Pason Systems Inc. Turns Free Cash Flow Positive and Has a 4% Dividend Yield

Pason Systems Inc.’s (TSX:PSI) second-quarter results show improvement in activity, translating to strong financial results.

| More on:
oil, petroleum, refinery

We have seen the carnage that happens in the oil services sector in times of declining drilling activity and pricing pressure as a result of weakening oil and gas prices.

Pason Systems Inc.’s (TSX:PSI) shares are down 51% since highs seen in 2014, and while this is bad, it is better than the hit that other oil service names have taken in that same time period. Trican Well Service Ltd. (TSX:TCW) shares, for example, declined 72%, Precision Drilling Corp. (TSX:PD)(NYSE:PDS) declined 76%, and Calfrac Well Services Ltd.  (TSX:CFW) shares fell a shocking 84%.

But although this sector is very volatile and can be very bruising to a portfolio’s returns in bad times, it can provide investors with very attractive returns in good times. So, have the stock prices in this sector bottomed?

Well, for one oil service company at least, they stock price is closer to the bottom than it has been in a long time.

Pason is a high-quality company that has been through downturns before, and really, from a high-level perspective, this latest downturn was no different.

The business is cyclical, and the companies that will survive and thrive not only know this, but they are also prepared for it. Pason was well positioned for the downturn, and the company kept cash on its balance sheet and has limited debt. In fact, as of the latest quarter, the company had $166 million in cash and still no debt on the balance sheet.

This is key because in times of downturns, the companies with the strong balance sheets will have the ability to not only stay on top of day-to-day business, but also to look for and act on any attractively valued companies out there that are struggling. Companies that are able to make acquisitions and buy assets on the cheap in downturns are the ones that will emerge stronger.

Pason’s second quarter saw a significant uptick in revenue, earnings, and cash flow — all were much higher than last year. Revenue was 105% higher, net income was $6.9 million versus a loss of $11.3 million, and free cash flow was approximately $20 million.

The results benefited from increased drilling activity in Canada and the U.S., as well as cost-savings initiatives the company instituted when times were hardest in recent years.

Of course, through all of this, investors need to keep in mind that the company is still very vulnerable to the price of oil and gas, but, at the end of the day, this is a high-quality company that is beginning to see improved results, and so the risk/reward relationship is very favourable.

As an extra incentive, the shares currently have a dividend yield of 3.95%.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Karen Thomas owns shares of PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION. Pason Systems is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada and Dividend Investor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

open vault at bank
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Get Cute; Just Buy Stability: Top Defensive TSX Stocks to Buy Now

A healthy risk tolerance is essential for most investors, but many stray from the tried and tested, hoping to find…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: Buy These 3 Stocks for $3,480 Yearly Tax-Free Income

One significant benefit of a TFSA-based dividend income is that it doesn’t weigh down your tax bill.

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys Right Now

Are you looking for great income stocks? Here's a trio of high-yield dividend stocks that pay insane yields right now.

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

Transform a $5,000 TFSA Into a $50,000 Retirement Nest Egg

The TFSA is a powerful tool that can grow a small investment into a substantial retirement nest egg over time.

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Fortis has increased its dividend annually for the past five decades.

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

Here are three top dividend stocks long-term investors won't want to ignore during this part of the market cycle.

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Generate $175/Month in Passive Income With a $30,000 Investment

Dividend aristocrats offer reliability, and many of them also offer generous yields. With sizable enough discounts, these yields can become…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Canadian Investors

These three stocks would be excellent additions to your portfolios, given their solid underlying businesses, consistent dividend growth, and healthy…

Read more »