News Releases

CALGARY, May 8, 2014 /CNW/ -

Secure Energy Services Inc. ("Secure" or the "Corporation") (TSX:SES) today announced financial and operational results for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The following should be read in conjunction with the management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"), the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes of Secure which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

The first quarter of 2014 was the strongest quarter on record for Secure. Activity levels remained robust through the end of the first quarter due to a late spring break-up allowing all three divisions to deliver solid results. Revenue (excluding oil purchase and resale) and EBITDA increased 40% and 43% respectively, over the 2013 comparative period. In addition, Secure completed two strategic acquisitions in the quarter that positively contributed to overall results, and added complimentary services to the OS division. The operating and financial highlights for the first quarter ending March 31, 2014 can be summarized as follows:

REVENUE INCREASES

• 40% INCREASE IN REVENUE (EXCLUDING OIL PURCHASE AND RESALE) OVER THE 2013 COMPARATIVE QUARTER
  • PRD division revenue (excluding oil purchase/resale) for the period ended March 31, 2014 increased 43% from the 2013 comparative period. Processing volumes increased 22% as increasing demand for services and the addition of six new facilities that were completed and commissioned after the first quarter of 2013 all contributed to the increase. Recovery revenues increased by 27% attributed to a 45% increase in throughput at the Corporation's facilities. Disposal volumes increased 56% as a direct result of increased activity and the addition of the 13 Mile Landfill in North Dakota in October 2013 and the Saddle Hills Landfill in November 2013.
  • DS division Canadian market share was 31% and revenue increased 27% from the 2013 comparative period. Drilling fluids revenue increased 22% as a result of an increase in meters drilled per well by the Corporation's customers and a 25% increase in revenue per operating day. Overall there was higher field activity as meters drilled per well in Canada increased by 9% for the period ended March 31, 2014 compared to the prior year comparative period as reported by the Canadian Association of Drilling Contractors ("CAODC"). Revenue from equipment rentals increased by 111% relating to higher utilization and an increase in the rental fleet mainly from the acquisition of Target completed in the second quarter of 2013.
  • OS division revenue increased 149% from the 2013 comparative period. The acquisition of Frontline on April 1, 2013 and two private oilfield service companies during the quarter accounted for the significant increase. Frontline was able to complete large projects that were delayed in the fourth quarter of 2013 due to unfavourable weather while overall equipment in Frontline and rental asset utilization from the current quarter asset acquisitions was strong throughout the quarter contributing to the solid results.
  • Oil purchase and resale revenue in the PRD division increased 82% from the 2013 comparative period. Increased pipeline capacity added at the Judy Creek FST in the third quarter of 2013, a 4% increase in crude oil prices, increased oil throughput at the Corporation's pipeline connected FSTs, and increasing crude oil volumes shipped via rail all contributed to the increase.
• EBITDA INCREASES 43% TO $56.7 MILLION
  • For the period ended March 31, 2014, EBITDA increased 43% from the 2013 comparative period. The increase in EBITDA is attributable to higher demand for services and the addition of new facilities in the PRD division, the increase in revenue per operating day and rentals revenue in the DS division, and the performance of the OS division with the newly acquired assets from two acquisitions executed in the quarter and the acquisition of Frontline in April of 2013.
• 2014 CAPITAL BUDGET AND STRATEGIC AQUISITIONS
  • In December 2013, the Corporation announced the 2014 capital expenditure budget of $225.0 million which includes $20.0 million of carry over capital from 2013 projects related to the Kindersley, Edson, and Keene FSTs. Total capital expenditures for the first quarter totaled $66.7 million for both growth and expansion capital and acquisitions. Growth and expansion capital expenditures totaled $49.8 million for the period ended March 31, 2014 and included the following:
    • Kindersley FST was completed and operational during the first quarter;
    • Edson and Keene FST's are expected to be commissioned and operational during the second quarter of 2014;
    • Rycroft Full Service Rail ("FSR") facility is the Corporation's first heavy oil rail facility. The FSR facility will offer treating, storage, disposal and transloading services. It is expected the facility will be commissioned and operational in the fourth quarter of 2014;
    • The Brazeau and Stanley SWDs are currently under construction to convert to FSTs with the expectation the waste portion of the facilities will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2014;
    • Construction of a new oil based mud blending plant in Fox Creek, completion of the plant is anticipated in the third quarter of 2014; and
    • Various rental and long lead equipment for 2014 capital projects.
    • During the quarter, Secure executed two strategic acquisitions for a total of $29.2 million paid in cash and shares of the Corporation. These acquisitions fall into the OS division with assets that will grow the Corporation's integrated water solutions service line and establish an onsite market presence in the US. These two strategic acquisitions are a continuation of the Corporation's strategy to add complementary services along the energy services value chain. It will support and expand the existing water solutions and environmental management services of the Corporation's OS division, and allow the OS division to expand into the US market.
• SOLID BALANCE SHEET
  • Secure's debt to trailing twelve month EBITDA ratio was 1.55 as of March 31, 2014 compared to 1.38 as of December 31, 2013.
  • As at March 31, 2014, the Corporation had $162.8 million available under its credit facility.
  • Effective April 1, 2014, the Corporation's board of directors approved a dividend increase of $0.05 per share to $0.20 per share on an annualized basis.
• SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
  • On April 1, 2014, Secure closed the acquisition of a mineral products plant located in Alberta and closed the acquisition of an environmental contracting business for total consideration of $15.7 million comprised of cash and shares. The mineral products plant mainly processes barite which is a product used in drilling fluids. The mineral products plant allows Secure to vertically integrate the operations in the DS division to improve supply logistics and quality. The environmental contracting business provides services relating to spill cleanup, pond construction, and contaminated soil excavation, stockpiling, treatment, transportation and disposal.

