Pason Reports First Quarter 2014 Results

CALGARY, May 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Pason Systems Inc. (TSX:PSI) announced today its 2014 first quarter results.

Performance Data

Three Months Ended March 31,				2014			2013			Change
(CDN 000s, except per share data)				($)			($)			(%)
Revenue				123,174			109,267			13
Income				20,821			29,608			(30)
	Per share - basic			0.25			0.36			(31)
	Per share - diluted			0.25			0.36			(31)
EBITDA ^(1)				70,469			59,790			18
	As a % of revenue			57.2			54.7			5
Funds flow from operations				56,311			50,090			12
	Per share - basic			0.68			0.61			11
	Per share - diluted			0.67			0.60			12
Cash from operating activities				64,385			46,194			39
Free cash flow ^(1)				47,876			32,250			48
	Per share - basic			0.58			0.39			49
	Per share - diluted			0.57			0.39			46
Capital expenditures				16,509			13,944			18
Working capital				152,227			190,487			(20)
Total assets				493,291			509,914			(3)
Total long-term debt				—			—			—
Cash dividends declared				0.15			0.13			15
Shares outstanding end of period (#)				82,422			82,050			—

(1)	Non-IFRS financial measures are defined in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section.

Q1 2014 vs Q1 2013
The Company generated consolidated revenue of $123.2 million in the first quarter of 2014, up 13% from $109.3 million in the same period of 2013.  Growth in US market share, increased penetration of the Company's major product groups, continued strong growth in Communications, Gas Analyzer and EDR peripherals revenue and a strengthening of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar all contributed to revenue growth in the first quarter.

Consolidated EBITDA increased to $70.5 million in the first quarter, 18% higher than the first quarter of 2013 and funds flow from operations increased 12% to $56.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Net income decreased by $8.8 million to $20.8 million ($0.25 per share) in the first quarter of 2014 from $29.6 million ($0.36 per share) in the prior year period.  Earnings were negatively impacted by a $13.9 million increase in stock-based compensation as a result of a significant increase in the Company's share price in the first three months of 2014.

President's Message

North American land drilling activity demonstrated very modest growth in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of the previous year. Drilling industry days in Canada were 3% higher, while in the United States drilling activity was unchanged. In international markets, drilling activity increased in Australia and Argentina; however, there was significant devaluation of the Argentine currency and activity levels in Mexico and Brazil remained weak.

Against this backdrop, Pason demonstrated strong operational and financial performance. Total revenue increased 13% from the previous year period to $123.2 million, representing record quarterly revenue for the Company. This growth was driven by an increase in US market share, continued growth in product penetration, new revenue in frontier markets, and a strengthening of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar. The change in foreign exchange rates was responsible for approximately one third of the revenue increase. All of Pason's major product categories generated revenue growth above industry activity, led by year-over-year increases in Communications of 27% followed by Gas Analyzer of 15%.

EBITDA for the first quarter was a record $70.5 million, an increase of 18% compared to the previous year period, and 57% of revenue compared to 55% the previous year. Free cash flow was $47.9 million, up 48% from the previous year. The Company recorded net income of $20.8 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to $29.6 million, or $0.36 per share, in the first quarter of 2013. Earnings were significantly impacted by a $13.9 million increase in stock-based compensation expense driven by an increase in share price.

Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $16.5 million, up from $13.9 million the previous year, as deployment of new hardware, including Pason Rig Display and components of the EDR evolution, continued and we upgraded a significant portion of our fleet of Workstations in the United States. On March 31, our cash position stood at $116.8 million, plus $12.4 million cash held in trust for the payment of the dividend in April. There is no debt on the balance sheet. Our quarterly dividend remains unchanged at $0.15 per share.

United States

The US segment, our largest business unit, includes our US rental business and 3PS Inc., our Austin-based sensor manufacturer.

