November 3, 2015 - 10:05 PM EST
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Trinidad Drilling Ltd. Reports Third Quarter and Year-To-Date 2015 Results; Cost Control Measures and Solid Contracts Drive Margin Strength. Fourth Quarter Dividend Announced.

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 3, 2015) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. ("Trinidad" or the "Company") (TSX:TDG) reported third quarter and year-to-date 2015 results and declared the Company's fourth quarter dividend today. Weak commodity prices led to lower activity levels and reduced customer demand in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, driving lower adjusted EBITDA(1) and net earnings compared to the same periods in 2014. Weak industry conditions also led to an impairment charge being recorded in the current quarter, mainly related to the Company's goodwill assets, with an additional impairment recorded on the barge assets. The negative impact of these challenging conditions was partly offset by cost control measures implemented throughout the period and Trinidad's contract base, which provided revenue stability on contracted rigs, as well as lump sum and standby revenue on rigs that were terminated early. In addition, higher relative utilization of larger, high specification rigs helped to limit dayrate and margin erosion. The growing contribution from the Company's international joint venture with Halliburton and the addition of CanElson Drilling Inc.'s (CanElson's) operations during the third quarter also positively impacted Trinidad's results in 2015.  

Trinidad's board of directors declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2015 of $0.01 per common share to be paid on January 15, 2016 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2015. This dividend represents a reduction of $0.04 per common share from the previous quarterly dividend level. The dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian Income Tax purposes. In addition to reductions in general and administrative expense, operating costs and lower capital spending, Trinidad chose to lower its dividend payment in order to conserve cash during these challenging conditions. The annualized cash savings from the dividend reduction totaled approximately $35.5 million. This reduced cash outlay, along with the ability to repatriate cash from the joint venture with Halliburton and relaxed covenants following the CanElson acquisition, provide additional financial flexibility for the Company.

"Trinidad has responded strongly to the weak industry conditions we have seen to date in 2015," said Lyle Whitmarsh, Trinidad's Chief Executive Officer. "We have reviewed our operations and resized them to function more efficiently in the current environment. Some of the benefits gained from these cost control measures are incorporated in the results to date in 2015 and additional benefits are expected to flow through in the remainder of 2015 and into 2016. We will continue to review all aspects of our business over the coming months for further efficiency gains, while also remaining prudent with our overall spending in order to conserve cash. Our focus on providing well-performing, safe equipment for our customers has not changed. This focus, along with the changes we have implemented, will help position us well during this downturn."

(1) See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands except share and per share data) 2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
Revenue 124,285   244,538   (49.2 ) 413,894   664,988   (37.8 )
Revenue, net of third party costs(1) 117,824   230,985   (49.0 ) 393,895   621,647   (36.6 )
Operating income(1) 52,009   80,536   (35.4 ) 166,187   221,333   (24.9 )
Operating income percentage(1) 41.8 % 32.9 % 27.1   40.2 % 33.3 % 20.7  
Operating income - net percentage(1) 43.9 % 34.7 % 26.5   41.9 % 35.6 % 18.4  
EBITDA(2) (99,112 )  67,207   (247.5 ) (19,902 )  153,907   (112.9 )
  Per share (diluted)(1) (0.54 )  0.48   (212.5 ) (0.13 )  1.11   (111.7 )
Adjusted EBITDA 44,953   64,619   (30.4 ) 139,660   174,706   (20.1 )
  Per share (diluted)(2) 0.25   0.47   (46.8 ) 0.93   1.26   (26.2 )
Cash provided by operations (5,640 ) 60,143   (109.4 ) 108,909   150,662   (27.7 )
  Per share (basic / diluted)(2) (0.03 ) 0.44   (106.8 ) 0.73   1.09   (33.0 )
Funds provided by operations(1) 16,392   46,554   (64.8 ) 77,616   137,696   (43.6 )
  Per share (basic / diluted)(2) 0.09   0.34   (73.5 ) 0.52   0.99   (47.5 )
Net (loss) earnings (87,618 ) 19,156   (557.4 ) (76,955 ) 20,103   (482.8 )
  Per share (basic / diluted)(2) (0.48 ) 0.34   (442.9 ) (0.51 ) 0.15   (440.0 )
Adjusted net (loss) earnings(1) 1,014   14,602   (93.1 ) 18,750   36,791   (49.0 )
  Per share (basic / diluted)(2) 0.01   0.11   (90.9 ) 0.12   0.26   (53.8 )
Capital expenditures 21,628   100,453   (78.5 ) 113,556   203,246   (44.1 )
Dividends declared 11,104   6,910   60.7   24,447   20,728   17.9  
Shares outstanding - basic (weighted average)(2) 182,574,890   138,195,784   32.1   150,077,401   138,168,514   8.6  
Shares outstanding - diluted (weighted average)(2) 182,574,890   138,664,015   31.7   150,077,401   138,854,145   8.1  
   
As at
($ thousands except percentage data)
September 30,
2015
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
% Change
 
 
Total assets 2,372,949   1,941,621   22.2  
Total long-term liabilities 811,101   628,047   29.1  
  1. Readers are cautioned that Operating income, Operating income percentage, Operating income - net percentage, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Funds provided by operations, Adjusted net earnings and the related per share information do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS - see Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions at the end of this document for further details.
  2. Basic shares include the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the period. Diluted shares include the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the period and the dilutive impact, if any, of the number of shares issuable pursuant to the Incentive Option Plan.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS                        
   
  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
  2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
Land Drilling Market                        
Operating days(1)                        
  Canada 2,109   3,424   (38.4 ) 4,832   8,932   (45.9 )
  United States and International 2,199   4,906   (55.2 ) 7,096   13,657   (48.0 )
Rate per operating day(1)                        
  Canada (CDN$) 23,695   24,669   (3.9 ) 25,330   25,277   0.2  
  United States and International (CDN$) 30,223   22,842   32.3   32,269   23,422   37.8  
  United States and International (US$) 23,582   21,092   11.8   26,160   21,492   21.7  
Utilization rate - operating day(1)                        
  Canada 34 % 66 % (48.5 ) 31 % 55 % (43.6 )
  United States and International 40 % 96 % (58.3 ) 49 % 84 % (41.7 )
Number of drilling rigs at period end(4)                        
  Canada 82   61   34.4   82   61   34.4  
  United States and International 72   54   33.3   72   54   33.3  
Barge Drilling Market                        
  Operating days(1) -   334   (100.0 ) 57   837   (93.2 )
  Rate per operating day (CDN$)(1) -   37,967   (100.0 ) 30,098   37,918   (20.6 )
  Rate per operating day (US$)(1) -   35,072   (100.0 ) 26,130   34,836   (25.0 )
  Utilization rate - operating day(1) -   73 % (100.0 ) 7 % 61 % (88.5 )
  Number of barge drilling rigs at period end(4) -   2   (100.0 ) -   2   (100
  Number of barge drilling rigs under Bareboat                        
    Charter Agreements at period end(4) -   3   (100.0 ) -   3   (100.0 )
TDI Joint Venture Operations(2)                        
  Operating days(1) 595           1,521          
  Rate per operating day (CDN$)(1) 59,609           60,416          
  Rate per operating day (US$)(1) 46,591           48,536          
  Utilization rate - operating day(1) 99 %         96 %        
  Number of drilling rigs at period end(4) 8   4   100.0   8   4   100.0  
DCM Joint Venture Operations(3)                        
  Number of drilling rigs at period end(4) 2           2          
  Number of service rigs at period end(4) 2           2          
  1. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.
  2. Trinidad is party to a joint venture with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Halliburton (TDI). These rigs are owned by the joint venture. Operating data prior to 2015 has not been provided given the start-up nature of the operations.
  3. As part of the CanElson acquisition, effective August 11, 2015, Trinidad acquired a 50% ownership of a joint venture operating under the name Diavaz CanElson de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (DCM).
  4. Refer to the Results from Operations section for details on the changes to the rig count.

OVERVIEW

Weak commodity prices and slowing customer demand in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 led to lower activity levels and reduced profitably compared to the same periods last year. The impact of these challenging conditions was partly offset by the addition of CanElson's operations during the third quarter and continuing strong performance from the Company's international joint venture operations.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, adjusted EBITDA was $45.0 million and $139.7 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 30.4% in the quarter and 20.1% year to date, compared to the same periods in 2014, as weaker market conditions reduced the number of operating days and continued to put downward pressure on dayrates. In reaction to these conditions, Trinidad reviewed its cost structure and resized its business to better manage through the downturn. The Company lowered general and administrative costs, restructured its manufacturing division and significantly lowered costs in non-core operating areas such as its barge drilling operations. In addition to these cost cutting initiatives, the impact of higher early termination and standby revenue and a growing contribution from Trinidad's international joint venture helped mitigate the impact of weaker customer demand on cash flow generation and margins in the current periods.

Trinidad recorded a net loss of $87.6 million or $0.48 per share - diluted in the quarter, down 557.4% from net income of $19.2 million in the same quarter last year, largely as a result of lower adjusted EBITDA, higher finance and transaction costs, and an impairment of goodwill and property and equipment, partly offset by lower depreciation and deferred income tax expenses in the current period. Year to date in 2015, Trinidad recorded a net loss of $77.0 million or $0.52 per share - diluted, down 482.8% from the same period last year. Net earnings decreased year to date as a result of the items impacting the current quarter and were further impacted by higher foreign exchange expense and a smaller gain on sale of property and equipment in the current period.  

On August 11, 2015, Trinidad closed the previously announced acquisition of CanElson. This transaction added 51 land drilling rigs to Trinidad's operations across North America, growing the Company's geographic relevance in key operating areas, expanding its product offering and customer base, and reducing overall corporate leverage. The acquisition was financed through a combination of $295.2 million of shares issued and $50.0 million of cash paid. Integration of the operations began in the third quarter and is expected to be largely complete by the end of 2015.

After a brief improvement during the second quarter of 2015, crude oil prices continued to weaken in the third quarter of 2015. Natural gas prices increased slightly in the current quarter compared to the previous quarter of 2015 but remained weak year over year.  Continued weakness in commodity prices led to cutbacks in capital spending for oil and gas producers and lower activity in the current quarter and year to date in 2015. Industry utilization in Canada typically improves in the third quarter as seasonal conditions allow rigs to return to work. In the third quarter of 2015, activity levels did improve from the previous quarter; however, the magnitude of improvement was significantly smaller than in 2014 and historical normal activity. The active rig count in the US continued to lower in the third quarter, reaching levels below those experienced in the 2009 industry downturn.

INDUSTRY STATISTICS

  2015   Full Year   2014   Full Year   2013  
  Q3   Q2   Q1   2014   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1   2013   Q4  
Commodity Prices                                        
Aeco natural gas price (CDN$ per gigajoule) 2.76   2.54   2.60   4.28   3.44   3.82   4.45   5.34   3.01   3.33  
Henry Hub natural gas price (US$ per mmBtu) 2.75   2.73   2.87   4.36   3.76   3.94   4.59   5.15   3.72   3.84  
Western Canada Select crude oil price                                        
(CDN$ per barrel) 41.22   59.40   43.52   82.00   65.42   85.68   91.34   85.81   75.84   69.62  
WTI crude oil price (US$ per barrel) 46.48   57.85   48.49   93.06   73.21   97.60   103.06   98.72   98.01   97.56  
Canadian / US dollar exchange rate 1.31   1.23   1.24   1.10   1.14   1.09   1.09   1.10   1.03   1.05  
   
US Activity                                        
Average industry active land rig count(1) 829   935   1,403   1,789   1,843   1,828   1,781   1,705   1,685   1,679  
Average Trinidad active land rig count(2) 26   24   30   50   52   53   47   48   50   49  
   
Canadian Activity                                        
Average industry utilization (3) 24 % 13 % 35 % 44 % 45 % 46 % 28 % 58 % 40 % 43 %
Average Trinidad utilization (4) 32 % 7 % 46 % 52 % 57 % 61 % 24 % 68 % 48 % 48 %
  1. Baker Hughes rig counts (information obtained from Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. weekly rig roundup report).
  2. Includes US and international rigs.
  3. Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) utilization.
  4. Based on drilling days (spud to rig release dates).

THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter was $45.0 million and $139.7 million year to date in 2015, down 30.4% and 20.1% from the same periods last year. Adjusted EBITDA declined in the current periods largely as a result of lower activity in the Canadian and US operations driven by weakening commodity prices. The impact of lower activity levels was partly offset by the addition of the CanElson operations, higher early termination and standby revenue received in the US and international operations and a growing contribution from the Company's international joint venture with Halliburton.
  • Operating income - net percentage was 43.9% in the third quarter and 41.9% year to date for 2015, up from 34.7% and 35.4% for the same periods in 2014. Operating income - net percentage increased as a result of higher early termination and standby revenue and cost cutting initiatives undertaken by Trinidad. In addition, in the current periods, there was lower manufacturing revenue than in the prior year. The manufacturing division typically generates lower margins than Trinidad's drilling operations as the external new builds are constructed for Trinidad's joint venture company and joint venture partner Halliburton at cost plus a small margin.
  • Net loss was $87.6 million for the third quarter compared to net earnings of $19.2 million in the third quarter of 2014.  Net loss was $77.0 million year to date for 2015 compared to net earnings of $20.1 million in the prior year. The decrease in net earnings from the prior year was largely driven by a larger impairment expense and higher foreign exchange expense in the current period, partly offset by lower depreciation and deferred income tax expenses. Year to date, net loss was also impacted by a lower gain on sale of property and equipment in the current year. The impairment expense recorded in the current period was $138.8 million, of which $26.9 million related to the remaining value on the Company's barge rigs and $111.8 million related to goodwill in its US and international operations.
  • In the third quarter, Trinidad closed the previously announced acquisition of CanElson. This transaction added 51 rigs to Trinidad's operations across North America, increasing the Company's geographic market share in key operating areas, expanding its product offering and customer base, and reducing overall corporate leverage.
  • At the end of the third quarter, Trinidad had Consolidated Total Debt to Bank EBITDA of 2.65:1. Due to the closing of the CanElson acquisition in the third quarter, Trinidad's maximum covenant is relaxed to 4.50:1 for the following two quarters, after which it reverts to 4.00:

RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS

Canadian Operations

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands except percentage and operating data) 2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
Operating revenue(1) 50,981   84,481   (39.7 ) 123,412   225,769   (45.3 )
Other revenue 142   180   (21.1 ) 215   1,260   (82.9 )
  51,123   84,661   (39.6 ) 123,627   227,029   (45.5 )
Operating costs(1) 29,604   47,843   (38.1 ) 73,201   130,867   (44.1 )
Operating income(3) 21,519   36,818   (41.6 ) 50,426   96,162   (47.6 )
Operating income - net percentage(3) 42.1 % 43.5 %     40.8 % 42.4 %    
                         
Operating days(3) 2,109   3,424   (38.4 ) 4,832   8,932   (45.9 )
Drilling days(3) 1,987   3,170   (37.3 ) 4,471   8,201   (45.5 )
Rate per operating day (CDN$)(3) 23,695   24,669   (3.9 ) 25,330   25,277   0.2  
Utilization rate - operating day(3) 34 % 66 % (48.5 ) 31 % 55 % (43.6 )
Utilization rate - drilling day(3) 32 % 61 % (47.5 ) 29 % 50 % (42.0 )
CAODC industry average(2) 24 % 46 % (47.8 ) 24 % 43 % (44.2 )
                         
Number of drilling rigs at period end 82   61   34.4   82   61   34.4  
  1. Operating revenue and operating costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 exclude third party recovery and third party costs of $4.5 million and $9.5 million, respectively. Operating revenue and operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 exclude third party recovery and third party costs of $12.4 million and $28.9 million, respectively.
  2. CAODC industry average is based on drilling days divided by total days available.
  3. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

Trinidad's Canadian operations were impacted by weak commodity prices and reduced customer demand in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015. Lower activity levels resulted in reduced operating days, utilization and operating income in 2015, compared to the same period last year. The impact of weak industry conditions was slightly offset by the acquisition of CanElson, which added 28 drilling rigs to Trinidad's Canadian division during the third quarter.

Operating revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, decreased by $33.5 million and $102.4 million, respectively, from 2014. Revenue declined entirely as a result of the reduction in operating days, which decreased by 38.4% and 45.9%, respectively. The impact of lower activity was slightly offset by the addition of the CanElson rigs, which contributed 459 operating days in the quarter. Despite the challenging market conditions, Trinidad was able to maintain utilization levels eight percentage points higher than the industry average, reflecting the Company's solid contract base and its ongoing focus on strong operational performance and safety. Dayrates remained relatively unchanged compared to the same periods last year as the impact of weaker customer demand was largely offset by higher relative utilization of larger, high specification rigs.

Operating income - net percentage declined slightly in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, by 1.4% and 1.6%, respectively. Trinidad's operating costs are highly variable allowing the Company to lower its operating costs largely in line with the lower activity level. The slight decline in profitability was due to the fixed nature of some operating support costs spread over fewer operating rigs. Trinidad has continued to work with its suppliers to reduce costs in all aspects of its operations. As well, the Company continues to monitor repair and maintenance expenditures, incurring expenses on rigs only as they return to work.

In the third quarter of 2015, Trinidad's rig count increased by 21 rigs compared to the same quarter last year. The rig count increased as a result of the CanElson acquisition which added 28 rigs to the Canadian rig fleet in the third quarter. As well, one new build was delivered in the first quarter of 2015 from Trinidad's manufacturing operations, and eight rigs were decommissioned at December 31, 2014.

Third quarter of 2015 versus second quarter of 2015

Operating revenue and operating income increased by $38.9 million and $18.2 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the second quarter of 2015. The second quarter is typically affected by spring break-up, as weather conditions and road bans restrict the movement of heavy equipment, resulting in lower activity. During the third quarter, drilling activity typically increases as areas become more accessible to drilling rigs. Dayrates declined in the current quarter by 25.3% to $23,695 per day compared to $31,731 per day in the previous quarter. The second quarter had fewer operating days but higher relative utilization of high specification rigs, driving a higher average dayrate. The third quarter had more operating days and a more diverse group of rigs working, reflecting a more normalized dayrate in the period. Operating margin - net percentage increased in the third quarter to 42.1% compared to 27.4% in the second quarter of 2015 as a result of higher revenue generation combined with cost control programs implemented earlier in the year.

United States and International Operations

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands except percentage and operating data) 2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
Operating revenue(1) 66,454   124,742   (46.7 ) 230,744   351,643   (34.4 )
Other revenue 87   99   (12.1 ) 472   212   122.6  
  66,541   124,841   (46.7 ) 231,216   351,855   (34.3 )
Operating costs(1) 35,526   82,588   (57.0 ) 118,614   230,998   (48.7 )
Operating income(1) 31,015   42,253   (26.6 ) 112,602   120,857   (6.8 )
Operating income - net percentage(2) 46.6 % 33.8 %     48.7 % 34.3 %    
     
Land Drilling Rigs    
Operating days(2) 2,199   4,906   (55.2 ) 7,096   13,657   (48.0 )
Drilling days(2) 1,964   4,303   (54.4 ) 6,168   11,881   (48.1 )
Rate per operating day (CDN$)(2) 30,223   22,842   32.3   32,269   23,422   37.8  
Rate per operating day (US$)(2) 23,582   21,092   11.8   26,160   21,492   21.7  
Utilization rate - operating day(2) 40 % 96 % (58.3 ) 49 % 84 % (41.7 )
Utilization rate - drilling day(2) 35 % 85 % (58.8 ) 43 % 73 % (41.1 )
Number of drilling rigs at period end 72   54   33.3   72   54   33.3  
                         
Barge Drilling Rigs                        
Operating days(2) -   334   (100.0 ) 57   837   (93.2 )
Rate per operating day (CDN$)(2) -   37,967   (100.0 ) 30,098   37,918   (20.6 )
Rate per operating day (US$)(2) -   35,072   (100.0 ) 26,130   34,836   (25.0 )
Utilization rate - operating day(2) -   73 % (100.0 ) 7 % 61 % (88.5 )
Number of barge drilling rigs at period end -   2   (100.0 ) -   2   (100.0
Number of barge drilling rigs under                        
  Bareboat Charter Agreements at period end -   3   (100.0 ) -   3   (100.0 )
  1. Operating revenue and operating costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 exclude third party recovery and third party costs of $1.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Operating revenue and operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 exclude third party recovery and third party costs of $6.5 million and $13.4 million, respectively.
  2. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Trinidad's US and international operations were also impacted by lower commodity prices and reduced capital spending by oil and gas producers. Despite these market conditions, Trinidad recorded increased operating income - net percentage and higher dayrates compared to the prior year, mainly as a result of increased early termination revenue recorded in 2015. Additionally, Trinidad's overall revenue generation was positively impacted by the CanElson acquisition which added 21 rigs to the US drilling operations during the third quarter of 2015. As well, Trinidad's US and international operations were positively impacted by the foreign exchange fluctuations in 2015 as the US dollar was significantly stronger than the Canadian dollar in the current periods.

Dayrates in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 for the US land drilling operations increased by US$2,490 per day and US$4,668 per day, respectively, when compared to 2014. Dayrates increased in the current periods mainly as a result of higher early termination and standby revenue recorded in 2015. Additionally, a change in rig mix led to a higher proportion of contracted high specification rigs operating in the current year. Excluding all early termination and standby revenue, dayrates increased by US$864 per day in the current quarter and US$373 per day year to date, compared to the same periods last year reflecting the higher specification rigs operating in 2015.

Utilization for land rigs decreased to 40% and 49%, respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 96% and 84%, respectively, for the same periods in 2014. Operating days recorded in 2015 were also lower by 2,707 days and 6,561 days, respectively, in the first three and nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. During 2015, lower commodity prices caused oil and gas producers to significantly cut back capital programs, which was reflected in Trinidad's utilization and operating days in 2015. The reduction in operating days was slightly offset by the CanElson acquisition which closed in August of 2015 and added 273 additional operating days to the current quarter.

Trinidad's drilling contracts assisted in mitigating the effects of weakened industry conditions in 2015, as a number of customers chose to terminate contracts early due to reduced capital spending plans. Early termination and standby revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was US$6.8 million and US$34.7 million, respectively (2014 - US$0.3 million and US$7.8 million, respectively). The early termination and standby revenues reflect the operating income that would have been recorded over the period of time the contract was originally extended. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, all early termination revenue would have been earned in the current period had the contracts remained ongoing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, US$2.6 million and US$1.3 million, respectively, would have been earned outside of the current period had the contracts remained ongoing.

Operating income - net percentage increased quarter over quarter and year over year in 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. Higher early termination and standby revenue combined with a stronger US dollar versus Canadian dollar had a positive impact on revenue generation and operating income - net percentage as this revenue has no associated costs, which causes an increase in the margin. As a result of weaker industry conditions and lower activity levels, Trinidad has reduced its operating cost structure. In addition to lower wages and reduced headcount, the Company has closed field offices and reduced supply costs wherever possible.

At September 30, 2015, Trinidad's US and international rig count totaled 72 rigs, an increase of 18 rigs from the same period last year. The rig count increased as a result of the addition of 21 rigs from the CanElson acquisition, three contracted new build rigs delivered by Trinidad's manufacturing division during 2015, and one new rig in the Middle East. This was partly offset by the decommissioning of seven rigs at December 31, 2014.

Operations in the barge drilling market reflected the continued softening of market conditions in 2015 and Trinidad recorded no operating days during the second and third quarters of the current year. As dayrates in the industry continued to decline and competition intensified for available drilling work, Trinidad chose to stack all five barge rigs during the first quarter of 2015. The Company scaled back staffing levels and costs to reflect the current market and Trinidad did not extend the Bareboat Charter Agreements that expired at the end of the first quarter. Due to the downturn of the barge market, Trinidad has decided not to market its barge rigs in the near term in order to focus on its core land drilling business. Therefore, as of September 30, 2015, all barge rigs have been removed from Trinidad's rig count, and all barge rig assets have been impaired to nil value.

Third quarter of 2015 versus second quarter of 2015

Compared to the second quarter of 2015, operating revenue and operating income decreased by $6.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2015. Activity levels and utilization continued to decline as commodity prices remained weak causing lower customer demand. This decrease in activity was partly offset by the CanElson acquisition which allowed Trinidad to record 273 additional operating days in the third quarter. The Company recorded US$6.8 million of early termination and standby revenue in the third quarter of 2015 compared to US$11.8 million in the second quarter of 2015. Excluding all early termination and standby revenue in each quarter, land drilling dayrates were US$1,017 lower on average in the third quarter than in the second quarter.

Trinidad recorded no operating days in the barge drilling operations in either of the second or third quarter of 2015 due to the continued downturn in the barge rig market. As at September 30, 2015, the Company decided to focus on its core land drilling business and does not intend to operate in the barge drilling market in the near term. As such, the remaining two barge rigs have been removed from Trinidad's rig count, and all barge rig assets have been impaired to nil value.

Joint Venture Operations

Trinidad Drilling International (TDI):

Amounts are presented at 100% of the value included in the statement of operations and comprehensive income for TDI; Trinidad owns 60% of the shares of TDI.

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
($ thousands except percentage and operating data) 2015   2014(2)   % Change   2015   2014(2)   % Change
Operating revenue 36,954   11,136   231.8   95,053   24,589   286.6
Operating costs 20,026   7,161   179.7   52,620   14,483   263.3
Operating income(1) 16,928   3,975   325.9   42,433   10,106   319.9
Operating income - net percentage(1) 45.8 % 35.7 %     44.6 % 41.1 %  
 
Operating days(1) 595           1,521        
Rate per operating day (CDN$)(1) 59,609           60,416        
Rate per operating day (US$)(1) 46,591           48,536        
Utilization rate - operating day(1) 99 %         96 %      
Number of drilling rigs at period end 8   4   100.0   8   4   100.0
Number of active drilling rigs at period end 7   3   133.3   7   3   133.3
  1. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.
  2. Operating data prior to the first quarter of 2015 has not been provided given the start-up nature of the operations.

Operating revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, increased by $25.8 million and $70.5 million, respectively, relative to the same periods in the prior year. These increased are due to expanding operations in each of Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Trinidad recorded increased operating days in 2015 on the four rigs located in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, at September 30, 2015, all four of TDI's Mexico rigs were in country and were either actively drilling, or waiting on location and collecting standby and mobilization revenue. As these rigs were delivered over the past 12 months, this has significantly improved operations in the current year.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, dayrates were positively impacted by mobilization and standby revenue recorded on TDI's Mexico rigs. Operating income and operating income - net percentage also increased in the current periods, driven by increasing activity levels as well as mobilization and standby revenue. Mobilization and standby revenue is recorded with no associated operating days or operating costs, increasing the overall average dayrate and operating income - net percentage.

TDI took ownership of the remaining two rigs for its Mexican operations in the first quarter of 2015, bringing the total rig count in the joint venture to eight. As at September 30, 2015, TDI had all four rigs in Saudi Arabia and three rigs in Mexico drilling, with the remaining Mexico rig waiting on location.

Diavaz CanElson de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (DCM):

As part of the CanElson acquisition, which closed effective August 11, 2015, Trinidad acquired a 50% ownership of Diavaz CanElson de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a joint venture which operates drilling and service rigs in Mexico. DCM currently has two drilling rigs and two service rigs in Mexico. For the period August 11 to September 30, Trinidad's portion of DCM's income was a loss of $0.2 million due to minimal operations during this period. Subsequent to the quarter close, DCM had one service rig and one land rig begin operations.

Manufacturing Operations

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands except percentage) 2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
Operating revenue(1) 162   21,452   (99.2 ) 39,049   42,719   (8.6 )
Other revenue (2 ) 32   (106.3 ) 4   45   (91.1 )
  160   21,484   (99.3 ) 39,053   42,764   (8.7 )
Operating costs(1) 977   20,330   (95.2 ) 36,986   39,414   (6.2 )
Operating income(2) (817 ) 1,154   (170.8 ) 2,067   3,350   (38.3 )
Operating income - net percentage(2) (510.6 %) 5.4 %     5.3 % 7.8 %    
  1. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, excluded from operating revenue and operating costs are downstream elimination entries of $3.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively (2014 - $17.3 million and $16.3 million, respectively). For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, excluded from operating revenue and operating costs are downstream elimination entries of $54.6 million and $52.0 million, respectively (2014 - $34.1 million and $31.5 million, respectively). These entries remove Trinidad's percentage of profits related to the manufacturing of rigs for the TDI joint venture.
  2. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

Activity in Trinidad's manufacturing operations declined significantly in the current quarter as rig construction was largely complete. During the quarter, the Company restructured its manufacturing operations, resizing its cost base to better reflect the weak industry conditions and lower activity levels. These changes are expected to reduce operating costs in future periods.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Trinidad recognized revenue and expenses related to the rigs it was building for the Mexico joint venture operations and for the training rig it was building for Halliburton. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Trinidad recognized revenue and expenses related to the rigs it was building for the joint venture operations in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, as well as amounts related to the training rigs it was building for Halliburton.