(1) Refer to "Non GAAP measures and operational definitions" and "Additional GAAP measures" for further information

Highlights for the PRD division included:

• Processing: For the three months ended March 31, 2014, processing volumes increased 22% from the comparative period in 2013. The increase in revenue is a result of an increase in overall demand for the PRD division's services and the addition of new facilities and expansions at current facilities subsequent to the first quarter of 2013 which include: completion of the Rocky and Judy Creek FSTs in May 2013; Kaybob SWD in August 2013; Stanley SWD in North Dakota in September 2013; Keene SWD in North Dakota in November 2013; and the Kindersley FST in December 2013.
• Recovery: Revenue from recovery for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by 27% from the comparative period in 2013. The increase in recovery revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is a result of a 45% increase in throughput at Secure facilities, an increase in the price of crude oil of 4% as compared to the first quarter of 2013.
• Disposal: Secure's disposal volumes increased by 56% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from the comparative period of 2013. The increase in volumes is related to increased demand and a portion of the increase is due to the addition of the 13 Mile Landfill in North Dakota in October 2013; and the Saddle Hills Landfill in November 2013.
• Oil purchase/resale service: Revenue from oil purchase and resale services increased 82% to $320.6 million from $175.9 million in the comparative period of 2013. The increase in the period is due to increased pipeline capacity added at the Judy Creek FST in the third quarter of 2013, a 4% increase in crude oil prices, increased oil throughput at the Corporation's pipeline connected FSTs, and increased crude oil volumes shipped via rail. The revenue from this service line will fluctuate monthly based on the factors described above.
• Operating margin as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 63% compared to 67% in the comparative period of 2013. The slightly lower operating margin is a direct result of the non-recurring maintenance expenses incurred in the quarter of approximately $1.4 million related to liner repairs at one of the Corporation's landfills and the increase in trucking and commissioning costs associated with facilities coming on- line.
• General and administrative ("G&A") expenses increased 36% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to $6.8 million from $5.0 million in the comparative period of 2013. Major drivers are an increase of 59% in wages & salaries to support the opening of new facilities; organic growth at existing facilities both in Canada and the US; and a 123% increase in building and lease costs to accommodate growth of staff in Canada and the US.