The number of drilling industry days in the first quarter of 2014 was essentially unchanged from the first quarter of the previous year and down 1% from the previous quarter. Revenue for the period increased 20% to $64.1 million. Revenue growth above industry day growth was achieved through an increase in market share, higher product penetration and a favourable movement in the exchange rate. EDR market share for the first quarter averaged 59%, up two percentage points from the previous quarter and also up two percentage points from a year ago. On average, 991 US land rigs were operating Pason equipment during the first quarter of 2014, compared to 955 in the same period of 2013.

Average daily revenue per rig increased by 6%, from US$590 to US$628 from the previous year and by 3% from the previous quarter. Communications and Gas Analyzer again showed above average growth rates during the period.

Our US business unit was able to generate an operating profit of $33.4 million in the first quarter, an increase of 40% over 2013. Operating profit was 52% of revenue compared to 45% for the previous year, as the business unit was able to effectively leverage its fixed cost structure and control variable costs.

Canada

Drilling activity in Canada was modestly higher in the first quarter of 2014 than in the previous year, with industry days up 3%. Revenue for the first quarter increased 4% from the prior year period to $47.9 million. Market share was 96%, up two percentage points from the previous quarter, and down two percentage points from a year ago. On average, 474 Canadian land rigs were operating Pason equipment compared to 475 the year before.

Average daily revenue per rig increased 5% year-over-year to $1,113. Gas Analyzer, Communications and EDR peripherals (Workstations, SideKicks, and PRDs) showed above average growth rates during the period.

Operating costs increased by 14% year-over-year, primarily due to the acquisition of an additional segment of satellite bandwidth to improve the customer experience at the rig during the winter drilling season. As a result, our Canadian business unit was able to generate an operating profit of $30.5 million for the first quarter of 2014, essentially unchanged from the same period in 2013.

International

Our International business unit, which includes our businesses in Latin America, Australia, and Offshore & Frontier, had a solid quarter overall with widely differing results by country. Revenue increased by 14% to $11.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the previous year period; however, revenue was down 13% from the previous quarter. Significant devaluation in the Argentine Peso, together with continued industry weakness in Brazil and Mexico, more than offset increased activity in Argentina and revenue growth in Australia, Gulf of Mexico and the Middle East.

The International business unit was able to generate a quarterly operating profit of $3.0 million, an increase of 57% over the previous year, but down 34% from the previous quarter.

Outlook

Analyst outlooks for drilling industry activity in North America are flat to modestly positive for the remainder of 2014, with a potential for increased activity towards the end of the year and into 2015 driven by LNG-related gas drilling activity in Canada.

We expect that some of the new products and product enhancements, both on the hardware and software sides, will continue to gain traction in the North American market. This includes the new Pason Rig Display (a ruggedized 19 inch touch screen computer) and the enhanced Pit Volume Totalizer (ePVT). We also expect continued growth in the Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, and other frontier regions.

We plan for an increase in our R&D, IT and Corporate Services cost as we make important investments in our technical infrastructure and systems, as well as in our business development capabilities. Our capital expenditure forecast for the next 12 months is up to about $100 million, $70 million of which is directed towards new hardware that can generate incremental revenue or save operating costs. Our cash-generating capacity and our cash position are more than sufficient to cover new business development, planned equipment upgrades and the dividend.

Marcel Kessler
President and Chief Executive Officer
May 6, 2014

Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis has been prepared by management as of May 6, 2014, and is a review of the financial condition and results of operations of Pason Systems Inc. (Pason or the Company) based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

Certain information regarding the Company contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Such statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

All financial measures presented in this report are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Overview of the 2014 First Quarter

