Filed Pursuant to General
Instruction II.L of Form F-10;
File No. 333-115330
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 17, 2004)
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
US$199,200,000
COMMON SHARES
(PRECISION DRILLING LOGO)
Precision Drilling Corporation is offering 4,000,000 common shares. Our
common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the
symbol "PD" and "PD.U" and on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the
symbol "PDS". On July 19, 2004, the closing price of our common shares on the
TSX was $66.61 and on the NYSE was US$50.89.
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON SHARES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING
ON PAGE 6 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND PAGE S-6 OF THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT.
WE ARE PERMITTED TO PREPARE THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS, WHICH ARE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES. WE PREPARE OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, AND THEY
ARE SUBJECT TO CANADIAN AUDITING AND AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE STANDARDS. AS A
RESULT, THEY MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF UNITED STATES
COMPANIES.
OWNING THE SECURITIES MAY SUBJECT YOU TO TAX CONSEQUENCES BOTH IN THE UNITED
STATES AND IN CANADA. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
MAY NOT DESCRIBE THESE TAX CONSEQUENCES FULLY. YOU SHOULD READ THE TAX
DISCUSSION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
YOUR ABILITY TO ENFORCE CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL
SECURITIES LAWS MAY BE AFFECTED ADVERSELY BECAUSE WE ARE AMALGAMATED IN CANADA,
MOST OF OUR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AND SOME OF THE EXPERTS NAMED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS ARE CANADIAN RESIDENTS,
AND MOST OF OUR ASSETS, THE ASSETS OF OUR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND THE EXPERTS
ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Underwriting Net Proceeds to
Price to Public(1) Commission the Corporation(2)
------------------ ---------- ------------------
Per common share.... US$49.80 US$1.992 US$47.808
Total............... US$199,200,000 US$7,968,000 US$191,232,000
Notes:
(1) The common shares are being offered in U.S. and Canadian dollars, based on
the prevailing U.S.-Canadian exchange rate as of the date of this prospectus
supplement. The Price to Public, Underwriting Commission and Net Proceeds to
the Corporation are shown in U.S. dollars and will be the Canadian dollar
equivalents of such amounts converted at the prevailing U.S.-Canadian dollar
exchange rate as of the date of this prospectus supplement. The Canadian
dollar equivalent of the Price to Public is $65.25 per common share.
(2) Before deducting expenses of this offering estimated at US$330,000, which,
together with the underwriting commission, will be paid from our general
funds.
(3) We have granted an over-allotment option to the underwriters, exercisable
for up to 30 days after the date of the closing of this offering, to
purchase on a PRO RATA basis up to an additional 400,000 common shares at
the price to the public in U.S. or Canadian dollars less the underwriting
commission. If the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters is
exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Commission and
Net Proceeds to the Corporation will be US$219,120,000, US$8,764,800 and
US$210,355,200, respectively.
The common shares will be ready for delivery on or about July 26, 2004.
TD Securities Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. are affiliates of
lenders to us under credit facilities. As a result, we may be considered to be a
"connected" issuer of these underwriters. See "Underwriting".
JOINT BOOK-RUNNING MANAGERS
________________
TD SECURITIES RBC CAPITAL MARKETS
UBS
RAYMOND JAMES
FIRSTENERGY CAPITAL CORP.
DUNDEE SECURITIES CORPORATION GMP SECURITIES LTD. JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS TRISTONE CAPITAL INC.
July 20, 2004
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INFORMATION IN
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement,
which describes the specific terms of the securities we are offering and also
adds to and updates certain information contained in the accompanying prospectus
and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part, the accompanying
base shelf prospectus dated May 17, 2004, gives more general information, some
of which may not apply to the common shares we are offering. The accompanying
base shelf prospectus is referred to as the "prospectus" in this document.
IF THE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON SHARES VARIES BETWEEN THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS, YOU SHOULD RELY ON THE INFORMATION IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT, AND THE
UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY OTHER PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT
INFORMATION. IF ANYONE PROVIDES YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR INCONSISTENT INFORMATION,
YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT. WE ARE NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT, MAKING AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS
NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION WE PREVIOUSLY
FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND WITH THE SECURITIES
COMMISSIONS IN EACH OF THE PROVINCES OF CANADA AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, IS
ACCURATE AS OF ITS RESPECTIVE DATE ONLY. OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION,
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES.
In this prospectus supplement, all capitalized terms used and not otherwise
defined herein have the meanings provided in the prospectus. In this prospectus
supplement, the prospectus and any document incorporated by reference, unless
otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all dollar amounts are
expressed in Canadian dollars, and all financial information is determined using
generally accepted accounting principles which are in effect from time to time
in Canada ("Canadian GAAP"). "U.S. GAAP" means generally accepted accounting
principles which are in effect from time to time in the United States. For a
discussion of the principal differences between our financial results as
calculated under Canadian GAAP and under U.S. GAAP, you should refer to Note 15
of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2003, incorporated by reference in the prospectus, as well as to the U.S. GAAP
reconciliation of our unaudited comparative financial statements for the three
months ended March 31, 2004, which is included as an Exhibit to the registration
statement of which the prospectus forms a part. Unless otherwise specified or
the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus supplement and
the prospectus to "Precision", "we", "us" and "our" mean Precision Drilling
Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and partnerships.
This prospectus supplement is deemed to be incorporated by reference into
the accompanying prospectus solely for the purposes of the offering of the
common shares offered hereby. Other documents are also incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference into the prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More
Information" in the prospectus.
The information concerning the land drilling business assets we acquired
from GlobalSantaFe Corporation ("GSF") and the information concerning Reeves
Oilfield Services Ltd. ("Reeves") contained herein has been derived from
information provided by GSF and Reeves or the public disclosure filings of GSF
and Reeves. We have no reason, based on our investigations, to question the
material accuracy of this information or to believe that there are material
omissions therefrom. However, neither we nor the underwriters assume any
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information.
ANY STATEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS OR ANY DOCUMENT INCORPORATED OR DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS FOR
THE PURPOSE OF THE OFFERING OF THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY SHALL BE DEEMED
TO BE MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED TO THE EXTENT THAT A STATEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER SUBSEQUENTLY FILED DOCUMENT THAT ALSO IS
OR IS DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROSPECTUS MODIFIES OR
SUPERSEDES THAT STATEMENT. ANY STATEMENT SO MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED SHALL NOT BE
DEEMED, EXCEPT AS SO MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED, TO CONSTITUTE PART OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS. THE MODIFYING OR SUPERSEDING STATEMENT
NEED NOT STATE THAT IT HAS MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED A PRIOR STATEMENT OR INCLUDE
ANY INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE DOCUMENT WHICH IT MODIFIES OR SUPERSEDES.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
EXCHANGE RATE DATA..................................................... S-4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS............................................. S-4
RISK FACTORS........................................................... S-6
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION......................................... S-7
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.................................................... S-9
DIVIDEND POLICY........................................................ S-11
USE OF PROCEEDS........................................................ S-12
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION.............. S-13
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION............................................ S-16
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL........................................... S-17
CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS...................................... S-18
UNDERWRITING........................................................... S-23
LEGAL MATTERS.......................................................... S-25
EXPERTS................................................................ S-25
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT........................................... S-25
PROSPECTUS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS.................................................. 2
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.................................... 2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS............................................. 5
RISK FACTORS........................................................... 6
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION......................................... 9
USE OF PROCEEDS........................................................ 9
INTEREST COVERAGE...................................................... 9
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES......................................... 10
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL........................................... 22
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION................................................... 22
CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS...................................... 23
LEGAL MATTERS.......................................................... 23
EXPERTS................................................................ 24
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT.................. 24
CONSENT OF KPMG LLP.................................................... 25
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EXCHANGE RATE DATA
We publish our consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars. Unless
otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all dollar amounts are
expressed herein in Canadian dollars, references to "dollars" or "$" are to
Canadian dollars and references to "US$" are to United States dollars.
The following table sets forth certain exchange rates based on the noon
buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Canadian dollars as
certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the
"noon buying rate"). These rates are set forth as United States dollars per
Canadian dollar and are the inverse of rates quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York. On July 20, 2004, the inverse of the noon buying rate was US$0.7634
equals $1.00.
THREE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED MARCH 31,
----------------------------- ------------------
2001 2002 2003 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
High...................... 0.6697 0.6619 0.7738 0.6822 0.7880
Low....................... 0.6241 0.6200 0.6349 0.6349 0.7418
Average(1)................ 0.6457 0.6369 0.7136 0.6623 0.7585
____________
(1) The average of the inverse of the noon buying rate on the last day of each
month during the applicable period.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this prospectus supplement, the prospectus
and the documents incorporated by reference therein constitute forward looking
statements within the meaning of the United States PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT of 1995 relating to, but not limited to, our operations, anticipated
financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward looking
statements typically contain statements with words such as "could", "should",
"expect", "estimate", "likely", "believe", "will" and similar expressions,
including, but not limited to, statements as to: future capital expenditures,
including the amount and nature thereof; oil and gas prices and demand;
expansion and other development trends of the oil and gas industry; business
strategy; expansion and growth of our business and operations, including our
marketshare and position in the domestic and international drilling markets; and
beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or statements about future events or
performance.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements.
By their nature, forward looking statements involve numerous assumptions,
inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to
the possibility that the predicted outcomes will not occur. These factors
include, but are not limited to:
o general economic, business and market conditions including stock market
volatility;
o volatility of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices;
o fluctuations in currency and interest rates;
o competition;
o risks inherent in foreign operations, including political and economic
risk;
o risks of war, hostilities, civil insurrection and terrorist threats;
o fluctuations in the level of oil and gas exploration and development
activities;
o fluctuations in the demand for well servicing, contract drilling,
directional drilling, well logging and ancillary oilfield services;
o technological changes and developments in the oil and gas industry;
S-4
o the ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital;
o the effects of severe and seasonal weather conditions on operations and
facilities;
o the existence of operating risks inherent in well servicing, contract
drilling, directional drilling, well logging and ancillary oilfield
services;
o political circumstances impeding the progress of work in any of the
countries in which we do business;
o identifying and acquiring suitable acquisition targets on reasonable
terms;
o changes in laws or regulations, including taxation, environmental and
currency regulations;
o our ability to integrate and manage acquired businesses, including
Reeves and the land drilling business assets of GlobalSantaFe;
o the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management;
o the availability of supplies and the reliability of components used in
our manufacturing processes;
o our ability to either generate sufficient cash flow to meet current and
future obligations or to obtain external debt or equity financing;
o our ability to make capital investments and the amounts thereof; and
o risks associated with existing and potential future lawsuits and
regulatory actions against us.
We caution that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive.
Events or circumstances could cause our actual results to differ materially from
those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, these forward
looking statements. You should also carefully consider the matters discussed
under "Risk Factors" in the prospectus. We do not undertake any obligation to
update publicly or otherwise revise any forward looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, or the foregoing list of
factors affecting this information.
S-5
RISK FACTORS
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW AS WELL AS
THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS BEFORE PURCHASING THE
COMMON SHARES. IF ANY EVENT ARISING FROM THESE RISKS OCCURS, OUR BUSINESS,
PROSPECTS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATION OR CASH FLOWS COULD BE
MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED. ADDITIONAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES NOT CURRENTLY
KNOWN TO US OR THAT WE CURRENTLY DEEM TO BE IMMATERIAL MAY ALSO MATERIALLY
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
CASH FLOWS. CERTAIN STATEMENTS UNDER THIS CAPTION CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS. SEE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS".
VOLATILITY OF COMMON SHARE PRICE
The market price of the common shares has in the past been, and may in the
future continue to be, volatile. The Offering Price of the common shares has
been determined by negotiations among us and the representatives of the
underwriters, with reference to sales prices of the common shares on the TSX and
the NYSE, and may not be indicative of the market price of the common shares
after the Offering. The market price of the common shares could be subject to
significant fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly and yearly
operating results, the success of our business strategy, general trends in the
oilfield and industrial service industries, competition and changes in Canadian,
provincial, U.S. and state laws and regulations affecting us or the oilfield and
industrial services industries and other factors. In addition, the stock market
in recent years has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often
been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of affected
companies. These fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the
common shares.
ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since 1987 and we
do not anticipate that cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. We
currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the expansion and
development of our business. The declaration and payment in the future of any
cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will
depend upon our earnings, capital requirements and financial position, future
loan covenants, general economic conditions and other pertinent factors. We
cannot assure you that we will in the future pay any dividends or with respect
to the amount of any such dividends.
DILUTION
We may sell additional common shares in subsequent offerings. We may also
issue additional common shares to finance future acquisitions. We cannot predict
the size of future issuances of our common shares or the effect, if any, that
future issuances and sales of our common shares will have on the market price of
our common shares. Sales or issuance of substantial amounts of common shares, or
the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing
market prices for our common shares. With any additional sale or issuance of
common shares, you will suffer dilution to your voting power and may experience
dilution in our earnings per share. In addition, at March 31, 2004, we had
outstanding options to directors, officers and employees to purchase an
aggregate of 2,546,603 common shares at prices ranging from $16.30 to $65.90. We
have agreed with the representatives of the underwriters, subject to certain
exceptions, not to issue any common shares, or securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable into common shares, for a period of 90 days from the
date of this prospectus supplement, without the prior written consent of the
representatives of the underwriters. See "Underwriting".
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PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
We provide oilfield and industrial services to customers in Canada, the
United States and other international regions. Our principal business is the
provision of land drilling services to oil and gas exploration and production
companies. We are the leading provider in Canada of land drilling services based
on the number of wells and metres drilled. Additionally, we provide the
following: well service rigs and hydraulic well assist snubbing units;
procurement and distribution of oilfield supplies; camp and catering services;
manufacture, sale and repair of drilling equipment; open hole logging, cased
hole logging and completion services, slickline services, directional drilling
services; measurement-while-drilling ("MWD") and logging-while-drilling services
("LWD"); the manufacture, rental and sale of polycrystalline diamond compact
drill bits; controlled pressure drilling services and well testing; rental of
mobile combination office and industrial housing; rental of surface oilfield
equipment for drilling, completion and production activities; and we also
provide industrial maintenance and turnaround services, including specialized
equipment and labour services, to downstream oil and gas, petrochemical and
other process industry customers.
We have grown primarily through a series of acquisitions of related
businesses as well as reinvestment in our core business to become the largest
Canadian integrated oilfield service contractor. We have reinvested cash flow
from operations to grow our service and product offerings. In 2003, we derived
70% of our revenue from the Canadian market.
Our operations are managed in three segments consisting of:
o Contract Drilling which includes drilling rigs, service rigs, hydraulic
well assist snubbing units, camp and catering services, procurement and
distribution of oilfield supplies, and manufacture, sale and repair of
drilling equipment;
o Technology Services which includes wireline logging services, slickline
services, directional drilling, MWD and LWD services, controlled
pressure drilling, well testing, and the design and manufacture of
polycrystalline diamond compact ("PDC") drill bits; and
o Rental and Production which includes oilfield equipment rental services
and industrial maintenance.