During 2015, Trinidad constructed three new rig builds under long-term, take-or-pay contracts for its US operations. The rigs were all high performance Candrill, 1,500 horsepower, alternating current (AC) rigs with walking systems and 7,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) circulating systems. One of the rigs was completed in each of the first, second and third quarters of 2015.

The purpose of the manufacturing operations is to support rig builds, rig maintenance and re-certifications for all of Trinidad's divisions, including all associates and joint ventures. Management does not commit to building a rig with the intention to earn significant profits on the rig build, and instead evaluates projects based on capital allocation and returns for the Company as a whole. All contracts are based on a cost-plus formula which is calculated in order for Trinidad to break even on rig builds when all costs, including general and administrative expenses, are factored in. Contracts are negotiated depending on the Company's varying involvement, which can range from full scale design and manufacturing to project management with a large degree of outsourcing.

Trinidad continues to support current operations through its manufacturing division; however, no rig builds are scheduled at this time.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - QUARTERLY ANALYSIS

  2015   2014   2013  
($ millions except per share data and operating data) Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4  
Revenue 124.3   95.2   194.4   276.4   244.5   168.9   251.5   224.6  
Operating income(1) 52.0   41.9   72.3   93.9   80.5   45.6   95.2   99.6  
Operating income percentage(1) 41.8 % 44.0 % 37.2 % 34.0 % 32.9 % 27.0 % 37.8 % 44.4 %
Operating income - net percentage(1) 43.9 % 46.3 % 38.5 % 35.6 % 34.7 % 28.3 % 41.1 % 47.0 %
Net (loss) earnings (87.6 ) (1.5 ) 12.1   (13.5 ) 19.2   (24.8 ) 25.9   28.8  
Adjustments for:                                
  Depreciation and amortization 26.6   19.7   23.6   34.0   33.4   27.3   30.3   29.5  
  Foreign exchange 3.3   -   6.2   (0.1 ) 0.5   1.5   3.1   0.9  
  (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment (0.6 ) (0.4 ) (1.1 ) 3.5   0.1   (1.3 ) (10.5 ) 0.1  
  Impairment of property and equipment 26.9   -   -   56.9   -   20.6   -   -  
  Impairment of goodwill  111.8    -    -     -    -    -    -  
  (Gain) loss from investment in joint ventures (2.8 ) (0.6 ) (1.2 ) (1.3 ) 1.6   (0.4 ) 0.1   0.8  
  Finance and transaction costs 17.9   12.9   11.4   9.8   9.7   10.0   10.0   12.0  
  Income taxes (56.1 ) (3.4 ) 4.4   (8.9 ) 4.9   (7.2 ) 15.3   11.1  
  Interest Income -   -   -   -   (0.1 ) (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.1 )
  Other expense (1.9 ) 1.4   2.9   0.6   (4.0 ) 5.3   5.5   1.5  
  Income taxes paid (1.1 ) (2.0 ) (1.6 ) (0.3 ) (0.7 ) (0.7 ) (0.5 ) (1.8 )
  Income taxes recovered 2.9   0.1   0.2   0.4   1.3   0.2   0.3   1.5  
  Interest paid (22.9 ) (1.1 ) (20.7 ) (1.4 ) (19.5 ) (0.5 ) (18.7 ) (1.1 )
  Interest received -   -   -   -   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.1  
Funds provided by operations 16.4   25.1   36.1   79.7   46.5   30.0   60.8   83.3  
Net earnings (loss) per share (diluted)(1) (0.48 ) (0.01 ) 0.09   (0.10 ) 0.14   (0.18 ) 0.19   0.23  
Funds provided by operations per share (diluted)(1) 0.09   0.19   0.27   0.58   0.34   0.22   0.44   0.67  
  1. See the Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

NON-GAAP MEASURES HIGHLIGHTS - QUARTERLY ANALYSIS

  2015   2014   2013
($millions except per share data) Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4
EBITDA(1) (99.1 )  27.7   51.5   21.3   67.2   5.4   81.3   81.2
  Per share (diluted)(2) (90.54 )  0.21   0.39   0.15   0.48   0.04   0.58   0.65
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 45.0   34.7   60.0   77.3   64.6   30.6   79.4   83.8
  Per share (diluted)(2) 0.25   0.26   0.45   0.56   0.47   0.22   0.57   0.68
Adjusted net (loss) earnings(1) 1.0   (0.3 ) 18.0   23.6   14.6   (5.6 ) 27.7   31.2
  Per share (diluted)(2) 0.01   -   0.13   0.17   0.11   (0.04 ) 0.20   0.25
  1. See the Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.
  2. Diluted shares include the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the period and the dilutive impact, if any, of the number of shares issuable pursuant to the Incentive Option Plan.

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS - QUARTERLY ANALYSIS 

    2015   2014   2013  
    Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4  
Land Drilling Market                                  
  Operating days(1)                                  
    Canada   2,109   380   2,343   3,271   3,424   1,430   4,077   2,935  
    United States and International   2,199   2,202   2,695   4,820   4,906   4,441   4,311   4,470  
  Rate per operating day(1)                                  
    Canada (CDN$)   23,695   31,731   25,764   26,624   24,669   26,338   25,415   25,102  
    United States and International (CDN$)   30,223   33,184   33,194   25,150   22,842   22,890   24,630   27,243  
    United States and International (US$)   23,582   26,755   27,778   22,476   21,092   20,819   22,641   26,213  
  Utilization rate - operating day(1)                                  
    Canada   34 % 8 % 50 % 62 % 66 % 26 % 74 % 52 %
    United States and International   40 % 50 % 61 % 97 % 96 % 80 % 76 % 71 %
  Number of drilling rigs at period end(4)                                  
    Canada   82   54   54   53   61   59   61   61  
    United States and International   72   49   47   47   54   56   61   64  
Barge Drilling Market                                  
  Operating days (1)   -   -   57   212   334   259   244   394  
  Rate per operating day (CDN$)(1)   -   -   29,993   36,616   37,967   37,953   37,815   34,810  
  Rate per operating day (US$)(1)   -   -   26,051   32,795   35,072   34,599   34,767   33,490  
  Utilization rate - operating day(1)   -   -   13 % 46 % 73 % 57 % 54 % 86 %
  Number of barge drilling rigs at period end(4)   -   2   2   2   2   2   2   2  
  Number of barge drilling rigs under                                  
    Bareboat Charter Agreements at period end(4)   -   -   3   3   3   3   3   3  
TDI Joint Venture Operations(2)                                  
  Operating days(1)   595   516   410                      
  Rate per operating day (CDN$)(1)   59,609   60,555   61,412                      
  Rate per operating day (US$)(1)   46,591   48,959   50,825                      
  Utilization rate - operating day(1)   99 % 95 % 94 %                    
  Number of drilling rigs at period end(4)   8   8   8   6   4   4   3      
DCM Joint Venture Operations(3)                                  
  Number of drilling rigs at period end(4)   2                              
  Number of service rigs at period end(4)   2                              
  1. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.
  2. Trinidad is party to a joint venture with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Halliburton (TDI). These rigs are owned by the joint venture. Operating data prior to 2015 has not been provided due to the start-up nature of the operations.
  3. As part of the CanElson acquisition, effective August 11, 2015, Trinidad acquired 50% ownership of a joint venture operating under the name Diavaz CanElson de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (DCM).
  4. Refer to the Results from Operations section for details on changes to the rig count.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands except percentage) 2015   2014   % Change   2015   2014   % Change  
General and administrative (1) 14,388   15,867   (9.3 ) 44,029   46,660   (5.6 )
% of revenue 11.6 % 6.5 %     10.6 % 7.0 %    
Share-based payment expense (2,202 ) (5,108 ) 56.9   (473 ) 4,223   (111.2 )
Third party recoverable costs 292   311   (6.1 ) 1,092   962   13.5  
Total general and administrative 12,478   11,070   12.7   44,648   51,845   (13.9 )
% of revenue 10.0 % 4.5 %     10.8 % 7.8 %    
  1. General and administrative expenses excluding share-based payment expense and third party recoverable costs. This number is discussed as "Other G&A" per the below analysis.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, total general and administrative (G&A) expenses increased by 12.7% and decreased by 13.9%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Other G&A expenses decreased by $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, when compared to the prior year. In light of poor market conditions, Trinidad implemented several measures in the first quarter of 2015 to lower its G&A expenses. These measures included a headcount reduction, a 10% reduction in salaries and board fees for all executives and directors and a company-wide average wage rollback of 7% for salaried employees. Additionally, Trinidad has significantly reduced expenditures in non-core business activities. As such, cost savings in Trinidad's barge market operations reduced overall G&A in 2015. These reductions were partly offset by higher rent expense recorded in 2015 as well as added costs related to the CanElson acquisition. Additional cost control measures have been implemented in the fourth quarter of 2015 and are expected to continue to lower Other G&A expenses for the remainder of 2015 and into 2016.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, share-based payment expense increased by $2.9 million compared to the same period in 2014. In the prior year, Trinidad recorded a credit as a result of a decrease in share price and a large number of Performance Share Units (PSUs) were forfeited. These combined factors caused a decrease in the PSU liability, offsetting the expense. When compared to the current quarter, this credit resulted in an increase in the share-based payment expense in the third quarter of 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, share-based payment expenses decreased by $4.7 million mainly due to a lower share price in 2015. This decrease was partly offset by an increase in the number of Deferred Share Units and PSU's outstanding during the current year.

Third party recoverable costs relate to costs incurred by Trinidad on behalf of the TDI joint venture. As these costs are fully recoverable, Trinidad records a related revenue entry for this same amount, causing a nil net income effect.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

As at September 30,   December 31,      
($ thousands) 2015   2014   $ Change  
Working capital (1) 92,797   166,502   (73,705 )
   
Senior notes 598,317   519,759   78,558  
Credit facility 84,888   15,000   69,888  
Limited partnership loans 2,854   -   2,854  
  686,059   534,759   151,300  
Less: unamortized debt issue costs (5,917 ) (6,951 ) 1,034  
Total long-term debt 680,142   527,808   152,334  
Total long-term debt as a percentage of assets 28.7 % 27.2 %    
   
Total assets 2,372,949   1,941,621   431,328  
Total long-term liabilities 811,101   628,047   183,054  
Total long-term liabilities as a percentage of assets 34.2 % 32.3 %    
   
Nine months ended June 30, 2015   2014   $ Change  
Cash provided by operations 108,794   150,662   (41,868 )
Cash used by investing (205,259 ) (262,334 ) 57,075  
Cash provided (used) by financing 41,227   (20,132 ) 61,359  
  1. See Non-GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, working capital decreased by $73.7 million when compared to December 31, 2014, due to a decrease in current assets of $126.1 million partly offset by a decrease in current liabilities of $52.3 million.

Current assets decreased in the year mainly due to a reduction in accounts receivable as a result of lower activity in 2015. As well, costs included in inventory and prepaid expenses at December 31, 2014, mainly relating to the manufacturing of external rig builds, were removed as Trinidad's manufacturing division completed work on the remaining external builds in the first half of 2015.

Current liabilities decreased in the current period mainly as a result of a decrease in accounts payable due to lower activity during the period for operations in Canada and the US, combined with lower activity on external rig builds. Deferred revenue declined as the manufacturing division completed its external rig builds and recognized the corresponding amounts collected in advance. This was slightly offset by the increase in dividends payable due to the increased number of shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 versus December 31, 2014, as well as an increase in the current portion of long-term debt due to acquired debt balances. Both of these increases were a result of the CanElson acquisition.

Trinidad's total long-term debt balance at September 30, 2015 increased by $152.3 million compared to December 31, 2014. This increase was largely due to an increase in the Senior Notes at September 30, 2015, as a result of the increase in the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate at quarter end, as these notes are held in US funds. The Senior Notes are translated at each period end and, as such their aggregate value fluctuates with exchange rates. The Senior Notes are due on January 15, 2019 and interest is payable semi- annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. At September 30, 2015, $84.9 million was drawn on Trinidad's Canadian dollar revolving credit facility, compared to $15.0 million at December 31, 2014.

At September 30, 2015, the Company has available capacity of $115.1 million on its $200.0 million Canadian revolving facility and the entire US$200 million of the US revolving facility. In addition, Trinidad had $24.7 million in cash on hand.

The Canadian and US revolving facilities require quarterly interest payments that are based on Bankers Acceptance and LIBOR rates and incorporate a tiered interest rate, which varies depending on the results of the Consolidated Total Debt to EBITDA ratio.

Capital Expenditures

Nine months ended September 30,      
($ thousands) 2015   2014
New builds 54,837   113,834
Capital upgrades and enhancements 19,274   63,647
Maintenance and infrastructure 11,487   25,765
Capital spares inventory 27,958   -
Total 113,556   203,246

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a total of $113.6 million was spent on capital expenditures compared to $203.2 million in the prior year. These capital expenditures were substantially related to the Company's rig build program for its US operations as well as completing upgrades on existing equipment and capital inventory related to canceled projects for new builds and upgrades.

In addition to the amounts above, Trinidad spent $39.3 million related to its portion of capital spending for the TDI joint venture in the first three quarters of 2015. TDI took ownership of the remaining two rigs for its Mexican operations in the first quarter of 2015.

2015 Annual Capital Budget

($thousands)  
Growth capital (Trinidad owned equipment) 95,000
Capital inventory 35,000
Maintenance and infrastructure capital 15,000
  145,000
Joint venture capital (Trinidad's 60% share) 40,000
Total 2015 capital budget 185,000

In 2015, Trinidad expects to spend a total of approximately $185.0 million on capital projects, which includes the original $175.0 million plus an additional $10.0 million due to the CanElson acquisition. This total includes the completion of three US new builds for Trinidad's fleet and two Mexican new builds for the joint venture. Certain items purchased for new builds and upgrades that have been cancelled will be put into capital inventory for use in Trinidad's existing fleet and future operations.

CanElson Acquisition

Effective August 11, 2015, Trinidad acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of CanElson at 1.0631 common shares of Trinidad for each CanElson share, or $4.90 in cash per CanElson share to a maximum cash consideration of $50.0 million. As a result of the elections made by CanElson shareholders, Trinidad paid the full $50.0 million in cash and the remainder of the acquisition in common shares. The consideration paid for this acquisition was $70.9 million in net cash and $295.2 million in equity value (88,661,926 Trinidad common shares); whereby Trinidad acquired total capital additions worth a fair value of $395.0 million.

Trinidad expects cash provided by operations and the Company's various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its debt repayments, future obligations and to fund planned capital expenditures.

Current financial performance is within the financial ratio covenants under the revolving credit facility as reflected in the table below:

RATIO September 30,   December 31,   THRESHOLD
  2015   2014    
 
Consolidated Senior Debt to Consolidated Bank EBITDA (1) 0.29:1   (0.18):1   3.50:1 maximum
Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated Bank EBITDA (1) 2.65:1   1.93:1   4.50:1 maximum
Consolidated Bank EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense (1) 4.80:1   6.20:1   2.75:1 minimum
  1. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures Definitions section at the end of this document for further details.

At September 30, 2015, Consolidated Total Debt to Bank EBITDA was 2.65 times, compared to 1.93 times at December 31, 2014. Consolidated Total Debt to Bank EBITDA increased due to lower adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2015 compared to the prior year and a higher debt balance at September 30, 2015, resulting from a stronger US dollar translation and draws on the credit facility. Due to the CanElson acquisition, Trinidad has been granted a covenant relaxation for the Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated Bank EBITDA from 4.00 to 4.50 for the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, Trinidad will be including an amount of EBITDA related to the twelve trailing months based on the amount that would have been included had Trinidad acquired CanElson during this time.

Consolidated Bank EBITDA does not include EBITDA from investment in the joint ventures. Dividends paid to Trinidad from the joint venture would be eligible for inclusion in Consolidated Bank EBITDA in the period that payment occurs. At September 30, 2015, the cumulative adjusted EBITDA from the investment in the TDI joint venture was $21.2 million, of which no amounts have been paid back by the joint venture. Given the start-up nature of the operations, no payments of cumulative adjusted EBITDA from investment in the TDI joint venture have been made. If Trinidad's portion of the unpaid cumulative adjusted EBITDA from TDI's joint venture was included at September 30, 2015, the Total Debt to Bank EBITDA would be 2.37:1.

Readers are cautioned that the ratios noted above do not have standardized meanings as calculated under IFRS.

OUTLOOK

To date in the fourth quarter, activity levels in North America have remained relatively stable with those experienced towards the end of the third quarter. Crude oil prices continue to trade in a band between US$40 and US$50 per barrel, keeping the active rig count low and limiting the number of plays that are economic for oil and gas producers. Dayrates remain under pressure and Trinidad anticipates that these market conditions will remain in place throughout the upcoming winter drilling season and into 2016, unless there is an improvement in commodity prices.

Trinidad has restructured its business to operate in this weaker environment, further lowering its headcount and continuing to work with suppliers to lower costs. While these changes do not entirely offset the impact of lower activity levels and dayrates, the Company has significantly lowered its cost structure and has been able to maintain reasonable margins and cash flow generation in this challenging environment.

Following the close of the CanElson acquisition in the third quarter, Trinidad's management team has been focused on integrating the operations. To date, the integration of CanElson is progressing as planned and Trinidad expects the operations to be substantially integrated by the end of 2015.

Trinidad's joint venture operations with Halliburton continue to operate well, providing stable activity levels and profitability. The Company is evaluating a number of international opportunities with the potential to relocate existing idle assets to international locations. These opportunities are both through the Halliburton joint venture and for Trinidad independently.

Trinidad's contracts have helped to mitigate the effect of some of the weakness in the industry conditions to date in 2015. The long -term contracts have provided a level of stability and lump sum payments, partially offsetting lower activity levels on the remainder of the fleet. Trinidad currently has approximately 35% of its fleet under long-term contracts with an average term remaining of just under 1.5 years.

Trinidad is currently evaluating its 2016 capital program and while the details are yet to be confirmed, the Company expects to be extremely prudent with its expenditures. Capital expenditures are highly variable in the drilling business and Trinidad is able to significantly limit its cash outflows. Trinidad expects to use current inventory on future projects, thus reducing the capital expenditures required in the future.

At the end of the third quarter, Trinidad had $84.9 million drawn on its credit facility, with $115.1 million remaining on its Canadian credit facility and US$200.0 million available on its US credit facility. In addition, Trinidad had $24.7 million of cash on hand at the end of the third quarter. The Company also has the ability to repatriate cash totaling $21.2 million from its joint venture with Halliburton (TDI). Trinidad is responsive to market conditions and focused on preserving financial flexibility, as demonstrated by its fourth quarter dividend reduction. The relaxation of Trinidad's covenants following the CanElson acquisition and the ability to bring cash back from its TDI joint venture give the Company more room within its covenants; however, Trinidad will continue to monitor market conditions closely and will maintain an open dialogue with its banking syndicate.

The past year has proven to be a challenging time in the oilfield services sector. Trinidad has risen to this challenge, resizing its operations and improving its efficiencies to manage through the downturn. These changes along with an ongoing focus on safe, well-performing operations help differentiate Trinidad from its competition and maintain its strong position in the drilling industry.

CONFERENCE CALL

Conference Call: Wednesday, November 4, 2015
  9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET)
  877-291-4570 (toll-free in North America) or 647-788-4922 approximately 10 minutes prior to the conference call. 
 
Archived Recording: Available from approximately 12:30 p.m. MT on November 4, 2015 until midnight November 18, 2015. The dial-in number is 800-585-8367or 416-621-4642. Conference ID: 36597064.
 
Webcast: Available at https://www.trinidaddrilling.com/investors/events-presentations

TRINIDAD DRILLING LTD.

Trinidad is a corporation focused on sustainable growth that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TDG. Trinidad's divisions currently operate in the drilling sector of the North American oil and natural gas industry, with operations in Canada and the United States (US). In addition, through joint venture arrangements, Trinidad operates drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, and is currently assessing operations in other international markets. Trinidad is focused on providing modern, reliable, expertly designed equipment operated by well-trained and experienced personnel. Trinidad's drilling fleet is one of the most adaptable, technologically advanced and competitive in the industry.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION        
   
As at September 30,   December 31,  
($ thousands) - unaudited 2015   2014  
   
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 24,727   71,062  
Accounts receivable 169,216   223,750  
Inventory 16,186   29,618  
Prepaid expenses 8,003   19,755  
  218,132   344,185  
   
Property and equipment 1,841,088   1,325,730  
Intangible assets and goodwill 14,771   99,678  
Deferred income taxes 49,945   8,070  
Investment in joint ventures 249,013   163,958  
  2,372,949   1,941,621  
   
Liabilities        
Current Liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 108,747   156,003  
Dividends payable 11,104   6,758  
Deferred revenue and customer deposits 2,630   14,922  
Current portion of long-term debt 2,854   -  
  125,335   177,683  
   
Long-term debt 677,288   527,808  
Deferred income taxes 116,439   100,239  
Non-controlling interest 17,374   -  
  936,436   805,730  
   
Shareholders' Equity        
Common shares 1,374,656   1,093,426  
Contributed surplus 64,851   59,005  
Accumulated other comprehensive income 177,340   62,470  
Deficit (180,334 ) (79,010 )
  1,436,513   1,135,891  
  2,372,949   1,941,621  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND LOSS
 
  Three months ended   Nine months ended
  September 30,   September 30,
($ thousands) - unaudited 2015   2014   2015   2014
 
Revenue              
Oilfield service revenue 123,766   243,916   412,111   662,509
Other revenue 519   622   1,783   2,479
  124,285   244,538   413,894   664,988
 
Expenses              
Operating expense 72,276   164,002   247,707   443,655
General and administrative 12,478   11,070   44,648   51,845
Depreciation and amortization 26,648   33,389   69,953   91,074
Foreign exchange 3,318   509   9,517   5,298
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment (635 ) 105   (2,119 )  (11,704)
Impairment of property and equipment 26,937   -   26,937   20,630
Impairment of goodwill  111,847    -    111,847    -
  252,869   209,075   308,490   600,798
 
(Gain) loss from investment in joint ventures (2,824 ) 1,645   (4,741 )  1,357
Finance and transaction costs 17,947   9,715   42,267   29,723
(Loss) earnings before income taxes (143,707 ) 24,103   (132,122 )  33,110
 
Income taxes              
Current 134   (267)   3,371   3,628
Deferred (56,089 ) 5,214   (58,538 ) 9,379
  (56,089 ) 4,947   (55,167 )  13,007
Net (loss) income (87,618 ) 19,156   (76,955 )  20,103
 
Other comprehensive income              
Foreign currency translation adjustment for foreign operations, net of income tax 58,980   33,497   114,870   34,753
Foreign currency translation adjustment for non-controlling interest, net of income tax 279   -   279   -
  59,259   33,497   115,149   34,753
Total comprehensive income (28,359 )  52,653   38,194   54,856
 
Net (loss) Income attributable to:              
Shareholders of Trinidad (87,540 ) 19,156   (76,877)   20,103
Non-controlling interest (78 ) -   (78)   -
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:              
Shareholders of Trinidad (28,560 )  52,653   37,993   54,856
Non-controlling interest 201   -   201   -
Earnings per share              
Net (loss) income              
  Basic / Diluted (0.48 ) 0.14   (0.51)   0.15
                     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  
   
For nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014         Accumulated          
          other          
($ thousands) -  Common   Contributed   comprehensive       Total  
 unaudited shares   surplus   income(1)   (Deficit)   equity  
Balance at December 31, 2014 1,093,426   59,005   62,470   (79,010 ) 1,135,891  
Shares repurchased through normal course issuer bid (14,015 ) 5,665   -   -   (8,350 )
Share-based payment expense -   181   -   -   181  
Total comprehensive income -   -   114,870   (76,877 ) 37,993  
Dividends -   -   -   (24,447 ) (24,447 )
Share issuance (net) 295,245   -   -   -   295,245  
Balance at September 30, 2015 1,374,656   64,851   177,340   (180,334 ) 1,436,513  
   
   
Balance at December 31, 2013 1,117,197   50,607   4,404   (58,120 ) 1,114,088  
Exercise of stock options 807   (215 ) -   -   592  
Share-based payment expense -   421   -   -   421  
Total comprehensive income -   -   34,753   20,103   54,856  
Dividends -   -   -   (20,728 ) (20,728 )
Balance at September 30, 2014 1,118,004   50,813   39,157   (58,745 ) 1,149,229  
  1. Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the foreign currency translation adjustment. All amounts will be reclassified to profit or loss when specific conditions are met.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For nine months ended September 30,        
($ thousands) - unaudited 2015   2014  
   
Cash provided by (used in)        
Operating activities        
Net (loss) earnings (76,955 ) 20,103  
Adjustments for:        
  Depreciation and amortization 69,953   91,074  
  Foreign exchange 9,517   5,298  
  (Gain) on sale of property and equipment (2,119 ) (11,704 )
  Impairment of property and equipment 26,937   20,630  
  Impairment of goodwill  111,847    -  
  (Gain) loss from investment in joint ventures (4,741 ) 1,357  
  Finance and transaction costs 42,267   29,723  
  Income taxes (55,167 ) 13,007  
  Interest income (32 ) (376 )
  Other (1) 2,392   6,819  
  Income taxes paid (4,729 ) (1,795 )
  Income taxes recovered 3,208   1,768  
  Interest paid (44,794 ) (38,584 )
  Interest received 32   376  
Funds provided by operations 77,616   137,696  
Change in non-cash operating working capital 31,293   12,966  
Cash provided by operations 108,909   150,662  
   
Investing activities        
Purchase of property and equipment (113,556 ) (203,246 )
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment 5,481   132,678  
Investment in joint ventures (50,759 ) (147,396 )
Acquisition of CanElson (net) (70,911 ) -  
Purchase of intangibles (1,082 ) -  
Change in non-cash working capital 25,568   (44,370 )
Cash used by investing (205,259 ) (262,334 )
   
Financing activities        
Proceeds from long-term debt 144,888   -  
Repayments of long-term debt (75,000 ) -  
Repurchase of shares (8,350 ) -  
Proceeds from exercise of options -   592  
Dividends paid (20,100 ) (20,724 )
Finance costs (211 ) -  
Cash provided (used) by financing 41,227   (20,132 )
   
Cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities (55,123 ) (131,804 )
Effect of translation of foreign currency cash 8,788   5,312  
Decrease in cash for the period (46,335 ) (126,492 )
   
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 71,062   268,160  
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period 24,727   141,668  
  1. Other includes share-based payment expense and elimination of downstream transactions in the Manufacturing Operations net earnings.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION    

The following presents the result of Trinidad's operating segments:

For three months ended     United States /                      
September 30, 2015 Canadian   International   Manufacturing   Joint Venture   Inter-segment          
($ thousands) Operations   Operations   Operations   Operations(1)   Eliminations   Corporate   Total  
   