Three Months Ended March 31,			2014		2013		2012
(000s, except per share data)			($)		($)		($)
Revenue			123,174		109,267		115,145
Income			20,821		29,608		29,073
	Per share - basic		0.25		0.36		0.35
	Per share - diluted		0.25		0.36		0.35
EBITDA ^(1)			70,469		59,790		64,146
	As a % of revenue		57.2		54.7		55.7
Funds flow from operations			56,311		50,090		53,587
	Per share - basic		0.68		0.61		0.65
	Per share - diluted		0.67		0.60		0.65
Cash from operating activities			64,385		46,194		45,004
Free cash flow ^(1)			47,876		32,250		25,521
	Per share - basic		0.58		0.39		0.31
	Per share - diluted		0.57		0.39		0.31
Cash dividends declared ^(2)			0.15		0.13		0.00

(1)	Non-IFRS financial measures are defined in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section.
(2)	The Company changed its dividend policy whereby, effective for 2013, the Company adopted a quarterly dividend to replace the semi-annual dividend.

Additional IFRS Measures
In its audited consolidated financial statements, the Corporation uses certain additional IFRS measures. Management believes these measures provide useful supplemental information to readers.

Funds flow from operations
Management believes that funds flow from operations, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, is a useful additional measure as it represents the cash generated during the period, regardless of the timing of collection of receivables and payment of payables. Funds flow from operations represents the cash flow from continuing operations, excluding non-cash items. Funds flow from operations is defined as net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, deferred taxes, and other non-cash items impacting operations.

Cash from operating activities
Cash from operating activities is defined as funds flow from operations adjusted for changes in working capital items.

Funds flow from operations and cash from operating activities were impacted by the Company's accounting for the litigation provision. Before 2013, the Company recorded it as a non-cash add back to arrive at funds flow from operations. In 2013, the provision and settlement was treated as a change in working capital to calculate cash from operating activities.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures
These definitions are not recognized measures under IFRS, and accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. These Non-IFRS measures provide readers with additional information regarding the Company's ability to generate funds to finance its operations, fund its research and development and capital expenditure program, and pay dividends.

EBITDA
EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, and depreciation and amortization expense.

Free cash flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash from operating activities less capital expenditures and deferred development costs.

Overall Performance

Three Months Ended March 31,		2014		2013		Change
(000s)		($)		($)		(%)
Revenue
Electronic Drilling Recorder ^(1)		53,515		46,874		14
Pit Volume Totalizer		18,641		16,870		10
Communications ^(1)		10,155		7,965		27
Software		8,710		8,142		7
AutoDriller		11,479		10,510		9
Gas Analyzer/Total Gas System		10,050		8,734		15
Sales		2,451		2,391		3
Other		8,173		7,781		5
Total revenue		123,174		109,267		13

(1)

A portion of the Company's USA communications revenue was reclassified to EDR revenue to better reflect the nature of such revenue. All comparative figures have been restated accordingly. This change had no impact on reported key metrics, EBITDA, cash flow from operating activities, or net income (Q1 2013 - $2,210).

Electronic Drilling Recorder (EDR) and Pit Volume Totalizer (PVT) rental day performance for Canada and the United States is reported below:

Canada
Three Months Ended March 31,			2014			2013			Change
									(%)
EDR rental days (#)			42,700			42,800			—
PVT rental days (#)			41,300			41,800			(1)
United States
Three Months Ended March 31,			2014			2013			Change
									(%)
EDR rental days (#)			89,100			85,900			4
PVT rental days (#)			68,300			63,600			7

Electronic Drilling Recorder
The Pason EDR remains the Company's primary product. The EDR provides a complete system of drilling data acquisition, data networking, and drilling management tools and reports at both the wellsite and customer offices. The EDR is the base product from which all other wellsite instrumentation products are linked. By linking these products, a number of otherwise redundant elements such as data processing, display, storage, and networking are eliminated. This ensures greater reliability and a more robust system of instrumentation for the customer. Revenue generated from the EDR increased 14% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. This increase is attributable to continued growth in demand for EDR peripheral devices in all of the Company's major markets, an increase in US market share over the first quarter of 2013 (59% versus 57%), a strengthening US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, and new revenue in frontier markets. Industry activity in the US market was unchanged in the first quarter of 2014, while first quarter Canadian rig activity increased 3% compared to the same period in 2013. Canadian EDR days were unchanged in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, while US EDR days increased by 4%.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Pason EDR was installed on 96% of all active land rigs in Canada and 59% of the land rigs in the US.

In addition, the Company continues to gain new customers in its International business unit.

Pit Volume Totalizer
The PVT is Pason's proprietary solution for the detection and early warning of "kicks" that are caused by hydrocarbons entering the wellbore under high pressure and expanding as they migrate to the surface. PVT revenue for the quarter was impacted by an increase in product penetration in the US market and the foreign exchange fluctuation, offset by the change in rig activity previously described above. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the PVT was installed on 97% of rigs with a Pason EDR in Canada and 77% in the US, compared to 98% and 74%, respectively, in the same period of 2013.

Communications
Pason's Communications rental revenue is derived from the Company's automatic aiming satellite system. This system provides high-speed wellsite communications for email and web application management tools. Pason displays all data in standard forms on its DataHub web application, although if customers require greater analysis or desire to have the information transferred to another supplier's database, data is available for export from the Pason DataHub using WITSML (a specification for transferring data among oilfield service companies, drilling contractors, and operators). The Company continues to complement its satellite equipment with High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), a high-speed wireless ground system that requires lower capital cost, less service, and lower cost per Internet kilobyte, benefiting Company margins.

Communications revenue increased by 27% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, driven in large part by increased revenue in the US market due to increased product usage and the strengthening US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.

Software
The Pason DataHub is the Company's data management system that collects, stores, and displays drilling data, reports, and real-time information from drilling operations. The DataHub provides access to data through a number of innovative applications or services, including:

• Live Rig View (LRV), which provides advanced data viewing, directional drilling, and 3D visualization of drilling data in real time via a web browser.
  
  
• Mobile Viewer, which allows users to access their data on mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, and Android.
  
  
• WITSML, which provides seamless data sharing with third-party applications, enhancing the value of data hosted by Pason.
  
  
• Additional specialized software, including remote directional.

During the first quarter of 2014, 96% of the Company's Canadian customers and 91% of customers in the US were using all or a portion of the functionality of the DataHub, compared to 96% and 88%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2013.

AutoDriller
Pason's AutoDriller is used to maintain constant weight on the drill bit while a well is being drilled. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the AutoDriller was installed on 75% of Canadian and 45% of US land rigs operating with a Pason EDR system, compared to 72% and 46%, respectively, in 2013.

Gas Analyzer
The Pason Gas Analyzer, which has replaced the Total Gas System (TGAS) in the Canadian and US markets, measures the total hydrocarbon gases (C1 through C4) exiting the wellbore, and then calculates the lag time to show the formation depth where the gases were produced. The Gas Analyzer increases the functionality that was found in the TGAS product to include the actual composition of the gas, and further calculates geologic ratios from the gas composition to assist in indicating the type of gas, natural gas liquid, or oil in the formation. The Company continues to realize increased product penetration for this product. During the first three months of 2014, the Gas Analyzer was installed on 59% of Canadian and 23% of US land rigs operating with a Pason EDR system. The penetration in Canada is an increase of approximately 8% in market share over 2013 levels while the US has seen an increase of 1%. The roll out of the Gas Analyzer in the International markets continues with anticipated completion in most of the major markets in 2014.

Sales
Sales represent sensors and other systems sold by 3PS, Inc. and spare parts sold by Pason Offshore.

Other
Other is comprised mostly of the rental of service rig recorders in Latin America, the Electronic Choke Actuator, Hazardous Gas Alarm products, and Mobilization revenue.