(1) Refer to "Non GAAP measures and operational definitions" and "Additional GAAP measures" for further information

Highlights for the DS division included:

• Revenue from the DS division for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased 27% to $118.7 million from $93.3 million in the comparative period of 2013. The increase in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is the result of a combined 22% increase in the drilling fluids service line revenue and a 111% increase in revenue for the equipment rentals service line from the comparative period in 2013.
• The drilling fluids service line revenue will fluctuate each quarter based on market share, meters drilled and the type of wells drilled which in turn drives revenue per operating day. The DS division market share in Canada was 31% for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 which was unchanged from the 2013 comparative period. While the market share remained unchanged, meters drilled per well by the DS division's customers increased by 10% over the prior year comparative period. As meters drilled per well increases, there are higher product usages, increased probability of lost circulation events and a higher usage of specialty chemicals. Additionally, the number of SAGD wells increased by 9% over the prior year comparative period. SAGD wells are more complex and require more costly drilling fluids which contribute to the increase in revenue per operating day. As a result of the increase in meters drilled and SAGD wells, the revenue per operating day increased to $7,253 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $5,815 in the comparative period of 2013.
• The equipment rentals service line revenue is driven by the size of the available rental fleet, utilization, and rental rates in any given quarter. The increase in the equipment rentals service line revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 over the comparative period of 2013 is a direct result of the acquisition of Target on July 2, 2013 which significantly increased the rental asset base and contributed 48% of the rentals revenue for the quarter. Additionally, overall rental asset utilization increased over the comparative period of 2013.
• For the three months ended March 31, 2014, operating margins increased to 26% from 24% in the 2013 comparative period. Equipment rentals contribute to higher operating margins. As equipment rentals contributed significantly to the growth in revenues from the comparative period due to the acquisition of Target and an increase in equipment utilization, this has driven the 2% increase in operating margin.
• G&A expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased 28% to $7.9 million from $6.2 million in the comparative period of 2013. As a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014, G&A expenses were 7% which remained consistent from the comparative period of 2013.

(1) Refer to "Non GAAP measures and operational definitions" and "Additional GAAP measures" for further information

Highlights for the OS division included:

• Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased 149% to $23.6 million from $9.5 million in the comparative period of 2013. The increase is a result of the acquisition of Frontline on April 1, 2013 and the two acquisitions executed in the quarter. Frontline, along with the two acquisitions completed in the quarter, contributed to 97% of the increase in revenue over the 2013 comparative period. The prior year comparative figures include environmental services revenue and integrated water solutions revenue. The environmental services and integrated water solutions groups were previously included in other divisions but were allocated into the OS division in conjunction with the Frontline acquisition.
• Frontline utilization for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was higher than the fourth quarter of 2013 due to a few large projects that began in the first quarter of 2014 that were previously delayed due to unfavourable weather relating to pipeline integrity, a spill clean-up, and reclamation work.
• Integrated water solutions equipment utilization was strong for the two months post acquisition with projects focused in the Northern WCSB. As the drilling season was extended due to a late spring break-up, this positively contributed to results for the quarter.
• For the three months ended March 31, 2014, operating margins increased to 28% from 21% in the 2013 comparative period. The operating margin for the OS division is expected to fluctuate depending on the volume and type of projects undertaken and the blend of business between remediation and reclamation projects, demolition projects, pipeline integrity projects, site clean-up, and other services in any given period. The majority of the 7% increase in the quarter is a result of the acquisitions executed in the quarter. The more significant acquisition is a rentals based business which achieves higher margins than the other service lines in the OS division.
• G&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased to $1.8 million from $1.1 million in the comparative period of 2013. G&A expenses increased due to the Frontline in 2013 and the two acquisitions executed in the quarter. G&A is expected to fluctuate based on the growth of the division.

