Major Drilling Reports Record Earnings, Announces Dividend

Tue. September 09, 2008; Posted: 05:00 AM

<< Highlights ------------------------------------------------------------------------- C$ millions Q1-09 Q1-08 12 months 12 months (except earnings ----- ----- --------- --------- per share) to July to July ------- ------- 31, 2008 31, 2007 -------- -------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $178.2 $143.4 $625.1 $464.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit As percentage of sales 63.3 47.6 211.1 150.2 35.5% 33.2% 33.8% 32.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings from continuing operations 26.3 18.8 82.1 55.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share from continuing operations 1.11 0.80 3.47 2.38 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow from continuing operations (*) 36.5 26.2 119.4 86.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (*) before changes in working capital - Major Drilling posted the highest quarterly revenue in its history with revenue of $178.2 million, up 24.3 percent from the $143.4 million recorded for the same quarter last year. - Gross margin percentage for the quarter was 35.5 percent, up from 33.2 percent for the corresponding period last year. - Earnings from continuing operations were up 40 percent to $26.3 million or $1.11 per share for the quarter, from the $18.8 million or $0.80 per share for the prior year quarter. This represents the highest quarterly earnings from continuing operations in the Company's history. - Net earnings for the quarter were $26.3 million or $1.11 per share compared to $18.9 million or $0.81 per share for the prior year quarter. - Cash flow from continuing operations before changes in working capital was $36.5 million for the quarter, up 39.3 percent from the $26.2 million for the same period last year. - The Company institutes a semi-annual dividend of $0.20 per share. - Subsequent to quarter end, the Company announced the acquisition of Forage Benoit in Québec for $21 million. >>

"The Company continues to show good progress in delivering strong top and bottom line performance", said Francis McGuire, President and CEO of Major Drilling. "In this quarter, the Company once again achieved record revenue of $178.2 million and record profits from continuing operations of $26.3 million, with all regions contributing to this growth."

"Overall margins showed very good improvement year-over-year despite continuing pressure on labour costs and African margins lagging behind other regions. Investment in training, crucial to our continuing growth, continued to weigh on margin growth. Availability of crews, especially in Canada, the U.S. and Australia remains our number one challenge," said Mr. McGuire.

"The fundamental long-term drivers of our business remain unchanged. Worldwide supply for most metals is expected to tighten in the medium to long-term due to the lack of significant discoveries. Continued growth throughout Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa and the reconstruction efforts after the earthquakes in China, which is expected to cost $147 billion, should continue to drive demand. It takes many years to bring new capacity into production and a great deal of drilling is required to do so."

"In the short-term, we expect to see some changes in the pattern of drilling demand. Senior mining houses, which represent some 70 percent of our business, are in the process of expanding their drilling programs. We would also expect them to increase their investments in joint ventures with junior mining companies as we go forward. Over the last month, we have seen a small number of junior mining companies reduce their drilling programs due to lack of funding but these have been limited to date. Gold, copper and uranium customers are expected to continue to expand their drilling programs. These commodities combined with our energy drilling currently account for some 80 percent of our revenue. Zinc, and to a lesser extent nickel projects are expected to be less active, at least in the short-term, due to the current economic conditions relating to these metals. These changes in demand patterns may require some adjustments in our operations over the coming months but the fundamental demand outlook remains strong."

"Despite some potential short-term volatility, the Company continues to invest in its capital expenditure program. This quarter, we spent $19 million to ensure continued growth. Through these investments, we added 26 rigs during the quarter. We are maintaining our capital expenditure plans, which should increase our fleet by a net 60 drills", said Mr. McGuire. "During the quarter, we retired 13 older, inefficient rigs that had very low utilization factors."

"As announced on August 1st, 2008, we are very pleased to welcome Forage Benoit and its employees into the Major Drilling group. This acquisition provides us with additional assets, experienced drillers and existing contracts in Québec. Through this purchase, we acquired 19 drill rigs, the majority of which have deep hole capacity and are fitted with rod handlers, which fits with the Company's strategic focus on specialized drilling. We anticipate that the Benoit operations will produce additional annual revenue of approximately $26 million," stated Mr. McGuire. "The Company continues to seek acquisitions of this nature, which either complement our specialized drilling strategy or expand our geographic footprint."

"We are confident in the long-term outlook for specialized drilling, and confident in the Company's ability to generate strong future cash flows. Cash flow from continuing operations before changes in working capital in the quarter continued to strengthen, increasing 39 percent to $36.5 million compared to the $26.2 million recorded in the prior year quarter," noted Mr. McGuire. "We expect future cash flows to be sufficient to sustain our growth plans and therefore we believe that it is appropriate to institute a semi-annual dividend. The first dividend of $0.20 per common share will be paid on October 31, 2008 to shareholders of record as of October 10, 2008 and is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian tax purposes."

First quarter ended July 31, 2008

Total revenue from continuing operations for the quarter was $178.2 million, up $34.8 million or 24.3 percent from the $143.4 million recorded in the same quarter last year.

Revenue for the quarter from Canada-U.S. drilling operations increased by 12.8 percent to $55.6 million compared to $49.3 million for the same period last year. Additional equipment and improved pricing contributed to this growth.

South and Central American revenue was at $55.3 million for the quarter, up 30.1 percent from the $42.5 million posted for the prior year quarter. This strong quarterly growth was driven primarily by strong demand in Mexico and Chile (including the Harris acquisition) partially offset by revenue reduction in Venezuela and Ecuador, which were impacted by political decisions.

Australian, Asian and African operations reported revenue of $67.3 million, up some 30.4 percent from the $51.6 million reported in the same period last year. Australia, Mongolia and Africa accounted for most of the growth for this region.

The overall gross margin percentage for the quarter was 35.5 percent, up from 33.2 percent for the same period last year. