Cabo
Announces 3rd Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results
North Vancouver, BC – Cabo Drilling
Corp. (“Cabo” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:CBE) today
reports results for its fiscal year 2007 third quarter ended March 31.
3rd
QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
(CDN $000s,
except earnings per share)
|
3 months ending
Mar 31 - 07
|
3 months ending
Mar 31 - 06
|
9 months
ending
Mar 31 –
07
|
9 months
ending
Mar 31 -
06
|
Revenue
|
8,896
|
5,998
|
26,766
|
21,228
|
Net Earnings
(Loss) Before Interest, Taxes, Amortization, Stock Based Compensation
and Other Items (EBITDA)
|
644
|
(409)
|
2,525
|
523
|
Net Earnings
(Loss) After Taxes
|
131
|
(2,207)
|
764
|
(1,980)
|
Earnings
(Loss) per Share ($) Basic Before Interest, Taxes,
Amortization, Stock-based Compensation and Other Items (EBITDA)
|
0.02
|
(0.01)
|
0.06
|
0.02
|
Earnings
(Loss) per Share ($) Basic
|
0.00
|
(0.07)
|
0.02
|
(0.06)
|
Cash from
Operations*
|
505
|
(424)
|
1,777
|
252
|
Gross Margin
%
|
22.4%
|
19.1%
|
23.8%
|
20.1%
|
Working
Capital
|
3,661
|
4,556
|
3,661
|
4,556
|
*before changes in
non-cash working capital items
The
Company reports:
- Third
quarter revenue of $8.9 million in the 3rd quarter of FY2007, a 48.3%
increase over revenue of $6.0 million in the 3rd quarter of FY2006.
- Net 3rd quarter FY2007 earnings before
interest, taxes, amortization, stock based compensation and other items of
$643,845 compared to a 3rd quarter FY2006 loss before interest, tax,
amortization, stock based compensation and other items of $408,854.
- Net earnings after taxes for the 3rd quarter,
FY2007 of $130,793 compared to a 3rd quarter, FY2006 loss after taxes of
$2,206,866, resulting in 3rd quarter, FY2007 net earnings after taxes of
$0.00 per share compared to 3rd quarter, FY2006 loss of $0.07 per share.
- Gross margin percentage for the 3rd
quarter, FY2007 was 22.4% compared with a gross margin of 19.1% in the 3rd
quarter, FY2006. - Cash from operations,
before changes in non-cash working capital items, was $504,883 for the 3rd
quarter FY2007 compared to 3rd quarter FY2006 cash deficit from operations
of $424,286.
- A current asset balance of
$ 13.06 million and working capital of $3.66 million.
- Total assets of $24.51 million and total liabilities of $11.42
million including deposits of $1.83 million, reported as unearned
revenue.
“Cabo’s record revenue growth continued with a
48% increase in revenues, from $5.99 million in the third quarter of fiscal
2006 to $8.89 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, and a 26.1%
increase from $21.23 million for the nine months ending March 31, 2006 to
$26.77 million for the nine months ending March 31, 2007,” said Mr.
John A. Versfelt, Chairman, President & CEO of Cabo Drilling Corp.
“Revenue from surface drilling increased to $16.76 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 2007 from $13.03 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 2006, a 28% increase, most of which was experienced in the
Advanced Drilling and Petro Drilling Company divisions due to increased
business in the BC/Yukon and Newfoundland sectors. Additionally, the
Company has expanded operations into Mexico where it recorded revenues of
$902,441 during the first nine months of fiscal 2007.”
“The gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal
2007 was 22.4%, compared to 19.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and
25.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007,” stated Mr. Versfelt.
“Gross margins have improved year over year primarily due to better
revenues per contract and improved cost control. The gross margin
decreased marginally during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to
the second quarter of fiscal 2007, as a result of expected third quarter
higher than normal maintenance and after-the-holiday season start up
costs.”
“General and administrative expenses increased to
$3.87 million compared to $3.84 million for the comparable period last
year. Higher travel and investor relations costs, as well as costs
incurred in establishing the subsidiaries in Spain and Panama prevented the
Company from reducing its G&A expenses,” said Mr. Versfelt.
“However, considering that the Company’s gross revenue for the
nine-months in fiscal 2007 improved by approximately $5.54 million compared
to fiscal 2006, maintaining G&A expenses at levels comparable to the
same period in fiscal 2006 demonstrates that our people are achieving cost
central results. As a percentage of gross revenue, G&A expenses have
decreased to 14.5% from 18.1% for the nine months fiscal 2006.”