Operating revenue 50,981   66,454   3,341   -   -   -   120,776  
Other revenue 142   173   (2 ) -   -   -   313  
Third party recovery 4,526   1,643   -   -   -   -   6,169  
General and administrative - third party recovery -   -   -   -   -   292   292  
Inter-segment revenue -   -   23,868   -   (23,868 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   (86 ) (3,179 ) -   -   -   (3,265 )
  55,649   68,184   24,028   -   (23,868 ) 292   124,285  
Operating costs 29,604   35,526   3,972   -   -   -   69,102  
Third party costs 4,526   1,643   -   -   -   -   6,169  
Inter-segment operating -   -   23,868   -   (23,868 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (2,995 ) -   -   -   (2,995 )
Operating income 21,519   31,015   (817 ) -   -   292   52,009  
Depreciation and amortization 10,391   15,432   825   -   -   -   26,648  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets (13 ) (618 ) (12 ) -   -   -   (643 )
Elimination of downstream transactions -   8   -   -   -   -   8  
Impairment of capital assets -   26,937   -   -   -   -   26,937  
Impairment of goodwill  -   111,847    -    -    -    -    111,847  
  10,378   153,606   813   -   -   -   164,797  
Segmented (loss) income 11,141   (122,591 ) (1,630 ) -   -   292   (112,788 )
Gain from investment in joint ventures -   -   -   (2,824 ) -   -   (2,824 )
General and administrative -   -   -   -   -   12,186   12,186  
General and administrative - third party costs -   -   -   -   -   292   292  
Foreign exchange -   -   -   -   -   3,318   3,318  
Finance and transaction costs -   -   -   -   -   17,947   17,947  
Income taxes -   -   -   -   -   (56,089 ) (59,089 )
Net (loss) earnings 11,141   (122,591 ) (1,630 ) 2,824   -   22,638   (87,618 )
Purchase of property and equipment 463   21,165   -   -   -   -   21,628  
  1. The gain from investment in joint ventures reflects the Company's share of the financial performance of TDI and DCM during the period. The Company's share of individual assets and liabilities are recognized as an investment on the consolidated statements of financial position.   
For three months ended     United States /                      
September 30, 2014 Canadian   International   Manufacturing   Joint Venture   Inter-segment          
($ thousands) Operations   Operations   Operations   Operations(1)   Eliminations   Corporate   Total  
   
Operating revenue 84,481   124,742   38,779   -   -   -   248,002  
Other revenue 180   99   32   -   -   -   311  
Third party recovery 9,493   3,748   -   -   -   -   13,241  
General and administrative - third party recovery -   -   -   -   -   311   311  
Inter-segment revenue -   -   25,434   -   (25,434 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (17,327 ) -   -   -   (17,327 )
  94,154   128,589   46,918   -   (25,434 ) 311   244,538  
Operating costs 47,843   82,588   36,586   -   -   -   167,017  
Third party costs 9,493   3,748   -   -   -   -   13,241  
Inter-segment operating -   -   25,434   -   (25,434 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (16,256 ) -   -   -   (16,256 )
Operating income 36,818   42,253   1,154   -   -   311   80,536  
Depreciation and amortization 12,321   20,684   384   -   -   -   33,389  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets (198 ) 303   -   -   -   -   105  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   -   -   -   -   -  
Impairment of capital assets -   -   -   -   -   -   -  
  12,123   20,987   384   -   -   -   33,494  
Segmented (loss) income 24,695   21,266   770   -   -   311   47,042  
Loss from investment in joint ventures -   -   -   1,645   -   -   1,645  
General and administrative -   -   -   -   -   10,759   10,759  
General and administrative - third party costs -   -   -   -   -   311   311  
Foreign exchange -   -   -   -   -   509   509  
Finance and transaction costs -   -   -   -   -   9,715   9,715  
Income taxes -   -   -   -   -   4,947   4,947  
Net (loss) earnings 24,695   21,266   770   (1,645 ) -   (25,930 ) 19,156  
Purchase of property and equipment 71,511   28,942   -   -   -   -   100,453  
  1. The gain from investment in joint ventures reflects the Company's share of the financial performance of TDI and DCM during the period. The Company's share of individual assets and liabilities are recognized as an investment on the consolidated statements of financial position.
For nine months ended     United States /                      
September 30, 2015 Canadian   International   Manufacturing   Joint Venture   Inter-segment          
($ thousands) Operations   Operations   Operations   Operations(1)   Eliminations   Corporate   Total  
   
Operating revenue 123,412   230,744   93,666   -   -   -   447,822  
Other revenue 215   695   4   -   -   -   914  
Third party recovery 12,387   6,519   -   -   -   -   18,906  
General and administrative - third party recovery -   -   -   -   -   1,092   1,092  
Inter-segment revenue -   -   95,524   -   (95,524 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   (223 ) (54,617 ) -   -   -   (54,840 )
  136,014   237,735   134,577   -   (95,524 ) 1,092   413,894  
Operating costs 73,201   118,614   88,952   -   -   -   280,767  
Third party costs 12,387   6,519   -   -   -   -   18,906  
Inter-segment operating -   -   95,524   -   (95,524 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (51,966 ) -   -   -   (51,966 )
Operating income 50,426   112,602   2,067   -   -   1,092   166,187  
Depreciation and amortization 25,763   42,188   2,002   -   -   -   69,953  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets 1,185   (2,801 ) (511 ) -   -   -   (2,127 )
Elimination of downstream transactions -   8   -   -   -   -   8  
Impairment of capital assets -   26,937   -   -   -   -   26,937  
Impairment of goodiwll  -    111,847    -    -    -    -    111,847  
  26,948   178,179   1,491   -   -   -   206,618  
Segmented income 23,478   (65,557 )  576   -   -   1,092   (40,431 ) 
Gain from investment in joint ventures -   -   -   (4,741 ) -   -   (4,741 )
General and administrative -   -   -   -   -   43,556   43,556  
General and administrative - third party costs -   -   -   -   -   1,092   1,092  
Foreign exchange -   -   -   -   -   9,517   9,517  
Finance and transaction costs -   -   -   -   -   42,267   42,267  
Income taxes -   -   -   -   -   (55,167 ) (55,167 )
Net (loss) earnings 23,478   (65,577 )  576   4,741   -   (40,173 ) (76,955 )
   
Purchase of property and equipment 19,864   93,484   208   -   -   -   113,556  
  1. The gain from investment in joint ventures reflects the Company's share of the financial performance of TDI and DCM during the period. The Company's share of individual assets and liabilities are recognized as an investment on the consolidated statements of financial position.
For nine months ended     United States /                      
September 30, 2014 Canadian   International   Manufacturing   Joint Venture   Inter-segment          
($ thousands) Operations   Operations   Operations   Operations(1)   Eliminations   Corporate   Total  
   
Operating revenue 225,769   351,643   76,799   -   -   -   654,211  
Other revenue 1,260   212   45   -   -   -   1,517  
Third party recovery 28,945   13,433   -   -   -   -   42,378  
General and administrative - third party recovery -   -   -   -   -   962   962  
Inter-segment revenue -   -   50,518   -   (50,518 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (34,080 ) -   -   -   (34,080 )
  255,974   365,288   93,282   -   (50,518 ) 962   664,988  
Operating costs 130,867   230,998   70,897   -   -   -   432,762  
Third party costs 28,945   13,432   -   -   -   -   42,377  
Inter-segment operating -   -   50,518   -   (50,518 ) -   -  
Elimination of downstream transactions -   -   (31,484 ) -   -   -   (31,484 )
Operating income 96,162   120,858   3,351   -   -   962   221,333  
Depreciation and amortization 32,282   57,611   1,181   -   -   -   91,074  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets (404 ) (29,426 ) -   -   -   -   (29,830 )
Elimination of downstream transactions -   18,126   -   -   -   -   18,126  
Impairment of capital assets 13,367   7,263   -   -   -   -   20,630  
  45,245   53,574   1,181   -   -   -   100,000  
Segmented income 50,917   67,284   2,170   -   -   962   121,333  
Loss from investment in joint venture -   -   -   1,357   -   -   1,357  
General and administrative -   -   -   -   -   50,883   50,883  
General and administrative - third party costs -   -   -   -   -   962   962  
Foreign exchange -   -   -   -   -   5,298   5,298  
Finance and transaction costs -   -   -   -   -   29,723   29,723  
Income taxes -   -   -   -   -   13,007   13,007  
Net (loss) earnings 50,917   67,284   2,170   (1,357 ) -   (98,911 ) 20,103  
   
Purchase of property and equipment 104,539   98,543   164   -   -   -   203,246  
  1. The gain from investment in joint ventures reflects the Company's share of the financial performance of TDI and DCM during the period. The Company's share of individual assets and liabilities are recognized as an investment on the consolidated statements of financial position.

ADVISORY

NON-GAAP MEASURES DEFINITIONS

This document contains references to certain financial measures and associated per share data that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These financial measures are computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period and include Operating income, Operating income percentage, Operating income - net percentage, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA from investment in joint ventures, Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures, Funds provided by operations, Adjusted net earnings, debt, working capital, Senior Debt to Bank EBITDA, Total Debt to Bank EBITDA, Bank EBITDA to Cash Interest Expense, drilling days, operating days, utilization rate - drilling day, utilization rate - operating day, and rate per operating day or dayrate.  Please see the Non-GAAP Measures Definitions and Additional GAAP Measures Definitions sections of this MD&A (beginning on page 31) for details with respect to definitions of these measures.

"EBITDA" is a measure of the Company's operating profitability. EBITDA provides an indication of the results generated by the Company's principal business activities prior to how these activities are financed, how assets are depreciated and amortized and how the results are taxed in various jurisdictions. EBITDA is calculated using 100% of the related amounts from all entities controlled by Trinidad where Trinidad may not hold 100% of the outstanding shares.

EBITDA is derived from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and is calculated as follows:

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
($ thousands) 2015   2014   2015   2014
Net (loss) earnings (87,618 ) 19,156   (76,955 ) 20,103
Plus:              
  Finance and transaction costs 17,947   9,715   42,267   29,723
  Depreciation and amortization 26,648   33,389   69,953   91,074
  Income taxes (56,089 ) 4,947   (55,167 ) 13,007
EBITDA (99,112 )  67,207   (19,902 )  153,907

"EBITDA from investment in joint ventures" provides an indication of the results generated by the Company's joint ventures operations prior to how these activities are financed, how assets are depreciated and amortized and how the results are taxed in various jurisdictions.