OUTLOOK

Activity levels in the oil and gas industry were very robust in the first quarter. Total meters drilled per well as reported by the CADOC was up 9% in the first quarter from the previous year comparative period. Longer and deeper well bores require specialized drilling fluids and result in increased drilling waste and completion fluid waste per well which creates demand for the Corporation's products and services and is a key driver that impacts the Corporation's results. Horizontal wells comprised 74% of all wells drilled in the quarter compared to 66% in the comparative year period, which is continuing to show a long term upward trend.

Horizontal well licenses in the deep basin for the first quarter were up 15% compared to the previous year period. The increase is another indicator that there is a continued focus on deeper drilling activity which bodes well for drilling fluids and waste disposal services and points to a strong second half of 2014 as licenses convert into drilling and completion activity. Additionally, spending levels by producers are anticipated to hold strong into the second half of 2014 with a higher backlog of work entering spring break-up than has been seen in the past few years.

The cold weather in March resulted in a later spring break-up providing producers extra time to finish up winter drilling projects therefore, results for the first quarter finished out stronger than anticipated. Spring break-up is not expected to deviate substantially in length than the historical average however, it is hard to predict with certainty given it is dependent on weather trends that can be highly volatile. Depending on the length of spring break-up, results in both the DS and OS divisions may be impacted if equipment cannot be moved to site.

As heavy oil differentials continue to hold and pipeline projects are delayed, crude transport by rail has positively impacted activity levels and continues to provide an alternative method to transport production to maximize profits. Secure has commenced construction of its first full service rail terminal in Rycroft with commissioning anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2014. This is another example of how Secure is continuing to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of its customers and take advantage of these opportunities to maximize shareholder returns.

Secure's recently completed acquisitions in the quarter add complimentary components to the integrated water solutions service line. OS is now able to deliver complete in field water management including fluids storage, pumping and heating, providing source and engineered fluids and disposal at the Corporation's FSTs.

Secure is committed to developing water recycling initiatives at its FSTs and has commissioned its first pilot project to develop water recycling technology at the Grande Prairie FST. By being able to recycle water, this ultimately reduces the amount of disposal volumes which will increase the capacity of the disposal wells. Secure is excited about the potential that exists in this initiative, the ability to further recycle and reduce waste in the drilling process, provide innovative solutions for its customers, and continue to strengthen the value chain of services Secure is able to provide to its customers.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MD&A

The condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A of Secure for the three and months ended March 31, 2014 are available immediately on Secure's website at www.secure-energy.ca. The condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A will be available tomorrow on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this document constitute "forward-looking statements" and/or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to Secure, or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of Secure with respect to future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. In particular, this document contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: corporate strategy; goals; general market conditions; the oil and natural gas industry; activity levels in the oil and gas sector, including market fundamentals, drilling levels, commodity prices for oil, natural gas liquids ("NGLs") and natural gas; the increase in meters drilled for the first quarter of 2014; demand for the Corporation's services; expansion strategy; the amounts of the PRD, DS and OS divisions' proposed 2014 capital budgets and the intended use thereof; debt service; capital expenditures; completion of facilities; the impact of new facilities on the Corporation's financial and operational performance; use of proceeds from the 2013 offering; future capital needs; access to capital; acquisition strategy; capital spending on the new Kindersley, Edson, and Keene FSTs, Rycroft FSR, conversion of Brazeau to an FST, and construction of the oil based mud blending plant in Fox Creek; oil purchase and resale revenue; and the impact of the OWL program.