Our revenue by industry and geographic segments are illustrated in the
following tables.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000s)
--------------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
Contract Drilling................ $ 1,004,265 $ 770,147 $ 992,824
Technology Services.............. 614,152 603,088 714,385
Rental and Production............ 194,567 192,840 210,724
Corporate and other.............. 2,224 1,431 --
------------- ------------- -------------
Total Revenue.................... $ 1,815,208 $ 1,567,506 $ 1,917,933
============= ============= =============
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000s)
--------------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
Canada........................... $ 1,320,989 $ 1,022,489 $ 1,349,565
International.................... 494,219 545,017 568,368
------------- ------------- -------------
Total............................ $ 1,815,208 $ 1,567,506 $ 1,917,933
============= ============= =============
CONTRACT DRILLING
Contract Drilling consists of three main categories of operations; Canadian
Contract Drilling, which includes contract drilling support, International
Drilling and Canadian Well Servicing.
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Revenue generated by these operations is as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000s)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
REVENUE % REVENUE % REVENUE %
------------- ---- ----------- ---- ----------- ----
Canadian Contract Drilling.......... $ 661,659 66% $ 474,051 61% $ 654,572 66%
International Drilling.............. 113,404 11% 105,108 14% 114,131 11%
Canadian Well Servicing............. 229,202 23% 190,988 25% 224,121 23%
------------- ---- ----------- ---- ----------- ----
$ 1,004,265 100% $ 770,147 100% $ 992,824 100%
============= ==== =========== ==== =========== ====
CANADIAN CONTRACT DRILLING
We own and operate the largest fleet of land drilling rigs in Canada with
225 actively marketed rigs (41 of which are electrically powered) located
throughout the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, accounting for approximately
33% of the actively marketed land drilling rigs in Canada. During 2003, we
achieved a utilization rate of 52.0% for our drilling rigs compared to the
average industry utilization rate in Canada of 53.1%. We drilled 8,451
exploration and development wells, accounting for 40.8% of industry wells in
western Canada.
INTERNATIONAL DRILLING
Our international drilling operations which are carried out through various
international subsidiaries, are focused on expansion into countries where
drilling opportunities fit our niche capabilities, and where we can attain a
strategic position in the near to medium term. In 2003, we operated 19 rigs in
Mexico, South America, the Middle East and the Asia/Pacific region.
CANADIAN WELL SERVICING
We have 239 well service rigs, the largest well service fleet in Canada. Our
diverse workover rig fleet is capable of performing service and completion jobs
in any depth range, including heavy oil wells as well as horizontal re-entry
drilling. Our service rigs are used for (i) completion services to prepare a
newly drilled well for production; (ii) workovers to, among other things,
restore or enhance production from a well, subsurface repairs such as casing
repair or replacement, recovery of tubing and removal of foreign objects, such
as lost tools, in the wellbore; and (iii) well maintenance services to ensure
continuous and efficient operation of producing wells.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Technology Services carries on business through three main business lines:
wireline, directional drilling and separation services. Wireline includes cased
hole, open hole and slickline services. Directional drilling includes MWD, LWD,
directional drilling and rotary steerable services. Separation services include
well testing and controlled pressure drilling (which includes underbalanced
drilling services).
Revenue generated by Technology Services operations is as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000s)
---------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
REVENUE % REVENUE % REVENUE %
----------- ---- ----------- ---- ----------- ----
Wireline.......................... $ 308,569 50% $ 227,497 38% $ 298,568 42%
Directional Drilling.............. 175,614 29% 178,675 29% 223,442 31%
Separation Services............... 85,530 14% 100,670 17% 95,426 13%
Other............................. 44,439 7% 96,246 16% 96,949 14%
----------- ---- ----------- ---- ----------- ----
$ 614,152 100% $ 603,088 100% $ 714,385 100%
=========== ==== =========== ==== =========== ====
WIRELINE
Our wireline services are offered from numerous locations throughout the
world. The provision of wireline services is divided into open hole services,
cased hole services and slickline services. At our Fort Worth, Texas facility we
design, assemble and service open hole and cased hole logging tools and surface
equipment. We provide
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wireline and slickline services with 39 open hole units, 175 cased hole units,
10 combination open/cased hole units, 14 slickline and six combination
slickline/cased hole units deployed from our service centres in Canada, the
United States, Mexico and other international regions.
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
We supply specialized equipment including MWD, LWD, rotary steerable systems
and drilling motors along with experienced personnel for directional and
horizontal drilling operations. Those services are available for directional
control, slant well drilling, single and multi-lateral horizontal wells and
other directional applications. Our directional drilling equipment is engineered
and assembled in Edmonton, Alberta and our MWD and LWD tools are manufactured
and assembled in Houston, Texas.
SEPARATION SERVICES
We provide separation services, well testing and controlled pressure
drilling services to oil and gas producers. Our controlled pressure drilling
services are provided from facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico,
South America, Europe/Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Pacific. We also sell and
rent drill bits into the Canadian market and selected international markets.
RENTAL AND PRODUCTION
Revenue generated by Rental and Production operations is as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000s)
--------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
Rental Services........................ $ 42,290 $ 24,469 $ 36,478
Production Services.................... 152,277 168,371 174,246
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 194,567 $ 192,840 $ 210,724
=========== =========== ===========
RENTAL SERVICES
Our rental services component of the Rental and Production segment provides
a wide array of rental products and services, including surface, drilling,
completion and production equipment; tubular and well control equipment; and
field and well site accommodations. We maintain an inventory of rental equipment
including storage tanks, high and low pressure oil and gas separators, sump and
shale tanks and related equipment. Our field and well site accommodation
business consists of a fleet of approximately 281 fully equipped and furnished
units. Our tubular and well control business consists of the rental of
specialized drilling equipment (approximately 10,000 joints of specialty drill
pipe and collars and 4,000 handling tools, valves, kellys and floats) to
hydrocarbon producers and service and drilling rig contractors engaged in the
Canadian oil and gas industry.
PRODUCTION SERVICES
The production services component of this segment provides industrial
cleaning, catalyst handling and mechanical services, usually carried out in
large plants such as refineries, gas plants, petro-chemical facilities and the
pulp and paper industry. We operate a modern fleet of equipment that includes
portable dredges, dewatering centrifuges and oil-skimming equipment capable of
assisting companies in dealing with a variety of water-related maintenance
services.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE THE LAND DRILLING BUSINESS OF GLOBALSANTAFE CORPORATION
We entered into an agreement (the "GSF Purchase Agreement") dated April 1,
2004, with GlobalSantaFe Corporation ("GSF") and certain of its subsidiaries
(the "GSF Group") whereby the GSF Group agreed to sell all of its land drilling
business assets to us for US$316.5 million. We closed this transaction on May
21, 2004.
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The GSF land drilling business was carried out by the GSF Group in Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman and Venezuela and consists of 31 drilling rigs and
associated inventory and equipment. Most of the 31 drilling rigs are greater
than 1,500 horsepower rigs. The location of the drilling rigs is as follows: 12
rigs in Kuwait; 4 rigs in Saudi Arabia; 4 rigs in Egypt; 3 rigs in Oman; and 8
rigs in Venezuela. For the 12 month period ended December 31, 2003, the GSF land
drilling business assets that we acquired generated revenue of approximately
US$93.6 million.
In addition to the 31 drilling rigs and associated inventory and equipment,
we also acquired the infrastructure necessary to continue carrying on GSF's land
drilling business, including retaining most of the employees in the GSF land
drilling business, and taking over available drilling contracts and leased
premises pertaining to the GSF land drilling business. We also entered into a
transition services agreement whereby GSF provides transitional services to us
to facilitate a smooth transition following our acquisition of GSF's land
drilling business.
The following is a summary of the acquired GSF land drilling business in
each of the countries where it operated:
KUWAIT
GSF drilled for the state owned Kuwait Oil Company with three 3,000
horsepower rigs working in Kuwait. These rigs are high horsepower rigs which are
suited for deep drilling. GSF also had four 1,500 horsepower rigs, two 1,250
horsepower rigs and three 750 horsepower rigs in Kuwait.
SAUDI ARABIA
GSF had three 3,000 horsepower rigs and one 1,700 horsepower rig in Saudi
Arabia. Saudi Aramco is the primary customer of GSF in Saudi Arabia.
OMAN
GSF had two 1,000 horsepower rigs and one 750 horsepower rig in Oman. As
Oman oil reserves are shallower than other countries in the region, these
smaller rigs are more suitable for the exploration and development drilling
which is carried out in Oman. The two 1,000 horsepower rigs are currently under
long term contracts which are in place until October 2007.
EGYPT
GSF had three 2,000 horsepower rigs and one workover rig in Egypt. Although
oil production has declined in Egypt since 1996, natural gas production is
growing in importance and there are two liquid natural gas facilities under
construction.
VENEZUELA
GSF had two 3,000 horsepower rigs and six 2,000 horsepower rigs in
Venezuela. Although Venezuela has extensive oil and gas reserves, Venezuela's
exploration efforts have been substantially hindered by political unrest for the
last two years and, as a result, GSF's eight drilling rigs in Venezuela had
been, for the most part, idle over the last two year period prior to our
acquisition. Although political uncertainty continues in Venezuela, there have
been recent signs of increasing oil and gas drilling activity. At this time, we
have four rigs of our own in Venezuela, all of which are under 1,000 horsepower.
With the acquisition of the additional eight large horsepower rigs of GSF, we
have a good mix of large and smaller horsepower rigs in Venezuela which should
put us in a favourable position when oil and gas activity increases in
Venezuela.
ACQUISITION OF REEVES OILFIELD SERVICES LTD.
On May 8, 2004, we entered into an agreement with 3i Group PLC and certain
other shareholders of Reeves Oilfield Services Ltd. ("Reeves"), a United Kingdom
registered company, to make an offer to purchase all of the issued and
outstanding shares (the "Reeves Shares") of Reeves (the "Reeves Takeover
Offer"). Certain managers of
S-10
Reeves and 3i Group PLC, together holding 73.6% of the Reeves Shares, agreed to
tender their Reeves Shares pursuant to the Reeves Takeover Offer.
One of the conditions of the Reeves Takeover Offer was that at least 90% of
the Reeves Shares be tendered on or before June 10, 2004 or such later date as
was agreed between the parties (the "Reeves Condition"). The Reeves Condition
was met and as of July 20, 2004, a total of 99.999% of the Reeves Shares were
tendered and paid for. Upon completion of the purchase of 100% of the Reeves
Shares, the total purchase price will amount to (pound)92.4 million (US$164.9
million based on an exchange rate of US$1.00: (pound)0.5605). In acquiring the
Reeves Shares, we assumed a positive consolidated net cash position of
approximately (pound)4.0 million taking into account outstanding operating bank
loans.
For the 12 month period ended March 31, 2004, Reeves generated revenue of
US$73.7 million (based on an average exchange rate of US$1.00: (pound)0.5848),
US$23.0 million of which was generated from Reeves' Canadian operations.
THE REEVES BUSINESS
Reeves is an international provider of open hole and cased hole logging
services to the oil and gas industry. The headquarters of Reeves is in East
Leake, Leicestershire, England and Reeves carries out field operations through
five principal operating companies in the following geographic areas:
o the western region of the United States (including Alaska and
California) through Reeves Wireline Services Inc.;
o the Appalachian region of the United States, through Allegheny Wireline
Services Inc.;
o western Canada, through Reeves Wireline Services (Canada) Ltd.;
o Australia, through Reeves Wireline Services (Australia) Pty Ltd. and
Reeves Wireline Services (New Zealand) Ltd.; and
o Europe, the Middle East and Africa through various branches of Reeves
Wireline Services Ltd. (a United Kingdom company).
All of these operating companies (the "Reeves Operating Companies") are
directly or indirectly owned 100% by Reeves, with the exception of Allegheny
Wireline Services Inc., which is 56.5% owned by Reeves.
Another wholly owned Reeves subsidiary, Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited
(referred to herein as "RWTL"), a United Kingdom corporation, is responsible for
design and manufacture of the logging equipment used by Reeves and the Reeves
Operating Companies. RWTL provides a smaller diameter, lighter weight, shorter
length suite of logging tools, compared to most competitors' conventional
logging tools. The compact tool system can utilize smaller winches, smaller
trucks and require fewer personnel to operate.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since 1987 and we
do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently
intend to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of our business.
Our dividend policy will, however, be reviewed from time to time in the context
of our earnings, financial condition, investment opportunities and other
relevant factors.
S-11
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately
US$190,902,000, after deducting the underwriting commission and the estimated
expenses payable by us of approximately US$330,000. If the underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full the net proceeds to us will be
approximately US$210,025,200. We will use the net proceeds primarily to repay
indebtedness, including all of the currently outstanding indebtedness incurred
to finance the acquisitions of the land drilling business assets of
GlobalSantaFe Corporation and all of the outstanding shares of Reeves Oilfield
Services Ltd. See "Recent Developments". We will use any remaining net proceeds
for general corporate purposes.
S-12
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial
information for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 derived from
our audited consolidated financial statements which have been audited by KPMG
LLP and our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months
ended March 31, 2003 and 2004, which have been incorporated by reference into
the prospectus supplement. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in
accordance with Canadian GAAP, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.
For a discussion of the principal differences between our financial results as
calculated under Canadian GAAP and under U.S. GAAP, you should refer to Note 15
of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003,
incorporated by reference into the prospectus, as well as to the U.S. GAAP
reconciliation for our unaudited comparative financial statements for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 which is included as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which the prospectus forms a part. You should read this selected
consolidated financial information in conjunction with our audited consolidated
financial statements and the related notes and management's discussion and
analysis for the year ended December 31, 2003 and our unaudited consolidated
interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the
three months ended March 31, 2004, which are incorporated by reference in the
prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for any future periods.
S-13
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THREE MONTHS
ENDED MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------- ---------------------------------------
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 2003 2004 2001 2002 2003
---------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
INCOME STATEMENT:
Revenue
Contract Drilling............................ $ 335.3 $ 387.3 $ 1,004.2 $ 770.1 $ 992.8
Technology Services.......................... 203.0 227.2 614.2 603.2 714.4
Rental and Production........................ 49.7 50.7 194.6 192.8 210.7
Corporate and Other.......................... -- -- 2.2 1.4 --
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
588.0 665.2 1,815.2 1,567.5 1,917.9
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Expenses
Operating.................................... 376.0 387.9 1,138.2 1,094.7 1,273.5
General and administrative................... 35.2 42.8 143.5 144.5 136.7
Depreciation and amortization................ 48.9 49.7 139.3 133.4 170.8
Research and engineering..................... 8.9 11.3 31.7 34.9 42.4
Foreign exchange............................. 0.1 0.3 0.7 4.4 (2.6)
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
469.1 492.0 1,453.4 1,411.9 1,620.8
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating earnings.............................. 118.9 173.2 361.8 155.6 297.1
Net interest expense............................ 9.3 8.2 43.1 35.1 35.1
Dividend income................................. -- -- (1.1) -- --
Gain on disposal of investments................. -- -- (1.8) (0.9) (3.4)
Income taxes.................................... 35.2 56.7 114.5 30.7 72.5
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings from continuing operations before
non-controlling interest and goodwill
amortization................................. 74.4 108.3 207.2 90.7 192.9
Non-controlling interest........................ 0.3 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.8
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings from continuing operations before
goodwill amortization........................ 74.1 107.4 206.3 89.5 191.1
Goodwill amortization, net of tax............... -- -- 30.6 -- --
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings from continuing operations............. 74.1 107.4 175.7 89.5 191.1
Discontinued operations, net of tax............. 9.0 (6.9) 10.8 1.8 (2.4)
-------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Earnings.................................... $ 83.1 $ 100.5 $ 186.5 $ 91.3 $ 188.7
======== ======== =========== =========== ===========
EPS from continuing operations
Basic........................................ $ 1.37 $ 1.94 $ 3.31 $ 1.67 $ 3.51
Diluted...................................... $ 1.34 $ 1.91 $ 3.23 $ 1.63 $ 3.46
CASH FLOW STATEMENT:
Cash flow from operations....................... $ (19.8) $ 74.0 $ 432.2 $ 199.2 $ 258.4
Net capital expenditures(1)..................... $ 72.5 $ 49.0 $ 340.7 $ 239.5 $ 290.5
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(2)....................................... $ 167.8 $ 222.9 $ 501.1 $ 289.0 $ 467.9
AS AT
MARCH 31, AS AT DECEMBER 31,
----------- ------------------
2004 2002 2003
---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:
Cash......................................................................... 20.2 17.3 21.4
Total assets................................................................. 3,020.3 2,760.0 2,908.4
Bank indebtedness............................................................ 79.1 95.3 147.9
Long-term debt............................................................... 404.6 542.0 416.6
Non-controlling interest..................................................... 4.6 2.0 3.8
Shareholders' equity......................................................... 1,878.4 1,533.0 1,745.3
____________
(1) Excludes business acquisitions, but includes proceeds from the sale of
property, plant and equipment.