“The Company reported a pre-tax income of $1.27
million for the nine months ending March 31, 2007, compared to a pre-tax
loss of $1.98 million for the same period in fiscal 2006. In 2006, we
experienced write-downs of the resource properties and non-recurring
charges whereas in 2007 there were no write-downs. In addition, all of our
divisions are experiencing improved performance in operations during fiscal
2007,” said Mr. Versfelt. “The net income after tax for the
nine months ending March 31, 2007 increased from a $1.98 million loss in
fiscal 2006 to $764,293 in fiscal 2007.”
“The third quarter is typically weaker due to Company
shut downs and start-ups and weather related issues. This year, mostly due
to increased demand, the effect of these factors were reduced,” said
Mr. Versfelt. “While our 3rd quarter revenues remain lower than our
revenues from our 1st and 4th quarters, strategies put into place have
assisted in improving our overall revenues and bottom line. We will
continue to work to maximize our potential during our 2nd and 3rd quarters
in the years ahead.”
“It is worthwhile to note that over the past nine
months, after selling the mineral resource properties to IMMC and
redistributing (or placing in trust) the 10,000,000 IMMC units, the
Company’s assets have increased by approximately $5.79 million
compared to the year ended June 30, 2006, while the Company’s
liabilities, adjusted for unearned revenue (deposits received), have only
increased $0.867 million in the same period,” stated Mr. Versfelt.
“Cabo is building its asset base without mortgaging its
future.”
“The drilling service industry continued to see a
strong demand for its services. This demand should remain positive as the
supply-demand fundamentals continue to drive the price higher for precious,
base, industrialand strategic metals. Given the favourable market
conditions the Company continues to expand its market areas,” said
Mr. Versfelt. “During the 3rd quarter of 2007 the Company expended
capital on the purchase of three new drills; one for its expansion into
Panama and two for its recently announced expansion into Spain. With the
addition of these rigs, and our continued market expansion, the
Company’s positive growth is expected to continue into the fourth
quarter, traditionally our busiest quarter.”
Results of Operations - Three months ended March 31, 2007
In the
third quarter of fiscal 2007, contract core drilling services represented
97% of revenues and geotechnical drilling services represented 3%. Third
quarter revenues increased 48% from $6.00 million in fiscal 2006 to $8.90
million in fiscal 2007. Surface drilling revenue increased $2.21 million
to $5.45 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 from $ 3.24 million in
the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and underground drilling revenue
increased 26% or $656,091 to $3.15 million in the second quarter of fiscal
2007 compared to $2.50 million in the same period in fiscal 2006.
Geotechnical drilling increased marginally in the third quarter of fiscal
2007 to $289,370 or 12% compared to $258,378 in the second quarter of
fiscal 2007. Included in the surface revenue is $199,919 of revenues
earned from the Company’s Mexico operations.
The
gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was 22.4%, compared to
19.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and 25.8% in the second quarter
of fiscal 2007. Gross margins improved year over year primarily due to
better revenues per contract and improved cost control. The gross margin
decreased marginally during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to
the second quarter of fiscal 2007, as a result of expected third quarter
higher than normal maintenance and after-the-holiday season start up
costs.
The
Company recorded EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, amortization,
stock-based compensation and other items) of $643,845 in the third quarter
of fiscal 2007, a substantial increase from a loss of $408,854 EBITDA for
the third quarter of fiscal of 2006.
General
and administrative (“G&A”) costs were $1.36 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $1.24 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 2007 and to $1.61 million in the third quarter of fiscal
2006. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company incurred higher
administration, legal and travel costs to establish new subsidiaries in
Spain and Panama. G&A costs decreased $249,717 in the third quarter of
fiscal 2007 compared to $1.61 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006,
largely due to non-recurring charges incurred in the third quarter of
fiscal 2006 and improved cost controls.
Amortization expense increased $115,367 from $273,833 in
the third quarter of fiscal 2006 to $389,200 in the third quarter fiscal
2007. As the Company increases its property, plant and equipment,
amortization expenses will increase as well.
The
Company recorded an after tax income of $130,793 in the third quarter of
fiscal 2007 compared to $210,947 earned in the second quarter of fiscal and
a loss of $2.21 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
The
Company’s current cash (marketable securities and cash equivalents)
position at March 31, 2007, is $1.03 million compared to $1.92 million at
December 31, 2006. The decrease in cash is primarily due to acquisition of
capital assets in preparation for the summer drilling season. The Company
closed brokered and non-brokered private placements in January 2007 for net
proceeds of $416,850.
Cash
flow from operations (before changes in non-cash operating working capital
items) was $504,883 in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to an
operating deficit of $424,286 in the third quarter of 2006, largely due to
improved operations during fiscal 2007.
Working
capital increased by $334,670 from $3.33 million at June 30, 2006 to $3.66
million at March 31, 2007. Funds received from the private placements were
offset by capital assets purchased with cash.