Forward-looking statements concerning expected operating and economic conditions are based upon prior year results as well as the assumption that increases in market activity and growth will be consistent with industry activity in Canada, United States, and internationally and growth levels in similar phases of previous economic cycles. Forward-looking statements concerning the availability of funding for future operations are based upon the assumption that the sources of funding which the Corporation has relied upon in the past will continue to be available to the Corporation on terms favorable to the Corporation and that future economic and operating conditions will not limit the Corporation's access to debt and equity markets. Forward-looking statements concerning the relative future competitive position of the Corporation are based upon the assumption that economic and operating conditions, including commodity prices, crude oil and natural gas storage levels, interest rates, the regulatory framework regarding oil and natural gas royalties, environmental regulatory matters, the ability of the Corporation and its subsidiaries' to successfully market their services and drilling and production activity in North America will lead to sufficient demand for the Corporation's services and its subsidiaries' services including demand for oilfield services for drilling and completion of oil and natural gas wells, that the current business environment will remain substantially unchanged, and that present and anticipated programs and expansion plans of other organizations operating in the energy service industry will result in increased demand for the Corporation's services and its subsidiary's services. Forward-looking statements concerning the nature and timing of growth are based on past factors affecting the growth of the Corporation, past sources of growth and expectations relating to future economic and operating conditions. Forward-looking statements in respect of the costs anticipated to be associated with the acquisition and maintenance of equipment and property are based upon assumptions that future acquisition and maintenance costs will not significantly increase from past acquisition and maintenance costs.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those factors referred to and under the heading "Business Risks" and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2013. Although forward-looking statements contained in this document are based upon what the Corporation believes are reasonable assumptions, the Corporation cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Unless otherwise required by law, Secure does not intend, or assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

Non GAAP Measures and Operational Definitions

1. The Corporation uses accounting principles that are generally accepted in Canada (the issuer's "GAAP"), which includes, International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). These financial measures are Non-GAAP financial measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These non-GAAP measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to a similar measures presented by other reporting issuers. See the management's discussion and analysis available at www.sedar.com for a reconciliation of the Non-GAAP financial measures and operational definitions. These non-GAAP financial measures and operational definitions are included because management uses the information to analyze operating performance, leverage and liquidity. Therefore, these non-GAAP financial measures and operational definitions should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

ABOUT SECURE ENERGY SERVICES INC.

Secure is a TSX publicly traded energy services company that provides safe and environmentally responsible fluids and solids solutions to the oil and gas industry. The Corporation owns and operates midstream infrastructure and provides environmental services and innovative products to upstream oil and natural gas companies operating in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB") and the Rocky Mountain Region in the United States. The Corporation operates three divisions:

Processing, Recovery and Disposal Division: Operating under the name Secure Energy Services Inc., the Processing, Recovery and Disposal Services division owns and operates midstream infrastructure that provides processing, storing, shipping and marketing of crude oil, oilfield waste disposal and recycling. Specifically these services are clean oil terminalling, custom treating of crude oil, crude oil marketing, produced and waste water disposal, oilfield waste processing, landfill disposal, and oil purchase/resale service. Secure currently operates a network of facilities throughout western Canada and in North Dakota, providing these services at its full service terminals ("FST"), landfills and stand-alone water disposal facilities ("SWD").

Drilling Services Division: Operating under the name Marquis Alliance Energy Group Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries "Marquis Alliance"), the trade name XL Fluid Systems ("XL Fluids"), and the name Target Rentals Ltd. ("Target"), the DS division provides equipment and chemicals for building, maintaining, processing and recycling of drilling and completion fluids. The drilling fluids service line comprises the majority of the revenue for the division which includes the design and implementation of drilling fluid systems for producers drilling for oil, bitumen and natural gas. The DS division focuses on providing products and systems that are designed for more complex wells, such as medium to deep wells, horizontal wells and horizontal wells drilled into the oil sands.

OnSite Division: The OnSite division, operating under the name of Frontline, offers environmental services which include pre-drilling assessment planning, drilling waste management, remediation and reclamation of former wellsites, facilities, commercial, and industrial properties, and laboratory services; integrated water solutions which include water management, recycling, pumping and storage solutions; "CleanSite" waste container services; pipeline integrity (inspection, excavation, repair, replacement and rehabilitation); demolition and decommissioning. These services are offered throughout the WCSB.