CET Cathedral Energy Services Ltd

/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 14, 2022 /CNW/ - Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. (the "Company" or "Cathedral") / (TSX: CET) announces its consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. 

Dollars in 000's except per share amounts.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.  For a full disclosure of forward-looking statements and the risks to which they are subject, see "Forward-Looking Statements" later in this news release.  This news release contains references to Adjusted gross margin (gross margin plus non-cash items of depreciation and share-based compensation), Adjusted gross margin % (adjusted gross margin divided by revenues) and Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before finance costs, unrealized foreign exchange on intercompany balances, taxes, depreciation, non-recurring costs (including acquisition and restructuring costs and non-cash provision for bad debts), write-down of equipment, write-down of inventory and share-based compensation). These terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies, see "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this news release.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dollars in 000's except per share amounts

2022 Q3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Consolidated revenue of $107,846 is the highest quarterly revenue in the Corporation's history.
• Adjusted EBITDAS also posted a new record for any quarter in Cathedral's 24-year history, reaching $28,065.
• 2022 Q3 achieved net income of $8,658 compared to $403 in 2021 Q3.
• Net income margin (net income divided by revenues) was over 10% for the first time in over six years.
• Highest level of quarterly revenue on record for the Canadian division.
• The highest level of revenue ever generated by the Company's US division.
• The Corporation generated free cash flow (see non-GAAP measurements) of $22,870 in the quarter.
• Cathedral significantly increased its North American footprint and cemented one of the top positions in market share for the onshore US directional drilling market with the acquisition of Altitude Energy Partners for $131,712.
• Canadian directional drilling market share averaged 24.3% in 2022 Q3 vs. 17.7% one year ago.
• U.S. directional drilling market share grew to 6.5% in the quarter due to the AEP acquisition.
• As a result of the AEP acquisition, the Company closed July 2022 with loans and borrows less cash of $91,180 which has subsequently been reduced to $81,786 by September 30, 2022.
• With a constructive outlook for 2023, the board has approved a preliminary net capex budget of $35,000 which will enable advance orders of strategic equipment.
• Subsequent to 2022 Q2, Cathedral furthered its consolidation strategy and announced the formation of a Marketing and Technology Alliance and acquisition of the operating assets and personnel of Ensign Energy Services' directional drilling business.
• The Marketing and Technology Alliance further differentiates Cathedral and represents a key alliance with a second major North American drilling contractor.
• A strengthened US dollar also positively impacted results during the third quarter.

Comments from President & CEO Tom Connors:

Since March of 2021, we have executed on our strategy of size and scale, focused on downhole directional drilling services and our proprietary technology rental product offering.  Through September 2022, we have closed 6 transactions with a 7^th transaction in October of 2022.  These transactions have consolidated the industry, resulted in financial synergies, improved financial performance due to greater size and scale as well as strengthened our executive, management and operational team.  We continue to be constructive on further execution of our strategy, focused on consolidation opportunities, technology development, and internal growth.

The third quarter of 2022 was a transformational one for the Company on both sides of the Canada-US border. Financial results are now starting to reflect the power of the combination of companies and people we have brought together. Revenue and Adjusted EBITDAS both hit new all-time records for Cathedral and that is before a full quarter of contribution from the Altitude acquisition in July and the acquisition of Ensign Energy Services Inc. ("Ensign") Canadian directional drilling business unit in October of 2022.

Our CAD $131,712 acquisition of Altitude Energy Partners, which closed on July 13, 2022, vaulted Cathedral into the position of being one of the largest independent directional drilling companies in the US.  Altitude gives Cathedral roughly 9% market share in the Permian – considered widely to be one of the world's most important areas for oil and gas development. Altitude becomes the new US brand and platform for Cathedral's directional drilling business in the US alongside our US high-performance mud motor technology rental business – Discovery Downhole Services. The purchase of Altitude continued the now 15-month history by Cathedral of targeting and executing accretive, strategic acquisitions.  Altitude was the sixth acquisition since July 2021, with each one adding key pieces of regional or national market share, people and technology to make Cathedral a formidable North American technology and service company in the directional space. Altitude also gives Cathedral a sizable platform in the US Rockies as well as immediate entry into the important Haynesville natural gas play – one that will be a chief supply area for the massive build-out of US LNG.  Altitude has a strong leadership team, excellent market penetration with its RSS offering and the ability to generate substantial free cash flow going forward. The valuations were in line with our previous acquisitions and we are already witnessing the accretive nature of the transaction with an excellent performance in our first quarter together.