Interest
expense on short and long-term debt increased to $42,924 in the third
quarter of fiscal 2007 from $32,888 in the third quarter of fiscal 2006,
and decreased from $53,606 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Interest
costs during the quarter were reduced through improved usage of the
operating line and cash flow. The third quarter of fiscal 2006 interest
costs resulted from the demand and operating loans from HSBC and capital
leases for new drilling equipment.
In
January 2007, the Company closed on brokered private placements for
1,195,000 units and non-brokered placements of 220,000 units at $0.375 per
unit for the gross proceeds of $530,625. Each unit consisted of one common
share of the Company and one warrant, each warrant entitles the holder
thereof to acquire one additional share of the Company at a price of $0.50
for a period of two years from the date of issuance of the units, provided
that if the closing price of Cabo’s shares is $0.60 per share or
greater for twenty consecutive trading days following the four month hold
period, Cabo may, upon notice to the warrant holders, reduce the exercise
period to twenty days from the date of the notice. The Company paid broker
fees totaling $31,275 and 76,000 in shares of the Company at a deemed value
of $22,406.
Results
of Operations - Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007
Revenues
for the nine-month period ending March 31, 2007 increased 22% to $26.77
million from $21.23 million for the corresponding period last year.
Advanced Drilling and Petro Drilling recorded significant growth in
revenues while Heath & Sherwood revenues remained constant during the
nine-month period ending March 31, 2007, compared to the nine-month period
ending March 31, 2006.
Gross
margins for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2007 were 23.8% compared
to 20.1% during the same period last year. Gross margin improvements were
maintained throughout the third quarter for a nine-month total ending March
31, 2007 to $6.37 million compared to $4.26 million earned in the first
nine months of fiscal 2006. This represents a 49.6% improvement in the
gross margin dollars and an 18.4% improvement in gross margin
percentage.
The
Company recorded EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, amortization,
stock-based compensation and other items such as write-downs of the
resource properties, software costs and goodwill) of $2.53 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 2007, a substantial increase from $523,019
EBITDA for the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
General
and administrative expenses increased to $3.87 million compared to $3.84
million the same period last year. Higher travel and investor relations
costs, as well as costs incurred in establishing the subsidiaries in Spain
and Panama prevented the Company from reducing its G&A expenses.
Amortization expense increased to $1.04 million for the
nine months ending March 31, 2007 compared to $819,894 for the same period
last year. As the Company adds to its property, plant and equipment base,
amortization expenses increase as well.
Net
earnings for the nine-month period were up substantially to $764,293
compared to a net loss of $1,980,255 in the same period last year.
Increased earnings are a direct result of increased drilling service
activity and better cost controls during fiscal 2007. In addition, the
Company wrote down the mineral properties assets in the comparable period
fiscal 2006.
Cabo
continues to position itself regionally, nationally and internationally to
capture an increase in revenues and improve its gross margin as the demand
for exploration drilling services increases. The Company’s strategy
is to focus on growth by expanding its existing long-term customer base
revenues, attracting new customers and by identifying favourable
geographical locations in which to expand its drilling services
business.
Cabo
Drilling Corp. is a drilling services company headquartered in North
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Company provides mining related
and specialty drilling services through its Canadian divisions in Surrey,
British Columbia; Montréal, Quebec; Kirkland Lake, Ontario; and
Springdale, Newfoundland; as well as Cabo Drilling de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico; Cabo Drilling (Panama) Corp. of Panama,
Republic of Panama; and Cabo Drilling Spain S.L. of Sevilla, Spain. The
Company’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the
symbol: CBE.
ON
BEHALF OF THE BOARD
“John A. Versfelt”
John
A. Versfelt Chairman,
President and CEO
Further
information about the
Company can be found on
the Cabo website (http://www.cabo.ca)
and SEDAR (www.sedar.com)
or by contacting Ms. Sheri
Barton, Investor Relations
at 403-217-5830 or Mr. John A.
Versfelt, Chairman, President & CEO
of the Company at
604-984-8894.
* * * *
The
TSX Venture Exchange does
not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release. This news
release may contain forward-looking
statements including but not limited to comments
regarding the timing and content of
upcoming work programs, geological
interpretations, potential mineral recovery
processes and other business transactions
timing. Forward-looking statements
address future events and conditions and
therefore, involve inherent risks and
uncertainties. Actual results may
differ materially from those currently
anticipated in such statements.
------------------------------
CONTACT:
John
A. Versfelt, Chairman,
President
and CEO web
site: www.cabo.ca
Telephone: (604)
984-8894 Facsimile: (604) 983-8056 e-mail: ir@cabo.ca
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