S-14
(2) EBITDA represents net earnings from operations, before depreciation and
amortization, net interest expense, dividend income, gain on disposal of
investments, income taxes, non-controlling interest, goodwill amortization,
net of tax, and discontinued operations, net of tax. EBITDA is presented
because we believe it is a useful measure of our operating performance.
However, EBITDA is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity under
Canadian GAAP or U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to
net cash flow from operations as a measure of our liquidity or as
alternative to net earnings as an indicator of our operating performance or
any other measure of performance in accordance with Canadian GAAP or U.S.
GAAP. EBITDA, as we use the term herein, may not be comparable to EBITDA as
reported by other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA to operating
earnings is set forth below. The numerical information required to reconcile
operating earnings to net earnings is set forth as part of the selected
income statements above.
THREE MONTHS
ENDED MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------- -------------------------------
2003 2004 2001 2002 2003
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
EBITDA............................................. $ 167.8 $ 222.9 $ 501.1 $ 289.0 467.9
Subtract:
Depreciation and amortization...................... $ 48.9 $ 49.7 $ 139.3 $ 133.4 $ 170.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating earnings................................. $ 118.9 $ 173.2 $ 361.8 $ 155.6 $ 297.1
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
SELECTED OPERATING INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain operating information for our
Canadian drilling operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2004.
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2004
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
MARKET MARKET
PRECISION INDUSTRY(1) SHARE % PRECISION INDUSTRY(1) SHARE %
--------- ----------- ------- --------- ----------- -------
Number of drilling rigs......... 225 648 34.7 226 679 33.3
Number of operating days (spud
to release)..................... 14,641 42,024 34.8 14,768 45,189 32.7
Wells drilled................... 2,281 5,383 42.4 2,283 6,159 37.1
Average days per well........... 6.4 7.8 6.5 7.3
Metres drilled (000s)........... 2,391 5,950 40.2 2,571 7,087 36.3
Average metres per day.......... 163 142 174 157
Average metres per well......... 1,048 1,105 1,126 1,151
Rig utilization rate (%)........ 72.3 72.1 71.9 73.2
____________
(1) Excludes non-Canadian Association of Oil Well Drilling Contractors rigs.
S-15
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
The following table summarizes our consolidated capitalization as at March
31, 2004: (i) on an actual basis; (ii) on a proforma basis to give effect to the
indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisitions of the land drilling business
assets of GSF and all of the outstanding shares of Reeves as well as the
issuance of our 5.625% notes due 2014 and the use of the net proceeds of such
issuance; and (iii) on a proforma as adjusted basis to give effect to the
incurrence of the indebtedness described in (ii) as well as the issuance of the
common shares in this offering (assuming no exercise of the over-allotment
option by the underwriters) and the application of the net proceeds of this
offering as described under "Use of Proceeds". You should read this table
together with our unaudited comparative consolidated financial statements for
the three month period ended March 31, 2004 which are incorporated by reference
in the prospectus.
MARCH 31, 2004
-------------------------------------------------------
PROFORMA
ACTUAL PROFORMA AS ADJUSTED
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(TABULAR AMOUNTS IN 000s EXCEPT NUMBER OF SHARES)
Operating Bank Loans(1)(4)................................. $ 79,077 $ 322,268 $ 72,148
Long-term Debt
6.85% Series 1 debentures maturing June 26, 2007......... 200,000 200,000 200,000
7.65% Series 2 debentures maturing October 27, 2010...... 150,000 150,000 150,000
5.625% Notes maturing June 1, 2014(2).................... 412,890 412,890
EDC term facility maturing September 15, 2005............ 26,400 26,400 26,400
EDC extendable facility maturing October 24, 2004........ 27,922 27,922 27,922
Capital lease obligations................................ 268 268 268
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total Long-Term Debt....................................... $ 404,590 $ 817,480 $ 817,480
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total Debt................................................. $ 483,667 $ 1,139,748 $ 889,628
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Shareholders' Equity(3)....................................
Contributed Surplus...................................... $ 15,766 $ 15,766 $ 15,766
Common Shares(4)......................................... 967,830 967,830 1,217,950
(55,753,494 shares) (55,753,494 shares)(59,753,494 shares)
Retained earnings........................................ 894,798 894,798 894,798
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total Shareholders' Equity................................. $ 1,878,394 $ 1,878,394 $ 2,128,514
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total Capitalization....................................... $ 2,362,061 $ 3,018,142 $ 3,018,142
================= ================= ================
____________
(1) Our operating bank loans consist of (i) a $350,000,000 syndicated extendable
unsecured credit facility, and (ii) a $33,000,000 (US$25,000,000) revolving
unsecured credit loan facility bearing interest at the bank's prime lending
rate less 75 basis points. As at March 31, 2004, we were entitled to borrow
a total of $383 million under these facilities.
(2) We issued US$300,000,000 of notes in May 2004. For the purposes of this
table we have converted such amount based on the noon buying rate of May 25,
2004, which was US$1.00 equals $1.3763.
(3) Additionally, there are options outstanding as of March 31, 2004, to
purchase 2,546,603 common shares at prices ranging from $16.30 to $65.90.
(4) Does not include 400,000 common shares which may be issued under the
over-allotment option. See "Underwriting". In the event of the exercise of
the over-allotment option, the operating bank loans will decrease by
approximately $25.055 million, shareholders' equity will increase by
approximately $25.055 million and the issued and outstanding common shares
will increase by 400,000 to 60,153,494.
S-16
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares
without nominal or par value and an unlimited number of non-voting, cumulative,
convertible, redeemable preferred shares ("Preferred Shares") without nominal or
par value, issuable in series. As at June 30, 2004, 55,919,724 common shares are
issued and outstanding and no Preferred Shares have been issued.
COMMON SHARES
Each common share entitles the holder to receive notice of and to attend all
meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only the holders of
another class or series are entitled to vote. Each common share entitles the
holder to one vote. The holders of common shares, in the discretion of the board
of directors, are entitled to receive out of any monies properly applicable to
the payment of dividends, and after the payment of any dividends payable on the
Preferred Shares of any series or any other series ranking prior to the common
shares as to the payment of dividends, any dividends declared and payable on the
common shares. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Precision, or
other distribution of our assets among our shareholders for the purposes of
winding-up our affairs, the holders of the common shares are entitled to share
on a share-for-share basis in the distribution, except for the prior rights of
the holders of the Preferred Shares of any series, or any other class ranking
prior to the common shares. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights, and
the common shares are not subject to redemption. All common shares currently
outstanding and to be outstanding upon exercise of outstanding options are, or
will be, fully paid and non-assessable.
Our by-laws provide for certain rights of holders of our common shares in
accordance with the provisions of the BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (Alberta). Such
by-laws may be amended either by a majority vote of the holders of common shares
or by a majority vote of the board of directors. Any amendment of the by-laws by
action of the board of directors must be submitted to the next meeting of our
shareholders whereupon the by-law amendment must be confirmed, confirmed as
amended or replaced by a majority of the vote of the shareholders voting on such
matter.
Our shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights on the election of our
directors. Therefore, the holder of more than 50% of the common shares voting
for the election of our directors could, if they chose to do so, elect all of
the directors and, in such event, the holders of the remaining common shares
would not be able to elect any director.
S-17
CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax
considerations under the Tax Act generally applicable to the holding and
disposition of common shares by a holder who acquires common shares in this
Offering and who either (i) at all relevant times for purposes of the Tax Act,
is resident in Canada, deals at arm's length with and is not affiliated with us
and acquires and holds the common shares as capital property (a "Resident
Holder"), or (ii) at all relevant times for purposes of the Tax Act, is not
resident or deemed to be resident in Canada, deals at arm's length with and is
not affiliated with us, acquires and holds the common shares as capital property
and does not use or hold the common shares in the course of carrying on, or
otherwise in connection with, a business in Canada and who, for purposes of the
Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (the "Treaty"), is a resident of the
United States, has never been a resident of Canada, and has not held or used
(and does not hold or use) common shares in connection with a permanent
establishment or fixed base in Canada (a "U.S. Holder"). Generally, common
shares will be considered to be capital property to a holder thereof provided
that the holder does not use the common shares in the course of carrying on a
business and such holder has not acquired them in one or more transactions
considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. Certain
Resident Holders may, in certain circumstances, treat common shares, and every
"Canadian security" (as defined in the Tax Act) owned by such Resident Holder,
as capital property by making an irrevocable election permitted by subsection
39(4) of the Tax Act. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors for
advice as to whether an election under subsection 39(4) is available and/or
advisable in their particular circumstances. This summary assumes that the
common shares will at all relevant times be listed on a prescribed stock
exchange for purposes of the Tax Act which currently includes the TSX and the
NYSE.
This summary does not deal with special situations, such as particular
circumstances of traders or dealers in securities, limited liability companies,
tax-exempt entities, insurers, financial institutions (including those to which
the mark-to-market provisions of the Tax Act apply), nor is it applicable to any
holder of common shares, an interest in which is a "tax shelter investment" for
the purposes of the Tax Act or to U.S. Holders who are non-resident insurers
carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act and the
regulations thereunder, all specific proposals (the "Tax Proposals") to amend
the Tax Act and regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister
of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof the current provisions of the
Treaty, as amended, and the administrative practice of the Canada Revenue Agency
("CRA") publicly released prior to the date hereof. While this summary assumes
that the Tax Proposals will be enacted as currently proposed, no assurance can
be given in this respect.
This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax
considerations and, except for any Tax Proposals, does not take into account or
anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial
decision or action, or any changes in the Treaty or administrative practices of
the CRA. This summary does not take into account provincial, territorial, U.S.
or other foreign income tax considerations, which may differ significantly from
those discussed herein. Provisions of provincial income tax legislation vary
from province to province in Canada and may differ from federal income tax
legislation. This summary is not intended as legal or tax advice to any
particular holder of common shares and should not be so construed. The tax
consequences to any particular holder of common shares will vary according to
that holder's particular circumstances. Each holder should consult the holder's
own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences applicable to the
holder's own particular circumstances.
For purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relevant in computing a holder's
liability under the Tax Act must be computed in Canadian dollars. Amounts
denominated in United States dollars including adjusted cost base, proceeds of
disposition and dividends must be converted into Canadian dollars based on the
prevailing exchange rate at the relevant time.
S-18
TAXATION OF RESIDENT HOLDERS
DIVIDENDS
In the case of a Resident Holder who is an individual, any dividends
received or deemed to be received on the common shares will be required to be
included in computing the Resident Holder's income and will be subject to the
gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable to taxable dividends
received from Canadian resident corporations. Dividends received or deemed to be
received by a Resident Holder that is a corporation will be included in income
and normally will be deductible in computing such corporation's taxable income.
A Resident Holder that is a "private corporation" or a "subject corporation", as
such terms are defined in the Tax Act, may be liable under Part IV of the Tax
Act to pay a refundable tax of 33 1/3% on dividends received or deemed to be
received on the common shares to the extent that such dividends are deductible
in computing the Resident Holder's taxable income.
DISPOSITIONS
A disposition, or a deemed disposition, of a common share by a Resident
Holder in the open market will generally give rise to a capital gain (or a
capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition of the
common share, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less
than) the adjusted cost base of the common share to the Resident Holder. For
this purpose, the adjusted cost base to a Resident Holder of a common share at
any particular time will be determined by averaging the cost of that common
share with the adjusted cost base of all common shares of the company held as
capital property at that time by the Resident Holder.
One-half of any capital gain realized by a Resident Holder will be included
in computing the Resident Holder's income as a taxable capital gain. One-half of
any capital loss realized by a Resident Holder may generally be deducted against
taxable capital gains realized in that year, in the three preceding taxation
years or in any subsequent taxation year, subject to detailed rules contained in
the Tax Act in this regard. A capital loss may not generally be deducted against
other types of income such as business or employment income. A capital loss
realized by certain Resident Holders (generally corporations and corporate
partnerships) may be reduced in certain circumstances by the amount of any
dividends, including deemed dividends, which have been received by such holders
on the common shares to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Tax
Act. A Resident Holder that is a "Canadian-controlled private corporation", as
defined in the Tax Act, may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6
2/3% on certain investment income, including taxable capital gains. Capital
gains realized by a Resident Holder that is an individual may give rise to a
liability for alternative minimum tax. Resident Holders should consult their own
tax advisors with respect to alternative minimum tax.
TAXATION OF U.S. HOLDERS
It is the position of the CRA that a US limited liability company ("LLC") is
not a resident of the United States for purposes of the Treaty and, as such, an
LLC is not entitled to the benefits of the Treaty. Holders who are LLC's should
consult with their tax advisors.
DIVIDENDS
Dividends paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited to a U.S. Holder
by us are subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Treaty, the rate of
withholding tax on dividends paid or credited to a U.S. Holder is generally
limited to 15% of the gross amount of the dividend (or 5% in the case of a U.S.
Holder that is a corporation beneficially owning at least 10% of the company's
voting shares). If treaty protection does not apply, as in the case of an LLC,
then the withholding rate is 25%.
DISPOSITIONS
A U.S. Holder is generally not subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect
of a capital gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of a common
share in the open market, nor will capital losses arising therefrom be
recognized under the Tax Act, unless the common share constitutes "taxable
Canadian property" that is not "treaty-protected property" to the U.S. Holder
thereof for purposes of the Tax Act.
S-19
A common share will be taxable Canadian property to a U.S. Holder if, at any
time during the 60 month period ending at the time of disposition, the U.S.
Holder or persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length (or the
U.S. Holder together with such persons) owned 25% or more of the company's
issued shares of any class or series. In the case of a U.S. Holder to whom
common shares represent taxable Canadian property, such shares will be
considered treaty-protected property by reason of the Treaty (and no Canadian
income tax will be payable under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a
disposition of such shares in the open market) unless the value of such shares
is derived principally from real property situated in Canada. We believe that
the value of our common shares is not derived principally from real property
situated in Canada.
