. Our business results 
depend partly on how long and severe the winter season lasts.

Competition
Periods  of  high  demand  often  lead  to  higher  capital  expenditures  on  drilling  rigs  and  other  oilfield  services  equipment. 
The number of drilling rigs competing for work in markets where we operate has increased as the industry adds new and 
upgraded rigs. We expect more new or newer rigs to enter markets where we operate. The industry supply of drilling rigs may 
exceed actual demand because of the relatively long life span of oilfield services equipment and the waiting period between 
when a decision is made to upgrade or build new equipment and when the equipment is placed into service. Excess supply 
resulting from industry-wide capital expenditures could lead to lower demand for term drilling contracts and our equipment 
and services. The additional supply of drilling rigs has intensified price competition in the past and could continue to do so 
and possibly lead to lower rates in the oilfield services industry generally and lower utilization of existing rigs. If any of these 
factors materializes, it would have an adverse effect on our revenues, cash flows, earnings and asset valuation.

Technology
Complex drilling programs for the exploration and development of conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas 
reserves demand high performance drilling rigs. The ability of drilling rig service providers to meet this demand depends 
on  continuous  improvement  of  existing  rig  technology  like  drive  systems,  control  systems,  automation,  mud  systems 
and top drives to improve drilling efficiency. Our ability to deliver equipment and services that meet customer demand is 
critical to our continued success. We cannot assure that our rig technology will continue to meet demands, especially as 
rigs age and technology advances, or that our competitors will not develop technological improvements that are more 
advantageous, timely or cost effective than our own advancements.

22   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

We have an experienced internal engineering department that works closely with operations and marketing on equipment 
design and improvements. We cannot guarantee, however, that our rig technology will continue to meet the needs of our 
customers, especially as rigs age and technology advances, or that competitors won’t develop technological improvements 
that are more advantageous, timely or cost effective. 

Employees and suppliers

Finding and keeping employees
We may not be able to find enough skilled labor to meet our needs, and this could limit growth. We may also have difficulty 
finding enough skilled and unskilled labor in the future if demand for our services increases. Shortages of qualified personnel 
have occurred in the past during periods of high demand. The demand for qualified rig personnel generally increases with 
stronger demand for land drilling services and as new and refurbished rigs are brought into service. Increased demand 
typically leads to higher wages that may or may not be reflected in any increases in service rates.

We continually monitor crew availability. We also focus on providing a safe and productive work environment, opportunity 
for advancement and added wage security, to retain and attract quality staff. 

Reliance on suppliers
We  source  certain  key  rig  components,  raw  materials,  equipment  and  component  parts  from  a  variety  of  suppliers  in 
Canada, the U.S. and overseas. We also outsource some or all construction services for drilling and service rigs, including 
new build rigs as part of our capital expenditure program. We maintain relationships with key suppliers and contractors 
and an inventory of key components, materials, equipment and parts. We also place advance orders for components that 
have long lead times.

To  manage  this  risk,  we  maintain  relationships  with  several  key  suppliers  and  contractors,  and  an  inventory  of  key 
components, materials, equipment and parts. We also place advance orders for components that have long lead times. 

We may, however, experience cost increases, delays in delivery due to the strong activity or financial hardship of suppliers 
or contractors, or other unforeseen circumstances relating to third parties. If our current or alternate suppliers are unable 
to deliver the necessary components, materials, equipment, parts and services we require for our businesses, including 
the construction of new build drilling rigs, it can delay service to our customers and have a material adverse effect on our 
revenues, cash flows and earnings.

Health, safety and the environment

Safety
Standards  for  accident  prevention  in  the  oil  and  gas  industry  are  governed  by  service  company  safety  policies  and 
procedures, accepted industry safety practices, customer-specific safety requirements and health and safety legislation. 
Safety  is  a  key  factor  that  customers  consider  when  selecting  an  oilfield  service  company.  A  decline  in  our  safety 
performance could result in lower demand for services, and this could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, 
cash flows and earnings. We are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws, rules, legislation and guidelines 
which can impose material liability, increase our costs or lead to lower demand for our services.

We manage our safety performance using our Target Zero program, a comprehensive training and assessment program 
designed to work toward a vision of no workplace incidents resulting in injury.

Laws, regulations and guidelines
Our operations are affected by numerous laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the protection of the environment 
and health and safety, including those governing the management, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances 
and  other  waste  materials.  These  include  laws,  regulations  and  guidelines  relating  to  spills,  releases,  emissions  and 
discharges of hazardous substances or other waste materials into the environment, requiring removal or remediation of 
pollutants or contaminants, and imposing civil and criminal penalties for violations. Some of these apply to our operations 
and authorize the recovery of natural resource damages by the government, injunctive relief, and the imposition of stop, 
control,  remediation  and  abandonment  orders.  In  addition,  our  land  drilling  operations  may  be  conducted  in  or  near 
ecologically sensitive areas, such as wetlands, which are subject to special protective measures and may expose us to 
additional operating costs and liabilities for noncompliance with certain laws. Some environmental laws and regulations 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     23

may impose strict and, in certain cases joint and several, liability. This means that in some situations we could be exposed 
to liability as a result of conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred, or conditions caused by prior operators or other third 
parties, including any liability related to offsite treatment or disposal facility. The costs arising from compliance with these 
laws, regulations and guidelines may be material.

We maintain liability insurance, including insurance for certain environmental claims, but coverage is limited and some of 
our policies exclude coverage for damages resulting from environmental contamination. We cannot assure that insurance 
will  continue  to  be  available  to  us  on  commercially  reasonable  terms,  that  the  possible  types  of  liabilities  that  may  be 
incurred by us will be covered by the insurance, or that the dollar amount of the liabilities will not exceed our policy limits. 
Even a partially uninsured claim, if successful and of sufficient magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, results of operations and prospects.

Energy and the environment
The issue of energy and the environment has created intense public debate in Canada and around the world in recent 
years, and it is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and could potentially have a significant impact on all aspects of 
the economy. The trend in environmental regulation has been to impose more restrictions and limitations on activities that 
may impact the environment. Any regulatory changes that impose additional environmental restrictions or requirements 
on us, or our customers, could increase our operating costs and potentially lead to lower demand for our services and 
have an adverse effect on us. For example, there is growing concern about the apparent connection between the burning 
of fossil fuels and climate change. Laws, regulations or treaties concerning climate change or greenhouse gas emissions 
can have an adverse impact on the demand for oil and natural gas, which could have a material adverse effect on us. 
Governments in Canada and the U.S. are also reviewing more stringent regulation or restriction of hydraulic fracturing, 
a technology used by some of our customers that involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure 
into rock formations to stimulate oil and natural gas production. This could have a negative impact on the exploration of 
unconventional energy resources, which are only commercially viable with the use of hydraulic fracturing. Laws relating 
to hydraulic fracturing are in various stages of development at levels of governments in markets where we operate. There 
is no assurance of the outcome of these developments, their effect on the regulatory landscape and the contract drilling 
industry, or that additional governmental organizations will not seek to pass legislation on hydraulic fracturing in the future.

Financial 

Credit market conditions
The ability to make scheduled debt repayments, refinance debt obligations or access financing depends on our financial 
condition  and  operating  performance,  which  may  be  affected  by  prevailing  economic  and  competitive  conditions  and 
certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. Volatility in the credit markets can increase costs associated 
with debt instruments due to increased spreads over relevant interest rate benchmarks, or affect our ability to access those 
markets or the ability of third parties we wish to do business with. We may be unable to maintain sufficient cash flow from 
operating activities to allow us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our debt.

In addition, if there is continued or future volatility or uncertainty in the capital markets, access to financing may be uncertain, 
and this can have an adverse effect on the industry and our business, including future operating results. Our customers 
may curtail their drilling programs, which could result in lower demand for drilling rigs, well service rigs, reduced dayrates 
and  a  decrease  in  demand  for  directional  drilling  and  turnkey  jobs,  other  wellsite  services  or  equipment  utilization.  In 
addition, certain customers may be unable to pay suppliers, including us, if they are unable to access the capital markets 
to fund their business operations.

Access to additional financing
We will need sufficient cash flows in the future to service and repay our debt. Our ability to generate cash in the future is 
affected to some extent by general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that may be beyond our control. If 
we need to borrow funds in the future to service our debt, our ability will depend on covenants in the secured facility, 2020 
notes, 2019 notes, 2021 notes and other debt agreements we have in the future. We may not be able to access sufficient 
amounts under the secured facility or from the capital markets in the future to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund 

24   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

other liquidity requirements. If we are not able to borrow a sufficient amount, or generate enough cash flow from operations 
to service and repay our debt, we will need to refinance our debt or we will be in default, and we could be forced to reduce 
or delay investments and capital expenditures or dispose of material assets. We may not be able to refinance or arrange 
alternative measures on favorable terms or at all. If we are unable to service, repay and/or refinance our debt, it could have 
a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We regularly assess our credit policies and capital structure, and have enough liquidity to meet our needs. See page 36 
for information about our liquidity. 

Foreign exchange
Our U.S. and international operations have revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than 
the Canadian dollar (mostly in US dollars and currencies that are pegged to the US dollar). That means that changes in 
currency exchange rates affect our income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flow.

   Translation into Canadian dollars – When preparing our consolidated financial statements, we translate the financial 
statements for foreign operations that don’t have a Canadian dollar functional currency into Canadian dollars. We 
translate  assets  and  liabilities  at  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  We  translate  revenues  and 
expenses using average exchange rates for the month of the transaction. We initially recognize gains or losses from 
these translation adjustments in other comprehensive income, and reclassify them from equity to net earnings on 
disposal or partial disposal of the foreign operation. Changes in currency exchange rates could materially increase 
or decrease our foreign currency-denominated net assets, which would increase or decrease shareholders’ equity. 
Changes in currency exchange rates will affect the amount of revenue and expenses we record for our U.S. and 
international operations, which will increase or decrease our net earnings. If the Canadian dollar strengthens against 
the US dollar, the net earnings we record in Canadian dollars for our international operations will be lower. 

   Transaction exposure – Some of our long-term debt is denominated in US dollars. We have designated our US dollar 
denominated unsecured senior notes as a hedge against the net asset position of our U.S. operations. We convert 
the debt at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates and include the resulting gains or losses in the 
statement of comprehensive income. If the Canadian dollar strengthens against the US dollar, we will incur a foreign 
exchange gain from the translation of this debt. Most of our international operations are transacted in US dollars 
or US dollar-pegged currencies. Transactions for our Canadian operations are mainly in Canadian dollars, but we 
occasionally buy goods and supplies for our Canadian operations using US dollars. These types of transactions and 
resulting foreign exchange exposure would not typically have a material impact on our financial results.

Liabilities from prior reorganizations 
We  have  retained  all  liabilities  of  our  predecessor  companies,  including  liabilities  relating  to  corporate  and  income 
tax matters. 

International operations
We conduct some of our business outside of Canada and the U.S., like Mexico and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our 
growth plans contemplate establishing operations in other foreign countries, including countries where the political and 
economic systems may be less stable than in Canada or the U.S. 

Our  international  operations  are  subject  to  risks  normally  associated  with  conducting  business  in  foreign  countries, 
including among others:

   insurrection and geopolitical and other political risks 
   fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange controls
   increases in duties, taxes and governmental royalties
   renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities
   changes in laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies. 

If there is a dispute with our international operations, we may be under the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts, or may 
not be able to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of a court in Canada or the U.S.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Results

Adjusted EBITDA and operating earnings are additional GAAP measures. Please see page 5 for more information.

Summarized consolidated statements of earnings

2012

2011

2010

1,725,240

326,079

(10,578)

2,040,741

649,281

93,554

(72,043)

670,792

307,525

192,469

170,798

52,539

3,753

86,829

27,677

(24,683)

52,360

1,632,037

330,225

(11,235)

1,951,027

665,389

104,252

(74,577)

695,064

251,483

114,893

328,688

–

(23,674)

111,578

240,784

47,307

193,477

1,186,007

255,827

(12,181)

1,429,653

434,167

66,443

(65,702)

434,908

210,103

–

224,805

–

(12,712)

211,327

26,190

(17,345)

43,535

2012

2011

2010

1,053,966

1,071,526

936,113

64,017

(13,355)

866,776

22,994

(10,269)

772,332

634,885

27,239

(4,803)

2,040,741

1,951,027

1,429,653

2,119,891

1,913,810

266,562

4,300,263

2,252,084

2,027,676

148,114

4,427,874

1,720,785

1,789,441

54,314

3,564,540

Year ended December 31 (thousands of $)

Revenue:

  Contract Drilling Services

  Completion and Product Services

Inter-segment elimination

Adjusted EBITDA:

  Contract Drilling Services

  Completion and Product Services

  Corporate and other

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings

Impairment of goodwill

Foreign exchange

Finance charges

Earning before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

Results by geographic segment

Year ended December 31 (thousands of $)

Revenue

  Canada

  United States

International

Inter-segment elimination

Total assets

  Canada

  United States

International

26   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
 
2012 compared to 2011
Net earnings this year were $52 million or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $193 million or $0.67 per diluted share in 
2011. Revenue this year was $2,041 million, or 5% higher than 2011. Net earnings and net earnings per diluted share include 
the impact of charges associated with asset decommissioning, and an impairment charge to the goodwill attributable to 
our Canadian Directional Drilling operations, as previously disclosed.

Adjusted EBITDA this year was $671 million, or 3% lower than 2011. Lower activity levels were partially offset by improved 
pricing in both operating segments. Activity, as measured by drilling utilization days, dropped 15% in Canada and 9% in 
the U.S. compared to 2011.

The volatile global environment and lower natural gas prices in much of 2012 reduced utilization for us and for the industry 
in general.

Average oil and natural gas prices

Oil 

2012

2011

2010

  West Texas Intermediate (per barrel)

US $94.13

US $95.02

US $79.38

Natural gas

  Canada

  AECO (per MMBtu)

  United States

  Henry Hub (per MMBtu)

$2.39

$3.62

$4.00

US $2.75

US $3.98

US $4.37

Key statistics
There were 10,753 wells drilled in western Canada this year, or 9% fewer than the 11,832 drilled in 2011. Approximately 
38,600 wells were started onshore in the U.S., or approximately 2% more than the approximately 37,800 wells started there 
in 2011. 

Total industry drilling operating days were 14% lower than 2011, at 124,319. Average industry drilling operating days per 
well was 11.6 compared to 12.2 in 2011. Average depth of a well increased by 2%. The decrease in days per well while 
average depth increased reflects the use of top tier rigs and greater industry experience with unconventional drilling.

Fleet
We and the land drilling industry are in the process of upgrading the drilling rig fleet by building new rigs and upgrading 
existing ones. In the fourth quarter of 2012 we decommissioned 42 Tier 3 drilling rigs and 10 Tier 2 rigs from our fleet 
and recorded an impairment charge of $192 million. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of 
$115 million related to the decommissioning of 36 drilling rigs and 13 well servicing rigs. We are exiting the Tier 3 contract 
drilling business but will retain 26 drilling rigs for seasonal, stratification and turnkey drilling work. These will be categorized 
as “PSST” rigs. Our focus on the Tier 1 and Tier 2 market is aligned with our corporate strategy, customer relationships 
and competitive position. 

Goodwill
Under IFRS, we are required to assess the carrying value of cash-generating units that contain goodwill every year. We 
recognized a $53 million goodwill impairment charge this year (the goodwill attributable to our Canadian directional drilling 
operations), because of the outlook for natural gas pricing, and the fact that natural gas drilling in Canada is down.

Foreign exchange
We recognized a foreign exchange loss of $4 million because the Canadian dollar strengthened in value against the U.S. 
dollar, and the effect that had on the net U.S. dollar denominated monetary position in our Canadian dollar-based companies.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     27

 
 
Finance charges
Finance  charges  were  $87  million,  or  $25  million  lower  than  2011.  In  2011,  we  incurred  a  $27  million  charge  for  the 
make-whole  premium  from  the  refinancing  of  a  previously  outstanding  debt,  and  the  interest  expense  associated  with 
Canadian income tax settlements. These were offset by higher interest costs from a higher average long-term debt balance 
and a non-recurring gain we recognized in 2011.

Income taxes
Income taxes were $72 million lower than 2011 year mainly because operating results were lower and income tax was 
taxed at lower rates.

2011 compared to 2010
Net earnings in 2011 were $193 million or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to $44 million or $0.15 per diluted share in 
2010. Revenue in 2011 was $1,951 million compared to $1,430 million in 2010. Net earnings and net earnings per diluted 
share include the impact of charges associated with asset decommissioning, as previously disclosed.

Adjusted EBITDA in 2011 was $695 million, or 60% higher than the $435 million in 2010 because of improved pricing and 
margins, and higher activity levels in both operating segments. Activity, as measured by utilization days, increased 22% in 
Canada and 17% in the U.S. compared to 2010. 

Higher oil and natural gas liquids prices increased utilization in 2011 for us and for the industry in general. 

Key statistics
There were 11,832 wells drilled in western Canada in 2011, or 1% less than the 11,936 drilled in 2010. Approximately 37,800 
wells were started onshore in the U.S. in 2011, or approximately 13% more than the approximately 33,500 wells started 
there in 2010. 

In Canada, total industry drilling operating days, at 144,646, were 21% higher than 2010. Average industry drilling operating 
days per well was 12.2 compared to 10.0 in 2010. The increase in days per well reflects the increase in horizontal drilling. 
Wells drilled horizontally typically have a longer drilling distance and take longer to drill.

Foreign exchange
We recognized a foreign exchange gain of $24 million in 2011 compared to a $13 million gain in 2010. The gain in 2011 
resulted from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, and the effect that had on the net U.S. dollar 
denominated monetary position in our Canadian dollar-based companies. We designated our U.S. dollar debt as a hedge 
of our U.S. denominated operations on November 17, 2010 and July 26, 2011.

Finance charges
Finance charges were $112 million in 2011, or $100 million lower than 2010. In 2010, we incurred a $116 million loss on 
settlement of a debt, and debt amortization costs were higher. These were offset by a $27 million make-whole premium we 
paid in 2011 from the refinancing of $175 million 10% senior unsecured notes, and the interest expense associated with 
Canadian income tax settlements.