Cathedral continued its testing of the D-Tech RSS (rotary steerable system) tool in Canada and drilled a number of successful wells. We are currently evaluating the next phase of expansion of our RSS technology in Canada. In the US, Altitude's 16 Orbit RSS tools continue to drive performance for our customers and represent a significant mix of our US revenue and increased overall revenue rates on a per day basis. We expect Cathedral's service and technology offering will continue to differentiate itself in the North American directional market.

With increased size and scale and corresponding free cash flow we anticipate being able to fund capex and further differentiate ourselves in the market with the expansion of our technology platforms and make significant progress towards further reducing our debt levels in Q4 2022 and through 2023. The board has approved a preliminary net capital expenditures budget of $35,000 for 2023 which will allow for advanced orders of strategic equipment in anticipation of continued strong demand.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter 2022, we completed another transaction and added a complementary customer base with the acquisition of the Canadian directional drilling assets of another major land driller, Ensign Energy Services Inc. In this transaction, we added some operating capacity with the addition of assets and welcomed into Cathedral some experienced key personnel. Similar to our previous acquisition of Precision's directional drilling business, Ensign's Canadian directional drilling business unit forms an excellent addition to Cathedral's existing platform and should help propel our market share in Canada above 25%. We are particularly excited about the quality of people we are gaining as well as a customer list, which is substantially additive to our own.  We have also signed a Marketing and Technology alliance with Ensign that will help us build our client base and collaborate together on technology that supports the continuous improvement of drilling performance through Auto-Assisted drilling. 

With the recent acquisition, we now have two strategic Marketing and Technology Alliances with both Precision Drilling and Ensign.  These alliances are contributing to revenue growth, integration of directional drilling services with drill rig services, improved drilling performance, and reducing field labour costs.

Although we have been very busy in 2021 and 2022 and grown considerably, management believes that the Company still has considerable runway to build out a much larger North American technology business that has directional drilling as its core. We remained focused on our strategy and excited about the opportunity grow Cathedral into one of North America's pre-eminent directional drilling contractors.

The purchase price allocation related to the acquisition is preliminary and may be subject to adjustments, which may be material, pending completion of final valuations.  In a business combination, it generally takes time to obtain the information necessary to measure fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  Changes in the provisional measurements of assets and liabilities acquired may be recorded as part of the purchase price allocation as new information is obtained, until the final measurements are determined no later than 12 months after the acquisition date.  The Company is still in the process of identifying the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and assessing the fair value allocations relating to the inventory and intangible and capital assets acquired.  Fair value is estimated using the latest available information as at the date of the financial statements.  As a result, these preliminary allocations may change.

A summary of the acquisitions for the year are as follows:

The Company purchased the shares of LEXA Drilling Technologies Inc. ("LEXA"), a Calgary-based, downhole technology company for equity consideration in Cathedral. LEXA is focused on the development and commercialization of high data rate positive pulse MWD technology. They are also focused on developing technology that enhances and enables drilling automation through remote downhole directional equipment. The addition of high-performance pulse technology to Cathedral's industry leading electromagnetic technology will further strengthen the performance of Cathedral's existing MWD platform.  As part of the transaction, Mr. Axel Schmidt has joined Cathedral as Senior Vice President, Engineering and Technology while Mr. Chad Robinson has joined as Chief Financial Officer. LEXA also brings an experienced engineering and development team.