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences
that may be relevant to the ownership and disposition of common shares by U.S.
Holders (as defined below) who purchase such shares in this offering. Except
where noted, this summary deals only with common shares held as capital assets
as defined in Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). This discussion does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S.
federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular holders in light of
their particular circumstances nor does it deal with persons that are subject to
special tax rules, such as dealers and traders in securities or currencies,
financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, persons
holding common shares as a part of a straddle, hedge, or conversion transaction
or a synthetic security or other integrated transaction, regulated investment
companies, traders in securities who elect to mark-to-market their securities,
persons actually or constructively owning 10% or more of our voting stock,
persons who acquired their common shares through the exercise or cancellation of
employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services, U.S.
expatriates, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, U.S. Holders whose
"functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar, and holders who are not U.S.
Holders. This discussion does not cover any state, local, or foreign tax
consequences. The discussion is based upon the provisions of the Code and United
States Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions under the Code, all
as currently in effect as of the date of this prospectus supplement, and those
authorities may be repealed, revoked or modified (possibly with retroactive
effect) so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from
those discussed below. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") will take a similar view as to any of the tax consequences
described in this summary.
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED
TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY HOLDER OR
PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF COMMON SHARES OF THE COMPANY AND NO OPINION OR
REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY
HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER IS MADE. U.S. HOLDERS AND PERSONS CONSIDERING THE
PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES IN LIGHT
OF THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE
LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OF ANY LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAXING JURISDICTION.
As used in this section, a "U.S. Holder" of common shares means a holder
that is (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or
therein, (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income
taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) which is subject to the
supervision of a court within the United States and the control of a United
States person, or (B) that was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a
United States person under the Code on the previous day, and validly elected to
continue to be so treated under applicable United States Treasury regulations.
If a partnership or other flow-through entity holds common shares, the U.S.
federal income tax treatment of a partner or other owner generally will depend
on the status of the partner or other owner and the activities of the
partnership or other flow-through entity. A U.S. Holder that is a partner of the
partnership or an owner of another flow-through entity holding common shares
should consult its own tax advisors.
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
Unless we are treated as a passive foreign investment company, described
below, the gross amount of distributions paid to a U.S. Holder of common shares
(including amounts withheld to pay Canadian withholding
S-20
taxes as described below) will be treated as dividend income to such U.S.
Holder, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such income
will be includable in the gross income of a U.S. Holder on the day received by
the U.S. Holder. In the case of a taxable corporate U.S. Holder, such dividends
will be taxable as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the corporate
dividends received deduction, which is generally allowed to U.S. corporate
shareholders on dividends received from a domestic corporation. Provided that we
are not treated as a passive foreign investment company, described below, a
foreign personal holding company, or a foreign investment company, in the case
of an individual U.S. Holder, such dividends will be eligible for a maximum tax
rate of 15% for dividends received before January 1, 2009, provided such holder
holds the common shares for at least 60 days and certain other conditions are
satisfied.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and
accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution will first
be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted
tax basis of the common shares (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or
decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by the U.S. Holder on a
subsequent disposition of the common shares) and any excess will be treated as
capital gain. Such distributions generally will not give rise to foreign source
income for foreign tax credit purposes. We do not currently maintain
calculations of our earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The amount of any distribution paid in Canadian dollars will equal the U.S.
dollar value of the Canadian dollars received calculated by reference to the
exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by the U.S. Holder
regardless of whether the Canadian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars. If
the Canadian dollars received as a distribution are not converted into U.S.
dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a basis in the Canadian
dollars equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. holder
who receives payment in Canadian dollars and engages in a subsequent conversion
or other disposition of the Canadian dollars may have a foreign currency
exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and
generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes.
U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. tax
consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of Canadian dollars.
A U.S. Holder may be entitled to deduct, or claim a foreign tax credit for
such Canadian taxes, subject to applicable limitations in the Code. Dividends
will be income from sources outside the United States and generally will be
"passive income" or "financial services income" for purposes of computing the
foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S. Holder. The rules governing the foreign
tax credit are complex, and additional limitations on the credit apply to
individuals receiving dividends from foreign corporations if the dividends are
eligible for the 15% maximum tax rate on dividends described above. Investors
are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the
foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
SALE OR EXCHANGE OF COMMON SHARES
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize
a taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of a common share in an amount
equal to the difference (if any) between the U.S. dollar value of the amount
realized for the common share and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis
(determined in U.S. dollars) in the common share. Unless we are treated as a
passive foreign investment company, described below, such gain or loss will be a
capital gain or loss. Capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers, including
individuals, derived with respect to a sale, exchange or other disposition prior
to January 1, 2009 of common shares held for more than one year are subject to a
maximum federal income tax rate of 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder will
generally be treated as U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY RULES
Special, generally adverse, tax treatment applies to the stock of a passive
foreign investment company. We do not believe that we are a passive foreign
investment company and do not expect to become a passive foreign investment
company in the future, although no assurance can be given that we will not
become one. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to how
the passive foreign investment company rules affect their tax situation.
S-21
OTHER RULES
Certain special rules, such as the foreign personal holding company rules,
the foreign investment company rules and the controlled foreign corporation
rules apply under certain circumstances to stock of a non-US issuer. We believe
that none of these rules currently apply to our common shares; however, this
conclusion is a factual determination made annually and thus may be subject to
change based on future changes in the ownership of our stock and our operations.
If either of these rules apply, the tax consequences would be materially
different than those described above.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends paid
on and proceeds received on the sale, exchange or redemption of the common
shares that are paid within the United States or through some U.S. related
financial intermediaries to U.S. Holders, and backup withholding tax, currently
at a 28% rate, may apply to such amounts unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt
recipient (such as a corporation) or provides a taxpayer identification number
and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. In
addition, a backup withholding tax may apply if such a U.S. Holder fails to
provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply
with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts
withheld under those rules will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder's
U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund to
the extent it exceeds such liability. A U.S. Holder who does not provide a
correct taxpayer identification number may be subject to penalties imposed by
the IRS.
S-22
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions of an underwriting agreement dated July
20, 2004 (the "Underwriting Agreement") among us and each of the underwriters
named below, for whom TD Securities Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. are
acting as representatives, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters and each
of the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from us the number of
common shares set forth opposite its name below, prior to the exercise of the
over-allotment option:
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITER COMMON SHARES
----------- -------------
TD Securities Inc.............................................. 1,231,200
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.................................... 820,800
UBS Securities Canada Inc...................................... 718,000
Raymond James Ltd.............................................. 512,800
FirstEnergy Capital Corp....................................... 205,200
Dundee Securities Corporation.................................. 102,400
GMP Securities Ltd............................................. 102,400
Jefferies & Company, Inc....................................... 102,400
Sanders Morris Harris Inc...................................... 102,400
Tristone Capital Inc........................................... 102,400
---------
Total..................................................... 4,000,000
=========
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, we have agreed to sell and the
underwriters have severally agreed to purchase all but not less than all of the
common shares at a price of US$49.80 ($65.25) per common share, against delivery
of certificates representing such shares, subject to compliance with all
necessary legal requirements and to the conditions contained in the Underwriting
Agreement. We have agreed to pay the underwriters a fee of US$1.992 ($2.61) per
common share for their services in connection with the distribution of the
common shares.
The offering price and the fee payable to the underwriters are payable in
the currency in which the common shares are sold.
We have granted an over-allotment option to the underwriters, exercisable
for up to 30 days after the date of the closing of this offering, to purchase on
a PRO RATA basis up to an additional 400,000 common shares at the price to the
public in U.S. or Canadian dollars less the underwriting commission.
The obligations of the underwriters under the Underwriting Agreement may be
terminated in their discretion upon the occurrence of certain stated events,
including the occurrence of a material adverse change in the state of the
financial markets. The underwriters, however, will take up and pay for all of
the common shares if any of such common shares are purchased under the
Underwriting Agreement.
This Offering is being made concurrently in all the provinces of Canada and
in the United States pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system
implemented by securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United
States. The common shares will be offered in the United States and Canada
through the underwriters either directly or, if applicable, through their
respective U.S. or Canadian registered broker-dealer affiliates.
We have agreed that we will not for a period of 90 days after the date of
this prospectus, without the prior written consent of TD Securities Inc. and RBC
Dominion Securities Inc., which consent is not to be unreasonably withheld,
issue common shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable into common shares other than: (i) the issuance of common shares in
connection with the exercise of outstanding options, under our employee share
option plans; (ii) the grant of options to directors, officers and employees of
Precision and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and in a
manner consistent with current practices; and (iii) any issuance pursuant to an
acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation transaction involving us and
any corporation or corporations acting at arm's length (as such term is used in
the Tax Act) to us.
The common shares are offered subject to receipt and acceptance by the
underwriters and to certain other conditions, including the right to reject
orders in whole or in part.
S-23
In connection with this offering the underwriters may engage in stabilizing
transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and
penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the U.S. Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
o Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security
so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
o Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of shares
in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to
purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position
may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a
covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the
underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may
purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the
number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the
over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any covered short
position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or
purchasing shares in the open market.
o Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common shares
in the open market after the distribution has been completed to cover
syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close
out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other
things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as
compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the
over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could
be covered by the over-allotment option (a naked short position), the
position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A
naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters
are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the
shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect
investors who purchase in this offering.
o Penalty bids permit the representatives to reclaim a selling concession
from a syndicate member when the common shares originally sold by the
syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering
transaction to cover syndicate short positions.
These stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate
covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or
maintaining the market price of our common shares or preventing or slowing a
decline in the market price of the common shares. As a result, the price of our
common shares may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the
open market. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE, the TSX or
otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
In accordance with the applicable policies of several Canadian provincial
securities commissions, the underwriters may not, throughout the period of
distribution, bid for or purchase common shares. Exceptions, however, exist
where the bid or purchase is not made to create the appearance of active trading
in, or rising prices of, the common shares. These exceptions include a bid or
purchase permitted under the by-laws and rules of applicable regulatory
authorities relating to market stabilization and passive market making
activities and a bid or purchase made for and on behalf of a customer where the
order was not solicited during the period of distribution. We have been advised
that in connection with this offering and pursuant to the first exception
mentioned above, the underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which
stabilize or maintain the market price of the common shares at levels other than
those which might otherwise prevail on the open market. These transactions, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Some of the underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory
services for us from time to time for which they have received customary fees
and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions
with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business.
Two of the underwriters, TD Securities Inc. and RBC Securities Inc., are,
directly or indirectly, a majority owned subsidiary of a bank that is currently
a lender to us (the "Lenders") and we may be considered to be a connected issuer
to each of the Lenders. We were indebted to the Lenders for approximately $63.7
million as of June 30, 2004, under our syndicated credit facility, representing
approximately 6.4% of our total indebtedness as of that date. The net proceeds
of the offering will primarily be applied toward repayment of the currently
outstanding indebtedness
S-24
that we incurred pursuant to the credit facility to finance the acquisitions of
the land drilling business assets of GlobalSantaFe Corporation and all of the
outstanding shares of Reeves. See "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus
supplement. We are in compliance with the terms of our credit facility and none
of the banks affiliated with the underwriters were involved in the decision to
distribute the common shares or in the determination of the terms of the
distribution of the common shares. See "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus
supplement.
Because more than 10% of the proceeds of this offering, not including
underwriting compensation may be received by members or affiliates of members of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. participating in this
offering, this offering is being conducted in compliance with the NASD Conduct
Rule 2710(h)(2).
The prospectus supplement and the prospectus in electronic format may be
made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Canadian provincial securities legislation.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to Canadian law will be passed upon for us by
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Certain legal matters
relating to United States law will be passed upon for us by Paul, Weiss,
Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York. In addition, certain legal
matters relating to United States law will be passed upon for the underwriters
by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and
certain legal matters relating to Canadian law will be passed upon for the
underwriters by Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in
the prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of KPMG LLP,
Chartered Accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare Trust Company of Canada is the registrar and transfer agent
for our common shares in Canada and Computershare Trust Company, Inc. is the
registrar and co-transfer agent for our common shares in the United States.
S-25
BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS
(PRECISION DRILLING LOGO)
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
US$1,000,000,000
DEBT SECURITIES
COMMON SHARES
--------------------
We may offer for sale from time to time debt securities or common shares
(collectively, the "Securities") up to an aggregate initial offering price of
US$1,000,000,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies or currency units)
during the 25 month period that this prospectus, including any amendments
hereto, remains effective. Securities may be offered separately or together, in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined based on market conditions at
the time of sale and set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
We will provide the specific terms of these Securities and all information
omitted from this prospectus in supplements to this prospectus. You should read
this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you
invest.
--------------------
WE ARE PERMITTED, UNDER A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL DISCLOSURE SYSTEM ADOPTED BY THE
UNITED STATES, TO PREPARE THIS PROSPECTUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN DISCLOSURE
REQUIREMENTS, WHICH ARE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES. WE PREPARE
OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, AND THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CANADIAN AUDITING AND AUDITOR
INDEPENDENCE STANDARDS. THEY MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
UNITED STATES COMPANIES.
OWNING THE SECURITIES MAY SUBJECT YOU TO TAX CONSEQUENCES BOTH IN THE UNITED
STATES AND CANADA. THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT MAY
NOT DESCRIBE THESE TAX CONSEQUENCES FULLY. YOU SHOULD READ THE TAX DISCUSSION IN
ANY APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
YOUR ABILITY TO ENFORCE CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL
SECURITIES LAWS MAY BE AFFECTED ADVERSELY BECAUSE WE ARE AMALGAMATED IN CANADA,
MOST OF OUR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AND SOME OF THE EXPERTS NAMED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE CANADIAN RESIDENTS, AND MOST OF OUR ASSETS, THE ASSETS OF OUR
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND THE EXPERTS ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
--------------------
May 17 , 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About This Prospectus............................... 2
Where You Can Find More Information................. 2
Forward Looking Statements.......................... 5
Risk Factors........................................ 6
Precision Drilling Corporation...................... 9
Use of Proceeds..................................... 9
Interest Coverage................................... 9
Description of Debt Securities...................... 10
Description of Share Capital........................ 22
Plan of Distribution................................ 22
Certain Income Tax Considerations................... 23
Legal Matters....................................... 23
Experts............................................. 24
Documents Filed As Part Of The
Registration Statement............................ 24
Consent of KPMG LLP................................. 25
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
Except as set forth under "Description of Debt Securities", and unless
the context requires otherwise all references in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement to "Precision", "we", "us" and "our" mean Precision
Drilling Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and partnerships.
In this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, unless otherwise
specified or the context otherwise requires, all dollar amounts are expressed in
Canadian dollars, references to "dollars" or "$" are to Canadian dollars and
references to "US$" are to United States dollars. Unless otherwise indicated,
all financial information included and incorporated by reference in this
prospectus or included in any prospectus supplement is determined using Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles, referred to as "Canadian GAAP". "U.S.
GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles which are in effect from
time to time in the United States. For a discussion of the principal differences
between our financial results as calculated under Canadian GAAP and under U.S.