Income taxes
In 2011 income taxes were $65 million higher than 2010 mainly because earnings before income taxes were higher, and 
we recorded $11 million in income taxes in 2011 that related to a prior year.

28   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

CONTRACT DRILLING SERVICES

Financial results
Adjusted EBITDA and operating earnings are additional GAAP measures. Please see page 5 for more information.

Year ended December 31  
(thousands of $, except where noted)

Revenue

Expenses

  Operating

  General and administrative

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings

2012

1,725,240

1,036,553

39,406
649,281

271,993

192,469

184,819

% of 
revenue

60.1

2.3
37.6

15.8

11.1

10.7

2011

1,632,037

931,062

35,586
665,389

219,194

113,366

332,829

% of
revenue

57.0

2.2
40.8

13.4

7.0

20.4

2010

1,186,007

720,347

31,493
434,167

177,516

–

256,651

% of
revenue

60.7

2.7
36.6

15.0

–

21.6

2012 compared to 2011
Revenue from Contract Drilling Services was $1,725 million this year, or 6% higher than 2011, mainly because drilling rig 
revenue per day increased in both Canada and the U.S., and we realized growth in our international and directional drilling 
operations. These were partially offset by lower utilization days in North America.

Operating  expenses  were  60%  of  revenue  this  year  compared  to  57%  in  2011,  mainly  because  labour  related  costs 
and  costs  associated  with  international  and  directional  drilling  activity  were  higher.  Operating  expenses  per  day  were 
10%  higher  in  Canada  and  12%  higher  in  the  U.S.  mainly  because  of  higher  crew  labour  related  costs.  General  and 
administrative expense was higher because of the growth in our international business.

Operating earnings were $185 million this year, or 44% lower than 2011, and 11% of revenue compared to 20% in 2011. 
Included in 2012 is a loss on asset decommissioning charge of $192 million related to the decommissioning of 52 drilling 
rigs in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of $113 million related to the 
decommissioning of 36 drilling rigs.

Capital expenditures in 2012 were $751 million:

   $513 million – to expand the underlying asset base
   $130 million – to upgrade existing equipment 
   $108 million – spending on maintenance and infrastructure capital. 

Most of the expansion capital was on 38 new build rigs, as part of our rig build program. 36 of these were completed and 
placed into service by December 31, 2012.

Canadian Drilling
Revenue from Canadian Drilling was lower by $20 million or 3% when compared to 2011. Drilling rig activity, as measured 
by utilization days, was down 15%.

10,753  wells  were  drilled  in  Canada  in  2012,  or  9%  fewer  than  in  2011.  Industry  operating  days  decreased  14%  to 
124,319. These were the result of lower activity as customer demand for oil and liquids-rich natural gas related drilling 
activity declined.

Adjusted  EBITDA  was  $332  million,  in  line  with  2011  of  $329  million,  as  a  decrease  in  industry  activity  was  offset  by 
higher pricing. 

Depreciation  expense  for  the  year  was  $9  million  higher  than  2011  because  utilization  of  our  Tier  1  rigs  was  higher, 
depreciation on our Tier 3 rigs increased and a loss on sale of assets was recognized.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     29

 
 
 
United States Drilling
Revenue from United States Drilling was US$820 million or 1% less than 2011. Drilling rig activity, as measured by utilization 
days, was down 9%. 

Average dayrates in the United States increased 9% this year because we had a higher percentage of drilling rigs working 
under term contracts, Tier 1 and upgraded rigs were added to the fleet and we experienced increased turnkey activity.

Adjusted EBITDA was US$308 million, or 5% lower than US$325 million in 2011, mainly because industry activity was lower 
due to depressed natural gas economics. 

Depreciation  expense  for  the  year  was  $32  million  higher  than  2011  because  utilization  of  our  Tier  1  rigs  was  higher, 
increased depreciation on our Tier 3 rigs and recognition of a loss on sale of assets. 

Operating statistics

Year ended December 31

Number of drilling rigs (year end)

Drilling utilization days (operating and moving)

  Canada

  United States

International

Drilling revenue per utilization day

  Canada (Cdn$)

  United States (US$)

Drilling statistics (Canadian operations only)

  Wells drilled

  Average days per well

  Metres drilled (hundreds)

  Average metres per well

2012

321

32,352

34,597

2,086

21,030

23,696

3,085

9.4

5,233

1,696

% increase/
 (decrease)

(4.7)

(14.8)

(8.7)

197.2

14.0

9.0

(13.5)

(1.1)

(8.5)

5.8

2011

337

37,970

37,887

702

18,442

21,744

3,566

9.5

5,717

1,603

% increase/
(decrease)

(5.1)

21.8

16.8

16.6

14.3

14.7

11.6

8.0

11.7

0.0

2010

355

31,176

32,450

602

16,139

18,965

3,196

8.8

5,119

1,602

% increase/
(decrease)

0.9

46.9

43.1

(15.2)

(9.5)

(17.4)

45.4

2.3

54.4

6.2

Drilling statistics – Canada
This year we decommissioned 22 rigs and completed 20 new builds, bringing our Canadian 2012 year end net rig count 
to 186 (down by 2).

The industry drilling rig fleet increased slightly – there were approximately 822 rigs at the end of 2012 compared to 805 
at the end of 2011. Our operating day utilization was 40% (six percentage points lower than 2011), compared to industry 
utilization, which was 42% (seven percentage points lower than 2011).

Our average dayrates in Canada increased by 14% this year because we had a better rig mix and demand for our Tier 1 
rigs was strong.

Drilling statistics – US
This year we decommissioned 30 rigs, completed 16 new builds and transferred two rigs to our Mexican fleet, bringing our 
U.S. 2012 year end net rig count to 127 (down by 16). We averaged 95 rigs working, a 9% decrease over 2011. 

30   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
Drilling statistics (lower 48 operations only)

Average number of active land rigs for quarters ended:

  March 31

  June 30

  September 30

  December 31

Year to date average

1 Source: Baker Hughes

2012

2011

Precision

Industry1

Precision

Industry1

104

97

90

87

95

1,947

1,924

1,855

1,759

1,871

100

102

106

107

104

1,695

1,803

1,915

1,972

1,846

COMPLETION AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

Financial results
Adjusted EBITDA and operating earnings are additional GAAP measures. Please see page 5 for more information.

Year ended December 31  
(thousands of $, except where noted)

Revenue

Expenses

  Operating

  General and administrative

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings

2012

326,079

217,326

15,199
93,554

30,758

– 

62,796

% of 
revenue

66.7

4.7
28.7

9.4

–

19.3

2011

330,225

211,195

14,778
104,252

25,598

1,527

77,127

% of
revenue

64.0

4.5
31.6

7.8

0.5

23.4

2010

255,827

178,585

10,799
66,443

24,128

–

42,315

% of
revenue

69.8

4.2
26.0

9.4

–

16.5

Revenue from Completion and Production Services was $326 million this year, or 1% lower than 2011, mainly because 
industry activity was lower as customers reduced their spending on production activity as natural gas prices remained 
relatively low. Reduced activity was partially offset by improved pricing for our services and expansion of our services into 
the U.S.

Operating  earnings  were  $62,796  this  year,  or  19%  lower  than  2011,  and  19%  of  revenue  compared  to  23%  in  2011, 
because service rig activity was down, and rental equipment and base camps saw less activity. 

Operating expenses were 67% of revenue this year, or three percentage points higher than 2011, mainly because equipment 
utilization was down, which increased daily or hourly operating costs associated with fixed operating costs and higher crew 
wages starting in the fourth quarter. 

Depreciation expense for the year was $5 million higher than 2011 mainly because of depreciation on equipment purchases 
in 2011 and 2012.

Capital expenditures were $109 million:

  $83 million – to expand the underlying asset base
  $26 million – spending on maintenance and infrastructure capital.

Revenue from Precision Well Servicing was $220 million, or 1% lower than 2011, because operating activity was down by 
9%. This decline in activity was partially offset by a higher revenue rate per hour.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     31

 
 
Revenue from Precision Rentals was $53 million, or 7% lower than 2011. Activity was lower because drilling, well servicing 
and  frac-related  activity  was  down.  Precision  Rentals  expanded  from  three  major  product  lines  (surface  equipment, 
wellsite accommodations, and tubular equipment) to include power generation equipment, solids control equipment and 
WaterDams (containment rings). The expansion increased the overall rental rate compared to 2011. 

Revenue from LRG Camp and Catering was $32 million, or 24% lower than 2011 because there were fewer base camp 
days this year. LRG operated three base camps and 50 drill camps during 2012. 

Operating results

Year ended December 31

Number of drilling rigs (end of year)1

Service rig operating hours2

Revenue per operating hour2

2012

214

294,681

744

% increase/
 (decrease)

3.4

(7.2)

8.1

2011

207

317,418

688

% increase/
(decrease)

(5.9)

7.9

8.0

2010

220

294,126

637

% increase/
(decrease)

–

33.9

(3.8)

1 Now includes snubbing services. Comparative numbers have been restated to reflect this change.
2 Prior year comparatives have been changed to include U.S. based service rig activity.

This year we added three coil tubing units in Canada and two in the U.S. Equipment was moved from Canada to the U.S. 
as we continue to build on our footprint. 

This year our service rig hours decreased 7% as market activity declines was partially offset by our U.S. expansion. 

Service  rig  rates  increased  8%  due  to  crew  wage  increased  pass  through  to  customers  and  the  provision  of  higher 
end services. 

This year in Completion and Production Services, we moved five service rigs and two snubbing rigs from Canada to the 
U.S. and added two new build coil tubing rigs and rental equipment to develop our U.S. business. 

CORPORATE AND OTHER 

Financial results
Adjusted EBITDA is an additional GAAP measure. Please see page 5 for more information.

Year ended December 31 (thousands of $)

2012

2011

2010

Revenue

Expenses

  Operating

  General and administrative

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortization

Operating earnings (loss)

–

–

72,043

(72,043)

4,774

(76,817)

–

–

74,577

(74,577)

6,691

(81,268)

–

–

65,702

(65,702)

8,459

(74,161)

We view our corporate segment as support functions that provide assistance to more than one segment. It includes costs 
incurred in corporate groups in both Canada and the U.S. 

Corporate and other expenses were $72 million in 2012, or $3 million less than 2011, mainly related to performance based 
incentive plans. In 2012 corporate general and administrative costs were 3.5% of consolidated revenue compared to 3.8% 
in 2011 and 4.6% in 2010.

32   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS
Adjusted EBITDA and funds provided by operations are additional GAAP measures. Please see page 5 for more information.

2012 – quarters ended 
(thousands of $, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Net earnings (loss)

  Per basic share

  Per diluted share

Funds provided by operations

Cash provided by operations

Dividends per share

2011 – quarters ended 
(thousands of $, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Net earnings

  Per basic share

  Per diluted share

Funds provided by operations

Cash provided by operations

March 31  

June 30  

September 30  

December 31

640,066

245,574

111,081

0.40

0.39

247,739

162,440

–

381,966

97,192

18,261

0.07

0.06

62,373

275,346

–

484,761

151,000

39,357

0.14

0.14

146,124

61,183

–

533,948

177,026

(116,339)

(0.42)

(0.42)

142,576

136,317

0.05

March 31  

June 30  

September 30  

December 31

525,350

186,411

65,560

0.24

0.23

192,337

117,322

345,325

92,566

16,403

0.06

0.06

70,766

176,312

492,944

186,248

83,468

0.30

0.29

73,182

20,281

587,408

229,839

28,046

0.10

0.10

256,103

218,857

The Canadian drilling industry is affected by weather patterns. Activity peaks in the winter, in the fourth and first quarters. 
In the spring, wet weather and the spring thaw make the ground unstable. Government road bans restrict the movement 
of rigs and other heavy equipment, reducing activity in the second quarter. This leads to quarterly fluctuations in operating 
results and requirements for working capital. Activity in the U.S. does not have the same seasonality. 

We had a net loss in the fourth quarter of $116 million or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $28 million 
in the fourth quarter of 2011. This reflects the impact of charges associated with asset decommissioning and a goodwill 
impairment which, combined, reduced net earnings by $179 million and net earnings per diluted share by $0.63 compared 
to the fourth quarter of 2011.

Revenue  and  Adjusted  EBITDA  were  both  lower  in  the  fourth  quarter  compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011:  revenue 
was $534 million compared to $587 million in the fourth quarter of 2011; Adjusted EBITDA was $177 million compared to 
$230 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. These results were mainly because of lower activity across most business lines 
and higher operating costs, partially offset by higher pricing. 

Our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 33% this quarter, compared to 39% in the fourth quarter of 2011. The decrease in Adjusted 
EBITDA margin was mainly due to higher average costs and lower equipment utilization in both Canada and the U.S. 

Operating costs were higher because of labour related costs and higher operating costs internationally. Our portfolio of 
term customer contracts, a highly variable operating cost structure and economies achieved through vertical integration of 
the supply chain all help us manage our Adjusted EBITDA margin. 

Drilling rig utilization days (drilling days plus move days) in Canada were 8,242 this quarter, or 23% lower than the fourth 
quarter of 2011. Drilling rig utilization days in the U.S. were 8,014 this quarter, or 19% lower than the fourth quarter of 2011. 
This was the result of lower customer demand as customers conserved cash and deferred drilling programs into 2013. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     33

 
 
The majority of activity was from oil and liquids-rich natural gas related plays. We averaged a total of 185 rigs working in the 
quarter (average 90 in Canada, 87 in the U.S. and eight internationally), compared to a total average 182 rigs in the third 
quarter of 2012 and 225 rigs in the fourth quarter of 2011. 

Service rig activity in the fourth quarter was 12% lower than the fourth quarter of 2011 (77,234 operating hours compared 
to 88,131 hours in the fourth quarter of 2011). 

Contract Drilling Services
Revenue  and  Adjusted  EBITDA  from  Contract  Drilling  Services  were  both  down  in  the  fourth  quarter  compared  to  the 
fourth  quarter  of  2011:  revenue  was  $452  million,  or  9%  lower  than  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011;  Adjusted  EBITDA  was 
$172 million, or 21% lower than the fourth quarter of 2011. These results were mainly because of lower drilling rig activity, 
partially offset by higher average rates per day in Canada and the U.S. and higher revenue from our international contract 
drilling operations. 

Customer demand for oil and liquids-rich natural gas related drilling activity was down in the fourth quarter because oil 
prices were down. Drilling rig revenue per utilization day in both Canada and the U.S. was up 10% over 2011. The increase 
in average dayrates for Canada was the result of improved rig mix and solid demand for Tier 1 assets. In the United States 
the majority of the increase was driven by higher turnkey activity. 

In Canada, 41% of utilization days in the fourth quarter were generated from rigs under term contract, compared to 38% in 
the fourth quarter of 2011. In the U.S., 68% of utilization days were generated from rigs under term contract as compared to 
79% in the fourth quarter of 2011. At the end of the quarter, we had 55 drilling rigs working under term contracts in Canada 
and 54 in the U.S. 

Operating costs were 60% of revenue for the quarter, or six percentage points higher than the fourth quarter of 2011 because 
costs were higher internationally, labour related costs were higher and activity was lower, so fixed costs were spread over a 
lower revenue base. Operating costs per day in Canada were higher than the fourth quarter of 2011 mainly because crew 
wage expenses were higher. Operating costs per day in the United States were higher than in the fourth quarter of 2011 
mainly because of higher proportionate turnkey activity as well as higher labour related and overall operating costs. Labour 
rate increases are typically recovered through higher dayrates.

We decommissioned 52 rigs in the fourth quarter (22 in Canada and 30 in the U.S.) and recorded an impairment charge 
of $192 million. Quarterly depreciation increased 25% over the fourth quarter of 2011. As discussed in our MD&A dated 
December  31,  2011,  we  changed  our  depreciation  policy  on  certain  Tier  3  rigs  from  the  unit  of  production  method  to 
straight-line  over  four  years,  which  increased  depreciation  by  approximately  $5  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2012. 
Higher utilization of our Tier 1 rigs, losses on asset disposals and depreciation from the growth in directional drilling and 
international contract drilling have also increased depreciation. 

We use the unit of production method of calculating depreciation for our contract drilling operations except for certain 
PSST equipment and directional drilling equipment, where we use the straight-line method.

Completion and Production Services
Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA from Completion and Production Services were both down compared to the fourth quarter 
of 2011: revenue was $85 million or 11% lower than the fourth quarter of 2011; Adjusted EBITDA was $22 million or 34% 
lower  than  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011.  These  results  are  mainly  because  customers  reduced  spending  in  response  to 
greater economic uncertainty, which reduced activity across all service lines. 

Well servicing activity in the fourth quarter was 12% lower than the fourth quarter of 2011 (77,234 operating hours and 
utilization of 39%, compared to 88,131 hours and utilization of 43%). Results were down because of reduced completion 
and production work on oil wells. Approximately 95% of the fourth quarter service rig activity was oil related. Our rental 
division  activity  in  the  fourth  quarter  was  38%  lower  than  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011  mainly  because  completion  and 
frac-related activity was down industry-wide, offset by new equipment added to the fleet.

34   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Average service rig revenue in the fourth quarter was $740, or $9 per operating hour higher than the fourth quarter of 2011 
because our coil tubing operations, which operate at higher rates, started in 2012.

Operating costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 70% in the fourth quarter of 2012, from 61% in the fourth quarter 
of 2011. Operating costs per service rig operating hour were higher than in the fourth quarter of 2011 mainly because fuel 
costs were higher, and because of the new coil tubing operations.

Depreciation in the fourth quarter of 2012 was 33% higher than the fourth quarter of 2011 because depreciation expense 
per unit associated with new equipment was higher, and we incurred losses on asset disposals. We use the straight-line 
method of calculating depreciation for our completion and production lines, except for the well servicing division, where 
we use the unit of production method.

Consolidated
General and administrative expenses were $30 million in the fourth quarter, or $6 million lower than the fourth quarter of 
2011 because of lower costs associated with declines in activity, combined with lower incentive compensation costs tied 
to the price of our common shares.

Net  finance  charges  were  $22  million  in  the  fourth  quarter,  or  $3  million  higher  than  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011  mainly 
because of a non-recurring items in 2011. 