On June 20, 2022, the Company acquired 90.98% of the shares of LEXA, its technology and products in development, Cathedral issued 1,612,891 common shares, which are subject to a four-month hold period. On July 19, 2022, the Company acquired the remaining 9.02% of the shares of LEXA in exchange for 159,836 common shares from Rod Maxwell, a director of Cathedral.  These shares are also subject to a four-month hold period.

The Company has accounted for this transaction as a business combination.  The amounts below are based on management's preliminary estimates of fair value at the time of preparation of these financial statements based on the best available information. Amendments may be made to these amounts as the values subject to estimation are finalized.  The Company has allocated the purchase price as:

• Cash $70;
• Net working capital $180;
• Deferred tax liability ($109); and
• Intangibles $976;

The deferred tax liability was subsequently offset by the benefit of unrecorded tax attributes.

To date, the Company has not expensed any costs related to the Transaction.  Prior to the acquisition, Cathedral was the only revenue source for LEXA so there are no revenues or operating profit before depreciation and interest to report.

Altitude Energy Partners, LLC

On July 14, the Company through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, CET Flight Holdco, Inc., closed its acquisition of Altitude Energy Partners, LLC ("Altitude") through payment of cash in the amount $87,245 and the issuance of 67,031,032 common shares in of Cathedral.  Additionally, the Company assumed lease liabilities and a deferred tax liability.  Total consideration was $131,711.

Altitude was a privately-held, U.S.-based, directional drilling services business with headquarters in Wyoming, executive leadership based in Houston, and significant operations in Texas, most prominently in the Permian Basin. The Company continues to use the Altitude name and brand in the US.  Further, the Altitude management team and its people will lead and operate Cathedral's existing US directional drilling business. 

The amounts below are based on management's preliminary estimates of fair value at the time of preparation of these financial statements based on the best available information. Amendments may be made to these amounts as the values subject to estimation are finalized. The Company has allocated the purchase price as:

• Working capital $13,568;
• Equipment $45,393;
• Right of use asset $2,354;
• Intangibles $34,433; and
• Goodwill $35,963.

The intangibles assets consist of customer relationships, non-compete agreements, brand names and an assembled workforce and will be amortized over periods from 1 to 6 years.

As the acquiring entity, Flight, is incorporated in the U.S. and its functional currency is USD, these amounts will be revalued at current rates at each reporting period.

To date, the Company has expensed $1,022 in costs related to the Transaction. 

For the period of July 14 to September 30, 2022, the acquired entity generated revenues of $60,958 and operating income before interest of $5,540.  Revenues for the period of January 1 to July 13, 2022 were $102,954 USD and operating profit for that period was $14,263 USD.

On October 27, 2022 the Company announced its acquisition of the operating assets and personnel of Ensign's Canadian directional drilling business (the "Transaction") in exchange for 7,017,988 common shares of Cathedral.  In addition to a 4-month statutory hold period on these shares, the parties have agreed to customary contractual restrictions on resale. Ensign did not own any securities of Cathedral prior to the transaction. Post-closing, Ensign owns approximately 3.15% of Cathedral's issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis.

As part of the Transaction, Cathedral and Ensign entered into a Marketing and Technology Alliance ("the Marketing Alliance") which will help support and expand the customer base of both companies in the Canadian market.

The Company has 2 operating segments based on its geographic operating locations of Canada and U.S. and a non-operating segment, for joint corporate costs ("Corporate services").  The Company determines its reportable segments are based on internal information regularly reviewed by management to allocate resources and assess performance.  The Corporate services segment is comprised of costs which are managed on a group basis and are not allocated to the operating segments.  The Corporate services segment primarily consists of general and administrative expenses, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expenses and acquisition and reorganization costs.

Revenues and cost of sales  2022 Q3 revenues were $107,846, which represented an increase of $87,719 or 436% from 2021 Q3 revenues of $20,127. 

Gross margin for 2022 Q3 was 23% compared to 10% in 2021 Q3.  Adjusted gross margin (see Non-GAAP Measurements) for 2022 Q3 was $33,633 or 31% compared to $5,365 or 27% for 2021 Q3.