Discussion of Operations

United States Operations

Three Months Ended March 31,			2014			2013			Change
(000s)			($)			($)			(%)
Revenue
Electronic Drilling Recorder ^(1)			30,453			25,560			19
Pit Volume Totalizer			9,393			8,019			17
Communications ^(1)			3,782			1,980			91
Software			5,049			4,309			17
AutoDriller			5,498			4,980			10
Gas Analyzer			3,630			3,002			21
Sales			2,271			2,041			11
Other			4,056			3,593			13
Total revenue			64,132			53,484			20
Operating costs			23,147			22,240			4
Depreciation and amortization			7,560			7,384			2
Segment operating profit			33,425			23,860			40

(1)

A portion of the Company's USA communications revenue was reclassified to EDR revenue to better reflect the nature of such revenue. All comparative figures have been restated accordingly. This change had no impact on reported key metrics, EBITDA, cash flow from operating activities, or net income (Q1 2013 - $2,210).

Three Months Ended March 31,			2014				2013
			USD		CAD		USD		CAD
Revenue per EDR day			628		693		590		595
Revenue per industry day			368		406		334		337

US segment revenue increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2014 over the 2013 comparable period (10% increase when measured in USD).

Industry activity in the US market during the first quarter of 2014 was unchanged from the prior year; however, revenue from the rental of instrumentation increased by 21% over 2013 levels.  EDR rental days increased by 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, over the same time period in 2013, while revenue per EDR day in the first quarter of 2014 increased to $693, an increase of $98 over the same period in 2013.

Market share gains, increased product penetration and a favourable movement in the exchange rate all contributed to revenue growth in the US segment. US market share was 59% during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, up from 57% in the same period of 2013. During the quarter, the US segment saw the most significant improvements in product penetration for EDR peripheral devices, Pit Volume Totalizer, Communications, and the Gas Analyzer. Revenue across all product lines was positively impacted by a favorable change in the US dollar exchange rate.

Segment profit, as a percentage of revenue, was 52% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to 45% for the corresponding period in 2013, an increase of $9.6 million. The US business unit was able to increase its operating margin primarily by leveraging its fixed cost structure and controlling variable costs.

Canadian Operations

Three Months Ended March 31,			2014			2013			Change
(000s)			($)			($)			(%)
Revenue
Electronic Drilling Recorder			18,438			17,374			6
Pit Volume Totalizer			7,447			7,291			2
Communications			5,994			5,649			6
Software			3,502			3,733			(6)
AutoDriller			4,816			4,619			4
Gas Analyzer			5,245			4,654			13
Sales			—			—			—
Other			2,419			2,635			(8)
Total revenue			47,861			45,955			4
Operating costs			10,923			9,607			14
Depreciation and amortization			6,479			6,021			8
Segment operating profit			30,459			30,327			—

Canadian segment revenue grew by 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. This positive growth is a result of a 3% increase in the number of drilling industry days from 2013 levels, combined with greater penetration of a number of different product groups, while market share decreased to 96% from 98% in the comparable period of 2013. EDR rental days were unchanged in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013 levels.

The Canadian business unit was able to increase its revenue in the first quarter mostly through increased product adoption, notably EDR peripherals and the Gas Analyzer, and increases in Communications revenue.

The factors above combined to result in the following:

• An increase in revenue per EDR day during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013 of $52 to $1,113.
  
  
• First quarter revenue per industry day of $1,064 in 2014 compared to $1,045 in 2013.

Operating costs increased by 14% in the first quarter of 2014 relative to the same period in 2013, primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in satellite bandwidth costs, as an additional segment was added to improve the customer experience at the rig.   As a result, segment operating profit for the first quarter of 2014 of $30.5 million is an increase of $0.1 million over the same period in 2013.