Capital  expenditures  were  $187  million  in  the  fourth  quarter,  compared  to  $328  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011. 
Spending in the fourth quarter of 2012 included:

  $123 million – to expand the underlying asset base
  $23 million – to upgrade existing equipment 
  $41 million – spending on maintenance and infrastructure capital. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     35

 
 
 
Financial Condition

The oilfield services business is inherently cyclical. To manage this, we focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet so 
we have the financial flexibility we need to continue to manage our growth and cash flow, no matter where we are in the 
business cycle.

We apply a disciplined approach to managing and tracking the results of our operations to keep costs down. We maintain 
a variable cost structure so we can be responsive to changing competition and demand. And we invest in our fleet to make 
sure we remain competitive.

Term contracts provide more certainty of future revenues and return of capital on our investments.

Liquidity
As at December 31, 2012 our liquidity is supported by a cash balance of $153 million, a senior secured credit facility of 
US$850 million, operating facilities totaling approximately $55 million and a $25 million secured facility for letters of credit. 

At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $1,290 million (2011 – $1,268 million) outstanding under our secured and 
unsecured credit facilities. Our secured facility includes financial ratio covenants that are tested quarterly. We’re compliant 
with these covenants and expect to remain compliant. 

We ended 2012 with a long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio of 0.36 (compared to 0.37 in 2011) and a ratio of 
long-term debt to cash provided by operations of 1.92 (compared to 2.33 in 2011). 

The current blended cash interest cost of our debt is about 6.6%.

Ratios and key financial indicators
We evaluate the relative strength of our financial position by monitoring our working capital, debt ratios and liquidity.

We also monitor returns on capital and link our executives’ incentive compensation to the returns we generate, compared 
to our peers.

36   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Financial position and ratios

(in thousands of $, except ratios)

Working capital (includes current portion of long-term debt)

Working capital ratio

Long-term debt 

Total long-term financial liabilities

Total assets

Enterprise value  

 (share price x number of shares outstanding + long-term debt  
– working capital – see page 40)

Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity 

Long-term debt to cash provided by operations 

Long-term debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Long-term debt to enterprise value 

December 31, 
2012

December 31,  
2011

December 31, 
2010

278,021

1.7

1,218,796

1,245,290

4,300,263

3,213,406

0.36

1.92

1.82

0.38

610,429

2.4

1,239,616

1,267,040

4,427,874

3,528,046

0.37

2.33

1.78

0.35

458,003

3.1

804,494

834,813

3,564,540

2,993,083

0.29

2.63

1.85

0.27

Credit rating
Credit ratings affect our ability to obtain short and long-term financing, the cost of this financing, and our ability to engage 
in certain business activities cost-effectively. 

Corporate credit rating

Senior secured bank credit facility rating

Senior unsecured credit rating

Moody’s  

Ba1

S&P

BB+

Not rated  

Not rated

Ba1

BB

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
To maintain and grow our business, we invest both growth and sustaining capital. We base expansion capital decisions 
on return on capital employed and payback and mitigate the risk that we may not be able to fully recover our capital by 
requiring multi-year term contracts for new build rigs. 

We base our maintenance capital decisions on actual activity levels, using key financial indicators that we express on a 
per operating day or per operating hour basis. Sourcing internally (through our manufacturing and supply divisions) helps 
keep our maintenance capital costs as low as possible.

Foreign exchange risk
Our U.S. and international operations have revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than 
the Canadian dollar (mostly in US dollars and currencies that are pegged to the US dollar). That means that changes 
in  currency  exchange  rates  affect  our  income  statement,  balance  sheet  and  statement  of  cash  flow.  We  manage  this 
risk by matching the currency of our debt obligations with the currency of cash flows generated by the operations the 
debt supports.

Interest rate risk
We minimize interest rate risk by staggering long-term debt maturities.

Hedge of investments in U.S. operations
We have designated our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt as a hedge of our investment in our operations in the 
U.S. We recognize the effective amount of this hedge (net of tax) in other comprehensive income. We recognize ineffective 
amounts (if any) in earnings.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOURCES AND USES OF CASH

At December 31 (thousands of $)

Cash from operations

Cash used in investing

Surplus (deficit)

Cash from (used in) financing

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net cash generated (used)

2012

635,286

(930,121)

(294,835)

(14,899)

(4,974)

(314,708)

2011

532,772

(715,462)

(182,690)

366,887

26,448

210,645

Cash from operations
In 2012, we generated cash from operations of $635 million (compared to $533 million in 2011). 

Investing activity
We made capital investments of $868 million in 2012:
  $596 million in expansion capital expenditures 
  $130 million in upgrade capital expenditures
  $142 million in maintenance and infrastructure capital expenditures.

Of  the  $868  million  in  capital  expenditures  in  2012,  $751  was  for  the  Contract  Drilling  segment,  $109  million  for  the 
Completion and Production segment and $8 million for the Corporate and other segment.

Expansion and upgrade capital includes the cost of long lead items purchased for our capital inventory, like top drives, drill 
pipe, control systems, engines and other items we can use to complete new build projects or upgrade our rigs in North 
America and internationally. 

Financing activity
With the exception of foreign exchange translation, our net borrowings in 2012 were the same as in 2011 (2011 increased 
by $407 million over 2010). 

Our  senior  secured  facility  was  increased  from  US$550  million  to  US$850  million  effective  August  30,  2012,  and  the 
US$100 million “accordion” feature was increased to US$250 million, allowing the facility to be increased to US$1.1 billion 
with additional lender commitments. The term was extended to five years and several negative covenants were relaxed.

Our operating facility was increased from $25 million to $40 million effective August 30, 2012, and remains undrawn except 
for $19 million in outstanding letters of credit. Our operating facility of US$15 million remains undrawn as at December 31, 
2012.  Effective  September  27,  2012,  we  entered  into  a  new  US$25  million  demand  facility  for  letters  of  credit  and  it 
remained undrawn as at December 31, 2012.

38   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
 
Debt 
At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $925 million in secured and operating credit facilities, and $1,245 million in 
senior unsecured notes (maturing in 2019, 2020 and 2021). 

Amount

Availability

Used for

Maturity

Senior facility (secured)

US$850 million (extendible, revolving 
term credit facility with US$250 million 
accordion feature)

Operating facilities (secured)

$40 million

Undrawn, except US$27 million  
in outstanding letters of credit

General corporate purposes

November 17, 2017

Undrawn, except $19 million  
in outstanding letters of credit

Letters of credit and general 
corporate purposes

US$15 million

Undrawn

Demand letter of credit facility (secured)

Short term working capital 
requirements

US$25 million

Undrawn

Letters of credit 

Senior notes (unsecured)

$200 million

US$650 million

US$400 million

Fully drawn

Fully drawn 

Fully drawn 

Debt repayment

Debt repayment and general 
corporate purposes

Capital expenditures and  
general corporate purposes

March 15, 2019

November 15, 2020

December 15, 2021

Contractual obligations
Our contractual obligations include both financial obligations (long-term debt and interest) and non-financial obligations 
(new rig build commitments, operating leases and equity-based compensation for key executives and officers).

The table below shows the amounts of these obligations and when payments are due for each.

At December 31, 2012  
(thousands of $)

Long-term

Interest on long-term debt

Rig construction

Operating leases

Contractual incentive plans1

Contingent purchase consideration

Total

Less than  
1 year

–

81,710

68,120

15,561

16,260

52,915

234,566

Payments due (by period)

1-3 years

4-5 years

–

163,421

36,443

25,389

18,622

–

243,875

–

163,421

–

16,509

–

–

More than  
5 years

1,244,645

241,273

–

23,161

–

–

Total

1,244,645

649,825

104,563

80,620

34,882

52,915

179,930

1,509,079

2,167,450

1  Includes amounts we have not yet accrued but are likely to pay at the end of the contract term. Our long-term incentive plans compensate officers and key employees through cash 

payments when their awards vest. Equity-based compensation amounts are shown based on a share price of $8.22 at December 31, 2012.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     39

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Shares outstanding

Shares outstanding

Deferred shares outstanding

Warrants outstanding

Share options outstanding

March 8,  
2013

December 31, 
2012

December 31, 
2011

December 31, 
2010

276,502,155

276,475,770

276,081,797

275,686,676

335,946

15,000,000

8,593,251

335,946

15,000,000

6,413,777

417,495

15,000,000

5,154,123

393,717

15,000,000

3,723,123

You can find more information about our capital structure in our annual information form, available online at our corporate 
website and on SEDAR.

Common shares
Our articles of amalgamation allow us to issue an unlimited number of common shares. As of December 2012, we issue 
an annual dividend paid to our shareholders quarterly.

Warrants
On April 22, 2009, we issued 15,000,000 purchase warrants under a private placement. Each warrant can be exercised 
for one common share at a price of $3.22 per common share for five years from the date of issue. No warrants have been 
exercised as at December 31, 2012.

Preferred shares
We can issue preferred shares in one or more series. The number of preferred shares that may be authorized for issue at 
any time cannot exceed more than half of the number of issued and outstanding common shares. We don’t currently have 
any preferred shares issued.

Enterprise value

(in thousands of $, except shares outstanding and per share amounts)

Shares outstanding

Year-end share price on the TSX

Shares at market

Long-term debt

Less working capital

Enterprise value

December 31, 
2012

December 31, 
2011

December 31, 
2010

276,475,770

276,081,797

275,686,676

8.22

2,272,631

1,218,796

(278,021)

3,213,406

10.50

2,898,859

1,239,616

(610,429)

3,528,046

9.60

2,646,592

804,494

(458,003)

2,993,083

40   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Critical Accounting Estimates

Because  of  the  nature  of  our  business,  we  are  required  to  make  estimates  about  the  future  that  affect  the  amount  of 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses we report. Estimates are based on our past experience, our best judgment and 
assumptions we think are reasonable. 

You’ll  find  all  of  our  significant  accounting  policies  in  Note  3  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  We  believe  the 
following are the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, and are the most critical to how we report our financial 
position and results of operations:

  allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  impairment of long-lived assets
  depreciation and amortization
  income taxes.

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
We evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers on an ongoing basis and grant credit based on the customer’s past 
payment  history,  financial  condition  and  expected  conditions  in  the  industry.  We  monitor  customer  payments  regularly 
and include a provision for doubtful accounts based on industry conditions and the state of specific accounts. If we have 
concerns  about  a  customer’s  creditworthiness,  we  may  require  cash  or  a  letter  of  credit  or  deposit  before  we  provide 
services, or we may choose not to provide services.

Bad debt losses to date have been within expected limits and generally related to specific customer circumstances, but 
our customers’ ability to fulfill their payment obligations to us may change suddenly and without notice. The cyclical nature 
of the oil and gas industry, continuing uncertainty in debt and equity markets, and the risk that a customer may not be 
successful in finding the oil and gas reserves they’re looking for can all affect their ability to pay us as expected. 

Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill) make up the majority of our assets. We review 
the carrying value of these assets for impairment periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest 
that we may not be able to recover the carrying amounts of these assets. 

For property, plant and equipment, we estimate the future cash flows we would gain from using these assets based on 
assumptions about future business conditions and developments in technology. These assumptions may change. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     41

 
 
 
 
A cash generating unit (CGU) is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash independently of inflows from 
other assets or groups. We use judgment to aggregate assets into cash generating units and allocate goodwill to them. To 
test goodwill for impairment, we calculate the recoverable amount of the CGU or groups of CGUs the goodwill has been 
allocated to. This involves estimating future cash flows and applying an appropriate discount rate. 

We assessed the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment in 2012 and 2011 and concluded:

  the goodwill associated with Canada directional drilling was impaired
  certain of our drilling rigs were obsolete and would be removed from our operating fleet.

Depreciation and amortization
We depreciate and amortize our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets based on estimates we make about 
their useful lives and salvage value. We base these estimates on data and information from different sources, including 
vendors, our own historical experience and industry practice. Our estimates may change based on market conditions, 
future experience or changes technology.

We  assign  independent  values  to  costly  parts  of  our  drilling  rig  equipment  and  depreciate  and  amortize  these  parts 
separately  (called  componentization).  We  use  our  judgment  to  decide  which  parts  of  a  rig  represent  a  significant  cost 
relative to the entire item, and to assess whether different components have similar consumption patterns and useful lives.

Income taxes 
Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  represent  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  our  assets  and 
liabilities (as shown in our financial statements) and their tax bases. They reflect our estimates and assumptions about 
when the differences will be reversed, what the effect on our balance sheet will be and what future tax rates will be applied 
to the reversals.

We have tax benefits from previous transactions that we expect to be able to use to reduce our income taxes in the future. 
If our future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from what we’ve estimated, or if tax laws in the jurisdictions 
where we operate change, amounts we’ve recorded as deferred taxes on our balance sheet could change.

Interpreting  complex  tax  regulations,  changes  in  tax  laws,  and  the  amount  and  timing  of  future  taxable  income  is 
challenging and uncertain. If actual results are different from our assumptions (or our assumptions change) we may need 
to adjust the income and expenses we’ve recorded related to taxes. We make provisions for the possible consequences 
of future tax audits using reasonable estimates. We base the amount of these provisions on our past experience with tax 
audits and differences in interpreting tax regulations in the countries where we operate. See Note 24 to our consolidated 
financial statements.

42   

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required 
to disclose in the reports we file with (or submit to) securities regulatory authorities are recorded, processed, summarized 
and reported within the time periods specified by Canadian and U.S. securities laws. This includes gathering information 
and communicating it to management (including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer) 
to allow them to make timely decisions about required disclosure.

We  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  under  the  rules  adopted  by 
the  Canadian  securities  regulatory  authorities  and  by  the  United  States  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission)  as  of 
December 31, 2012. 

Management (including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) supervised and participated 
in the evaluation and concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as 
of that date. However, control systems can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that information will be timely, 
complete and accurate, and we cannot guarantee that errors and fraud will not occur.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected 
(or are reasonably likely to materially affect) our internal control over financial reporting.

Corporate Governance

At  Precision,  we  believe  that  a  strong  culture  of  corporate  governance  and  ethical  behavior  in  decision-making  is 
fundamental to the way we do business. 

We have a strong board made up of directors with a history of achievement, and an effective mix of skills, knowledge and 
business experience. The directors oversee the conduct of our business, provide oversight and support our future growth. 
They also monitor regulatory developments in Canada and the U.S. to keep abreast of developments in governance and 
enhance transparency of our corporate disclosure.

William T. Donovan, B.Sc., MBA

Brian J. Gibson, MBA, CFA, ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors)

Robert J. S. Gibson, ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors) 

Allen R. Hagerman, FCA, B. Comm, MBA, CF (Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants),  

ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors)

Stephen J. J. Letwin, B.Sc, MBA, CGA 

Kevin O. Meyers, Ph.D. (chemical engineering), B.A.

Patrick M. Murray, B.Sc. (Accounting), MBA

Kevin A. Neveu, B.Sc, P.Eng

Robert L. Phillips, B.Sc. (chemical engineering), LLB

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     43

Management’s Report to the Shareholders

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and all information in the Annual Report are the responsibility of management. 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the accounting policies in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements. When necessary, management has made informed judgments and estimates in 
accounting for transactions which were not complete at the balance sheet date. In the opinion of management, the consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared within acceptable limits of materiality, and are in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) appropriate in the circumstances. The financial information elsewhere in the Annual Report has 
been reviewed to ensure consistency with that in the consolidated financial statements.

Management  has  prepared  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  (“MD&A”).  The  MD&A  is  based  upon  Precision  Drilling 
Corporation’s (the “Corporation”) financial results prepared in accordance with IFRS. The MD&A compares the audited financial results 
for the years ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2011 and the years ended December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2010. 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Corporation’s financial reporting 
and  is  supported  by  an  internal  audit  function  who  conducts  periodic  testing  of  these  controls.  Internal  control  over  financial 
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS. Because of its inherent limitations, 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Therefore,  even  those  systems  determined 
to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under  the  supervision  and  with  direction  from  our  principal  executive  officer  and  principal  financial  and  accounting  officer, 
management  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting. 
Management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting was based on the Internal Control – Integrated Framework 
issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Based  on  this  evaluation, 
management concluded that the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012. 
Also management determined that there were no material weaknesses in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2012.

KPMG LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants, was engaged, as approved by a vote of shareholders at the Corporation’s 
most recent annual meeting, to audit the consolidated financial statements and provide an independent professional opinion.

KPMG LLP completed an audit of the design and effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2012, as stated in their report included herein and expressed an unqualified opinion on design and effectiveness 
of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised of six independent directors who are not employees of the 
Corporation, provides oversight to the financial reporting process. Integral to this process is the Audit Committee’s review and 
discussion with management and the external auditors of the quarterly and annual financial statements and reports prior to their 
respective  release.  The  Audit  Committee  is  also  responsible  for  reviewing  and  discussing  with  management  and  the  external 
auditors major issues as to the adequacy of the Corporation’s internal controls. The external auditors have unrestricted access to 
the Audit Committee to discuss their audit and related matters. The consolidated financial statements have been approved by the 
Board of Directors of Precision Drilling Corporation and its Audit Committee.

Kevin A. Neveu 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 
Precision Drilling Corporation 

Robert J. McNally 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 
Precision Drilling Corporation

March 8, 2013 

March 8, 2013

44   

   Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report of Registered  
Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Precision Drilling Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Precision Drilling Corporation (the “Corporation”), which 
comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the consolidated 
statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flow for the years then ended, and notes, comprising 
a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal 
control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our 
audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement 
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal 
control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies 
used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements.

We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we  have  obtained  in  our  audits  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our 
audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the 
Corporation as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated 
cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board.