Adjusted gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, increased due to lower field labour and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue partially offset by increased repairs and third party equipment rental costs.

Depreciation of equipment allocated to cost of sales increased to $9,116 in 2022 Q3 from $3,337 in 2021 Q3 due to the acquisitions in 2021 and 2022.  Depreciation included in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue was 8% for 2022 Q3 and 17% in 2021 Q3.

Canadian revenues increased to $36,520 in 2022 Q3 from $16,118 in 2021 Q3, an increase of $20,402 or 127%.  This increase was the result of: i) a 77% increase in activity days to 1,436 in 2022 Q3 from 1,875 in 2021 Q3 and ii) a 28% increase in the average day rate to $11,030 in 2022 Q3 from $8,596 in 2021 Q3. 

Based on publicly disclosed Canadian drilling and directional drilling days, Cathedral's market share for 2022 Q3 was 24.3% compared to 17.7% in 2021 Q3.  Day rates in 2023 Q3 increased as 2021 Q3 was negatively impacted by lower drilling activity during COVID-19.

Canadian cost of sales, excluding non-cash items, as a percentage of revenue were 4% lower due to lower third party equipment rental costs and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue, partially offset by higher field labour and repair expenses.

The U.S. segment has significantly increased as a result of acquisitions completed in 2022.

U.S. revenues increased to $71,326 in 2022 Q3 from $4,009 in 2021 Q3, an increase of $67,317 or 1,679%.  This increase was the result of: i) an 840% increase in activity days to 2,839 in 2022 Q3 from 302 in 2021 Q3; and ii) a 89% increase in the average day rate to $25,124 in 2022 Q3 from $13,275 in 2021 Q3 (when converted to Canadian dollars).

Based on publicly disclosed U.S. drilling rig activity, Cathedral's U.S. market share for 2022 Q3 was 6.5% compared to under 1% in 2021 Q3.  Day rates in USD increased to $19,218 compared to $10,506 primarily due to the change in client mix.

U.S. cost of sales, excluding non-cash items, as a percentage of revenues decreased 23% due to due to lower field labour, repairs and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue, partially offset by higher third party equipment rental expenses.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses     SG&A expenses were $12,924 in 2022 Q3; an increase of $11,046 compared with $1,878 in 2021 Q3.  .  Depreciation and amortization charged to SGA was $3,396 (3% of revenues) compared to $134 (0.7% of revenues) in 2021 Q3.  SGA excluding depreciation and amortization as percentage of revenue was 9% compared to 8% in 2021 Q3.

There were increases in SG&A wages, commissions, insurance and general increase in all other expenses, such as travel and promotion, which had been reduced to minimal levels due to COVID-19. 

Technology group expenses     Technology group expenses were $403 in 2022 Q3; an increase of $220 compared with $183 in 2021 Q3.  Technology group expenses are related to new product development and supporting and upgrading existing technology. Technology group expenses consist of salaries and related benefits and burdens as well as shop supplies. 

Gain (loss) on disposal of equipment     During 2022 Q3, the Company had a gain on disposal of equipment of $4,435 compared to $1,773 in 2021 Q3.  These gains are mainly related to equipment lost-in-hole.  Proceeds from clients on lost-in-hole equipment are based on amounts specified in service agreements.  The timing of lost-in-hole recoveries is not in the control of the Company and therefore can fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter.  In 2022 Q3, the Company received proceeds on disposal of equipment of $6,970 (2021 Q3 - $1,980).

Finance costs     Finance costs consisting of interest expenses on loans and borrowings and bank charges were $1,500 for 2022 Q3 compared to $60 for 2021 Q3 due to the increased debt levels due to acquisitions and increases in interest rates.

Finance costs lease liability     Lease liability interest increased slightly to $200 from $195. 

Acquisition and restructuring costs     Acquisition and restructuring costs were $2,598 in 2022 Q3 compared to $331 in 2021 Q3.  These costs consist of professional and consulting fees on business combinations and subsequent restructuring costs including severance.