International Operations

Three Months Ended March 31,			2014			2013			Change
(000s)			($)			($)			(%)
Revenue
Electronic Drilling Recorder			4,624			3,940			17
Pit Volume Totalizer			1,801			1,560			15
Communications			379			336			13
Software			159			100			59
AutoDriller			1,165			911			28
Gas Analyzer/Total Gas System			1,175			1,078			9
Sales			180			350			(49)
Other			1,698			1,553			9
Total revenue			11,181			9,828			14
Operating costs			6,491			6,394			2
Depreciation and amortization			1,703			1,529			11
Segment operating profit			2,987			1,905			57

Revenue in the International operations increased 14% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same time period in 2013, with increased revenue from each of the Company's rental products.

Operating profit increased by $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2014 over 2013, an increase of 57%.

A number of factors influenced these results:

• Australia revenue increased 38% for the first quarter of 2014 as drilling activity continues to increase across the region, accompanied by increased penetration of the company's rental products, most significantly EDR peripheral devices and the Gas Analyzer.
  
  
• The Company saw increased activity in Argentina, however significant devaluation of the Argentine Peso, together with continued market weakness in Mexico and Brazil, led to a 6% decrease in revenue from Latin America in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013.
  
  
• The Company continues to increase its customer base in areas the Company has identified as "frontier markets" including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. These new markets, combined with increases in market share in the Gulf of Mexico, experienced an increase in first quarter revenue of 83% over the same period in 2013.

Segment operating profit increased by 57% year-over-year to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2014, compared to $1.9 million in the same period of 2013.

Corporate Expenses

Three Months Ended March 31,				2014		2013		Change
(000s)				($)		($)		(%)
Other expenses
Research and development				7,658		6,526		17
Corporate services				4,476		4,160		8
Stock-based compensation				17,668		3,750		371
Other
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss			(450)		220		N/A
	Other			460		330		39
Total corporate expenses				29,812		14,986		99

Q1 2014 vs Q4 2013
The first quarter of the year is typically the strongest for Pason due to the seasonality of Canadian drilling activity. Consolidated revenue of $123.2 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $108.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, an increase of 13%.  The Company experienced revenue growth in all of its rental product groups in the United States and Canada, while international revenues decreased due to a significant devaluation in the Argentine Peso and continued weakness in industry activity in Mexico and Brazil.

Sequentially, EBITDA increased 28%, from $55.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 to $70.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, while funds flow from operations increased 19%, to $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 from $47.5 million in the previous quarter.

Net income decreased by 14% to $20.8 million ($0.25 per share) in the first quarter of 2014 from $24.3 million ($0.29 per share) in the prior quarter.  Due to a significant increase in the Company's share price in the first quarter of 2014, stock-based compensation was $11.5 million higher in the first quarter of 2014 than in the fourth quarter of 2013. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 is significantly higher than the same period of 2013 as a result of the significant non-deductible, non-cash expense provision for the expensing of common share options under the Black-Scholes pricing model.

First Quarter Conference Call
Pason will be conducting a conference call for interested analysts, brokers, investors and media representatives to review its first quarter results at 9:00 am (Calgary time) on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The conference call dial-in number is 1-888-231-8191 or 1-647-427-7450. You can access the seven-day replay by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 1-416-849-0833, using password 10605098.

Pason Systems Inc. is a leading global provider of specialized data management systems for drilling rigs. Our solutions, which include data acquisition, wellsite reporting, remote communications, and web-based information management, enable collaboration between the rig and the office. Pason's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSI.

Additional information, including the Company's Annual Report and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2013, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.pason.com.