Other Matter
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), 
and our report dated March 8, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

Chartered Accountants 
Calgary, Canada

March 8, 2013

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     45

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Precision Drilling Corporation
We have audited Precision Drilling Corporation’s (the “Corporation”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2012,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  The  Corporation’s  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining  effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  to  the  Shareholders.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the 
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective  internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and 
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures 
as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

An entity’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the 
assets  of  the  entity;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of 
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the entity 
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entity’s assets that could 
have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In  our  opinion,  the  Corporation  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  and  the  standards  of  the  Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Corporation as of December 31, 
2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for the years 
then ended, and our report dated March 8, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Chartered Accountants 
Calgary, Canada

March 8, 2013

46   

   Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

ASSETS

Current assets:

  Cash

  Accounts receivable

Inventory

Total current assets

Non-current assets:

Income tax recoverable

  Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

  Goodwill

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

December 31,
2012

December 31,
2011

$

152,768

$

509,547

13,787

676,102

64,579

3,242,929

6,101

310,552

467,476

576,243

7,163

1,050,882

64,579

2,942,296

6,471

363,646

3,624,161

3,376,992

$

4,300,263

$

4,427,874

(Note 23)

(Note 4)

(Note 5)

(Note 6)

  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(Note 23)

$

333,893

$

436,667

Income tax payable

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities:

  Share based compensation

  Provisions and other

  Long-term debt

  Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Contingencies and guarantees

Commitments

Shareholders’ equity:

  Shareholders’ capital

  Contributed surplus

  Deficit

(Note 8)

(Note 9)

(Note 10)

(Note 11)

(Note 24)

(Note 17)

(Note 12)

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(Note 13)

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board of Directors:

64,188

398,081

8,676

17,818

1,218,796

485,592

1,730,882

3,786

440,453

11,303

16,121

1,239,616

587,790

1,854,830

2,251,982

2,248,217

24,474

(44,621)

(60,535)

18,396

(83,160)

(50,862)

2,171,300

2,132,591

$

4,300,263

$

4,427,874

Allen R. Hagerman 
Director 

Patrick M. Murray 
Director

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     47

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 

Years ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Expenses:

  Operating

  General and administrative

Earnings before income taxes, finance charges, foreign  

  exchange, impairment of goodwill, loss on asset  

  decommissioning and depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings

Impairment of goodwill

Foreign exchange

Finances charges

Earnings before tax 

Income taxes:

  Current

  Deferred

Net earnings 

Earnings per share:

  Basic

  Diluted

(Note 23)

(Note 23)

(Note 4)

(Note 14)

(Note 11)

(Note 18)

2012

2011

$

2,040,741

$

1,951,027

1,243,301

126,648

1,131,022

124,941

670,792

307,525

192,469

170,798

52,539

3,753

86,829

27,677

70,576

(95,259)

(24,683)

52,360

0.19

0.18

$

$

$

$

$

$

695,064

251,483

114,893

328,688

–

(23,674)

111,578

240,784

43,779

3,528

47,307

193,477

0.70

0.67

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

Years ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Net earnings 

Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of assets and liabilities  

  of operations denominated in foreign currency

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on net investment  

  hedge with U.S. denominated debt, net of tax  

($nil; 2011 – $2,148 recovery)

Comprehensive income

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

48   

   Consolidated Financial Statements

2012

2011

$

52,360

$

193,477

(32,878)

33,050

23,205

42,687

(37,692)

$

188,835

$

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow 

Years ended December 31,
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operations:

  Net earnings 

  Adjustments for:

  Long-term compensation plans

  Depreciation and amortization

  Loss on asset decommissioning

Impairment of goodwill

  Foreign exchange

  Finance charges

Income taxes

  Other

Income taxes paid

Income taxes recovered

Interest paid

Interest received

Funds provided by operations

Changes in non-cash working capital balances

(Note 23)

Investments:

  Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

  Purchase of property, plant and equipment

  Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment

  Changes in non-cash working capital balances

(Note 19)

(Note 4)

(Note 23)

Financing:

  Repayment of long-term debt

  Premium paid on settlement of unsecured senior notes

  Debt issue costs

  Debt facility amendment costs 

  Dividends paid

Increase in long-term debt

Issuance of common shares on the exercise of options

  Changes in non-cash working capital balances

(Note 23)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2012

2011

$

52,360

$

193,477

19,350

307,525

192,469

52,539

4,403

86,829

(24,683)

1,018

(10,403)

721

(85,251)

1,935

598,812

36,474

635,286

(25)

(868,057)

31,423

(93,462)

(930,121)

–

–

(2,855)

(149)

(13,821)

–

1,926

–

20,555

251,483

114,893

–

(24,330)

111,578

47,307

(2,564)

(124,682)

82,883

(79,902)

1,690

592,388

(59,616)

532,772

(92,886)

(726,357)

15,983

87,798

(715,462)

(175,000)

(26,688)

(13,303)

(1,134)

–

581,520

2,238

(746)

(14,899)

366,887

(4,974)

(314,708)

467,476

$

152,768

$

26,448

210,645

256,831

467,476

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Shareholders’ 
capital

Contributed 
surplus

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss (Note 13)

Deficit

Total equity

$ 2,248,217

$

18,396

$

(50,862)

$

(83,160)

$ 2,132,591

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Balance at January 1, 2012

Net earnings for the period

Other comprehensive loss for  

the period

Dividends

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share options exercised

(Note 12)

3,050

(1,124)

Issued on redemption of  

  non-management directors DSUs

706

(706)

Issued on waiver of right to dissent  

  by dissenting unitholder

Share based compensation expense

(Note 8)

9

–

(3)

7,911

–

52,360

52,360

(9,673)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(13,821)

–

–

–

–

(9,673)

(13,821)

1,926

–

6

7,911

Balance at December 31, 2012

$ 2,251,982

$

24,474

$

(60,535)

$

(44,621)

$ 2,171,300

(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Balance at January 1, 2011

Net earnings for the period

Other comprehensive loss for  

the period

Shareholders’ 
capital

Contributed 
surplus

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss (Note 13)

Deficit

Total equity

$ 2,244,417

$

11,266

$

(46,220)

$

(276,637)

$ 1,932,826

–

–

–

–

–

193,477

193,477

(4,642)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,642)

2,238

–

8,692

Share options exercised

(Note 12)

3,416

(1,178)

Issued on redemption of  

  non-management directors DSUs

Share based compensation expense

(Note 8)

384

–

(384)

8,692

Balance at December 31, 2011

$ 2,248,217

$

18,396 

$

(50,862) 

$

(83,160)

$ 2,132,591 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

50   

   Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are stated in thousands of Canadian dollars except share numbers and per share amounts)

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 

Precision Drilling Corporation (“Precision” or the “Corporation”) is incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada 
and  is  a  provider  of  contract  drilling  and  completion  and  production  services  primarily  to  oil  and  natural  gas  exploration  and 
production companies in Canada and the United States. The address of the registered office is 800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W., 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 1G1. 

NOTE 2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

(a) Statement of compliance
These  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 8, 2013.

(b) Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost basis except as detailed in the Corporation’s 
accounting policies in Note 3 and are presented in thousands of Canadian dollars.

(c) Use of estimates and judgments
The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  judgments  that  affect 
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingencies. These estimates and 
judgments  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  on  various  other  assumptions  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under 
the  circumstances.  The  estimation  of  anticipated  future  events  involves  uncertainty  and,  consequently,  the  estimates  used  in 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements may change as future events unfold, more experience is acquired or the 
Corporation’s  operating  environment  changes.  Significant  estimates  and  judgments  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  financial 
statements are described in Note 3.

NOTE 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(a) Basis of consolidation
These  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Corporation  and  all  of  its  subsidiaries  and  partnerships 
substantially all of which are wholly-owned. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same period as the 
parent entity, using consistent accounting policies. All significant intercompany balances, transactions and any unrealized gains 
and losses arising from intercompany transactions, have been eliminated. 

Subsidiaries are entities (including special-purpose entities) controlled by the Corporation. Control exists when Precision has the 
power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, 
potential voting rights that currently are exercisable are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included 
in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Precision does not hold investments in any companies where it exerts significant influence and does not hold interests in any 
special-purpose entities.

The acquisition method is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries and assets that meet the definition of a business under 
IFRS. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred 
or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair 
value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is 
less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized immediately in the statement of 
earnings. Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issuance of debt or equity securities, that the Corporation incurs 
in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     51

(b) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. 

(c) Inventory 
Inventory is primarily comprised of operating supplies and is carried at the lower of average cost, being the cost to acquire the 
inventory, and net realizable value. Inventory is charged to operating expenses as items are sold or consumed at the amount of 
the average cost of the item. 

(d) Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Cost  includes  an  expenditure  that  is  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  the  asset.  The  cost  of  self-constructed  assets 
includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition 
for their intended use and borrowing costs on qualifying assets.

The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is 
probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Corporation, and its cost can be measured 
reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and 
equipment (repair and maintenance) are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated as follows:

Expected life

Salvage value

Basis of depreciation

Drilling rig equipment: 

  – Power & Tubulars

  – Dynamic 

  – Structural

Service rig equipment 

Drilling rig spare equipment 

Service rig spare equipment

Rental equipment

Other equipment

Light duty vehicles

Heavy duty vehicles

Buildings

1,700 utilization days

3,400 utilization days

5,000 utilization days

24,000 service hours

up to 15 years

up to 15 years

10 to 15 years

3 to 10 years

4 years

7 to 10 years

10 to 20 years

–

–

20%

20%

–

–

0 to 25%

–

–

–

–

unit-of-production

unit-of-production

unit-of-production

unit-of-production

straight-line

straight-line

straight-line

straight-line

straight-line

straight-line

straight-line

Assets that are depreciated on a unit of production method that have less than 60 utilization days (drilling rig equipment) or 600 
service hours (service rig equipment) in a rolling 12 month period are deemed to be idle and are depreciated at a rate of five 
utilization days or 50 service hours per month until the asset exceeds the utilization threshold. Commencing January 1, 2012 
certain drilling rigs are now depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated remaining economic life of four years (see 
note 4). 

Gains  and  losses  on  disposal  of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  determined  by  comparing  the  proceeds  from 
disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and are recognized in the statements of earnings. 

The  estimated  useful  lives,  residual  values  and  methods  or  depreciation  are  reviewed  annually,  and  adjusted  prospectively  if 
appropriate.

(e) Intangibles
Intangible assets that are acquired by the Corporation with finite lives are initially recorded at estimated fair value and subsequently 
measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Subsequent  expenditures  are  capitalized  only  when  it  increases  the  future  economic  benefits  of  the  specific  asset  to  which 
it relates.

52   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Amortization is recognized in profit and loss using the straight-line method based over the estimated useful lives of the respective 
assets as follows:

Customer relationships 
Patents 
Brand  

1 to 5 years
10 years
1 to 5 years

The estimated useful lives and methods of amortization are reviewed annually, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate.

(f) Goodwill 
Goodwill is the amount that results when the purchase price of an acquired business exceeds the sum of the amounts allocated 
to the assets acquired, less liabilities assumed, based on their fair values. 

If the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration, Precision reassesses whether 
it has correctly identified and measured the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If that excess remains after reassessment, 
Precision recognizes the resulting gain in profit or loss on the acquisition date.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, attributed to the cash generating unit or groups 
of cash generating units that are expected to benefit and as identified in the business combination.

(g) Impairment

(i) Financial assets
A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there 
is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is tested for impairment if objective evidence indicates that one 
or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

Objective evidence that  financial assets  are  impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an 
amount due to the Corporation on terms that the Corporation would not consider otherwise, and indications that a debtor will 
enter bankruptcy. Precision considers evidence of impairment for receivables at both a specific asset and collective level. All 
individually significant receivables are assessed for specific impairment. All significant receivables found not to be specifically 
impaired are then collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together receivables with similar risk characteristics.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its 
carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are 
assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. 

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was 
recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost the reversal is recognized in profit or loss. 

(ii) Non-financial assets 
The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed 
at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the 
asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are not yet 
available for use an impairment test is completed at the same time each year. 

For  the  purpose  of  impairment  testing,  assets  are  grouped  together  into  the  smallest  group  of  assets  that  generates 
cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the 
“cash-generating unit” or “CGU”). The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair 
value less costs to sell. 

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Value in use 
is  generally  computed  by  reference  to  the  present  value  of  the  future  cash  flows  expected  to  be  derived  from  the  cash 
generating unit.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     53

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGU’s are allocated first to 
reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets 
in the CGU on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior 
years are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment 
loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

(h) Borrowing costs
Interest  and  borrowing  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition,  construction  or  production  of  assets  that  take  a 
substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use are capitalized as part of the cost of those assets. Capitalization ceases 
during any extended period of suspension of construction or when substantially all activities necessary to prepare the asset for 
its intended use are complete.

All other interest and borrowing costs are recognized in earnings in the period in which they are incurred.

(i) Income taxes 
Income tax expense is recognized in net earnings except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which 
case it is recognized in equity.

Current  tax  is  the  expected  tax  payable  or  receivable  on  the  taxable  earnings  or  loss  for  the  year,  using  tax  rates  enacted  or 
substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognized using the liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized on 
the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination. In addition, deferred tax is not 
recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is measured at the tax 
rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized 
in net earnings in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive enactment. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset and they relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable 
entity, or on different tax entities that are expected to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and 
liabilities will be realized simultaneously.

A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that 
it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

(j) Revenue recognition 
The  Corporation’s  services  are  generally  sold  based  upon  service  orders  or  contracts  with  a  customer  that  include  fixed  or 
determinable  prices  based  upon  daily,  hourly  or  job  rates.  Customer  contract  terms  do  not  include  provisions  for  significant 
post-service  delivery  obligations.  Revenue  is  recognized  when  services  and  equipment  rentals  are  rendered  and  only  when 
collectability is reasonably assured. The Corporation also provides services under turnkey contracts whereby it drills a well to an 
agreed upon depth under specified conditions for a fixed price, regardless of the time required or the problems encountered in 
drilling the well. Revenue from turnkey drilling contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based upon 
costs incurred to date and estimated total contract costs. Anticipated losses, if any, on uncompleted contracts are recorded at the 
time the estimated costs exceed the contract revenue.

(k) Employee benefit plans 
Precision sponsors various defined contribution retirement plans for its employees. The Corporation’s contributions to defined 
contribution plans are expensed as employees earn the entitlement.

54   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(l) Provisions 
Provisions are recognized when the Corporation has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate 
can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end 
of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured 
using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.

(m) Share based incentive compensation plans 
The Corporation has established several cash settled share based incentive compensation plans for officers, non-management 
directors  and  other  eligible  employees.  The  fair  values  as  estimated  by  management  of  the  amounts  payable  to  eligible 
participants under these plans are recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities over the period that the 
participants become unconditionally entitled to payment. The recorded liability is re-measured at the end of each reporting period 
until settlement with the resultant change to the fair value of the liability recognized in net earnings for the period. When the plans 
are settled, the cash paid reduces the outstanding liability.

Prior to January 1, 2012, the Corporation had an equity settled deferred share unit plan whereby non-management directors of 
Precision could elect to receive all or a portion of their compensation in fully-vested deferred share units. Compensation expense 
was recognized based on the fair value price of the Corporation’s shares at the date of grant with a corresponding increase to 
contributed  surplus.  Upon  redemption  of  the  deferred  share  units  into  common  shares,  the  amount  previously  recognized  in 
contributed surplus is recorded as an increase to shareholders’ capital. The Corporation continues to have obligations under 
this plan.

A share option plan has been established for certain eligible employees. Under this plan the fair value of share purchase options is 
calculated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and that value is recorded as compensation expense 
over the grant’s vesting period with an offsetting credit to contributed surplus. A forfeiture rate is estimated on the grant date and 
is adjusted to reflect the actual number of options that vest. Upon exercise of the equity purchase option, the associated amount 
is reclassified from contributed surplus to shareholders’ capital. Consideration paid by employees upon exercise of the equity 
purchase options is credited to shareholders’ capital. 

(n) Foreign currency translation 
Transactions of the Corporation’s individual entities are recorded in the currency of the primary economic environment in which 
it operates (its functional currency). Transactions in currencies other than the entities functional currency are translated at rates 
in effect at the time of the transaction. At each period end monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the prevailing period 
end rates. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated. Gains and 
losses are included in net earnings except for gains and losses on translation of long-term debt designated as a hedge of foreign 
operations which are deferred and included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

For  the  purpose  of  preparing  the  Corporation’s  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  financial  statements  of  each  foreign 
operation that does not have a Canadian dollar functional currency are translated into Canadian dollars. Assets and liabilities 
are  translated  at  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  Revenues  and  expenses  are  translated  using  average 
exchange  rates  for  the  month  of  the  respective  transaction.  Gains  or  losses  resulting  from  these  translation  adjustments  are 
recognized initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to net earnings on disposal or partial disposal of 
the foreign operation.

(o) Per share amounts 
Basic per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per 
share amounts are calculated by using the treasury stock method for equity based compensation arrangements. The treasury 
stock method assumes that any proceeds obtained on exercise of equity based compensation arrangements would be used to 
purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding 
is  then  adjusted  by  the  difference  between  the  number  of  shares  issued  from  the  exercise  of  equity  based  compensation 
arrangements and shares repurchased from the related proceeds. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     55

(p) Financial instruments 

(i) Non-derivative financial assets
Financial assets are classified as either fair value through profit and loss, loans and receivables, held to maturity or available 
for sale. Financial liabilities are classified as either fair value through profit and loss or other financial liabilities. Non-derivative 
financial  instruments  are  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  plus,  for  instruments  not  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  any 
directly attributable transaction costs. Transaction costs attributable to fair value through profit or loss items are expensed 
as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are measured based on their classification.

Accounts receivable are classified as “loans and receivables”. After their initial fair value measurement, they are measured 
at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. For the Corporation, the measured amount generally corresponds 
to historical cost.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and long-term debt are classified as “other financial liabilities”. After their initial fair 
value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. For the Corporation, the 
measured amount generally corresponds to historical cost.

(ii) Derivative financial instruments
The Corporation may enter into certain financial derivative contracts in order to manage the exposure to market risks from 
fluctuations in interest rates or exchange rates. These instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Precision 
has not designated its financial derivative contracts as effective accounting hedges, and thus not applied hedge accounting, 
even though it considers certain financial contracts to be economic hedges. As a result, financial derivative contracts are 
classified as fair value through profit or loss and are recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair value. Transaction costs 
are recognized in profit or loss when incurred.