GAAP, you should refer to Note 15 of our audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, incorporated by reference into
this prospectus.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-10
relating to the Securities, that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). We may, from time to time, sell any combination of the
Securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to an
aggregate amount of US$1,000,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a
general description of the Securities that we may offer. Each time we sell
Securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that
will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The
prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in
this prospectus. Before you invest, you should read both this prospectus and any
applicable prospectus supplement, together with additional information described
under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information". THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT,
CERTAIN PARTS OF WHICH ARE OMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
OF THE SEC. YOU MAY REFER TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE EXHIBITS TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO US AND THE
SECURITIES.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
INFORMATION HAS BEEN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS FROM
DOCUMENTS FILED WITH SECURITIES COMMISSIONS OR SIMILAR AUTHORITIES IN CANADA.
Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on
request without charge from the Corporate Secretary of Precision, 4200, 150 -
6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3Y7, Canada, telephone: (403) 716-4500.
For the purpose of the Province of Quebec, this simplified prospectus contains
information to be completed by consulting the permanent information record. A
copy of the permanent information record may be obtained from the Corporate
Secretary of Precision at the above-mentioned address and telephone number.
These documents are also available through the internet via the System for
Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR"), which can be accessed at
www.sedar.com.
We file with the securities commission or authority in each of the
provinces of Canada annual and quarterly reports, material change reports and
other information. In addition, we are subject to the informational requirements
of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act") and, in accordance with the Exchange Act, we also file reports with and
furnish other information to the SEC. Under a multijurisdictional disclosure
system adopted by the United States, these reports and other information
(including financial
2
information) may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of
Canada, which differ from those in the United States. As a foreign private
issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the
furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and
principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit
recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we
are not required to publish financial statements as promptly as U.S. companies.
You may read any document we furnish to the SEC at the SEC's public reference
room at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also
obtain copies of the same documents from the public reference room of the SEC at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549 by paying a fee. Please call the
SEC at l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our
filings are also electronically available from the SEC's Electronic Document
Gathering and Retrieval System, which is commonly known by the acronym EDGAR,
and which may be accessed at www.sec.gov, as well as from commercial document
retrieval services.
You are invited to read and copy any reports, statements or other
information that we file with the Canadian provincial securities commissions or
other similar regulatory authorities at their respective public reference rooms.
These filings are also electronically available from SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
Reports and other information about us are also available for inspection at the
offices of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Under applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States, the
Canadian securities commissions and the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference
certain information that we file with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those documents. Information
that is incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below, which were filed with the
Canadian securities commissions under the Canadian securities legislation and
with the SEC, and which form an integral part of this prospectus:
(a) our Annual Information Form dated April 26, 2004 (including
Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended
December 31, 2003, incorporated therein by reference);
(b) our audited comparative consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2003, including the auditors'
report thereon;
(c) our Management Information Circular dated April 6, 2004
relating to the annual and special meeting of our shareholders
to be held on May 11, 2004, excluding those portions under the
headings "Composition and Role of Compensation Committee,
"Compensation Committee Report", "Common Share Performance -
Toronto Stock Exchange", "Common Share Performance - New York
Stock Exchange" and "Corporate Governance" (which portions
shall be deemed not to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus); and
(d) our unaudited comparative consolidated financial statements
for the three months ended March 31, 2004 (including
Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months
ended March 31, 2004).
Any documents of the type referred to above (including material change
reports but excluding confidential material change reports) subsequently filed
by us with securities commissions or similar authorities in the relevant
provinces of Canada after the date of this prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of Securities under any prospectus supplement shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. These documents
are available through the internet on SEDAR. In addition, any report filed or
furnished by us with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part if and to the extent expressly provided in
such report until all of the Securities are sold.
ANY STATEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN A DOCUMENT (OR PART
THEREOF) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, OR DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE,
IN THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED, FOR PURPOSES OF
THIS PROSPECTUS, TO THE EXTENT THAT A STATEMENT CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS OR
IN ANY SUBSEQUENTLY FILED DOCUMENT (OR PART THEREOF) THAT ALSO IS, OR IS DEEMED
TO BE, INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS MODIFIES OR REPLACES SUCH
STATEMENT. ANY STATEMENT SO MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED SHALL NOT BE DEEMED, EXCEPT
AS SO MODIFIED OR SUPERSEDED, TO CONSTITUTE PART OF THIS PROSPECTUS. THE
MODIFYING OR SUPERSEDING STATEMENT NEED NOT STATE THAT IT HAS MODIFIED OR
SUPERSEDED A PRIOR STATEMENT OR INCLUDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
DOCUMENT WHICH IT MODIFIES OR SUPERSEDES.
Updated interest coverage ratios will be filed quarterly with the
applicable securities regulatory authorities, including the SEC, either as
prospectus supplements or exhibits to our unaudited interim consolidated
financial
3
statements and audited annual consolidated financial statements and will be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus for the purpose of the
offering of the Securities.
Upon a new annual information form and related annual consolidated
financial statements being filed by us with, and where required, accepted by,
the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the duration of this
prospectus, the previous annual information form, the previous annual
consolidated financial statements and all interim consolidated financial
statements and the accompanying management's discussion and analysis,
information circulars and material change reports filed prior to the
commencement of our financial year in which the new annual information form is
filed shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated into this prospectus for
purposes of future offers and sales of Securities under this prospectus. Upon
interim consolidated financial statements and the accompanying management's
discussion and analysis being filed by us with the applicable securities
regulatory authorities during the duration of this prospectus, all interim
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying management's discussion
and analysis filed prior to the new interim consolidated financial statements
shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated into this prospectus for purposes
of future offers and sales of Securities under this prospectus.
A prospectus supplement or prospectus supplements containing the
specific terms for an issue of Securities will be delivered to purchasers of
such Securities together with this prospectus and will be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this prospectus as of the date of such prospectus
supplement but only for the purposes of the Securities issued thereunder.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ON THE
OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS
PROSPECTUS FORMS A PART. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW. YOU
SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY APPLICABLE
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE
FRONT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS.
4
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference herein constitute forward looking statements within
the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 relating to, but not limited to, our operations, anticipated financial
performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward looking statements
typically contain statements with words such as "could", "should", "expect",
"estimate", "likely", "believe", "will" and similar expressions, including, but
not limited to, statements as to: future capital expenditures, including the
amount and nature thereof; oil and gas prices and demand; expansion and other
development trends of the oil and gas industry; business strategy; expansion and
growth of our business and operations, including our marketshare and position in
the domestic and international drilling markets; and beliefs, plans, objectives,
assumptions or statements about future events or performance.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking
statements. By their nature, forward looking statements involve numerous
assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that
contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes will not occur. These
factors include, but are not limited to:
o general economic, business and market conditions including
stock market volatility;
o volatility of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids
prices;
o fluctuations in currency and interest rates;
o competition;
o risks inherent in foreign operations, including political and
economic risk;
o risks of war, hostilities, civil insurrection and terrorist
threats;
o fluctuations in the level of oil and gas exploration and
development activities;
o fluctuations in the demand for well servicing, contract
drilling, directional drilling, well logging and ancillary
oilfield services;
o technological changes and developments in the oil and gas
industry;
o the ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital;
o the effects of severe and seasonal weather conditions on
operations and facilities;
o the existence of operating risks inherent in well servicing,
contract drilling, directional drilling, well logging and
ancillary oilfield services;
o political circumstances impeding the progress of work in any
of the countries in which we do business;
o identifying and acquiring suitable acquisition targets on
reasonable terms;
o changes in laws or regulations, including taxation,
environmental and currency regulations;
o the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management;
o our ability to either generate sufficient cash flow to meet
current and future obligations or to obtain external debt or
equity financing;
o our ability to make capital investments and the amounts
thereof; and
o risks associated with existing and potential future lawsuits
and regulatory actions against us.
We caution that the foregoing list of important factors is not
exhaustive. Events or circumstances could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by,
these forward looking statements. You should also carefully consider the matters
discussed under "Risk Factors" in the prospectus. We do not undertake any
obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
or the foregoing list of factors affecting this information.
5
RISK FACTORS
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW AS WELL
AS THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT BEFORE PURCHASING THE
SECURITIES. IF ANY EVENT ARISING FROM THESE RISKS OCCURS, OUR BUSINESS,
PROSPECTS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATION OR CASH FLOWS COULD BE
MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED. ADDITIONAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES NOT CURRENTLY
KNOWN TO US OR THAT WE CURRENTLY DEEM TO BE IMMATERIAL MAY ALSO MATERIALLY
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
CASH FLOWS. CERTAIN STATEMENTS UNDER THIS CAPTION CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS. SEE "FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS."
OUR OPERATIONS ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PRICES OF OIL AND GAS A DECLINE OF EITHER OF
WHICH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON US.
Our revenue, cash flow and earnings are substantially dependent upon,
and affected by, the level of activity associated with oil and gas exploration
and production. Both short-term and long-term trends in oil and gas prices
affect the level of such activity. Oil and gas prices and, therefore, the level
of drilling, exploration and production activity have been volatile over the
past few years and likely will continue to be volatile. Worldwide military,
political and economic events, including initiatives by the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, may affect both the demand for, and the supply
of, oil and gas. Weather conditions, governmental regulation (both in Canada and
elsewhere), levels of consumer demand, the availability of pipeline capacity,
and other factors beyond our control may also affect the supply of and demand
for oil and gas and thus lead to future price volatility. We believe that any
prolonged reduction in oil and gas prices would depress the level of exploration
and production activity. This would likely result in a corresponding decline in
the demand for our services and could have a material adverse effect on our
revenues, cash flows and profitability. Lower oil and gas prices could also
cause our customers to seek to terminate, renegotiate or fail to honour our
drilling contracts; affect the fair market value of our rig fleet which in turn
could trigger a writedown for accounting purposes; affect our ability to retain
skilled rig personnel; and affect our ability to obtain access to capital to
finance and grow our businesses. We cannot assure you that the future level of
demand for our services or future conditions in the oil and gas and oilfield
services industries will not decline.
WE OPERATE IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY.
The oilfield services industry in which we operate is, and will
continue to be, very competitive. Contract drilling companies compete primarily
on a regional basis, and competition may vary significantly from region to
region at any particular time. Most drilling and workover contracts are awarded
on the basis of competitive bids, which results in price competition. Many
drilling, workover and well-servicing rigs can be moved from one region to
another in response to changes in levels of activity, which can result in an
oversupply of rigs in an area. In many markets in which we operate, the supply
of rigs exceeds the demand for rigs, resulting in further price competition.
Certain competitors are present in more than one of the regions in
which we operate, although no one competitor operates in all of these areas. In
the United States there are several hundred competitors with national, regional
or local rig operations. In Canada we compete with several firms of varying
size. Internationally, we compete directly with various competitors at each
location where we operate and some of our international competitors may be
better positioned in certain markets, allowing them to compete more effectively.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to compete successfully or
that the level of competition and pressure on pricing will not affect our
margins.
OUR OPERATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO BUSINESS INTERRUPTION AND CASUALTY LOSSES FOR
WHICH WE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE.
Our operations are subject to many hazards inherent in the drilling,
workover and well-servicing industries, including blowouts, cratering,
explosions, fires, loss of well control, loss of hole, damaged or lost drilling
equipment and damage or loss from inclement weather or natural disasters. Any of
these hazards could result in personal injury or death, damage to or destruction
of equipment and facilities, suspension of operations, environmental damage and
damage to the property of others. Generally, drilling contracts provide for the
division of responsibilities between a drilling company and its customer, and we
seek to obtain indemnification from our customers by contract for certain of
these risks. To the extent that we are unable to transfer such risks to
customers
6
by contract or indemnification agreements, we seek protection through insurance.
However, we cannot assure you that such insurance or indemnification agreements
will adequately protect us against liability from all of the consequences of the
hazards described above. The occurrence of an event not fully insured or
indemnified against, or the failure of a customer or insurer to meet its
indemnification or insurance obligations, could result in substantial losses. In
addition, we cannot assure you that insurance will be available to cover any or
all of these risks, or, even if available, that it will be adequate or that
insurance premiums or other costs will not rise significantly in the future, so
as to make such insurance prohibitive. This is particularly of concern in the
wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, which have resulted in significantly
increased insurance costs, deductibles and coverage restrictions. In future
insurance renewals we may choose to increase our self insurance retentions (and
thus assume a greater degree of risk) in order to reduce insurance premiums.
WE ARE EXPOSED TO RISKS INHERENT IN FOREIGN OPERATIONS WHICH COULD NEGATIVELY
AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We conduct a portion of our business outside North America, including
the Middle East, Africa and South America. We are subject to risks inherent in
foreign operations, such as: loss of revenue, property and equipment as a result
of expropriation, nationalization, war, terrorist threats, civil insurrection
and other political risks; fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange
controls; increases in duties, taxes and governmental royalties and
renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities; as well as changes in
laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies. In addition,
in the international markets in which we operate, we are subject to various laws
and regulations that govern the operation and taxation of our businesses and the
import and export of our equipment from country to country, the imposition,
application and interpretation of which can prove to be uncertain. Since we
derive a portion of our revenues from subsidiaries outside of Canada, the
payment of dividends or the making of other cash payments or advances by these
subsidiaries to us may be subject to restrictions or exchange controls on the
transfer of funds in or out of the respective countries or result in the
imposition of taxes on such payments or advances. We have organized our foreign
operations in part based on certain assumptions about various tax laws
(including capital gains and withholding taxes), foreign currency exchange and
capital repatriation laws and other relevant laws of a variety of foreign
jurisdictions. While we believe that such assumptions are reasonable, we cannot
assure you that foreign taxing or other authorities will reach the same
conclusion. Further, if such foreign jurisdictions were to change or modify such
laws, we could suffer adverse tax and financial consequences.
OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION IN ALL JURISDICTIONS IN
WHICH WE OPERATE AND ANY CHANGES IN SUCH LEGISLATION COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws, regulations and guidelines
governing the management, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances
and other waste materials and otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment and health and safety. These laws, regulations and guidelines
include those 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 the laws, regulations and guidelines
that apply to our operations also authorize the recovery of natural resource
damages by the government, injunctive relief and the imposition of stop,
control, remediation and abandonment orders. The costs arising from compliance
with such laws, regulations and guidelines may be material to us.
The trend in environmental regulation has been to impose more
restrictions and limitations on activities that may impact the environment,
including the generation and disposal of wastes and the use and handling of
chemical substances. These restrictions and limitations have increased operating
costs for both us and our customers. Any regulatory changes that impose
additional environmental restrictions or requirements on us or our customers
could adversely affect us through increased operating costs and potential
decreased demand for our services.
While we maintain liability insurance, including insurance for
environmental claims, the insurance is subject to coverage limits and certain of
our policies exclude coverage for damages resulting from environmental
contamination. There can be no assurance 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 our insurance, or that
the dollar amount of such liabilities will not exceed our policy limits. Even a
partially uninsured claim, if
7
successful and of sufficient magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and prospects.
OUR BUSINESS IS SEASONAL AND IS INFLUENCED BY WEATHER PATTERNS.