Shareholders are also invited to attend the Company's Annual and Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at 3:30 pm at the offices of Pason Systems Inc., 6120 Third Street SE, Calgary, Alberta.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets
As at			March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
(CDN 000s) (unaudited)			($)		($)
Assets
Current
	Cash and cash equivalents		116,803		78,018
	Cash held in trust		12,356		11,502
	Trade and other receivables		98,390		87,469
	Prepaid expenses		2,268		3,121
	Income taxes recoverable		8,512		15,752
	Total current assets		238,329		195,862
Non-current
	Property, plant and equipment		188,840		183,601
	Intangible assets and goodwill		66,122		65,261
	Deferred tax assets		—		1,152
	Total non-current assets		254,962		250,014
Total assets			493,291		445,876
Liabilities and equity
	Current
	Trade payables and accruals		37,318		30,485
	Income taxes payable		2,525		—
	Stock-based compensation liability		33,903		25,942
	Dividend payable		12,356		11,502
	Total current liabilities		86,102		67,929
Non-current
	Stock-based compensation liability		7,089		3,905
	Deferred tax liabilities		9,045		7,573
	Total non-current liabilities		16,134		11,478
Equity
	Share capital		88,176		80,725
	Share-based benefits reserve		12,927		12,927
	Foreign currency translation reserve		16,628		7,958
	Retained earnings		273,324		264,859
	Total equity		391,055		366,469
Total liabilities and equity			493,291		445,876

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014		2013
(CDN 000s, except per share data) (unaudited)			($)		($)
Revenue
	Equipment rentals and sales		123,174		109,267
Operating expenses
	Rental services		35,572		33,876
	Local administration		4,989		4,365
	Depreciation and amortization		15,742		14,934
			56,303		53,175
Operating profit			66,871		56,092
Other expenses
	Research and development		7,658		6,526
	Corporate services		4,476		4,160
	Stock-based compensation		17,668		3,750
	Other expenses		10		550
			29,812		14,986
Income before income taxes			37,059		41,106
	Income taxes		16,238		11,498
Net income			20,821		29,608
Income per share
	Basic		0.25		0.36
	Diluted		0.25		0.36

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Other Comprehensive Income
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014		2013
(CDN 000s) (unaudited)			($)		($)
Net income			20,821		29,608
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		8,670		5,850
Total comprehensive income			29,491		35,458

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity
			Share Capital		Share-Based Benefits Reserve		Foreign Currency Translation Reserve		Retained Earnings		Total Equity
(CDN 000s) (unaudited)			($)		($)		($)		($)		($)
Balance at January 1, 2013			79,393		12,927		(8,348)		284,724		368,696
	Net income		—		—		—		29,608		29,608
	Dividends		—		—		—		(10,667)		(10,667)
	Other comprehensive income		—		—		5,850		—		5,850
	Exercise of stock options		18		—		—		—		18
Balance at March 31, 2013			79,411		12,927		(2,498)		303,665		393,505
	Net loss		—		—		—		(5,953)		(5,953)
	Dividends		—		—		—		(32,853)		(32,853)
	Other comprehensive income		—		—		10,456		—		10,456
	Exercise of stock options		1,314		—		—		—		1,314
Balance at December 31, 2013			80,725		12,927		7,958		264,859		366,469
	Net income		—		—		—		20,821		20,821
	Dividends		—		—		—		(12,356)		(12,356)
	Other comprehensive income		—		—		8,670		—		8,670
	Exercise of stock options		7,451		—		—		—		7,451
Balance at March 31, 2014			88,176		12,927		16,628		273,324		391,055

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
(CDN 000s) (unaudited)		($)		($)
Cash from operating activities
	Net income	20,821		29,608
Adjustment for non-cash items:
	Depreciation and amortization	15,742		14,934
	Stock-based compensation	17,668		3,750
	Deferred income taxes	2,657		1,720
	Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss	(577)		78
Funds flow from operations		56,311		50,090
Movements in non-cash working capital items:
	Increase in trade and other receivables	(9,594)		(9,681)
	Decrease in prepaid expenses	924		406
	Decrease in income taxes	10,774		6,870
	Increase in trade payables and accruals	5,293		1,961
	Effects of exchange rate changes	1,778		1,048
Cash generated from operating activities		65,486		50,694
	Income tax paid	(1,101)		(4,500)
Net cash from operating activities		64,385		46,194
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
	Proceeds from issuance of common shares	3,565		18
	Purchase of stock options	(2,592)		(1,922)
	Payment of dividends	(11,502)		(19,691)
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,529)		(21,595)
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	(14,453)		(10,201)
	Deferred development costs	(2,056)		(3,743)
	Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment	86		44
	Changes in non-cash working capital	997		(754)
Net cash used in investing activities		(15,426)		(14,654)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents		1,209		979
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		39,639		10,924
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		89,520		157,944
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		129,159		168,868
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash and cash equivalents		116,803		158,201
Cash held in trust		12,356		10,667
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		129,159		168,868