Derivatives  embedded  in  other  instruments  or  host  contracts  are  separated  from  the  host  contract  and  accounted  for 
separately when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to the host contract. Embedded derivatives 
are recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair value and changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

(q) Hedge accounting 
The Corporation utilizes foreign currency long-term debt to hedge its exposure to changes in the carrying values of the Corporation’s 
net investment in certain foreign operations as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates.

To be accounted for as a hedge, the foreign currency long-term debt must be designated and documented as a hedge, and 
must be effective at inception and on an ongoing basis. The documentation defines the relationship between the foreign currency 
long-term debt and the net investment in the foreign operations, as well as the Corporation’s risk management objective and 
strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction. The Corporation formally assesses, both at inception and on an ongoing basis 
whether the changes in fair value of the foreign currency long-term debt is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the 
net investment in the foreign operations. The portion of gains or losses on the hedging item that is determined to be an effective 
hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and is limited to the translation gain or loss on the net investment, 
while the ineffective portion is recorded in earnings. If the hedging relationship is terminated or ceases to be effective, hedge 
accounting is not applied to subsequent gains or losses. The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified 
to net earnings when corresponding exchange gains or losses arising from the translation of the foreign operation are recorded 
in net earnings.

56   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(r) Critical accounting estimates and judgments

(i) Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Precision performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and grants credit based upon past payment history, financial 
condition  and  anticipated  industry  conditions.  Customer  payments  are  regularly  monitored  and  a  provision  for  doubtful 
accounts is established based upon specific situations and overall industry conditions. 

(ii) Property, plant and equipment
The  componentization  of  Precision’s  property,  plant  and  equipment,  specifically  drilling  rig  equipment,  is  based  upon 
management’s judgment as to which components constitute a significant cost in relation to the entire item. The componentization 
process  also  requires  management’s  judgment  in  assessing  whether  individual  components  have  similar  consumption 
patterns and useful lives.

(iii) Depreciation and amortization
Precision’s property, plant and equipment and its intangible assets are depreciated and amortized based upon estimates 
of  useful  lives  and  salvage  values.  These  estimates  are  based  on  data  and  information  from  various  sources  including 
vendors, industry practice and Precision’s own historical experience and may change as more experience is gained, market 
conditions shift or new technological advancements are made.

(iv) Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived  assets,  which  include  property,  plant  and  equipment,  intangibles  and  goodwill,  comprise  the  majority  of 
Precision’s assets. The carrying value of these assets is periodically reviewed for impairment or whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For property, plant and equipment this requires 
Precision to forecast future cash flows to be derived from the utilization of these assets based upon assumptions about 
future business conditions and technological developments. Significant, unanticipated changes to these assumptions could 
require a provision for impairment in the future.

The recoverability of goodwill requires a calculation of the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) or groups 
of  CGUs  to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated.  A  CGU  is  the  smallest  identifiable  group  of  assets  that  generates  cash 
inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Judgment is required in the 
aggregation of assets into CGUs. The recoverability calculation requires an estimation of the future cash flows from the CGU 
or group of CGUs and the appropriate discount rate to be applied. Significant, unanticipated changes to these assumptions 
could require a provision for impairment in the future.

(v) Income taxes
Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  arise  from  temporary  differences  between  the  financial  statement  carrying  amounts  of 
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and contain estimates regarding the nature and timing of reversal 
for  the  temporary  differences  as  well  as  the  future  tax  rates  that  will  apply  to  those  reversals.  Deferred  tax  assets  also 
reflect  the  benefit  of  unutilized  tax  losses  that  can  be  carried  forward  to  reduce  income  taxes  in  future  years.  Judgment 
is required to assess the recoverability of these unutilized tax losses and requires Precision to make significant estimates 
related to expectations of future taxable income. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly 
from estimates, or changes in tax laws in jurisdictions in which Precision operates occurs, the amount recorded as deferred 
taxes on the balance sheet could be impacted.

Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations, changes in tax laws, and the amount and 
timing of future taxable income. Differences arising between the actual results and the assumptions made, or future changes 
to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to tax income and expense already recorded. The Corporation 
establishes provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities of the 
respective counties in which it operates. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience 
of previous tax audits and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority.

(vi) Share based compensation
Precision uses an option pricing model to determine the fair value of certain share based compensation awards. Inputs to the 
model requires estimates be made of interest rates, expected lives and forfeiture rates of the awards, and the price volatility 
of the Corporation’s shares. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     57

(s) Accounting policies adopted January 1, 2013
The  Corporation  adopted  IFRS  10  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  IFRS  11  Joint  Arrangements,  IFRS  12  Disclosures  of 
Interests  in  Other  Entities,  as  well  as  the  consequential  amendments  to  IAS  28  Investments  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures 
(2011) and IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, with a date of initial application of January 1, 2013.

The adoption of these standards on January 1, 2013 will have no impact on the amounts recorded in the Corporation’s financial 
statements. 

(i) IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 
IFRS 10 introduces a new control model that is applicable to all investees; among other things, it requires the consolidation 
of an investee if the Corporation controls the investee on the basis of de facto circumstances. 

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Corporation. The Corporation controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the 
entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases.

(ii) IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements
Joint  arrangements  are  arrangements  of  which  the  Corporation  has  joint  control,  established  by  contracts  requiring 
unanimous consent for decisions about the activities that significantly affect the arrangements’ returns. Under IFRS 11, joint 
arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the Corporation’s rights to the assets 
and obligations for the liabilities of the arrangements. When making this assessment, the Corporation considers the structure 
of the arrangements, the legal form of any separate vehicles, the contractual terms of the arrangement and other facts and 
circumstances. Previously, the structure of the arrangement was the sole focus of classification. 

The Corporation has no joint arrangements under IFRS 11. 

(iii) IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities
IFRS 12 sets out certain disclosures that are required relating to interests in subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements 
and unconsolidated structured entities. The Corporation does not have any investments that are not consolidated nor has it 
entered into any joint arrangements or structured entities. 

The Corporation’s subsidiaries, as detailed in note 25, are all wholly owned. The determination of whether to consolidate 
these entities did not involve any significant judgments or assumptions. There are no significant restrictions on the ability 
of the Corporation to access or use the assets, and settle the liabilities of the Corporation and its subsidiaries except for 
customary limitations in the Corporation’s credit facility.

(iv) IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 defines fair value, sets out a single standard a framework for measuring fair value and the required disclosures about 
fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability 
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

IFRS 13 is applied prospectively to fair value measurements occurring on or after January 1, 2013. The additional disclosure 
requirements of IFRS 13 are also applied prospectively and will be presented, as relevant, in the 2013 interim and annual 
financial statements. 

(t) Accounting policies not yet adopted

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (2010), IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (2009)
IFRS  9  (2009)  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  assets.  Under  IFRS  9  (2009), 
financial  assets  are  classified  and  measured  based  on  the  business  model  in  which  they  are  held  and  the  characteristics  of 
their contractual cash flows. IFRS 9 (2010) introduces additions relating to financial liabilities. The IASB currently has an active 
project to make limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements of IFRS 9 and add new requirements to 
address the impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. 

IFRS  9  (2010  and  2009)  is  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2015  with  early  adoption  permitted.  
The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its financial statements.

58   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Rig equipment

Rental equipment

Other equipment

Vehicles

Buildings

Assets under construction

Land

Cost

2012

2011

$

$

$

4,608,381

(1,365,452)

3,242,929

2,819,491

$

$

$

4,129,718

(1,187,422)

2,942,296

2,432,867

91,351

78,358

40,759

50,585

133,791

28,594

58,589

55,205

10,239

28,133

336,605

20,658

$

3,242,929 

$

2,942,296 

Rig 
Equipment

Rental
Equipment

Other 
Equipment

Vehicles

Buildings

Assets 
under 
construction

Land

Total

Balance, December 31,  
  2010

  $  3,138,513   $ 

89,894   $  114,528   $ 

26,078   $ 

42,867   $ 

66,721   $ 

18,974   $  3,497,575

  Business acquisitions

23,650    

–    

377    

–    

1,271    

–    

357    

25,655

119,973    

11,617    

22,486    

4,966    

3,848    

562,196    

1,271    

726,357

  Additions

  Disposals

(23,054)    

(2,110)    

(3,948)    

(3,287)    

  Asset decommissioning    

(130,167)    

–    

–    

  Reclassifications

271,770    

13,292    

9,546    

–    

87    

  Removal of fully  

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

(32,399)

–    

(130,167)

39    

(294,734)    

–    

–

  depreciated assets

(1,923)    

–    

(676)    

(60)    

–    

–    

–    

(2,659)

  Effect of foreign  

 currency exchange 
differences

Balance, December 31,  
  2011

  Additions

  Disposals

42,290    

14    

250    

267    

57    

2,422    

56    

45,356

    3,441,052    

112,707    

142,563    

28,051    

48,082    

336,605    

20,658     4,129,718

256,661    

17,068    

18,330    

32,994    

21,998    

512,139    

8,867    

868,057

(26,796)    

(920)    

(8,311)    

(2,267)    

(971)    

(38,405)    

(857)    

(78,527)

  Asset decommissioning    

(262,192)    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

(262,192)

  Reclassifications

619,351    

24,530    

19,144    

4,959    

2,295    

(670,279)    

–    

–    

(71)    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–

(71)

  Removal of fully  

  depreciated assets

  Effect of foreign  

 currency exchange 
differences

Balance, December 31,  
  2012

(41,333)    

(1,034)    

(18)    

(541)    

665    

(6,269)    

(74)    

(48,604)

  $ 3,986,743   $  152,351    $  171,637   $ 

63,196    $ 

72,069   $  133,791   $ 

28,594   $ 4,608,381

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     59

   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
  Removal of fully  

  depreciated assets

  Effect of foreign  

 currency exchange 
differences

Balance, December 31,  
  2012

Accumulated Depreciation

Rig 
Equipment

Rental
Equipment

Other 
Equipment

Vehicles

Buildings

Assets 
under 
construction

Land

Total

Balance, December 31,  
  2010

  $  799,305   $ 

49,079   $ 

82,466   $ 

16,704   $ 

17,623   $ 

–   $ 

–   $  965,177

  Depreciation expense

231,415    

5,542    

10,073    

3,939    

2,285    

  Disposals

(12,580)    

(1,812)    

(3,764)    

(2,943)    

  Asset decommissioning    

(15,273)    

–    

–    

  Reclassifications

  Removal of fully  

(466)    

1,148    

(682)    

–    

–    

  depreciated assets

(1,923)    

–    

(676)    

(60)    

–    

–    

–    

–    

  Effect of foreign  

 currency exchange 
differences

Balance, December 31,  
  2011

7,707    

161    

(59)    

172    

41    

    1,008,185    

54,118    

87,358    

17,812    

19,949    

  Depreciation expense

274,129    

7,901    

14,280    

6,917    

2,341    

  Disposals

(35,697)    

(785)    

(8,213)    

(2,132)    

(884)    

  Asset decommissioning    

(69,723)    

–    

  Reclassifications

60    

(156)    

–    

646    

–    

16    

–    

(566)    

–    

–    

(71)    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

253,254

(21,099)

(15,273)

–

–    

(2,659)

–    

8,022

–     1,187,422

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

305,568

(47,711)

(69,723)

–

(71)

(9,702)    

(78)    

(721)    

(176)    

644    

–    

–    

(10,033)

  $ 1,167,252   $ 

61,000   $ 

93,279   $ 

22,437   $ 

21,484   $ 

–   $ 

–   $ 1,365,452

In 2012 the Corporation incurred a $192.5 million (2011 – $114.9 million) loss on the decommissioning of certain drilling rigs. The 
assets were decommissioned due to the inefficient nature of the asset and the high cost to maintain. The charge was allocated 
$192.5 million (2011 – $113.4 million) to the Contract Drilling Services segment and $nil (2011 – $1.5 million) to the Completion 
and Production Services segment. 

During 2012 the Corporation reviewed the remaining economic lives of certain drilling rigs and determined that due to current 
market conditions the lives of these rigs should be reduced to four years and depreciation be charged on a straight-line basis 
to their estimated salvage value. The effect of this change was to increase depreciation expense by $21.3 million in 2012. As 
these  rigs  were  previously  depreciated  on  a  unit  of  production  basis,  the  impact  of  the  change  on  future  periods  cannot  be 
reasonably estimated.

60   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
NOTE 5. INTANGIBLES 

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Customer relationships

Patents and brands

Loan commitment fees related to revolving credit facility

Cost

2012

12,388

(6,287)

6,101

1,890

21

4,190

6,101

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Customer 
relationships

Patents and
brands

Loan 
 commitment 
fees

 2011

9,925

(3,454)

6,471

3,283

118

3,070

6,471

Total

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Business acquisitions

  Effect of foreign currency exchange differences

  Removal of fully amortized assets

$

Balance, December 31, 2011

  Business acquisitions

  Additions

  Effect of foreign currency exchange differences

  Removal of fully amortized assets

$

4,321

3,425

556

(3,702)

4,600

–

–

(25)

–

931

793

15

(1,319)

420

–

–

(8)

(359)

$

4,905

$

10,157

–

–

–

4,905

–

2,855

–

–

4,218

571

(5,021)

9,925

–

2,855

(33)

(359)

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

4,575

$

53

$

7,760

$

12,388

Accumulated amortization

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Amortization expense

  Effect of foreign currency exchange differences

$

  Removal of fully amortized assets

Balance, December 31, 2011

  Amortization expense

  Effect of foreign currency exchange differences

  Removal of fully amortized assets

Customer 
relationships

Patents and
brands

$

2,697

1,798

524

(3,702)

1,317

1,376

(8)

–

892

722

7

(1,319)

302

96

(7)

(359)

Loan 
commitment  
fees

$

202

$

1,633

–

–

1,835

1,735

–

–

Total

3,791

4,153

531

(5,021)

3,454

3,207

(15)

(359)

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

2,685

$

32

$

3,570

$

6,287

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     61

NOTE 6. GOODWILL 

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Business acquisitions

  Exchange adjustment

Balance, December 31, 2011

  Business acquisitions

Impairment charge

  Exchange adjustment

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

284,532

78,034

1,080

363,646

25

(52,539)

(580)

$

310,552

During 2012 the Corporation determined that the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to the Canadian directional drilling CGU 
exceeded its recoverable amount and recognized an impairment loss of $52.5 million. The recoverable amount was based on its 
value in use determined by discounting expected future cash flows to be generated from the continuing use of the assets within 
the CGU. 

Key assumptions used in the calculation of value in use included a discount rate of 15%, terminal value growth rate of nil % and 
average projected annual cash flow growth over the next four years of 40%. No terminal value growth rate was used due to the 
finite lives of the underlying assets of the CGU. Projected cash flow was based on future expected outcomes taking into account 
past  experience  and  management  expectation  of  future  market  conditions.  A  10%  change  in  the  key  assumptions  would  not 
change the amount of the impairment loss recognized.

NOTE 7. BANK INDEBTEDNESS 

At December 31, 2012, Precision had available $40.0 million (2011 – $25.0 million) and US$15.0 million (2011 – US$15.0 million) 
under secured operating facilities, and a secured US$25.0 million (2011 – $nil) facility for the issuance of letters of credit and 
performance and bid bonds to support international operations. As at December 31, 2012 no amounts had been drawn on any 
of the facilities. Availability of the $40.0 million facility was reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $18.9 million 
(2011 – $0.5 million). The facilities are primarily secured by charges on substantially all present and future property of Precision 
and  its  material  subsidiaries.  Advances  under  the  $40.0  million  facility  are  available  at  the  banks’  prime  lending  rate,  U.S. 
base rate, U.S. Libor plus applicable margin or Banker’s Acceptance plus applicable margin, or in combination and under the 
US$15.0 million and US$25.0 million facilities at the bank’s prime lending rate. 

62   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
NOTE 8. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION PLANS 

Liability classified plans

Deferred 
Share Units

Long-Term 
Incentive 
Plan

Restricted 
Share Units

Performance 
Share Units

Share 
Appreciation 
Rights

Non-
Management 
Director’s 
DSU

Balance, December 31, 2010

  $ 

1,638

  $ 

3,721

  $ 

8,463

  $ 

8,655

  $ 

2,176

  $ 

Expensed (recovered) during  

the period

Payments

Balance, December 31, 2011

Expensed (recovered) during  

the period

Payments

Balance, December 31, 2012

Current

Long-term

Total

  $  24,653

26,093

(10,512)

40,234

10,693

(26,151)

–

–

–

–

816

–

313

(23)

(1,189)

(3,698)

9,538

(5,472)

16,668

(73)

(403)

(80)

12,529

25,250

1,693

5,094

6,022

(1,195)

(7,938)

(17,494)

(1)

762

(44)

(718)

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

–

–

–

–

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

  $  9,685

  $  13,778

  $ 

497

  $ 

816

  $  24,776

  $ 

6,324

  $ 

9,279

  $ 

497

  $ 

–

  $  16,100

3,361

4,499

–

816

8,676

  $ 

9,685

  $  13,778

  $ 

497

  $ 

816

  $  24,776

(a) Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units
Precision  has  two  cash  settled  share  based  incentive  plans  for  officers  and  other  eligible  employees.  Under  the  Restricted 
Share  Unit  (“RSU”)  incentive  plan  shares  granted  to  eligible  employees  vest  annually  over  a  three  year  term.  Vested  shares 
are automatically paid out in cash at a value determined by the fair market value of the shares at the vesting date. Under the 
Performance Share Unit (“PSU”) incentive plan shares granted to eligible employees vest at the end of a three-year term. Vested 
shares are automatically paid out in cash in the first quarter following the vested term at a value determined by the fair market 
value of the shares at the vesting date and based on the number of performance shares held multiplied by a performance factor 
that ranges from zero to two times. The performance factor is based on Precision’s share price performance compared to a peer 
group over the three-year period. For performance shares granted in 2010, Precision’s Board of Directors has the discretion to 
reduce the plan payout by half if Precision’s average return on capital does not exceed 10% over the three year term. A summary 
of the RSUs and PSUs outstanding under these share based incentive plans are presented below:

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

  Granted

  Redeemed

  Forfeitures

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

  Granted

Issued as a result of cash dividends

  Redeemed

  Forfeitures

RSUs 
Outstanding

1,287,176

1,208,224

(528,578)

(129,992)

1,836,830

1,117,850

11,566

(864,857)

(221,139)

PSUs 
Outstanding

1,719,965

589,370

(13,128)

(166,699)

2,129,508

802,000

11,972

(851,499)

(143,029)

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

1,880,250

1,948,952

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior to the implementation of the RSU and PSU incentive plans mentioned above, Precision had a Performance Savings Plan. 
Certain liabilities under this plan continued to exist as eligible participants were able to elect to receive a portion of their annual 
performance bonus in the form of deferred share units (“DSUs”). These notional share units were redeemable in cash and were 
required to be redeemed within 60 days of ceasing to be an employee of Precision or by the end of the second full calendar year 
after receipt of the DSUs. A summary of the DSUs outstanding under this share based incentive plan is presented below:

Deferred Share Units

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Redeemed on employee resignations and withdrawals

Balance, December 31, 2011

  Redeemed on employee resignations and withdrawals

Balance, December 31, 2012

Outstanding

167,442

(95,872)

71,570

(71,570)

–

(b) Share Appreciation Rights
The Corporation has a U.S. dollar denominated Share Appreciation Rights (“SAR”) plan under which eligible participants were 
granted  SAR’s  that  entitle  the  rights  holder  to  receive  cash  payments  calculated  as  the  excess  of  the  market  price  over  the 
exercise price per share on the exercise date. The SAR’s vest over a period of 5 years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. 
At December 31, 2012, the intrinsic value of these awards was $nil (2011 – $61 thousand).