Foreign exchange     The Company had a foreign exchange loss of ($2,354) in 2022 Q3 compared to a loss ($719) in 2021 Q3 due to the fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  The Company's foreign operations are denominated in USD and therefore, upon consolidation, gains and losses due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are recorded as other comprehensive income on the balance sheet as a component of equity.  However, gains and losses in the Canadian entity on U.S. denominated intercompany balances continue to be recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss).  Included in the 2022 Q3 foreign currency gain is an unrealized loss of ($2,048) (2021 Q3 – loss of ($692)) related to intercompany balances.

Income tax     Income tax expense is booked based upon expected annualized rates using the statutory rates of 23% for Canada and 22% for the U.S. The current period recovery relates to the offset of deferred tax liabilities related to acquisitions with tax pools for which the benefit had not been previously recognized.

Revenues and cost of sales 2022 revenues were $169,883, which represented an increase of $131,069 or 338% from 2021 revenues of $38,814. 

Gross margin for 2022 was 18% compared to negative 5% in 2021.  Adjusted gross margin (see Non-GAAP Measurements) for 2022 was $48,740 or 29% compared to $7,356 or 19% for 2021.

Adjusted gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, increased due to lower field labour, repairs and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue partially offset by increased third party equipment rental costs.

Depreciation of equipment allocated to cost of sales increased to $18,027 in 2022 from $9,049 in 2021 due to the acquisitions in 2021 and 2022.  Depreciation included in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue was 11% for 2022 and 23% in 2021.

Canadian revenues increased to $75,010 in 2022 from $27,426 in 2021, an increase of $47,584 or 127%.  This increase was the result of: i) a 116% increase in activity days to 7,227 in 2022 from 3,351 in 2021 and ii) a 27% increase in the average day rate to $10,379 in 2022 from $8,184 in 2021. 

Based on publicly disclosed Canadian drilling and directional drilling days, Cathedral's market share for 2022 was 20.6% compared to 12.7% in 2021.  Day rates in 2023 increased as 2021 was negatively impacted by lower drilling activity during COVID-19.

Canadian cost of sales, excluding non-cash items, as a percentage of revenue were overall unchanged, but the components changed with reductions in repairs and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue, offset by higher field labour.

The U.S. segment has significantly increased as a result of acquisitions completed in 2022.

U.S. revenues increased to $94,873 in 2022 from $11,388 in 2021, an increase of $83,485 or 773%.  This increase was the result of: i) an 299% increase in activity days to 3,613 in 2022 from 905 in 2021; and ii) a 109% increase in the average day rate to $26,259 in 2022 from $12,583 in 2021 (when converted to Canadian dollars).

Based on publicly disclosed U.S. drilling rig activity, Cathedral's U.S. market share for 2022 was 6.5% compared to under 1% in 2021.  Day rates in USD increased to $20,221 compared to $10,310 primarily associated with the change in client mix.

U.S. cost of sales, excluding non-cash items, as a percentage of revenues decreased 33% due to lower field labour, repairs and a reduction in fixed costs as percentage of revenue, partially offset by higher third party equipment rental expenses.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses      SG&A expenses were $20,172 in 2022; an increase of $14,503 compared with $5,669 in 2021.  Depreciation and amortization charged to SGA was $3,644 (2% of revenues) compared to $401 (1% of revenues) in 2021.  SGA excluding depreciation and amortization as percentage of revenue was 9.5% compared to 13% in 2021.

There were increases in SG&A wages, commissions, insurance and general increase in all other expenses, such as travel and promotion, which had been reduced to minimal levels due to COVID-19. 

Technology group expenses     Technology group expenses were $853 in 2022; an increase of $320 compared with $533 in 2021.  Technology group expenses are related to new product development and supporting and upgrading existing technology. Technology group expenses consist of salaries and related benefits and burdens as well as shop supplies. 