Prior year comparatives have been restated to conform to current year presentation

Operating Segments

The Company operates in three geographic segments: Canada, the United States, and International (Latin America, Offshore, the Eastern Hemisphere, and the Middle East). The amounts related to each segment are as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014			Canada			United States			International			Total
			($)			($)			($)			($)
Revenue			47,861			64,132			11,181			123,174
Operating costs			10,923			23,147			6,491			40,561
Depreciation and amortization			6,479			7,560			1,703			15,742
Segment operating profit			30,459			33,425			2,987			66,871
Research and development												7,658
Corporate services												4,476
Stock-based compensation												17,668
Other expenses												10
Income taxes												16,238
Net income												20,821
Capital expenditures			3,913			11,018			1,578			16,509
Goodwill			—			20,457			2,600			23,057
Intangible assets			32,828			7,436			2,801			43,065
Segment assets			166,469			262,406			64,416			493,291
Segment liabilities			60,681			32,945			8,610			102,236
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Revenue			45,955			53,484			9,828			109,267
Operating costs			9,607			22,240			6,394			38,241
Depreciation and amortization			6,021			7,384			1,529			14,934
Segment operating profit			30,327			23,860			1,905			56,092
Research and development												6,526
Corporate services												4,160
Stock-based compensation												3,750
Other expenses												550
Income taxes												11,498
Net income												29,608
Capital expenditures			7,027			4,311			2,606			13,944
Goodwill			—			18,797			2,600			21,397
Intangible assets			27,523			9,353			3,411			40,287
Segment assets			188,825			255,898			65,191			509,914
Segment liabilities			91,469			15,518			9,422			116,409

Other Expenses
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014		2013
			($)		($)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss			(450)		220
Other			460		330
Other expenses			10		550

Pason Systems Inc.

Pason Systems Inc. is a leading global provider of specialized data management systems for drilling rigs. Our solutions, which include data acquisition, wellsite reporting, remote communications, and web-based information management, enable collaboration between the rig and the office. Pason's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSI.TO.

Certain information regarding the Company contained herein may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities law. The words "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "should", "will", "estimate", "project", "outlook", "forecast" or other similar words are used to identify such forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include statements, express or implied regarding the anticipated business prospects and financial performance of Pason; expectations or projections about future strategies and goals for growth and expansion; expected and future cash flows and revenues; and expected impact of future commitments. These forward-looking statements are based upon various underlying factors and assumptions, including the state of the economy and the oil and gas exploration and production business, in particular; the Company's business prospects and opportunities; and estimates of the financial and operational performance of Pason.

Forward-looking information and statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking information and statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability of Pason to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, the operating performance of Pason's assets and businesses, the price of energy commodities, competitive factors in the energy industry, changes in laws and regulations affecting Pason's businesses, technological developments, and general economic conditions.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such forward looking statements, although considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Additional information on risks and uncertainties and other factors that could affect Pason's operations or financial results are included in Pason's reports on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) or through Pason's website (www.pason.com). Furthermore, any forward looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Pason does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law. 

 

 

SOURCE: Pason Systems Inc.

For more information about Pason Systems Inc., visit the company's website at www.pason.com or contact:

Marcel Kessler
President and CEO
403-301-3400
[email protected]

Jon Faber
Chief Financial Officer
403-301-3400
[email protected]