Share Appreciation Rights

Outstanding

Range of  
Exercise Price 
(US $)

Weighted  
Average Exercise 
Price (US $)

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

745,615

$   9.26 – 17.92

$  14.79

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

Exercised

Forfeited

(25,163)

(14,764)

705,688

(721)

9.26 – 15.79

 15.22 – 17.38

 9.26 – 17.92

 9.26 – 9.59

(26,725)

 15.22 – 17.92

12.83

16.27

14.83

9.45

15.55

Exercisable

707,327

705,688

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

678,242

$  9.26 – 17.38

$  14.81

678,242

Range of Exercise Prices (US $):

 $    9.26 – 11.99

 12.00 – 14.99

 15.00 – 17.38

 $    9.26 – 17.38

Total SAR’s Outstanding and Exercisable

Weighted  
Average Exercise  
Price (US $)

$            9.26

13.26

15.82

$          14.81

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years)

1.23

2.10

4.43

3.75

Number

59,903

115,478

502,861

678,242

64   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(c) Non-management directors 
Effective January 1, 2012 Precision instituted a new deferred share unit plan for non-management directors whereby fully vested 
deferred share units are granted quarterly based upon an election by the non-management director to receive all or a portion of 
their compensation in deferred share units. These deferred share units are redeemable in cash or an equal number of common 
shares upon the director’s retirement. The redemption of deferred share units in cash or common shares is solely at Precision’s 
discretion. Non-management directors can receive a lump sum payment or two separate payments anytime up until December 
15 of the year following retirement. If the non-management director does not specify a redemption date, the deferred share units 
will be redeemed on a single date six months after retirement. The cash settlement amount is based upon the weighted average 
trading price for Precision’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five days immediately prior to payout. A summary of the 
DSUs outstanding under this share based incentive plan is presented below:

Deferred Share Units

Balance, January 1, 2012

  Granted

Issued as a result of cash dividends

Balance, December 31, 2012

Equity settled plans

Outstanding

–

101,535

429

101,964

(d) Non-management directors
Prior to January 1, 2012, Precision had a deferred share unit plan for non-management directors. Under the plan fully vested 
deferred share units were granted quarterly based upon an election by the non-management director to receive all or a portion of 
their compensation in deferred share units. These deferred share units are redeemable into an equal number of common shares 
any time after the director’s retirement. A summary of this share based incentive plan is presented below:

Deferred Share Units

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Granted

  Redeemed

Balance, December 31, 2011

Issued as a result of cash dividends

  Redeemed

Balance, December 31, 2012

Outstanding

393,717

70,974

(47,196)

417,495

1,630

(83,179)

335,946

For the year ended December 31, 2012 no amounts were expensed under this plan. For the year ended December 31, 2011 the 
Corporation, expensed $0.8 million as share based compensation with a corresponding increase in contributed surplus. 

(e) Option plan
The Corporation has a share option plan under which a combined total of 10,303,253 options to purchase shares are reserved 
to be granted to employees. Of the amount reserved 7,094,988 options net of forfeiture have been granted. Under this plan, the 
exercise price of each option equals the fair market of the option at the date of grant determined by the weighted average trading 
price for the five days preceding the grant. The options are denominated in either Canadian or U.S. dollars and vest over a period 
of three years from the date of grant as employees render continuous service to the Corporation and have a term of seven years.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     65

 
 
A summary of the status of the equity incentive plan is presented below:

Canadian share options

Options 
Outstanding

Range of 
Exercise Price

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price

Outstanding as at December 31, 2010 

2,341,769

$

5.22 – 8.59

$

  Granted

  Exercised

  Forfeitures

Outstanding as at December 31, 2011

  Granted

  Exercised

  Forfeitures

1,241,050

10.44 – 14.50

(141,240)

(174,008)

3,267,571

1,117,050

(237,545)

(133,279)

5.85 – 8.59

5.85 – 14.50

5.22 – 14.50

7.15 – 10.67

5.85 – 10.44

5.85 – 14.50

Outstanding as at December 31, 2012

4,013,797

$

5.22 – 14.50

$

7.24

10.66

6.81

9.17

8.45

10.60

6.01

10.27

9.13

U.S. share options

Options 
Outstanding

Range of 
Exercise Price 
(US $)

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price
(US $)

Outstanding as at December 31, 2010 

1,381,354

$

4.95 – 8.06

$

  Granted

  Exercised

  Forfeitures

Outstanding as at December 31, 2011

  Granted

  Exercised

  Forfeitures

872,319

(206,685)

(160,436)

1,886,552

867,000

(72,409)

(281,163)

10.55 – 15.21

4.95 – 8.06

4.95 – 10.55

4.95 – 15.21

7.14 – 10.74

4.95 – 10.55

4.95 – 15.21

Outstanding as at December 31, 2012

2,399,980

$

4.95 – 15.21

$

6.77

10.95

6.35

8.36

8.61

10.58

6.94

9.84

9.23

Options 
Exercisable

386,013

1,008,305

1,846,603

Options 
Exercisable

158,177

396,188

935,035

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised in 2012 was $9.42 (2011 – $13.70) for the 
Canadian share options and US$10.10 (2011 – US$14.37) for the U.S. share options.

The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Canadian share options

Total Options Outstanding

Exercisable Options

Range of Exercise Prices:

$  5.22 –   6.99

7.00 –   8.99

9.00 – 14.50

$  5.22 – 14.50

Number

789,228

1,071,952

2,152,617

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price

$                5.85 

8.54

10.63

4,013,797

$                9.13

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years)

3.35

4.17

5.61

4.78

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price

$                5.85 

8.57

10.61

Number

789,228

693,375

364,000

1,846,603

$                7.81

U.S. share options

Total Options Outstanding

Exercisable Options

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price
(US $)

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years)

Range of Exercise Prices (US $):

$  4.95 –   5.99

6.00 –   8.99

9.00 – 15.21

$  4.95 – 15.21

Number

323,692

659,252

1,417,036

$                4.95 

7.83

10.86

2,399,980

$                9.23

3.35

4.35

5.64

4.98

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price
(US $)

$                4.95

7.86

11.02

$                7.61

Number

323,692

386,445

224,898

935,035

66   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The per option weighted average fair value of the share options granted during 2012 was $4.79 (2011 – $4.94) estimated on 
the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumption: average risk-free interest rate 1% 
(2011 – 2%), average expected life of four years (2011 – four years), expected forfeiture rate of 5% (2011 – 5%) and expected 
volatility  of  59%  (2011  –  59%).  Included  in  net  earnings  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  is  an  expense  of  $7.9  million 
(2011 – $7.9 million).

NOTE 9. PROVISIONS AND OTHER

Balance December 31, 2010

Expensed during the year

Payment of deductibles and uninsured claims

Effects of foreign currency exchange differences

Balance December 31, 2011

Expensed during the year

Payment of deductibles and uninsured claims

Effects of foreign currency exchange differences

Balance December 31, 2012

Current

Long-term

Workers’ 
compensation

$

 23,741

7,894

(8,179)

528

23,984

11,604

(8,436)

(551)

$

26,601

December 31, 
2012

December 31, 
2011

$

$

8,783

17,818

26,601

$

$

7,863

16,121

23,984

Precision maintains a provision for the deductible and uninsured portions of workers’ compensation and general liability claims. 
The amount accrued for the provision for losses incurred varies depending on the number and nature of the claims outstanding 
at the balance sheet dates. In addition, the accrual includes management’s estimate of the future cost to settle each claim such 
as future changes in the severity of the claim and increases in medical costs. Precision uses third parties to assist in developing 
the estimate of the ultimate costs to settle each claim, which is based upon historical experience associated with the type of each 
claim and specific information related to each claim. The specific circumstances of each claim may change over time prior to 
settlement and as a result, the estimates made as of the balance sheet dates may change. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     67

NOTE 10. LONG-TERM DEBT 

Secured revolving credit facility

Unsecured senior notes:

  6.625% senior notes due 2020 (US$650.0 million)

  6.5% senior notes due 2021 (US$400.0 million)

  6.5% senior notes due 2019

Less net unamortized debt issue costs

2012

$

–

$

646,685

397,960

200,000

2011

–

661,050

406,800

200,000

1,244,645

1,267,850

(25,849)

(28,234)

$

1,218,796

$

1,239,616

(a) Secured revolving credit facility
The secured revolving credit facility provides Precision with senior secured financing for general corporate purposes, including 
for  acquisitions,  of  up  to  US$850  million  with  a  provision  for  an  increase  in  the  facility  of  up  to  an  additional  US$250  million. 
The secured revolving credit facility is secured by charges on substantially all of Precision’s present and future assets and the 
present and future assets of its material U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries and, if necessary, in order to adhere to covenants under 
the  revolving  credit  facility,  on  certain  assets  of  certain  subsidiaries  organized  in  a  jurisdiction  outside  of  Canada  or  the  U.S. 
The secured revolving credit facility requires that Precision comply with certain financial covenants including leverage ratios of 
consolidated senior debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as defined in the agreement (“EBITDA”) 
of less than 3:1 and consolidated total debt to EBITDA of less than 4:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters; and 
a interest coverage ratio of greater than 2.75:1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters. As well the revolving credit 
facility contains certain covenants that place restrictions on Precision’s ability to incur or assume additional indebtedness; dispose 
of assets; make or pay dividends, share redemptions or other distributions; change its primary business; incur liens on assets; 
engage  in  transactions  with  affiliates;  enter  into  mergers,  consolidations  or  amalgamations;  and  enter  into  speculative  swap 
agreements. At December 31, 2012 Precision complied with the covenants of the revolving credit facility.

The revolving credit facility has a term of five years, with an annual option on Precision’s part to request that the lenders extend, 
at their discretion, the facility to a new maturity date not to exceed five years from the date of the extension request. The current 
maturity date of the revolving credit facility is November 17, 2017. 

Under  the  revolving  credit  facility  amounts  can  be  drawn  in  U.S.  dollars  and/or  Canadian  dollars  and  was  undrawn  as  at 
December 31, 2012 and 2011. Up to US$200 million of the revolving credit facility is available for letters of credit denominated in 
United States and/or Canadian dollars and as at December 31, 2012 outstanding letters of credit amounted to US$26.8 million 
(2011 – US$22.6 million).

The interest rate on loans that are denominated in U.S. dollars is, at the option of Precision, either a margin over a U.S. base rate 
or a margin over LIBOR. The interest rate on loans denominated in Canadian dollars is, at the option of Precision, either a margin 
over the Canadian prime rate or a margin over the bankers’ acceptance rate; such margins will be based on the then applicable 
ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA. 

(b) Unsecured senior notes
Precision has outstanding the following unsecured senior notes:

   US$650.0 million of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020. These notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.625% per annum, and 
mature on November 15, 2020. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing 
on May 15, 2011.

   $200.0 million of 6.5% Senior Notes due 2019. These notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.5% per annum, and mature 
on  March  15,  2019.  Interest  is  payable  semi-annually  on  March  15  and  September  15  of  each  year,  commencing  on 
September 15, 2011.

   US$400.0 million of 6.5% Senior Notes due 2021. These notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.5% per annum, and mature 
on December 15, 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on 
December 15, 2011.

68   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The  6.625%  Senior  Notes  due  2020  and  the  6.5%  Senior  Notes  due  2019  are  unsecured,  ranking  equally  with  existing  and 
future senior unsecured indebtedness, and have been guaranteed by current and future U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries that 
guaranteed the revolving credit facility. These notes contain certain covenants that limit Precision’s ability and the ability of certain 
subsidiaries to, incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock; create liens; make restricted payments; create or permit 
to  exist  restrictions  on  the  ability  of  Precision  or  certain  subsidiaries  to  make  certain  payments  and  distributions;  engage  in 
amalgamations, mergers or consolidations; make certain dispositions and transfers of assets; and engage in transactions with 
affiliates.  If  the  notes  receive  an  investment  grade  rating  by  Standard  &  Poor’s  and  Moody’s  Investors  Service  and  Precision 
and its subsidiaries are not in default under the indenture governing the notes, then Precision will not be required to comply with 
particular covenants contained in the indenture. 

The 6.5% Senior Notes due 2021 are unsecured, ranking equally with existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, and 
have been guaranteed by current and future U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries that guaranteed the revolving credit facility. These 
notes contain certain covenants that limit Precision’s ability and the ability of certain subsidiaries to, incur additional indebtedness 
and issue preferred stock; create liens; make restricted payments; create or permit to exist restrictions on the ability of Precision 
or certain subsidiaries to make certain payments and distributions; engage in amalgamations, mergers or consolidations; make 
certain dispositions and transfers of assets; and engage in transactions with affiliates. If the notes receive an investment grade 
rating by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s Investors Service and Precision and its subsidiaries are not in default under the indenture 
governing the notes, then Precision will not be required to comply with particular covenants contained in the indenture.

Precision may redeem, prior to November 15, 2013, up to 35% of the 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020 with the net proceeds of 
certain equity offerings. Prior to November 15, 2015, Precision may redeem the notes in whole or in part at 106.625% of their 
principal  amount,  plus  accrued  interest.  As  well,  Precision  may  redeem  the  notes  in  whole  or  in  part  at  any  time  on  or  after 
November  15,  2015  and  before  November  15,  2018,  at  redemption  prices  ranging  between  103.313%  and  101.104%  of  their 
principal amount plus accrued interest. Anytime on or after November 15, 2018 the notes can be redeemed for their principal 
amount plus accrued interest. Upon specified change of control events, each holder of a note will have the right to sell to Precision 
all or a portion of its notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date 
of purchase.

Precision may redeem, prior to March 15, 2014, up to 35% of the 6.5% Senior Notes due 2019 with the net proceeds of certain 
equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.5% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. Prior to March 15, 2015, 
Precision may redeem the notes in whole or in part at 100.0% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest and the greater 
of 1.0% of the principal amount of the note to be redeemed and the excess, if any, of the present value of the March 15, 2015 
redemption price plus required interest payments through March 15, 2015 (calculated using the Government of Canada rate plus 
100 basis points) over the principal amount of the note. As well, Precision may redeem the notes in whole or in part at any time 
on or after March 15, 2015 and before March 15, 2017, at redemption prices ranging between 103.250% and 101.6254% of their 
principal amount plus accrued interest. Anytime on or after March 15, 2017 the notes can be redeemed for their principal amount 
plus accrued interest. Upon specified change of control events, each holder of a note will have the right to sell to Precision all 
or a portion of its notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date 
of purchase.

Precision may redeem, prior to December 15, 2014, up to 35% of the 6.5% Senior Notes due 2021 with the net proceeds of certain 
equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.5% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. Prior to December 15, 2016, 
Precision may redeem the notes in whole or in part at 100.0% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest and the greater of 
1.0% of the principal amount of the note to be redeemed and the excess, if any, of the present value of the December 15, 2016 
redemption price plus required interest payments through December 15, 2016 (calculated using the United States Treasury rate 
plus 50 basis points) over the principal amount of the note. As well, Precision may redeem the notes in whole or in part at any time 
on or after December 15, 2016 and before December 15, 2019, at redemption prices ranging between 103.250% and 101.083% 
of  their  principal  amount  plus  accrued  interest.  Anytime  on  or  after  December  15,  2019  the  notes  can  be  redeemed  for  their 
principal amount plus accrued interest. Upon specified change of control events, each holder of a note will have the right to sell 
to Precision all or a portion of its notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest 
to the date of purchase.

At December 31, 2012 no mandatory principal repayments are required in the next five years.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     69

(c) Guarantor disclosures
The following presents supplemental condensed consolidating financial information for the parent company, guarantor subsidiaries 
and the non-guarantor subsidiaries, respectively.