In Canada, the level of activity in the oilfield service industry is
influenced by seasonal weather patterns. During the spring months, wet weather
and the spring thaw make the ground unstable. Consequently, municipalities and
provincial transportation departments enforce road bans that restrict the
movement of rigs and other heavy equipment, thereby reducing activity levels and
placing an increased level of importance on the location of our equipment prior
to imposition of the road bans. Additionally, certain oil and gas producing
areas are located in sections of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin that are
inaccessible, other than during the winter months, because the ground
surrounding or containing the drilling sites in these areas consists of terrain
known as muskeg. Until the muskeg freezes, the rigs and other necessary
equipment cannot cross the terrain to reach the drilling site. Moreover, once
the rigs and other equipment have been moved to a drilling site, they may become
stranded or otherwise unable to relocate to another site should the muskeg thaw
unexpectedly. Our financial results depend, at least in part, upon the severity
and duration of the Canadian winter.
WE INCUR SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURES ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS TO OFFER
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO OUR CUSTOMERS.
The continued development and growth of our Technology Services segment
is dependent on the success of our research and development efforts. A number of
new products have been commercialized and others are progressing to that stage.
Of particular note is the Rotary Steerable tool currently under development. The
research and engineering team is focusing on issues related to the reliability
of tool performance and increasing the mean time between physical failures.
The Rotary Steerable tool is a key component of the new suite of down
hole tools being introduced to the market by the Technology Services segment and
as such is important to the continued growth of the segment's business
worldwide. However, as with any research efforts, we cannot assure you that this
new product will be successfully developed and marketed.
The carrying value of Technology Services long-lived assets is reviewed
annually for impairment with the assistance of independent valuation experts.
The most recent review was completed in the fourth quarter of 2003 at which time
it was concluded that there was no impairment of the carrying value. Should the
segment's research and development efforts not be successful, assumptions with
respect to the growth of the business may change such that a write-down of
long-lived assets would be necessary.
WE ARE EXPOSED TO CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK WHICH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE
EFFECT ON OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
Although our financial results are reported in Canadian dollars, a
portion of our sales and operating costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. In
addition, we are exposed to currency exchange risk on those of our assets
denominated in U.S. dollars. Since we present our financial statements in
Canadian dollars, any change in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the
U.S. dollar during a given financial reporting period would result in a foreign
currency loss or gain on the translation of our U.S. dollar assets into Canadian
dollars. Consequently, our reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a
result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses. While it is not our
normal practice to enter into significant hedging arrangements, we may use
futures and forward contracts to partially hedge against short-term fluctuations
in currency; however, such activities provide only short-term protection against
a limited portion of our currency exposure. We may, from time to time, hedge a
portion of our net exchange rate exposure by way of one or more swap
transactions to Canadian dollars, to the extent our management considers it
reasonable to do so having regard to the then prevailing levels of our net
assets denominated in U.S. dollars and our U.S. dollar revenues, and to the
extent available on reasonable terms; however, such activities provide only
short-term protection and we cannot assure you that such transactions will be
effective in insulating us against exchange rate fluctuations.
YOUR ABILITY TO ENFORCE CIVIL LIABILITIES IN CANADA UNDER U.S. SECURITIES LAWS
MAY BE LIMITED.
We are incorporated under the laws of Canada and a substantial portion
of our assets are located in Canada. Most of our directors and officers reside
in Canada and most of their assets are located in Canada. It may not be
8
possible, therefore, for you to effect service of process within the United
States upon us or our directors and officers. There is uncertainty as to the
enforceability (1) in an original action in Canadian courts of liabilities
predicated solely upon United States federal securities laws and (2) of
judgments of United States courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of United States federal securities laws in Canadian
courts. Therefore, you may not be able to secure judgment against us or our
directors and officers in a Canadian court or, if successful in securing a
judgment against us or them in a U.S. court, you may not be able to enforce such
judgment in Canada.
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
We provide oilfield and industrial services to customers in Canada, the
United States and other international regions. Our principal business is the
provision of land drilling services to oil and gas exploration and production
companies. We are the leading provider in Canada of land drilling services based
on the number of wells and metres drilled. Additionally, we provide the
following: well service rigs and hydraulic well assist snubbing units;
procurement and distribution of oilfield supplies; camp and catering services;
manufacture, sale and repair of drilling equipment; open hole logging, cased
hole logging and completion services, slickline services, directional drilling
services; measurement-while-drilling and logging-while-drilling services; the
manufacture, rental and sale of polycrystalline diamond compact drill bits;
controlled pressure drilling services and well testing services; rental of
mobile combination office and industrial housing; rental of surface oilfield
equipment for drilling, completion and production activities; and we also
provide industrial maintenance and turnaround services, including specialized
equipment and labour services, to downstream oil and gas, petrochemical and
other process industry customers.
We have grown primarily through a series of acquisitions of related
businesses as well as reinvestment in our core business to become the largest
Canadian integrated oilfield service contractor. We have reinvested cash flow
from operations to grow our service and product offerings.
Our principal executive and registered offices are located at 4200, 150
- 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3Y7.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement
relating to an offering of Securities, we will use the net proceeds we receive
from the sale of Securities for general corporate purposes relating to our
operations in North America, South America and Europe that may include capital
expenditures, the repayment of indebtedness and the financing of acquisitions.
The amount of net proceeds to be used for any such purpose will be described in
an applicable prospectus supplement.
INTEREST COVERAGE
The following consolidated financial ratios are calculated for the
twelve month periods ended December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004, based on
audited, in the case of December 31, 2003, and unaudited, in the case of March
31, 2004, financial information. The interest coverage ratios set out below have
been prepared and included in this prospectus in accordance with Canadian
disclosure requirements and have been calculated based on information prepared
in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
2003 2004
------------ -----------
Interest coverage on long-term debt:
Earnings........................................... 8.07 times 9.47 times
Cash flow.......................................... 9.79 times 13.31 times
Interest coverage on long-term debt on an earnings basis is equal to
earnings before interest and income tax expense divided by interest expense.
Interest coverage on long-term debt on a cash flow basis is equal to cash flow
from operations before interest expense and current income tax expense divided
by interest expense. For purposes of calculating the interest coverage ratios
set forth in this prospectus, long-term debt includes the current portion of
long-term debt.
9
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
In this section, "we", "us", "our" or "Precision" refers only to
Precision Drilling Corporation and not any of its subsidiaries or interests in
partnerships and other entities. The following description sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the debt securities. We will provide the
particular terms and provisions of a series of debt securities and a description
of how the general terms and provisions described below apply to that series in
a prospectus supplement. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a
particular series of debt securities, you must refer to both the applicable
prospectus supplement relating to the series and the description of the debt
securities set forth in this prospectus.
The debt securities will be issued under an indenture (the "Indenture")
to be entered into between us and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New
York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Indenture will be subject to and governed
by the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. A copy of the form of
Indenture has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The following is a summary of the Indenture which sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the debt securities and is not intended to be
complete. For a more complete description, including the definition of
capitalized terms used but not defined in this summary, you should refer to the
Indenture. Whenever we refer in this summary to particular provisions of the
Indenture, those provisions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
Indenture. It is the Indenture, and not this summary, that governs the rights of
holders of debt securities.
We may from time to time issue debt securities and incur additional
indebtedness other than through an offering of debt securities under this
prospectus.
GENERAL
The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt
securities (which may include debentures, notes and other evidences of
indebtedness) that we may issue under the Indenture and does not limit the
amount of other indebtedness we may incur. The Indenture provides that debt
securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series and may be
denominated and payable in U.S. dollars or any other currency. Special Canadian
and United States Federal income tax considerations applicable to any debt
securities so denominated will be described in the prospectus supplement
relating thereto. Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus
supplement, the debt securities will be unsecured obligations. The debt
securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be issued in an aggregate
principal amount of up to US$1,000,000,000 or the equivalent in a foreign
currency. The Indenture also permits us to increase the principal amount of any
series of the debt securities previously issued and to issue that increased
principal amount.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms
of the debt securities being offered and may include, but is not limited to, any
of the following:
o the title and the aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities;
o any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities of such series;
o the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates
will be determined or extended, on which the principal of, and
premium, if any, on the debt securities will be payable and
the portion (if less than the principal amount) to be payable
upon a declaration of acceleration of maturity;
o the rate or rates (whether fixed or variable) at which the
debt securities will bear interest, if any, or the method by
which such rate or rates will be determined and the date or
dates from which such interest will accrue and on which such
interest will be payable and the regular record date or dates
for the payment of interest on the debt securities in
registered form, or the method by which such date or dates
will be determined;
o the place or places where the principal of, and premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be
payable and each office or agency where the debt securities
may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;
o the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
which, the currency in which, and other terms and conditions
upon which the debt securities may be redeemed or purchased,
in whole or in part, by us;
o the terms and conditions upon which you may redeem the debt
securities prior to maturity and the price or prices at which
and the currency in which the debt securities are payable;
10
o the terms, if any, on which the debt securities may be
converted or exchanged for other of our debt securities or
debt securities of other entities;
o if payment of the debt securities will be guaranteed by any
other person;
o the extent and manner, if any, in which payment on or in
respect of the debt securities will be secured, or will rank
senior, or will be subordinated to the prior payment of our
other liabilities and obligations;
o if the series of debt securities will be issuable in the form
of one or more global securities and, if so, the identity of
the depository for the global securities;
o any applicable Canadian and U.S. federal income tax
consequences;
o the terms and conditions of any sinking fund or analogous
provisions;
o if the debt securities may be issued bearing no interest or at
a discount below their stated principal amount, and special
considerations applicable to any such discounted debt
securities or other debt securities offered and sold at par
which are treated as having been issued at a discount for
Canadian and/or U.S. federal income tax purposes;
o if the debt securities are to be registered securities, bearer
securities (with or without coupons) or both;
o if other than denominations of US$1,000 and any integral
multiple thereof, the denomination or denominations in which
any definitive securities of the series shall be issuable and,
if other than the denomination of US$1,000, the denomination
or denominations in which any bearer debt securities of the
series shall be issuable;
o if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currency unit in
which the debt securities are denominated or in which currency
payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest,
if any, on such debt securities will be payable;
o any index formula or other method used to determine the amount
of payments of principal of, and premium, if any, or interest,
if any, on the debt securities;
o whether and under what circumstances we will be required to
pay any Additional Amounts (defined below under "Additional
Amounts") for withholding or deduction for Canadian taxes with
respect to the debt securities, and whether we will have the
option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the
Additional Amounts; and
o any other terms, conditions, rights and preferences (or
limitations on such rights and preferences) of the debt
securities including covenants and events of default which
apply solely to a particular series of the debt securities
being offered which do not apply generally to other debt
securities, or any covenants or events of default generally
applicable to the debt securities which do not apply to a
particular series of the debt securities.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
Indenture does not afford holders of the debt securities the right to tender
such debt securities to us for repurchase in the event we experience a change in
control.
RANKING AND OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
Unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, the
debt securities will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally
and ratably with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to
time outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus
supplement, the debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities, including trade payables and other
indebtedness, of our subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities. We will
specify in a prospectus supplement at the time we issue a series of debt
securities the amount of our subsidiaries' and partnerships' then existing
liabilities, including trade payables and other indebtedness.
DEBT SECURITIES IN GLOBAL FORM
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, a series of the
debt securities will be issued in global form as one or more "global securities"
and will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its
nominee, each of which will be identified in the prospectus supplement relating
to that series. Unless and
11
until exchanged, in whole or in part, for debt securities in definitive form, a
global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for
such global security to a nominee of the depositary, by a nominee of the
depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary or by the
depositary or any such nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of
the successor.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any
series or portion of a series of the debt securities to be represented by a
global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such
series. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary
arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary therefor or its
nominee will credit, on its book entry and registration system, the respective
principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to
the accounts of such persons, designated as "participants", having accounts with
such depositary or its nominee. Such accounts shall be designated by the
underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the debt
securities or by us if such debt securities are offered or sold directly by us.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to
participants or persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and the
transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by
the depositary therefor or its nominee (with respect to beneficial interests of
participants) or by participants or persons that hold through participants (with
respect to beneficial interests of persons other than participants).
So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global security, such depositary or such nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities
represented by the global security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except
as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not
be entitled to have a series of the debt securities represented by the global
security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of such series of the debt securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture.
The laws of some states in the United States require that certain
purchasers of debt securities take physical delivery of such debt securities in
definitive form. These depositary arrangements and these laws may impair the
ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
Any payments of principal, and premium, if any, and interest, if any,
on a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will
be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered
owner of the global security representing such debt securities. None of us, the
Trustee or any paying agent for the debt securities represented by the global
security will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a
global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for a global security or its nominee,
upon receipt of any payment of principal, and premium, if any, or interest, will
credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security
as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We also expect that
payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security
held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
If a depositary for a global security representing a particular series
of the debt securities is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we
will issue such series of debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the
global security representing such series of debt securities. In addition, we may
at any time and in our sole discretion determine not to have a series of debt
securities represented by a global security and, in such event, will issue a
series of debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the global security
representing such series of debt securities.
DEBT SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE FORM
If indicated in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities may be
issued in definitive form without coupons or in bearer form with or without
coupons, or in both forms. Debt securities in definitive form may be presented
for exchange and for registration of transfer in the manner, at the places and,
subject to the restrictions set forth in
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the Indenture and in the applicable prospectus supplement, without service
charge, but upon payment of any taxes or other governmental charges due in
connection therewith. We have initially appointed the Trustee as security
registrar. Debt securities in bearer form and the coupons appertaining thereto,
if any, will be transferable by delivery.
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, payment of
principal, and premium, if any, and interest on any debt securities in
definitive form will be made at the office or agency of the Trustee, at One
Liberty Plaza, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10006, or at our option we can pay
principal and any premium and interest on the debt securities by (1) check
mailed or delivered to the address of the person entitled to receive payments
appearing in the security register of the Trustee or (2) wire transfer to an
account in the United States of the person entitled to receive payments if such
person is a holder of US$1.0 million or more in aggregate principal amount of
the debt securities of a particular series.
COVENANTS
LIMITATION ON LIENS
The Indenture includes a covenant of Precision to the effect that, so
long as any debt securities are outstanding and subject to the provisions of the
Indenture, Precision will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
create, incur, assume or otherwise have outstanding any Security Interest in, on
or over any of its or their interest in any property, present or future,
securing any Indebtedness of any person, other than Permitted Encumbrances,
unless at the time thereof or prior thereto the debt securities then outstanding
under the Indenture are equally and ratably secured with such Indebtedness for
so long as such Indebtedness is so secured.
CONSOLIDATION, AMALGAMATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
The Indenture includes a covenant of Precision to the effect that it
may not in a single transaction or a series of transactions consolidate or
amalgamate with or merge with or into or enter into any statutory arrangement
with any other corporation, or, directly or indirectly, convey, transfer, sell,
lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property to any
person, unless:
o the entity formed by or continuing from such consolidation or
amalgamation or into which Precision is merged or with which
Precision enters into such arrangement, or the person which
acquires or leases all or substantially all of Precision's
property, is organized and existing under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
the laws of Canada or any province or territory thereof, or,
if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, arrangement or
other transaction would not impair the rights of holders of
the debt securities, in any other jurisdiction, PROVIDED THAT,
if such successor entity is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction other than Canada or the United States, the
successor entity assumes our obligations under the debt
securities and the Indenture to pay Additional Amounts,
substituting the name of such successor jurisdiction for
Canada in each place that Canada appears in "Description of
Debt Securities--Additional Amounts", below and submits to the
jurisdiction of U.S. federal and state courts in the manner
and to the extent provided in the Indenture;
o the successor entity expressly assumes or assumes by operation
of law all of Precision's obligations under the debt
securities and under the Indenture;
o immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event
of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time
or both, would become an event of default, shall have happened
and be continuing; and
o an officer's certificate and legal opinion covering such
conditions will be delivered to the Trustee.