Gain (loss) on disposal of equipment     During 2022, the Company had a gain on disposal of equipment of $6,555 compared to $2,017 in 2021.  These gains are mainly related to equipment lost-in-hole.  Proceeds from clients on lost-in-hole equipment are based on amounts specified in service agreements.  The timing of lost-in-hole recoveries is not in the control of the Company and therefore can fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter.  In 2022, the Company received proceeds on disposal of equipment of $11,294 (2021 - $2,278).

Finance costs     Finance costs consisting of interest expenses on loans and borrowings and bank charges were $2,024 for 2022 compared to $249 for 2021 due to the increased debt level due to the acquisitions and increases in interest rates.

Finance costs lease liability     Lease liability interest decreased slightly to $584 from $605. 

Acquisition and restructuring costs     Acquisition and restructuring costs were $2,990 in 2022 compared to $939 in 2021.  These costs consist of professional and consulting fees on business combinations and subsequent restructuring costs including severance.

Foreign exchange     The Company had a foreign exchange loss of ($2,917) in 2022 compared to a gain of $199 in 2021 due to the fluctuations of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  The Company's foreign operations are denominated in USD and therefore, upon consolidation, gains and losses due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are recorded as other comprehensive income on the balance sheet as a component of equity.  However, gains and losses in the Canadian entity on U.S. denominated intercompany balances continue to be recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss).  Included in the 2022 foreign currency gain is an unrealized loss of ($2,511) (2021 – gain of $230) related to intercompany balances.

Income tax     Income tax expense is booked based upon expected annualized rates using the statutory rates of 23% for Canada and 22% for the U.S. The current period recovery relates to the offset of deferred tax liabilities related to acquisitions with tax pools for which the benefit had not been previously recognized.

Overview     On an annualized basis, the Company's principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations and proceeds from equipment lost-in-hole.  In addition, the Company has the ability to fund liquidity requirements through its credit facility and the issuance of debt and/or equity.   Cash flow - operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was a source of cash of $2,880 and $5,633 respectively compared to a use of cash of ($1,800) and ($4,100) in 2021. This change was primarily due to increases in cash flow from improved drilling activity in 2022 and Cathedral's increase in Canadian and U.S. market share. 

Working capital     At September 30, 2022 the Company had working capital of $35,528 (December 31, 2021 - $14,117). 

Contractual obligations     In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations and those obligations are disclosed in the Company's annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.   

As at September 30, 2022, the Company's has a commitment to purchase equipment of $770 which is expected to be incurred in 2022 and Q4.

The Company has issued the following six letters of credit ("LOC"):

• three securing rent payments on property leases and renew annually with the landlords. Two LOCs total $700 CAD for the first ten years of the lease and then reduce to $500 for the last five years of the leases. The third LOC is currently for $630 USD and increases annually based upon annual changes in rent;
• two securing the Company's corporate credit cards in the amounts of $75 CAD and $175 USD; and
• one in lieu of cash deposit for utilities in the amounts of $55 CAD.

Share capital     At November 14, 2022, the Company has 222,932,916 common shares, 21,468,350 common share purchase warrants and 20,637,568 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.53.

In 2022, the Company issued the following stock options to staff:

• 2022 Q2 - 380,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.77; and
• 2022 Q3 - 12,320,300 stock options with an exercise price of $0.60.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company invested $17,252 (2021 - $2,799) in equipment, excluding acquisitions.  The following table details the current period's net equipment additions:

The additions of $17,252 were partially funded by proceeds on disposal of equipment of $11,294.  Due to the acquisitions in the year, the 2022 capital plan has been expanded to approximately $30,000.  However, due to supply chain issues some of this spend may not be delivered until 2023.

With a constructive outlook for 2023, the board has approved a preliminary net capex budget of $35,000 which will enable advance orders of strategic equipment.