Condensed consolidating statement of financial position as at December 31, 2012

Parent

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

Assets

  Cash

  Other current assets

Intercompany receivables

Investments in subsidiaries

Income tax recoverable

  Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

  Goodwill

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  Current liabilities

Intercompany payables and debt

  Long-term debt

  Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

  Shareholders’ equity

$

114,709

$

15,709

$

22,350

$

9,238

394,112

5,412,168

9,441

57,939

4,190

–

6,001,797

103,383

2,200,650

1,218,796

245,377

3,768,206

2,233,591

$

$

465,695

2,082,616

3,099

–

3,043,239

1,911

310,552

5,922,821

264,788

185,855

–

273,547

724,190

5,198,631

$

$

–

3

$

152,768

523,334

48,398

65,279

(2,542,007)

–

(5,415,267)

55,138

142,104

–

–

–

(353)

–

–

$

$

$

$

333,269

$

(7,957,624)

29,910

$

–

155,502

(2,542,007)

–

(6,838)

178,574

154,695

–

–

(2,542,007)

(5,415,617)

–

–

64,579

3,242,929

6,101

310,552

4,300,263

398,081

–

1,218,796

512,086

2,128,963

2,171,300

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

6,001,797

$

5,922,821 

$

333,269

$

(7,957,624)

$

4,300,263

Condensed consolidating statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011

Assets

  Cash

  Other current assets

Intercompany receivables

Investments in subsidiaries

Income tax recoverable

  Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

  Goodwill

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  Current liabilities

Intercompany payables and debt

  Long-term debt

  Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

  Shareholders’ equity

Parent

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

$

440,760

$

5,815

$

20,901

$

–

$

467,476

7,974

341,327

4,961,327

9,441

54,263

3,070

–

5,818,162

56,049

2,082,700

1,239,616

285,289

3,663,654

2,154,508

$

$

557,142

1,972,678

68

–

2,850,502

3,401

363,646

5,753,252

376,328

176,221

–

330,352

882,901

4,870,351

$

$

(881)

583,406

(2,380,359)

–

(4,961,395)

–

–

–

64,579

(7,804)

2,942,296

19,171

66,354

55,138

45,335

–

–

–

–

$

$

$

$

206,899

$

(7,350,439)

8,960

$

(884)

121,438

(2,380,359)

–

(427)

129,971

76,928

–

–

(2,381,243)

(4,969,196)

6,471

363,646

4,427,874

440,453

–

1,239,616

615,214

2,295,283

2,132,591

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

5,818,162

$

5,753,252

$

206,899

$

(7,350,439)

$

4,427,874

70   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed consolidating statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

$

1,986,590

$

64,779

$

(10,779) 

$

2,040,741 

$

Parent

151

82

27,246

1,173,157

94,014

80,841

5,388

Revenue

Operating expense

General and administrative expense

Earnings (loss) before income taxes,  
  finance charges, foreign exchange,  
impairment of goodwill, loss on  

  asset decommissioning and  
  depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings (loss)

Impairment of goodwill

Foreign exchange

Finance charges

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

Earnings (loss) before tax

Income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

(27,177)

3,405

–

(30,582)

–

4,252

86,780

(196,489)

74,875

30,011

719,419

303,693

192,469

223,257

52,539

(189)

48

–

170,859

(49,342)

(21,450)

7,922

–

(29,372)

–

(310)

1

–

(29,063)

(5,352)

(10,779)

1,243,301

–

–

(7,495)

–

7,495

–

–

–

196,489

(188,994)

–

126,648

670,792

307,525

192,469

170,798

52,539

3,753

86,829

–

27,677

(24,683)

$

44,864

$

220,201

$

(23,711)

$

(188,994)

$

52,360

Condensed consolidating statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011

Revenue

Operating expense

General and administrative expense

Earnings (loss) before income taxes,  
  finance charges, foreign exchange,  
impairment of goodwill, loss on  

  asset decommissioning and  
  depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Operating earnings (loss)

Foreign exchange

Finance charges

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

Earnings (loss) before tax

Income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

$

Parent

200

316

30,596

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

$

1,930,451

$

28,131

$

(7,755) 

$

1,951,027

1,110,428

88,914

27,984

5,480

(7,706)

(49)

1,131,022

124,941

(30,712)

5,246

–

(35,958)

(23,628)

111,518

(402,481)

278,633

79,089

731,109

241,200

114,893

375,016

(26)

64

–

374,978

(32,193)

(5,333)

(1,031)

–

(4,302)

(20)

(4)

–

(4,278)

411

–

6,068

–

(6,068)

–

–

402,481

(408,549)

–

695,064

251,483

114,893

328,688

(23,674)

111,578

–

240,784

47,307

$

199,544

$

407,171

$

(4,689)

$

(408,549)

$

193,477

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     71

 
 
Condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

Parent

44,864

23,205

68,069

$

$

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

$

$

220,201

(30,899)

189,302

$

$

(23,711)

(1,934)

(25,645)

$

$

(188,994)

(45)

(189,039)

Condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2011

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

Parent

199,544

(37,692)

161,852

$

$

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

$

$

407,171

34,006

441,177

$

$

(4,689)

(987)

(5,676)

$

$

(408,549)

31

(408,518)

Total

52,360

(9,673)

42,687

Total

193,477

(4,642)

188,835

$

$

$

$

Condensed consolidating statement of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2012

Parent

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

$

(135,797)

$

775,145

$

(65,654)

$

61,592

$

635,286

(171,158)

(14,899)

(806,436)

41,996

(43,971)

111,040

91,444

(153,036)

(4,197)

(811)

(326,051)

 440,760

9,894

5,815

34

1,449

20,901

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

114,709

$

15,709

$

22,350

$

Condensed consolidating statement of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2011

Parent

Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor 
subsidiaries

Consolidating 
adjustments

Total

$

(52,058)

$

586,869

$

(38,829)

$

36,790

$

532,772

(126,861)

366,887

(598,680)

(5,006)

(8,281)

60,156

18,360

(55,150)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operations

Investments

Financing

Effects of exchange rate changes on  
  cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and  
  cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents,  
  beginning of year

Cash provided by (used in):

Operations

Investments

Financing

Effects of exchange rate changes on  
  cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and  
  cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents,  
  beginning of year

(930,121)

(14,899)

(4,974)

(314,708)

467,476

$

152,768

(715,462)

366,887

26,448

210,645

256,831

$

467,476

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

23,586

2,651

211

211,554

(14,166)

13,257

229,206

19,981

7,644

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

440,760

$

5,815

$

20,901

$

72   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 11. INCOME TAXES 

The  provision  for  income  taxes  differs  from  that  which  would  be  expected  by  applying  statutory  Canadian  income  tax  rates. 
A reconciliation of the difference at December 31 is as follows:

Earnings before income taxes 

Federal and provincial statutory rates

Tax at statutory rates 

Adjusted for the effect of:

  Non-deductible expenses 

  Non-taxable capital gains

Income taxed at lower rates

Impact of foreign tax rates

  Withholding taxes

  Taxes related to prior years

  Other

Income tax expense (recovery)

$

$

$

$

2012

27,677

25%

6,919

15,975

(546)

(30,191)

(26,559)

4,009

1,053

4,657

2011

240,784

27%

65,012

7,857

(1,245)

(32,260)

(7,026)

3,664

10,986

319

$

(24,683)

$

47,307

In 2011, taxes related to prior years of $11.0 million includes the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial income tax settlement 
of prior years income taxes totaling $34.8 million offset by a reduction in prior period unrecognized tax benefits (including interest 
and penalties) of $23.8 million.

The net deferred tax liability is comprised of the tax effect of the following temporary differences:

Deferred income tax liability:

  Property, plant and equipment and intangibles

$

686,833

$

735,815

2012

2011

  Partnership deferrals

  Debt issue costs

  Other

Deferred income tax assets:

  Losses (expire from time to time up to 2032)

  Debt issue costs

  Long-term incentive plan

  Other

Net deferred income tax liability

60,906

1,561

4,260

91,319

–

5,704

753,560

832,838

244,888

221,982

–

13,917

9,163

2,568

13,026

7,472

$

485,592

$

587,790

Included in the net deferred tax liability is $242.6 million (2011 – $ 324.9 million) of tax effected temporary differences related to 
the Corporations’ United States operations. 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     73

 
 
The movement in temporary differences is as follows:

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
and 
intangibles

Other 
deferred 
income tax 
liabilities

Partnership 
deferrals

Losses

Debt issue
costs

Long-term 
incentive 
plan

Other 
deferred 
income tax 
assets

Net 
deferred 
income tax 
liability

Balance December 31, 2010

$  676,803

$  55,819

$ 

2,094

$ (136,056)

$ 

(6,802)

$ 

(8,846)

$ 

(4,773)

$  578,239

Recognized in net earnings

45,686

35,500

5,712

(80,896)

4,234

(4,011)

(2,697)

3,528

Recognized in other  
  comprehensive income

Acquired in business  
  acquisitions (Note 19)

Effect of foreign currency  
  exchange differences

–

844

12,482

–

–

–

(2,148)

–

46

–

–

(5,030)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,148)

844

(169)

(2)

7,327

Balance December 31, 2011

   735,815

91,319

5,704

   (221,982)

(2,568)

(13,026)

(7,472)

   587,790

Recognized in net earnings

(37,034)

(30,413)

(1,413)

(27,784)

4,129

(1,058)

(1,686)

(95,259)

Recognized in other  
  comprehensive income

Effect of foreign currency  
  exchange differences

–

(11,948)

–

–

–

–

(31)

4,878

–

–

–

167

–

–

(5)

(6,939)

Balance December 31, 2012

$ 686,833

$  60,906

$ 

4,260

$ (244,888)

$ 

1,561

$  (13,917)

$ 

(9,163)

$ 485,592

On December 31, 2012 Precision had $34.4 million (2011 – $34.3 million) of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would 
have  a  favourable  impact  on  Precision’s  effective  income  tax  rate  in  future  periods.  Precision  classifies  interest  accrued  on 
unrecognized  tax  benefits  and  income  tax  penalties  as  income  tax  expense.  Included  in  the  unrecognized  tax  benefit  as  at 
December 31, 2012 is interest and penalties of $9.2 million (2011 – $8.6 million). 

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits

Year ended December 31,

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

Additions:

  Prior year’s tax positions

Reductions:

  Prior year’s tax positions

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

2012

2011

$

34,300

$

54,825

2,033

2,133

(1,976)

(22,658)

$

34,357

$

34,300

It  is  anticipated  that  approximately  $0.6  million  (2011  –  $1.2  million)  of  an  unrecognized  tax  position  that  relates  to  prior  year 
activities  will  be  realized  during  the  next  12  months.  Subject  to  the  results  of  audit  examinations  by  taxing  authorities  and/or 
legislative changes by taxing jurisdictions, Precision does not anticipate further adjustments of unrecognized tax positions during 
the next 12 months that would have a material impact on the financial statements of Precision.

74   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTE 12. SHAREHOLDERS’ CAPITAL 

(a) Authorized  – unlimited number of voting common shares  

–  unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series, limited to an amount  

equal to one half of the issued and outstanding common shares

(b) Issued

Common shares

Balance, December 31, 2010

  Options exercised  – cash consideration 

– reclassification from contributed surplus 

Issued on redemption of non-management directors DSUs

Balance, December 31, 2011

  Options exercised  – cash consideration 

– reclassification from contributed surplus 

Issued on redemption of non-management directors DSUs

Issued on waiver of right to dissent by dissenting unitholder

Number

Amount

275,686,676

$

2,244,417

347,925

–

47,196

2,238

1,178

384

276,081,797

$

2,248,217

309,954

–

83,179

840

1,926

1,124

706

9

Balance, December 31, 2012

276,475,770

$

2,251,982

(c) Warrants
On  April  22,  2009  the  Corporation  issued  15,000,000  purchase  warrants  pursuant  to  a  private  placement.  Each  warrant  is 
exercisable into common shares of the Corporation at a price of $3.22 per share for a period of five years from the date of issue. 
No warrants have been exercised as at December 31, 2012.

(d) Dividends
During  2012  the  Corporation  approved  and  paid  a  dividend  of  $0.05  per  common  share  (2011  –  nil)  for  a  total  payment  of 
$14 million (2011 – nil). On February 14, 2013 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.05 per common share payable on 
March 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on February 28, 2013.

NOTE 13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Balance, December 31, 2010

Other comprehensive loss

Balance, December 31, 2011

Other comprehensive loss

Balance, December 31, 2012

NOTE 14. FINANCE CHARGES

Interest:

  Long-term debt

  Tax settlement and reassessment

  Other

Income

Amortization of debt issue costs

Loss on settlement of debt facilities

Debt amendment fees

Other

Finance charges

Unrealized 
foreign currency 
translation gains 
(losses)

Foreign exchange 
gain (loss) on net 
investment hedge 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss

$

(61,037) 

$

14,817

$

(46,220)

33,050

(27,987)

(32,878)

(37,692)

(22,875)

23,205

(4,642)

(50,862)

(9,673)

$

(60,865) 

$

330 

$

(60,535) 

2012

2011

$

85,113 

$

–

138

(1,933)

4,120

–

149

(758)

69,959

15,372

164

(1,683)

3,444

26,942

1,134

(3,754)

$

86,829

$

111,578

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     75

 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
NOTE 15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

The Corporation has a defined contribution pension plan covering a significant number of its employees. Under this plan, the 
Corporation matches individual contributions up to 5% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Total expense under the defined 
contribution plan in 2012 was $11.1 million (2011 – $8.6 million).

NOTE 16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

Compensation of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows:

Salaries and other benefits

Equity settled share based compensation

Cash settled share based compensation

$

2012

6,988

3,257

4,872

2011

6,065

3,297

7,106

15,117

$

16,468

$

$

Key management personnel are comprised of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation. Certain executive officers 
have entered into employment agreements with Precision which provide termination benefits of up to 24 months base salary plus 
up to two times targeted incentive compensation upon dismissal without cause.

NOTE 17. COMMITMENTS 

(a) Operating lease commitments
The Corporation has commitments under various operating lease agreements, primarily for vehicles and office space. Terms of 
the office leases run for a period of one to ten years while the vehicle lease are typically for terms of between three and four years. 
Expected non-cancellable operating lease payments are as follows:

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Later than five years

2012

15,561

$

41,898

23,161

80,620

$

$

$

2011

12,874

39,555

28,528

80,957

One of the leased properties was sublet by the Corporation. 

The following amounts were recognized as expenses in respect of operating leases in the consolidated statement of earnings:

Operating leases

Sub-lease recoveries

2012

19,075

(583)

18,492

$

$

2011

13,789 

(814)

12,975 

$

$

(b) Capital commitments
At  December  31,  2012  the  Corporation  has  commitments  to  purchase  property,  plant  and  equipment  totaling  $157.5  million 
(2011 – $195.0 million). Payments of $121.0 million and $36.5 million for these commitments are expected to be made in 2013 
and 2014, respectively.

76   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 18. PER SHARE AMOUNTS 

The following tables reconcile the net earnings and weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted 
earnings per share:

Net earnings – basic and diluted

(Stated in thousands)

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

Effect of share warrants

Effect of stock options and other equity compensation plans

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

NOTE 19. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS 

2012

2011

$

52,360

$

193,477

2012

276,276

9,418

933

286,627

2011

275,899

11,106

1,711

288,716

On March 29, 2011 Precision acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Drake Directional Drilling, LLC and Drake MWD 
Service,  LLC  (collectively  “Drake”).  These  companies  provide  directional  drilling  services  in  Texas,  Louisiana,  Oklahoma  and 
Colorado and have been included in the Contract Drilling Services segment.

On September 9, 2011 Precision acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Axis Energy Services Holdings Inc. (“Axis”). 
Axis  provides  directional  drilling  and  MWD  (measurement  while  drilling)  services,  primarily  in  Western  Canada  and  has  been 
included in the Contract Drilling Services segment.

In  conjunction  with  the  Axis  acquisition,  the  purchase  price  was  adjusted  to  the  extent  that  earnings  before  finance  charges, 
foreign  exchange,  income  taxes  and  depreciation  and  amortization  during  the  period  from  acquisition  to  December  31,  2011 
and working capital at December 31, 2011 for the acquired entities is above or below a predetermined amount. As at the date of 
the acquisition, Precision estimated the amount of this additional consideration to be $20.4 million and recorded the contingent 
consideration in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. As at December 31, 2011 Precision reduced the estimated contingent 
liability to $18.1 million and recognized a $3.8 million recovery in the statement of earnings and a $1.5 million increase to goodwill 
as a result of working capital adjustments. In 2012 the contingent liability was settled, resulting in a $758 thousand recovery in the 
statement of earnings and a $25 thousand increase to goodwill.

The details of the acquisitions are as follows:

Net assets at assigned values:

  Working capital

  Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

  Goodwill (not deductible)

  Deferred income taxes

Consideration:

  Cash 

  Contingent consideration

(1) Working capital includes cash of $2,609
(2) Working capital includes bank overdraft of $675

Drake

Axis

Total

$

3,292 (1)

$

6,363 (2)

$

5,513

1,460

25,521

–

 35,786

35,786

–

35,786

$

$

$

20,142

2,759

52,514

(844)

80,934

59,034

21,900

80,934

$

$

$

$

$

$

9,655

25,655

4,219

78,035

(844)

116,720

94,820

21,900

116,720

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     77

 
NOTE 20. SEGMENTED INFORMATION 

The Corporation operates primarily in Canada and the United States, in two industry segments; Contract Drilling Services and 
Completion  and  Production  Services.  Contract  Drilling  Services  includes  drilling  rigs,  directional  drilling,  procurement  and 
distribution  of  oilfield  supplies,  and  manufacture,  sale  and  repair  of  drilling  equipment.  Completion  and  Production  Services 
includes service rigs, snubbing units, oilfield equipment rental, camp and catering services, and wastewater treatment units.

2012

Revenue

Operating earnings

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Total assets

Goodwill

Capital expenditures*

2011

Revenue

Operating earnings

Depreciation and amortization

Loss on asset decommissioning

Total assets

Goodwill

Capital expenditures*

* Excludes business acquisitions

Contract 
Drilling 
Services

Completion 
and 
Production 
Services

Corporate 
and Other

Inter-
segment 
Eliminations

Total

$

1,725,240

$

326,079

$

–

$

(10,578)

$

2,040,741

184,819

271,993

192,469

3,495,604

198,413

750,763

Contract 
Drilling 
Services

62,796

30,758

–

551,893

112,139

109,202

Completion 
and 
Production 
Services

(76,817)

4,774

–

252,766

–

8,092

–

–

–

–

–

–

170,798

307,525

192,469

4,300,263

310,552

868,057

Corporate 
and Other

Inter-
segment 
Eliminations

Total

$

1,632,037

$

330,225

$

–

$

(11,235)

$

1,951,027

332,829

219,194

113,366

3,380,843

251,507

637,060

77,127

25,598

1,527

473,811

112,139

76,922

(81,268)

6,691

–

573,220

–

12,375

–

–

–

–

–

–

328,688

251,483

114,893

4,427,874

363,646

726,357

The Corporation’s operations are carried on in the following geographic locations:

2012

Revenue

Total assets

2011

Revenue

Total assets

Canada

United States

International

Inter-
segment 
Eliminations

Total

$

1,053,966

$

936,113

$

64,017

$

(13,355)

$

2,040,741

2,119,891

1,913,810

266,562

–

4,300,263

Canada

United States

International

Inter-
segment 
Eliminations

Total

$

1,071,526

$

866,776

$

22,994

$

(10,269)

$

1,951,027

2,252,084

2,027,676

148,114

–

4,427,874

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012,  revenues  from  one  customer  of  the  Corporation’s  Contract  Drilling  Services  and 
Completion  and  Production  Services  segments  accounted  for  $222.7  million  (2011  –  $158.4  million)  of  the  Corporation’s 
total revenue.