If, as a result of any such transaction, any property of Precision or
any Restricted Subsidiary becomes subject to a Security Interest, then, unless
such Security Interest could be created pursuant to the Indenture provisions
described under the "LIMITATION ON LIENS" covenant above without equally and
ratably securing the debt securities, Precision or such Restricted Subsidiary,
simultaneously with or prior to such transaction, will cause the debt securities
to be secured equally and ratably with or prior to the Indebtedness secured by
such Security Interest.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in
the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all
such terms.
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"CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION" means the obligation of a person, as lessee,
to pay rent or other amounts to the lessor under a lease of property which is
required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on the
consolidated balance sheet of such person in accordance with GAAP.
"CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS" means the total amount of assets of
any person on a consolidated basis (less applicable reserves and other properly
deductible items) after deducting therefrom:
o all current liabilities (excluding any current liabilities
which are by their terms extendible or renewable at the option
of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months after the
time as of which the amount thereof is being computed);
o all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized
debt discounts and expenses and other like intangibles; and
o appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of
other persons holding shares of the subsidiaries of such
person,
in each case, as shown on the most recent annual audited or quarterly unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of such person computed in accordance with GAAP.
"CURRENT ASSETS" means current assets as determined in accordance with
GAAP.
"FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT OBLIGATIONS" means obligations (entered into for
risk management and not for speculative purposes) arising under:
o interest rate swap agreements, forward rate agreements, floor,
cap or collar agreements, futures or options, insurance or
other similar agreements or arrangements, or any combination
thereof, entered into by a person relating to interest rates
or pursuant to which the price, value or amount payable
thereunder is dependent or based upon interest rates in effect
from time to time or fluctuations in interest rates occurring
from time to time;
o currency swap agreements, cross-currency agreements, forward
agreements, floor, cap or collar agreements, futures or
options, insurance or other similar agreements or
arrangements, or any combination thereof, entered into by a
person relating to currency exchange rates or pursuant to
which the price, value or amount payable thereunder is
dependent or based upon currency exchange rates in effect from
time to time or fluctuations in currency exchange rates
occurring from time to time; and
o commodity swap or hedging agreements, floor, cap or collar
agreements, commodity futures or options or other similar
agreements or arrangements, or any combination thereof,
entered into by a person relating to one or more commodities
or pursuant to which the price, value or amount payable
thereunder is dependent or based upon the price of one or more
commodities in effect from time to time or fluctuations in the
price of one or more commodities occurring from time to time.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in Canada in
effect from time to time, unless Precision's most recent audited or quarterly
unaudited financial statements are not prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in Canada, in which case GAAP shall mean
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from
time to time.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means liability for money borrowed or accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, obligations for payment of money under any Capital Lease
Obligation and any guarantees (without duplication);
"ISSUE DATE" means the date that any series of debt securities is first
issued under the Indenture.
"NON-RECOURSE DEBT" means Indebtedness to finance the creation,
development, construction or acquisition of assets and any increases in or
extension, renewals or refundings of such Indebtedness, provided that the
recourse of the lender thereof (including any agent, trustee, receiver or other
person acting on behalf of such entity) in respect of such Indebtedness is
limited in all circumstances to the assets created, developed, constructed or
acquired in respect of which such Indebtedness has been incurred and to the
receivables, inventory, equipment, chattels payable, contracts, intangibles and
other assets, rights or collateral connected with the assets created, developed,
constructed or acquired and to which such lender has recourse;
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"PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES" means:
o any Security Interest existing as of the Issue Date;
o any Security Interest to secure a Purchase Money Obligation,
provided that the Security Interest does not extend to any
property other than the property acquired, constructed or
improved;
o any Security Interest existing on the property of any person
immediately prior to the time that (i) such person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary, or (ii) such person is merged with or
into, liquidated into, or amalgamated or consolidated with
Precision or a Restricted Subsidiary, PROVIDED that such
Security Interest was not incurred in anticipation of such
person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or of such merger,
liquidation, amalgamation or consolidation, and PROVIDED
FURTHER that such Security Interest does not extend to any
property other than the property of such person secured by
such Security Interest immediately prior to the time that such
person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or the time of such
merger, liquidation, amalgamation or consolidation;
o any Security Interest existing on property at the time of
acquisition (including by way of lease) by Precision or a
Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such Security Interest
was not incurred in anticipation of the financing of such
acquisition;
o any Security Interest on property acquired by Precision or a
Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date given in connection
with a Capital Lease Obligation;
o any Security Interest in favour of Precision or any Restricted
Subsidiary;
o any Security Interest in Current Assets given to secure any
Indebtedness repayable on demand or maturing, including any
right of extension or renewal, within 12 months after the date
such Indebtedness is incurred;
o any Security Interest granted in connection with Financial
Instrument Obligations;
o any Security Interest on cash or securities deposited with a
trustee or collateral agent to defease Indebtedness secured by
such Security Interest;
o any Security Interest referred to in the foregoing clauses or
this clause securing any extension, renewal, alteration or
replacement of all or part of any Indebtedness secured by such
Security Interest, PROVIDED THAT:
o the principal amount of such Indebtedness is not
increased by an amount exceeding the cost of such
extension, renewal, alteration or replacement,
including but not limited to all fees and expenses
incurred in connection therewith; and
o the Security Interest is limited to all or part of
the property which secured the Indebtedness prior to
it being extended, renewed, altered or replaced, plus
improvements on such property and the proceeds
thereof and all rights associated therewith; and
o any Security Interest that would otherwise be prohibited,
provided that the aggregate of all Indebtedness outstanding
and secured under this clause does not (calculated at the time
of the granting of the Security Interest) exceed an amount
equal to 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
"PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof;
"PURCHASE MONEY OBLIGATION" means any Indebtedness incurred in respect
of, and not exceeding, the cost of acquisition of any property or of the cost of
construction or improvements (but not costs of refurbishment) of any property
acquired, constructed or improved after the Issue Date, which Indebtedness
existed at the time of acquisition or was created, issued, incurred, assumed or
guaranteed contemporaneously with the acquisition, construction or improvement
or within 180 days after the completion thereof;
"RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means, on any date, any Subsidiary of
Precision; provided, however, such term shall not include a Subsidiary of
Precision if the amount of Precision's share of shareholders' equity of such
Subsidiary constitutes, at the time of determination, less than 2% of
Precision's Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
"SECURITY INTEREST" means with respect to any property, any security by
way of an assignment, mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, encumbrance, easement,
preference, priority, title retention agreement or other security interest
15
of any kind or nature whatsoever, howsoever created or arising, whether absolute
or contingent, fixed or floating, perfected or not, but not including any
security interest that may be deemed to arise solely as a result of entering
into an agreement not in violation of the Indenture to sell or otherwise
transfer property.
"SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY" means shareholders' equity of Precision as shown
on the most recent annual audited or quarterly unaudited consolidated balance
sheet of Precision and computed in accordance with GAAP.
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means a Restricted Subsidiary that constitutes
a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the
Exchange Act.
"SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation or other person of which Voting
Shares or other interests carrying more than 50% of the voting rights attached
to all outstanding Voting Shares or other interests are owned, directly or
indirectly, by Precision or by one or more Subsidiaries of Precision, or by
Precision and one or more Subsidiaries of Precision. "VOTING SHARES" means
shares of any class of a corporation which ordinarily have the right to vote for
the election of the directors of such corporation, PROVIDED THAT, for the
purpose of this definition, shares which only carry the right to vote
conditionally on the happening of an event shall not be considered Voting Shares
whether or not such event shall have happened.
ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, all payments
made by us under or with respect to the debt securities will be made free and
clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present
or future tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other governmental charge
(including penalties, interest and other liabilities related thereto) imposed or
levied by or on behalf of the Government of Canada or any province or territory
thereof or by any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax
("Canadian Taxes"), unless we are required to withhold or deduct Canadian Taxes
by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof. If we are so required
to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Canadian Taxes from any
payment made under or with respect to the debt securities, we will pay to each
holder of such debt securities as additional interest such additional amounts
("Additional Amounts") as may be necessary so that the net amount received by
each such holder after such withholding or deduction (and after deducting any
Canadian Taxes on such Additional Amounts) will not be less than the amount such
holder would have received if such Canadian Taxes had not been withheld or
deducted. However, no Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to a
payment made to a debt securities holder (such holder, an "Excluded Holder") in
respect of the beneficial owner thereof:
o with which we do not deal at arm's length (within the meaning
of the INCOME TAX ACT (Canada)) at the time of making such
payment;
o which is subject to such Canadian Taxes by reason of the
holder of the debt securities being a resident, domicile or
national of, or engaged in business or maintaining a permanent
establishment or other physical presence in or otherwise
having some connection with Canada or any province or
territory thereof otherwise than by the mere holding of debt
securities or the receipt of payments thereunder;
o which is subject to such Canadian Taxes by reason of the
holder's failure to comply with any certification,
identification, documentation or other reporting requirements
if compliance is required by law, regulation, administrative
practice or an applicable treaty as a precondition to
exemption from, or a reduction in the rate of deduction or
withholding of, such Canadian Taxes; or
o which by reason of the legal nature of the holder of the debt
securities is disentitled to the benefit of an applicable
treaty.
We will also make such withholding or deduction and remit the full
amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with
applicable law.
We will furnish to the holders of the debt securities, within 60 days
after the date the payment of any Canadian Taxes is due pursuant to applicable
law, certified copies of tax receipts or other documents evidencing such payment
by us.
We will indemnify and hold harmless each holder of debt securities
(other than an Excluded Holder) and upon written request reimburse each such
holder for the amount, excluding any payment of Additional Amounts that have
previously been made by us, of:
16
o any Canadian Taxes levied or imposed and paid by such holder
as a result of payments made under or with respect to the debt
securities;
o any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses)
arising therefrom or with respect thereto; and
o any Canadian Taxes imposed with respect to any reimbursement
under the preceding two bullet points, but excluding any such
Canadian Taxes on such holder's net income.
At least 15 days prior to each date on which any payment under or with
respect to any of the debt securities is due and payable, if we are aware that
we will be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, we
will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating the fact that such
Additional Amounts will be payable, the amounts so payable and will set forth
such other information necessary to enable the Trustee to pay such Additional
Amounts to holders on the payment date. Wherever in the Indenture there is
mentioned, in any context, the payment of principal, and premium, if any,
interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to a debt security,
such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional
Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or
would be payable in respect thereof.
TAX REDEMPTION
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, a series of debt
securities will be subject to redemption at any time, in whole but not in part,
at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof together with
accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption, upon the giving of
a notice as described below, if we (or our successor) determine that (i) as a
result of (A) any amendment to or change (including any announced prospective
change) in the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of Canada (or our
successor's jurisdiction of organization) or of any political subdivision or
taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, as applicable, or (B)
any amendment to or change in an interpretation or application of such laws or
regulations by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory
authority (including the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any
judicial decision or regulatory determination), which amendment or change is
announced or becomes effective on or after the date specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement (or the date a party organized in a jurisdiction other
than Canada or the United States becomes our successor), we have or will become
obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which interest is due,
additional amounts with respect to any debt security of such series as described
under "Additional Amounts", or (ii) on or after the date specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement (or the date a party organized in a
jurisdiction other than Canada or the United States becomes our successor), any
action has been taken by any taxing authority of, or any decision has been
rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction in, Canada (or our successor's
jurisdiction of organization) or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein, including any of those actions specified in (i) above,
whether or not such action was taken or decision was rendered with respect to
us, or any change, amendment, application or interpretation shall be officially
proposed, which, in any such case, in the written opinion to us of legal counsel
of recognized standing, will result in our becoming obligated to pay, on the
next succeeding date on which interest is due, Additional Amounts with respect
to any debt security of such series.
In the event that we elect to redeem a series of the debt securities
pursuant to the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph, we shall
deliver to the Trustee a certificate, signed by an authorized officer, stating
that we are entitled to redeem such series of the debt securities pursuant to
their terms.
Notice of intention to redeem such series of our debt securities will
be given not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for
redemption and will specify the date fixed for redemption.
PROVISION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We will furnish to the Trustee, within 30 days after we file them with
or furnish them to the SEC, copies (which may be electronic copies) of our
annual and quarterly reports and of the information, documents and other reports
(or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and
regulations prescribe) which we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
In the event that we may not remain subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on
an annual and
17
quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting
pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, we will continue to
furnish to the Trustee:
o within the time periods required for the filing of annual
information forms and annual financial statements (or similar
annual filings) by the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities, the information required to be contained in
annual reports on Form 40-F (or any successor form); and
o within the time periods for filing interim reports by the
Canadian securities regulatory authorities, the information
required to be contained in reports on Form 6-K (or any
successor form) which, regardless of applicable requirements
shall, at a minimum, contain such information required to be
provided in quarterly reports under the laws of Canada or any
province thereof to security holders of a corporation with
securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, whether or
not we have any of our securities listed on such exchange.
Such information will be prepared in accordance with Canadian
disclosure requirements and GAAP; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that we
shall not be obligated to file such report with the SEC if the
SEC does not permit such filings.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following are summaries of events with respect to any series of our
debt securities which will constitute an event of default with respect to the
debt securities of that series:
o default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if
any, on, any debt security when it becomes due and payable;
o default in the payment of any interest on any debt security,
when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such
default for a period of 30 days;
o default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty in the Indenture, and continuance of such default or
breach for a period of 60 days after written notice has been
given to us by the Trustee or by the holders of at least 25%
in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of any
series affected thereby;
o default in the performance of any covenant of Precision or any
Restricted Subsidiary contained in any instrument (other than
the Indenture) under which Indebtedness (other than
Non-Recourse Debt) is created or issued if such Indebtedness
has an outstanding principal amount in excess of the greater
of US$40 million and 2.5% of Shareholders' Equity at the time
of default and the holders of such Indebtedness, or a trustee,
if any, for those holders, declare such Indebtedness to be due
and payable prior to the stated maturity of such Indebtedness,
and such acceleration shall not be rescinded or annulled, or
such default shall not be remedied or cured, whether by
payment or otherwise, or waived by the holders of such
accelerated Indebtedness within a period of seven days after
such Indebtedness has been accelerated (or, if such
acceleration is the result of an event of default which is not
related to the failure to pay principal or interest, within 30
days after such Indebtedness has been accelerated);
o certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency, assignment for the
benefit of creditors or analogous process relating to
Precision or any Significant Subsidiary of Precision, as
described in the Indenture; or
o any other events of default provided with respect to debt
securities of that series.
If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to debt
securities of any series, unless the principal of all of the debt securities of
that series shall have already become due and payable, the Trustee may, in its
discretion, and shall upon request in writing made by the holders of not less
than 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such
event of default, declare the principal of, and premium, if any, on, all the
outstanding debt securities of that series and the interest accrued thereon and
all other money, if any, owing under the provisions of the Indenture in respect
of those debt securities, to be immediately due and payable.