Financial markets are in a turbulent phase against a backdrop of increasing pressure from central banks to bring down key inflation rates. Oil and natural gas prices have reflected this underlying backdrop of high volatility and have mostly traded lower as a result. WTI oil prices started the quarter near US $108/bbl and declined roughly 26% to near $80 by quarter end. Natural gas prices rose rapidly and then declined from around US $5.75/MMBtu to start the quarter to roughly $9.00 by mid-quarter to $6.75 by quarter end. While the absolute levels of both oil and natural gas prices remained strong in an historical context (and remain strong today), the volatility has pushed energy investors into more skittish behavior as evidenced by continued low valuations of oilfield service sector equities.

Notwithstanding underlying commodity price volatility, the energy service sub-index and broad energy indices continue to outperform the underlying market. Investors may be slowly realizing that there is duration to this upcycle despite the risk of recession in major economies worldwide.  Most oil and gas analyst research puts field-level cash flow reinvestment rates at between 30-40%, which is vastly lower than the +/- 100% levels seen for many decades. As a result, reinvestment in new oil supply is not happening at the same rate that it has in prior upcycles.  The extreme tightness in labour markets has also made it very difficult to find the skilled people for energy service providers to grow quickly.  These reinvestment and supply chain issues are leading to a much more muted production response (especially on the oil side), which ultimately creates a better base for Cathedral to grow in 2023 and the years forward.

Consensus analyst forecasts point to approximately 3% growth in the Canadian drilling rig count in Q4-22 vs Q3-22 and approximately 2% sequential growth in the US count. Turning to 2023, analysts are slightly more bullish on the US drilling market. The average of seven Canadian-based investment banks' drilling activity forecasts is 768 active US rigs in 2023 vs 704 in 2022, growth of 9.0%. In Canada by contrast, the same seven analysts see an average Canadian rig count of 185 for 2023, up 8.4% from 171 in 2022.  [Rig Count forecasts: ATB Capital, BMO Capital Markets, Stifel FirstEnergy, National Bank Financial, Peters & Co, Raymond James, TD Securities]  The advantage to Cathedral of building a major cross-border platform is that we are able to take advantage of the strength in both markets and sometimes the markets themselves have different major drivers. For example, the US has become a major swing supplier into global oil markets, with much of that activity happening in the Permian – an area of great strength for Cathedral after the Altitude acquisition.  As well, US LNG exports will rely on significant growth from the Haynesville deep gas play where Altitude also gives Cathedral a solid position for growth. In Canada, LNG-related natural gas drilling is starting to grow and will become a major driver in the next few years. Cathedral has a very strong position in the Canadian Montney and deep basin, areas that are targeted for key, strategic LNG supply. In short, Cathedral has exposure to all the major growth plays in North America and we will continue to look for ways to grow that exposure in the quarters and years to come.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.  All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should" or similar words suggesting future outcomes.  In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things: we continue to be constructive on further execution of our strategy, focused on consolidation opportunities, technology development, and internal growth; we expect Cathedral's service and technology offering will continue to differentiate itself in the North American directional market; with increased size and scale and corresponding free cash flow we anticipate being able to fund capex and further differentiate ourselves in the market with the expansion of our technology platforms and make significant progress towards further reducing our debt levels in Q4 2022 and through 2023; Ensign's Canadian directional drilling business unit forms an excellent addition to Cathedral's existing platform and should help propel our market share in Canada above 25%; most oil and gas analyst research puts field-level cash flow reinvestment rates at between 30-40%; drilling activity forecasts for the remainder of 2022 and for 2023 and their impacts on Cathedral; and projected capital expenditures and commitments and the financing thereof.

The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon.