EBITDA from investment in the joint ventures is derived from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income of Trinidad Drilling International (TDI) and Diavaz CanElson de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (DCM) and is calculated as follows:

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands) 2015   2014   2015   2014  
Gain from investment in joint ventures 2,824   (1,645 ) 4,741   (1,357 )
Plus:                
  Finance costs 188   -   408   -  
  Depreciation and amortization 4,142   902   11,002   1,244  
  Income taxes 752   1,005   2,305   1,112  
EBITDA from investment in joint ventures 7,906   262   18,456   999  

"Adjusted EBITDA" is used by management and investors to analyze EBITDA (as defined above) prior to the effect of foreign exchange, share-based payment expense, impairment expenses and the sale of assets. Adjusted EBITDA also takes into account the Company's portion of the principal activities of the joint venture arrangements by removing the (gain) loss from investment in joint ventures and including Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent net earnings (loss) as calculated in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA provides an indication of the results generated by the Company's principal business activities prior to how these activities are financed: how assets are depreciated, amortized and impaired: the impact of foreign exchange: how the results are taxed in various jurisdictions and effects of share-based payment expense. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated using 100% of the related amounts from all entities controlled by Trinidad where Trinidad may not hold 100% of the outstanding shares.

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows:

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands) 2015   2014   2015   2014  
EBITDA (99,112 )  67,207   (19,902 )  153,907  
Plus:                
  Gain on sale of property and equipment (635 ) 105   (2,119 ) (11,704 )
  Impairment of property and equipment 26,937   -   26,937   20,630  
  Impairment of goodwill  111,847    -    111,847    -  
  Share-based payment expense (2,202 ) (5,108 ) (473 ) 4,223  
  Foreign exchange 3,318   509   9,517   5,298  
  Gain from investment in joint ventures (2,824 ) 1,645   (4,741 ) 1,357  
Plus:                
  Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures 7,624   261   18,594   995  
Adjusted EBITDA 44,953   64,619   139,660   174,706  

"Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures" is used by management and investors to analyze EBITDA (as defined above) prior to the effect of foreign exchange, share-based payment expense, impairment expense and the sale of assets. Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures is not intended to represent net (loss) earnings as calculated in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures provides an indication of the results generated by TDI's principal business activities prior to how these activities are financed, assets are depreciated, amortized and impaired, the impact of foreign exchange, how the results are taxed in various jurisdictions and effects of share-based payment expense.

Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures is calculated as follows:

  Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,  
($ thousands) 2015   2014   2015   2014  
EBITDA from investment in joint ventures 7,906   262   18,456   999  
Plus:                
  Foreign exchange (282 ) (1 ) 138   (4 )
Adjusted EBITDA from investment in joint ventures 7,624   261   18,594   995  

"Adjusted net earnings" is used by management and the investment community to analyze net earnings prior to the effect of foreign exchange, share-based payment expense, any gains or losses on the sale of assets in the period and impairment charges, including taking into account the tax effects of these items. This measure is not intended to represent net earnings as calculated in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted net earnings is a useful measure because it provides an indication of results of the Company's principal business activities before consideration of fluctuations in foreign exchange gains and losses, impairment and share-based payment expenses, which are not consistently incurred period over period. Adjusted net earnings is calculated using 100% of the related amounts from all entities controlled by Trinidad where Trinidad may not hold 100% of the outstanding shares.

"Working capital" is used by management and the investment community to analyze the operating liquidity available to the Company.

"Senior Debt to Bank EBITDA" is defined as the consolidated balance of the revolving facility and other debt secured by a lien at quarter end to consolidated Bank EBITDA for the trailing 12 months (TTM).  Bank EBITDA used in this financial ratio is calculated as EBITDA plus impairment expense, loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, loss (gain) from investment in joint ventures, share-based payment expense and unrealized foreign exchange.

"Total Debt to Bank EBITDA" is defined as the consolidated balance of long-term debt, which includes the Senior Debt, Senior Notes Payable and dividends payable at quarter end less unrestricted cash in excess of $10.0 million, to consolidated Bank EBITDA for the TTM. Bank EBITDA used in this financial ratio is calculated as EBITDA plus impairment expense, loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, loss (gain) from investment in joint ventures, share-based payment expense and unrealized foreign exchange.

Total Debt to Bank EBITDA is calculated as follows:

As At September 30,   December 31,  
($ thousands) 2015   2014  
Total Debt:        
  Senior notes, principal (US$450.0 million) 600,525   522,045  
  Other debt  2,854    -  
  Draw on credit facility 84,888   15,000  
  Dividends payable 11,104   6,758  
  Cash in excess of $10.0 million (14,727 ) (61,062 )
  684,644   482,816  
Bank EBITDA (TTM):        
  Net earnings (90,462 ) 6,596  
  Income taxes (64,098 ) 4,076  
  Financing and transaction costs 52,075   39,531  
  Depreciation and amortization 103,891   125,012  
  Impairment 195,689   77,535  
  (Gain) loss from investment in joint venture (6,117 ) (19 )
  (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment 1,347   (8,238 )
  Unrealized foreign exchange 9,236   4,580  
  Share-based payment expense (3,932 )  765  
  CanElson Pro-Forma inclusion (TTM) 60,792   -  
  258,421   249,838  
Total Debt to Bank EBITDA 2.65   1.93  

"Bank EBITDA to Cash Interest Expense" is defined as the consolidated Bank EBITDA for TTM to the cash interest expense on all debt balances for TTM. Bank EBITDA used in this financial ratio is calculated as EBITDA plus impairment expense, loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, loss (gain) from investment in joint ventures, share-based payment expense and unrealized foreign exchange.

"Drilling days" is defined as rig days between spud to rig release.

"Operating days" is defined as moving days (move in, rig up and tear out) plus drilling days (spud to rig release).

"Utilization rate - drilling day" is defined as drilling days divided by total available rig days.

"Utilization rate - operating day" is defined as operating days divided by total available rig days.

"Rate per operating day" or "Dayrate" is defined as operating revenue (net of third party costs) divided by operating days (drilling days plus moving days).

ADDITIONAL GAAP MEASURES DEFINITIONS

To assess performance, the Company uses certain additional GAAP financial measures within the financial statements and MD&A that are not defined terms under IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide useful supplemental information to investors, and provide the reader a more accurate reflection of our industry. These financial measures are computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period and include Funds provided by operations, Operating income, Operating income percentage and Operating income - net percentage. These additional GAAP measures are defined as follows:

"Funds provided by operations" is used by management and investors to analyze the funds generated by Trinidad's principal business activities prior to consideration of working capital, which is primarily made up of highly liquid balances. This balance is reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows included in the cash provided by operating activities section.

"Operating income" is used by management and investors to analyze overall and segmented operating performance. Operating income is not intended to represent an alternative to net (loss) earnings or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. Operating income is calculated from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and from the segmented information contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Operating income is defined as revenue less operating expenses.

"Operating income percentage" is used by management and investors to analyze overall and segmented operating performance, including third party recovery and third party costs, as well as inter-segment revenue and inter-segment operating costs. Operating income percentage is calculated from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and from the segmented information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Operating income percentage is defined as operating income divided by revenue.

"Operating income - net percentage" is used by management and investors to analyze overall and segmented operating performance excluding third party recovery and third party costs, as well as inter-segment revenue and inter-segment operating costs, as these revenue and expenses do not have an effect on consolidated net (loss) earnings. Operating income - net percentage is calculated from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and from the segmented information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Operating income - net percentage is defined as operating income less third party G&A expenses divided by revenue net of operating and G&A third party costs.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Trinidad's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions.  The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends", "confident", "might" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this MD&A. The forward-looking information and statements included in this MD&A are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon.  Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated and described in the forward-looking statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this MD&A may contain forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the completion of announced rig construction programs on a timely basis and economical terms; the assumption that Trinidad's customers will honour their take-or-pay contracts; future liquidity levels; fluctuations in the demand for Trinidad's services; the ability for Trinidad to attract and retain qualified personnel, in particular field staff to crew the Company's rigs; the existence of competitors, technological changes and developments in the oilfield services industry; the existence of operating risks inherent in the oilfield services industry; assumptions respecting capital expenditure programs and other expenditures by oil and gas exploration and production companies; assumptions regarding commodity prices, in particular oil and natural gas; assumptions respecting supply and demand for commodities, in particular oil and natural gas; assumptions regarding foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; the existence of regulatory and legislative uncertainties; the possibility of changes in tax laws; and general economic conditions including the capital and credit markets; assumptions made about our future banking covenants and liquidity; assumptions made about future performance and operations of joint ventures and partnership arrangements; assumptions made about the business combination with CanElson.
Trinidad cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Trinidad's business, operations or financial results are described in reports filed with securities regulatory authorities (accessible through the SEDAR website www.sedar.com) including but not limited to Trinidad's annual MD&A, financial statements, Annual Information Form and Trinidad and CanElson's Joint Management Information Circular. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this MD&A speak only as of the date of this MD&A and Trinidad assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required pursuant to applicable securities laws.

Trinidad Drilling Ltd.
Lyle Whitmarsh
Chief Executive Officer

Trinidad Drilling Ltd.
Brent Conway
President

Trinidad Drilling Ltd.
Lisa Ottmann
Vice President, Investor Relations
(403) 294-4401
investors@trinidaddrilling.com


Source: Marketwired (November 3, 2015 - 10:05 PM EST)

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