The indenture governing our 6.85% Debentures due June 2007 and our
7.65% Debentures due October 2010 provides that an event of default shall have
occurred with respect to such debentures if there is a default by us or by a
material subsidiary of ours in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money in
excess of $20 million if such default consists of a failure to pay the
indebtedness when due or results in the acceleration of such indebtedness. Since
the similar event of default described in the fourth bullet point in the above
paragraph provides for an event of default with respect to the debt securities
only if there is a default with respect to other
18
Indebtedness having a principal amount in excess of the greater of US$40 million
or 2.5% of Shareholders' Equity, it is possible that holders of such debentures
could accelerate payment of those debentures as a result of a default in other
indebtedness while the holders of the debt securities would not be entitled to
accelerate payment of the debt securities.
Subject to certain conditions contained in the Indenture, the holders
of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the
affected series can rescind this accelerated payment requirement. Subject to
certain limitations contained in the Indenture, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by an
event of default shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the debt securities
of all series affected by such event of default.
No holder of a debt security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment
of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless:
o such holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice
of a continuing event of default with respect to the debt
securities of such series affected by such event of default;
o the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding debt securities of such series (voting as one
class) affected by such event of default have made written
request, and such holder or holders have offered reasonable
indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as
Trustee; and
o the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has
not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such
series affected by such event of default a direction
inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after such
notice, request and offer.
However, such above-mentioned limitations do not apply to a suit
instituted by the holder of a debt security for the enforcement of payment of
the principal of or any premium or interest on such debt security on or after
the applicable due date specified in such debt security.
The Indenture requires that we annually furnish to the Trustee a
statement by certain of our officers as to whether or not Precision, to the best
of their knowledge, is in compliance with all conditions and covenants of the
Indenture and, if not, specifying all such known defaults. We will also be
required under the Indenture to notify the Trustee as soon as practicable upon
becoming aware of any event of default.
DEFEASANCE
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
Indenture provides that, at our option, we will be discharged from any and all
obligations in respect of the outstanding debt securities of any series upon
irrevocable deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or government
securities which will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent chartered accountants to pay the
principal of and premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the
outstanding debt securities of such series ("Defeasance") (except with respect
to the authentication, transfer, exchange or replacement of our debt securities
or the maintenance of a place of payment and certain other obligations set forth
in the Indenture). Such trust may only be established if, among other things:
o we have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the
United States stating that Precision has received from, or
there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling or, since the Issue Date, there has been a change in
the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to
the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities
of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such
Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on
the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such Defeasance had not occurred;
o we have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in
Canada or a ruling from Canada Revenue Agency to the effect
that the holders of the outstanding debt securities of such
series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian
federal or provincial income or other tax purposes as a result
of such Defeasance and will be subject to Canadian federal or
provincial income and other tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case
had such Defeasance not occurred (and for the purposes of such
opinion, such Canadian counsel shall assume that holders of
the outstanding debt securities of such series include holders
who are not resident in Canada);
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o we are not an "insolvent person" within the meaning of the
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY ACT (Canada) on the date of such
deposit or at any time during the period ending on the 91st
day following such deposit; and
o no event of default or event that, with the passing of time or
the giving of notice, or both, shall constitute an event of
default, shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of
such deposit.
We may exercise our Defeasance option notwithstanding our prior
exercise of our Covenant Defeasance option described in the following paragraph
if we meet the conditions described in the preceding sentence at the time we
exercise the Defeasance option.
The Indenture provides that, at our option, unless and until we have
exercised our Defeasance option described in the preceding paragraph, we may
omit to comply with the "Limitation on Liens" and "Consolidation, Amalgamation,
Merger and Sale of Assets" covenants and certain other covenants and such
omission shall not be deemed to be an event of default under the Indenture upon
irrevocable deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or government
securities which will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent chartered accountants to pay the
principal of and premium, if any, and each installment of interest, if any, on
the outstanding debt securities ("Covenant Defeasance"). If we exercise our
Covenant Defeasance option, the obligations under the Indenture other than with
respect to such covenants and the events of default with respect to such
covenants shall remain in full force and effect. Such trust may only be
established if, among other things:
o we have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the
United States to the effect that the holders of the
outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or
loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such
Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance
had not occurred;
o we have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in
Canada or a ruling from Canada Revenue Agency to the effect
that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not
recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian federal or
provincial income or other tax purposes as a result of such
Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to Canadian federal or
provincial income and other tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case
had such Covenant Defeasance not occurred (and for the
purposes of such opinion, such Canadian counsel shall assume
that holders of our outstanding debt securities include
holders who are not resident in Canada);
o we are not an "insolvent person" within the meaning of the
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) on the date of such
deposit or at any time during the period ending on the 91st
day following such deposit; and
o no event of default or event that, with the passing of time or
the giving of notice, or both, shall constitute an event of
default, shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of
such deposit.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by us and the
Trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of each series issued under the Indenture affected
by such modification or amendment (voting as one class); provided that no such
modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding debt security of such affected series:
o change the stated maturity of the principal of, or extend the
scheduled time of payment of any instalment of interest, if
any, on any debt security;
o reduce the principal amount of, or premium, if any, or
interest rate, if any, on any debt security;
o change the place of payment;
o change the currency of payment of principal of, or premium, if
any, or interest, if any, on any debt security;
o impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to any debt security;
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o reduce the percentage of principal amount of outstanding debt
securities of such series, the consent of the holders of which
is required for modification or amendment of Indenture
provisions or for waiver of compliance with provisions of the
Indenture or for waiver of defaults; or
o modify any provisions of the Indenture relating to the
modification and amendment of the Indenture or the waiver of
past defaults or covenants, except as otherwise specified in
the Indenture.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of
that series waive, insofar as that series is concerned, compliance by us with
certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. The holders of a majority in
principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any past
default under the Indenture with respect to that series, except a default in the
payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any
debt security of that series or in respect of a provision which under the
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding debt security of that series.
The Indenture or the debt securities may be amended or supplemented,
without the consent of any holder of such debt securities, in order to, among
other things, cure any ambiguity or inconsistency that, in each case, does not
materially adversely affect the rights of any holder of such debt securities.
RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEE
The Trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series
of debt securities and a successor Trustee may be appointed to act with respect
to such series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as Trustee with
respect to different series of debt securities, each such Trustee shall be a
Trustee of a trust under the Indenture separate and apart from the trust
administered by any other such Trustee, and any action described herein to be
taken by the "Trustee" may then be taken by each such Trustee with respect to,
and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it
is Trustee.
GOVERNING LAW
Our debt securities and the Indenture will be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE
Under the Indenture, we have irrevocably appointed CT Corporation
System, 111 8th Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011, as our authorized
agent for service of process in any suit or proceeding arising out of or
relating to the debt securities or the Indenture and for actions brought under
U.S. federal or state securities laws in any U.S. federal or state court located
in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, New York, and we have
irrevocably submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.
ENFORCEABILITY OF JUDGMENTS
Since most of our assets, as well as the assets of a number of our
directors and officers, are outside the United States, any judgment obtained in
the United States against us or certain of our directors or officers, including
judgments with respect to the payment of principal on any debt securities, may
not be collectible within the United States.
We have been informed by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, our Canadian
counsel, that the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada
applicable therein permit an action to be brought in a court of competent
jurisdiction in the Province of Alberta on any final and conclusive judgment IN
PERSONAM of any federal or state court located in the State of New York (a "New
York Court") against us, which judgment is subsisting and unsatisfied for a sum
certain with respect to the enforcement of the Indenture and the debt securities
that is not impeachable as void or voidable under the internal laws of the State
of New York if: (i) the New York Court rendering such judgment had jurisdiction
over the judgment debtor, as recognized by the courts of the Province of Alberta
(and submission by us in the Indenture to the jurisdiction of the New York Court
will be sufficient for that purpose); (ii) such judgment was not obtained by
fraud or in a manner contrary to natural justice and the enforcement thereof
would not be inconsistent with public policy, as such terms are understood under
the laws of the Province of Alberta or contrary to any order made by the
Attorney General of Canada under the FOREIGN EXTRATERRITORIAL MEASURES ACT
(Canada) or by the Competition Tribunal under the COMPETITION ACT (Canada);
21
(iii) the enforcement of such judgment would not be contrary to the laws of
general application limiting the enforcement of creditors' rights including
bankruptcy, reorganization, winding up, moratorium and similar laws and does not
constitute, directly or indirectly, the enforcement of foreign revenue,
expropriatory or penal laws in the Province of Alberta; (iv) no new admissible
evidence relevant to the action is discovered prior to the rendering of judgment
by the court in the Province of Alberta; (v) interest payable on the debt
securities is not characterized by a court in the Province of Alberta as
interest payable at a criminal rate within the meaning of Section 347 of the
CRIMINAL CODE (Canada); and (vi) the action to enforce such judgment is
commenced within the appropriate limitation period, except that any court in the
Province of Alberta may only give judgment in Canadian dollars.
In the opinion of such counsel, there are no reasons under present laws of the
Province of Alberta for avoiding recognition of such judgments of New York
Courts under the Indenture or on the debt securities based upon public policy.
We have been advised by such counsel that there is doubt as to the
enforceability in Canada by a court in original actions, or in actions to
enforce judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated
solely upon the United States federal securities laws.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares
without nominal or par value and an unlimited number of non-voting, cumulative,
convertible, redeemable preferred shares ("Preferred Shares") without nominal or
par value, issuable in series. As at April 30, 2004, 55,897,119 common shares
are issued and outstanding and no Preferred Shares have been issued.
COMMON SHARES
Each common share entitles the holder to receive notice of and to
attend all meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only the
holders of another class or series are entitled to vote. Each common share
entitles the holder to one vote. The holders of common shares, in the discretion
of the board of directors, are entitled to receive out of any monies properly
applicable to the payment of dividends, and after the payment of any dividends
payable on the Preferred Shares of any series or any other series ranking prior
to the common shares as to the payment of dividends, any dividends declared and
payable on the common shares. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
Precision, or other distribution of our assets among our shareholders for the
purposes of winding-up our affairs, the holders of the common shares are
entitled to share on a share-for-share basis in the distribution, except for the
prior rights of the holders of the Preferred Share of any series, or any other
class ranking prior to the common shares. There are no pre-emptive or conversion
rights, and the common shares are not subject to redemption. All common shares
currently outstanding and to be outstanding upon exercise of outstanding options
are, or will be, fully paid and non-assessable.
Our by-laws provide for certain rights of holders of our common shares
in accordance with the provisions of the BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (Alberta).
Such by-laws may be amended either by a majority vote of the holders of common
shares or by a majority vote of the board of directors. Any amendment of the
by-laws by action of the board of directors must be submitted to the next
meeting of our shareholders whereupon the by-law amendment must be confirmed,
confirmed as amended or replaced by a majority of the vote of the shareholders
voting on such matter.
Our shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights on the election
of our directors. Therefore, the holder of more than 50% of the common shares
voting for the election of our directors could, if they chose to do so, elect
all of the directors and, in such event, the holders of the remaining common
shares would not be able to elect any director.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell Securities to or through underwriters or dealers and also
may sell Securities directly to purchasers or through agents. These Securities
may be sold in Canada, the United States and elsewhere where permitted by law.
The distribution of Securities of any series may be effected from time
to time in one or more transactions:
o at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
o at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; or
o at prices related to such prevailing market prices to be
negotiated with purchasers.
In connection with the sale of Securities, underwriters may receive
compensation from us or from purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as
agents in the form of concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and
agents that participate in the distribution of Securities may be deemed to be
underwriters and any commissions received by them from us and any profit on the
resale of Securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The prospectus supplement will also set forth the terms of the offering
of the Securities, including to the extent applicable, the initial offering
price, our proceeds from the offering, the underwriting concessions or
commissions, and any other discounts or concessions to be allowed or reallowed
to dealers. Underwriters with respect to each series sold to or through
underwriters will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
Under agreements which may be entered into by us, underwriters, dealers
and agents who participate in the distribution of debt securities may be
entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act. The underwriters, dealers and agents with
whom we enter into agreements may be customers of, engage in transactions with
or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
Each series of debt securities will be a new issue of securities with
no established trading market. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus
supplement relating to a series of debt securities, the debt securities will not
be listed on any securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation
system. Certain broker-dealers may make a market in the debt securities, but
will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time
without notice. We cannot assure you that any broker-dealer will make a market
in the debt securities of any series or as to the liquidity of the trading
market, if any, for the debt securities of any series.
CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe certain Canadian
federal income tax consequences to an investor who is a resident of Canada or
who is a non-resident of Canada of acquiring any Securities offered thereunder,
including to the extent applicable, whether the payments of principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities will be subject to Canadian
non-resident withholding tax.
The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe certain United
States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and
disposition of any Securities offered under this prospectus by an initial
investor who is a United States person (within the meaning of the United States
Internal Revenue Code), including, to the extent applicable, any such
consequences relating to debt securities payable in a currency other than the
United States dollar, issued at an original issue discount for United States
federal income tax purposes or containing early redemption provisions or other
special terms.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement certain legal
matters relating to Canadian law will be passed upon for us by Borden Ladner
Gervais LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Certain legal matters in connection with
the offering relating to United States law will be passed upon for us by Paul,
Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal
matters relating to Canadian law will be passed upon for any underwriters,
dealers or agents by Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In
addition, certain legal matters relating to United States law will be passed
upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The partners and associates of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Paul,
Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as a group beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, less than 1% of any class of Precision's securities.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference
in this prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of KPMG
LLP, Chartered Accountants, given on the authority of said firm, as experts in
auditing and accounting.
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
The following documents have been filed with the SEC as part of the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part insofar as required by
the SEC's Form F-10:
o the documents listed in the third paragraph under "Where You
Can Find More Information" in this prospectus;
o U.S. GAAP Reconciliation for our unaudited comparative
consolidated financial statements for the three months ended
March 31, 2004;
o the consent of our accountants, KPMG LLP;
o the consent of our counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP;
o powers of attorney from our directors and officers;
o the form of trust indenture relating to the debt securities;
o the statement of eligibility of the trustee on Form T- 1; and
o interest coverage ratios.
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CONSENT OF KPMG LLP
We have read the short form base shelf prospectus of Precision Drilling
Corporation (the "Corporation") dated May 17, 2004 relating to the offer for
sale from time to time of up to US$1,000,000,000 of debt securities or common
shares of the Corporation. We have complied with Canadian generally accepted
standards for an auditor's involvement with offering documents.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the above-mentioned
short form base shelf prospectus of our report to the shareholders of the
Corporation on the consolidated balance sheets of the Corporation as at December
31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated statements of earnings and retained
earnings and cash flow for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2003. Our report is dated February 10, 2004.
"KPMG LLP"
Chartered Accountants
May 17, 2004
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US$199,200,000
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
4,000,000 COMMON SHARES
(PRECISION DRILLING LOGO)
____________________________
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
JULY 20, 2004
____________________________
________________
TD SECURITIES
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS
________________
UBS
________________
RAYMOND JAMES
________________
FIRSTENERGY CAPITAL CORP.
________________
DUNDEE SECURITIES CORPORATION
GMP SECURITIES LTD.
JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS
TRISTONE CAPITAL INC.