Various material factors and assumptions are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements.  Those material factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third party industry analysts and other third party sources.  In some instances, material assumptions and material factors are presented elsewhere in this MD&A in connection with the forward-looking statements.  You are cautioned that the following list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive.  Specific material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to:

• the performance of Cathedral's business
• impact of economic and social trends;
• oil and natural gas commodity prices and production levels;
• the ongoing impact of the global health crisis and COVID-19;
• capital expenditure programs and other expenditures by Cathedral and its customers;
• the ability of Cathedral to retain and hire qualified personnel;
• the ability of Cathedral to obtain parts, consumables, equipment, technology, and supplies in a timely manner to carry out its activities;
• the ability of Cathedral to maintain good working relationships with key suppliers;
• the ability of Cathedral to retain customers, market its services successfully to existing and new customers and reliance on major customers;
• risks associated with technology development and intellectual property rights;
• obsolesce of Cathedral's equipment and/or technology;
• the ability of Cathedral to maintain safety performance;
• the ability of Cathedral to obtain adequate and timely financing on acceptable terms;
• the ability of Cathedral to comply with the terms and conditions of its credit facility;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage to mitigate operational risks;
• currency exchange and interest rates;
• risks associated with future foreign operations;
• the ability of Cathedral to integrate its transactions and the benefits of any acquisitions, dispositions and business development efforts;
• environmental risks;
• business risks resulting from weather, disasters and related to information technology;
• changes under governmental regulatory regimes and tax, environmental, climate and other laws in Canada and the U.S.; and
• competitive risks.

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described herein.  Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in this MD&A and in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors".  Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

All forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Further information about the factors affecting forward-looking statements is available in the Company's current Annual Information Form that has been filed with Canadian provincial securities commissions and is available on www.sedar.com.

Cathedral uses certain performance measures throughout this document that are not defined under GAAP. Management believes that these measures provide supplemental financial information that is useful in the evaluation of Cathedral's operations and are commonly used by other oilfield companies. Investors should be cautioned, however, that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to measures determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of Cathedral's performance. Cathedral's method of calculating these measures may differ from that of other organizations, and accordingly, may not be comparable.

The specific measures being referred to include the following:

i) "Adjusted gross margin" - calculated as gross margin plus non-cash items (depreciation and share-based compensation); is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular calculation);

ii) "Adjusted gross margin %" - calculated as adjusted gross margin divided by revenues; is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular calculation);

iii) "Adjusted EBITDAS" - defined as earnings before finance costs, unrealized foreign exchange on intercompany balances, taxes, depreciation, non-recurring costs (including acquisition and restructuring costs and non-cash provision for bad debts), write-down of equipment, write-down of inventory and share-based compensation; is considered an indicator of the Company's ability to generate funds flow from operations prior to consideration of how activities are financed, how the results are taxed and non-cash expenses (see tabular calculation); and

iv) "Free cash flow" - defined as Cash flow - operating activities prior to changes in non-cash working capital, income taxes paid and non-recurring expenses less cash equipment additions, excluding business combinations or assets added through acquisitions and cash payments on lease liabilities and adding proceeds from disposition of equipment.  Management uses this measure as an indication of the Company's ability to generate funds from its operations to support capital expenditures, debt repayment or other initiatives.

The following tables provide reconciliations from GAAP measurements to non-GAAP measurements referred to in this MD&A:

Adjusted gross margin

Adjusted EBITDAS

Free Cash Flow

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
September 30, 2022 and 2021
Dollars in '000s
(Unaudited)

Notice of No Auditor Review of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
Under National Instrument 51-102, Part 4, subsection 4.3(3)(a), if an auditor has not performed a review of the interim financial statements, they must be accompanied by a notice indicating that the financial statements have not been reviewed by an auditor.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. (the "Company") have been prepared by and are the responsibility of the Company's management. The Company's independent auditor has not performed a review of these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada for a review of interim financial statements by an entity's auditor.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
Dollars in '000s except per share amounts
(Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
Dollars in '000s
(Unaudited)

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd., based in Calgary, Alberta is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and operates in the U.S. under Cathedral Energy Services Inc. Cathedral is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CET". Cathedral is a trusted partner to North American energy companies requiring high performance directional drilling services. We work in partnership with our customers to tailor our equipment and expertise to meet their specific geographical and technical needs. Our experience, technologies and responsive personnel enable our customers to achieve higher efficiencies and lower project costs. For more information, visit www.cathedralenergyservices.com.

SOURCE Cathedral Energy Services Ltd.