78   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Financial Risk Management
The Board of Directors is responsible for identifying the principal risks of Precision’s business and for ensuring the implementation 
of systems to manage these risks. With the assistance of senior management, who report to the Board of Directors on the risks of 
Precision’s business, the Board of Directors considers such risks and discusses the management of such risks on a regular basis.

Precision has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

(a) Credit risk 
Accounts receivable includes balances from a large number of customers primarily operating in the oil and gas industry. The 
Corporation manages credit risk by assessing the creditworthiness of its customers before providing services and on an ongoing 
basis as well as monitoring the amount and age of balances outstanding. In some instances the Corporation will take additional 
measures to reduce credit risk including obtaining letters of credit and prepayments from customers. When indicators of credit 
problems appear the Corporation takes appropriate steps to reduce its exposure including negotiating with the customer, filing 
liens and entering into litigation. The Corporation views the credit risks on these amounts as normal for the industry. Precision’s 
most significant customer accounted for $23.0 million of the trade receivables amount at December 31, 2012 (2011 – $43.8 million).

The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the year was as follows:

Balance at January 1

Impairment loss recognized

Amounts written off as uncollectible

Impairment loss reversed

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at December 31

The ageing of trade receivables at December 31 was:

Not past due

Past due 0-30 days

Past due 31-120 days

Past due more than 120 days

2012

2011

$

12,179

$

12,848

348

(174)

–

(166)

915

(418)

(1,328)

162

$

12,187

$

12,179

2012

2011

Gross

Provision for 
impairment

Gross

Provision for 
impairment

$

197,194

$

100,217

27,861

15,016

–

–

–

12,187

$

235,461

$

97,200

35,866

11,874

$

340,288

$

12,187

$

380,401

$

–

–

305

11,874

12,179

(b) Interest rate risk 
As at December 31, 2012 and 2011, all of Precision’s long-term debt bears fixed interest rates. As a result Precision is not exposed 
to significant fluctuations in interest expense as a result of changes in interest rates based on the debt outstanding at the end of 
the year. 

(c) Foreign currency risk 
The Corporation is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in relation to the working capital and long-term debt of its’ United 
States operations and certain long-term debt facilities of its’ Canadian operations. The Corporation has no significant exposures 
to foreign currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Corporation monitors its foreign currency exposure and attempts to minimize 
the impact by aligning appropriate levels of U.S. denominated debt with cash flows from U.S. based operations.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     79

The following financial instruments were denominated in U.S. dollars:

Cash

Accounts receivable

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Long-term liabilities, excluding long-term incentive plans

Net foreign currency exposure

Impact of $0.01 change in the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar
  exchange rate on net earnings

Impact of $0.01 change in the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar
  exchange rate on comprehensive income

$

$

$

2012

2011

Canadian 
Operations (1) 

U.S. 
Operations

Canadian 
Operations (1)

U.S. 
Operations

$

39,693

$

61,515 

$

297,553

$

37,385 

56

(13,028)

–

26,721

267

–

$

$

$

237,370

(184,593)

(17,909)

96,383 

– 

964

$

$

$

50

(16,969)

–

280,634

2,806

–

$

$

$

224,275

(205,143)

(15,851)

40,666 

– 

407

(1)  excludes US$1,050 million of long-term debt that has been designated as a hedge of the Corporation’s net investment in certain self-sustaining foreign operations.

(d) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the exposure of the Corporation to the risk of not being able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. 
The Corporation manages liquidity risk by monitoring and reviewing actual and forecasted cash flows to ensure there are available 
cash resources to meet these needs. The following are the contractual maturities of the Corporation’s financial liabilities as at 
December 31, 2012:

(Stated in thousands)

Long-term debt

Interest on long-term debt (1)

Commitments

Total

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Thereafter

Total

$ 

– 

$ 

–

$ 

–

$ 

–

$ 

–

$ 1,244,645 

$ 1,244,645

81,710

    136,596

81,710

50,356

81,710

11,476

81,710

8,980

81,710

    241,275

    649,825

7,529

23,161

    238,098

$  218,306

$  132,066

$ 

93,186

$ 

90,690

$ 

89,239

$ 1,509,081

$ 2,132,568

(1)  interest has been calculated based upon debt balances, interest rates and foreign exchange rates in effect as at December 31, 2012 and excludes amortization of long-term debt 

issue costs.

Fair values
The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to 
the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. The fair value of the unsecured senior notes at December 31, 2012 was 
approximately $1,330 million (2011 – $1,290 million).

Financial assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet are categorized based upon 
the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels are based on the amount of 
subjectivity associated with the inputs in the fair determination and are as follows:

Level I—Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level II—Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level I) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability 
through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.

Level III—Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability 
at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the 
inputs to the model.

The estimated fair value of unsecured senior notes is based on level II inputs. The fair value is estimated considering the risk free 
interest rates on government debt instruments of similar maturities, adjusted for estimated credit risk, industry risk and market 
risk premiums. 

80   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
NOTE 22. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Corporation’s strategy is to carry a capital base to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future 
development of the business. The Corporation seeks to maintain a balance between the level of long-term debt and shareholders’ 
equity to ensure access to capital markets to fund growth and working capital given the cyclical nature of the oilfield services 
sector. The Corporation strives to maintain a conservative ratio of long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity. As at December 31, 
2012 and 2011 these ratios were as follows: 

Long-term debt

Shareholders’ equity

Total capitalization

Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity ratio

$

$

2012

1,218,796

2,171,300

3,390,096

0.36

$

$

2011

1,239,616

2,132,591

3,372,207

0.37

During 2011, Precision pursued market opportunities to put long-term debt financing in place. The Company issued US$400 million 
aggregate  principal  amount  of  6.5%  senior  unsecured  notes  due  2021  and  $200  million  aggregate  principal  amount  of  6.5% 
senior unsecured notes due 2019 in private placements and retired the $175 million 10% senior unsecured notes.

As at December 31, 2012 liquidity remains sufficient as Precision has $152.8 million (2011 – $467.5 million) in cash and access  
to a US$850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (2011 – US$550 million) and $79.8 million (2011 – $40.3 million) secured 
operating facilities. The US$850 million Secured Revolver remains undrawn except for US$26.8 million (2011 – US$22.6 million) 
in  outstanding  letters  of  credit.  Availability  of  the  $25  million  secured  operating  facility  was  reduced  by  $18.9  million  (2011  – 
$0.5 million) of outstanding letters of credit and there was no amount drawn on the US$15 million secured operating facility. There 
were no letters of credit issued under the US$25 million secured letter of credit facility. 

NOTE 23. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 

Components of change in non-cash working capital balances:

Accounts receivable

Inventory

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Pertaining to:

  Operations

Investments

  Financing

The components of accounts receivable are as follows:

Trade

Accrued trade

Prepaids and other

2012

2011

61,052 

$

(137,620) 

(6,707)

(111,333)

(56,988) 

36,474 

(93,462) 

– 

$

$

$

$

(1,712)

166,768

27,436 

(59,616) 

87,798 

(746) 

$

$

$

$

$

2012

2011

$

328,101 

$

368,222 

125,035

56,411

161,581

46,440

$

509,547 

$

576,243 

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     81

 
The components of accounts payable and accrued liabilities are as follows:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities:

  Payroll

  Other

2012

2011

$

146,234 

$

255,194 

79,978

107,681

85,613

95,860

$

333,893 

$

436,667 

Precision  presents  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  by  function  with  the  exception  of  depreciation  and 
amortization and loss on asset decommissioning which are presented by nature. Operating expense and general and administrative 
expense would include $495.2 million and $4.8 million (2011 – $359.7 million and $6.7 million) respectively of depreciation and 
amortization and loss on asset decommissioning if the statements of earnings were presented purely by function. The following 
table presents operating and general and administrative expenses by nature:

Wages, salaries and benefits

Purchased materials, supplies and services

Share-based compensation

Allocated to:

  Operating expense

  General and administrative

2012

2011

$

795,243

$

736,365

556,103

18,603

1,369,949

1,243,301

126,648

1,369,949

$

$

$

484,813

34,785

1,255,963

1,131,022

124,941

1,255,963

$

$

$

NOTE 24. CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES

The business and operations of the Corporation are complex and the Corporation has executed a number of significant financings, 
business combinations, acquisitions and dispositions over the course of its history. The computation of income taxes payable as a 
result of these transactions involves many complex factors as well as the Corporation’s interpretation of relevant tax legislation and 
regulations. The Corporation’s management believes that the provision for income tax is adequate and in accordance with IFRS 
and applicable legislation and regulations. However, there are tax filing positions that have been and can still be the subject of 
review by taxation authorities who may successfully challenge the Corporation’s interpretation of the applicable tax legislation and 
regulations, with the result that additional taxes could be payable by the Corporation and the amount owed, with estimated interest 
but without penalties, could be up to $58 million. This amount is included in the estimated amount pertaining to the long-term 
income tax recoverable on the balance sheet of $65 million. 

The Corporation, through the performance of its services, product sales and business arrangements, is sometimes named as a 
defendant in litigation. The outcome of such claims against the Corporation is not determinable at this time; however, their ultimate 
resolution is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation. 

The Corporation has entered into agreements indemnifying certain parties primarily with respect to tax and specific third party 
claims associated with businesses sold by the Corporation. Due to the nature of the indemnifications, the maximum exposure 
under  these  agreements  cannot  be  estimated.  No  amounts  have  been  recorded  for  the  indemnities  as  the  Corporation’s 
obligations under them are not probable or estimable.

82   

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 25. SUBSIDIARIES

Significant subsidiaries

Precision Limited Partnership

Precision Drilling Canada Limited Partnership

Precision Diversified Oilfield Services Corp.

Precision Directional Services Ltd.

Precision Drilling (US) Corporation

Precision Drilling Company LP

Precision Completion & Production Services Ltd.

Precision Directional Services, Inc.

Grey Wolf Drilling Limited

Country of 
incorporation

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

United States

United States

United States

United States

Cyprus

Ownership interest

2012

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

2011

100 

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     83

Consolidated Statements of Earnings 

Years ended December 31,
(Stated in millions of Canadian dollars,  
except per unit/share amounts)

Revenue

Expenses:

  Operating

  General and administrative

Earnings before income taxes, finance charges,  

foreign exchange, impairment of goodwill, loss  
  on asset decommissioning, and depreciation  
  and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA)

  Depreciation and amortization

  Loss on decommissioning

Operating earnings

Impairment of goodwill

Foreign exchange

Finance charges

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

Earnings per unit/share:

  Basic

  Diluted

2012

2011

IFRS

2010

2009

2008

Previous CGAAP

$  2,040.7

$  1,951.0

$  1,429.7

$  1,197.4

$  1,101.9

1,243.3

126.6

1,131.0

124.9

670.8

307.5

192.5

170.8

52.5

3.8

86.8

27.7

(24.7)

52.4

695.1

251.5

114.9

328.7

–

(23.7)

111.6

240.8

47.3

193.5

886.8

108.0

434.9

210.1

–

224.8

–

(12.7)

211.3

26.2

(17.3)

43.5

692.2

98.2

407.0

138.0

82.1

186.9

–

(122.8)

147.4

162.3

0.6

161.7

598.2

67.2

436.5

83.8

–

352.7

–

(2.0)

14.1

340.6

37.9

302.7

$ 

$ 

 0.19

 0.18

$ 

$ 

0.70

0.67

$ 

$ 

0.16

0.15

$ 

$ 

0.65

0.63

$ 

$ 

2.23

2.23

84   

   Supplemental Information

 
Additional Selected Financial Information

Years ended December 31,
(Stated in millions of Canadian dollars,  
except per unit/share amounts)

Return on sales – % (1)

Return on assets – % (2)

Return on equity – % (3)

Working capital

Current ratio

2012

2.6

1.2

2.4

2011

IFRS

9.9

4.9

9.5

2010

2009

2008

Previous CGAAP

3.0

1.3

2.2

13.5

3.6

6.2

27.5

12.4

19.6

$ 

278.0

$ 

610.4

$ 

458.0

$ 

320.9

$ 

345.3

1.7

2.4

3.1

3.5

2.0

PP&E and intangibles

$  3,249.0

$  2,948.8

$   2,538.8

$   2,917.1

$  3,248.9

Total assets

Long-term debt

Shareholders’ equity

Long-term debt to long-term debt plus equity

Interest coverage (4)

Net capital expenditures excluding  
  business acquisitions

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA – % of revenue

$  4,300.3

$  4,427.9

$  3,564.5

$  4,191.7

$  4,833.7

$  1,218.8

$  1,239.6

$ 

804.5

$ 

748.7

$  1,368.3

$  2,171.3

$  2,132.6

$  1,932.8

$  2,584.5

$  2,323.9

0.36

2.0

836.6

670.8

32.9

$ 

$ 

0.37

2.9

710.4

695.1

35.6

$ 

$ 

0.29

1.1

163.6

434.9

30.4

$ 

$ 

0.22

1.3

177.5

407.0

34.0

$ 

$ 

0.37

24.9

219.1

436.5

39.6

$ 

$ 

Operating earnings

$ 

170.8

$ 

328.7

$ 

224.8

$ 

186.9

$ 

352.7

Operating earnings – % of revenue

8.4

16.8

15.7

15.6

32.0

Cash flow from continuing operations

$ 

635.3

$ 

532.8

$ 

306.3

$ 

504.7

$ 

343.9

Cash flow from continuing operations  
  per unit/share:

  Basic

  Diluted

Book value per unit/share (5)

Price earnings ratio (6)

Basic weighted average units/shares  
  outstanding (000’s)

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.30

2.22

7.85

43.26

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.93

1.85

7.72

15.00

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.11

1.07

7.01

41.74

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.02

1.94

9.38

11.77

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.54

2.53

14.51

4.21

276,276

275,899

275,655

249,925

135,568

(1) Return on sales was calculated by dividing earnings from continuing operations by total revenues.
(2) Return on assets was calculated by dividing net earnings by quarter average total assets.
(3) Return on equity was calculated by dividing net earnings by quarter average total shareholders’ equity.
(4) Interest coverage was calculated by dividing operating earnings by finance charges.
(5) Book value per unit/share was calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity by shares outstanding.
(6) Year end closing price divided by basic earnings per unit/share.

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     85

Shareholder Information

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS
Our shares are listed on the Toronto 
Stock Exchange under the trading 
symbol PD and on the New York 
Stock Exchange under the trading 
symbol PDS.

TRANSFER AGENT  
AND REGISTRAR
Computershare Trust Company  
of Canada
Calgary, Alberta

TRANSFER POINT
Computershare Trust Company NA
Denver, Colorado

2012 TRADING PROFILE

Toronto (TSX: PD)
High: $12.72
Low: $5.97
Close: $8.22
Volume Traded: 338,041,496 

New York (NYSE: PDS)
High: US$12.89
Low: US$5.82
Close: US$8.28
Volume Traded: 454,653,537

ACCOUNT QUESTIONS
Our transfer agent can help you 
with shareholder related services, 
including:
  change of address
 
 

lost share certificates
 transferring shares to another 
person

  estate settlement.

Contact them at:
Computershare Trust Company 
of Canada 
100 University Avenue, 
9th Floor, North Tower 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 
M5J 2Y1 
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253 
(toll free in Canada and the United States)
1-514-982-7555 
(international direct dialing)
Email: service@computershare.com

ONLINE INFORMATION
To receive news releases by email, or 
to view this report online, please visit 
the Investor Relations section of our 
website at www.precisiondrilling.com.

You can find additional information 
about us, including our annual 
information form, 2012 annual report 
and management information circular, 
under our profile on the SEDAR 
website at www.sedar.com and on  
the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

PUBLISHED INFORMATION
Please contact us if you would like 
additional copies of this annual 
report, or copies of our 2012 
annual information as filed with the 
Canadian securities commissions 
and under Form 40-F with the  
United States Securities and 
Exchange Commission:

Investor Relations
Suite 800, 525 – 8th Avenue SW 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada 
T2P 1G1 
Telephone: 403.716.4500 

86   

   Shareholder Information

Corporate Information

DIRECTORS
William T. Donovan 
Brian J. Gibson 
Robert J. S. Gibson 
Allen R. Hagerman, FCA 
Stephen J. J. Letwin 
Kevin O. Meyers 
Patrick M. Murray 
Kevin A. Neveu 
Robert L. Phillips

LEAD BANK
Royal Bank of Canada
Calgary, Alberta

AUDITORS
KPMG LLP
Calgary, Alberta

HEAD OFFICE
Suite 800, 525 – 8th Avenue SW 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada  
T2P 1G1 
Telephone: 403.716.4500 
Email: info@precisiondrilling.com
www.precisiondrilling.com 

OFFICERS
Kevin A. Neveu
President and 
Chief Executive Officer

Joanne L. Alexander
Senior Vice President, General 
Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Niels Espeland
President, International Operations

Doug Evasiuk
Senior Vice President,
Sales and Marketing

Kenneth J. Haddad
Senior Vice President,
Business Development

Robert J. McNally
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

Darren J. Ruhr
Senior Vice President, 
Corporate Services

Gene C. Stahl
President, Drilling Operations

Douglas J. Strong
President, Completion and 
Production Services

Precision Drilling Corporation  2012 Annual Report 

     87

Precision Drilling Corporation 

Suite 800, 525 – 8th Avenue SW 

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1 

Telephone: 403.716.4500 

Email: info@precisiondrilling.com

www.precisiondrilling.com 

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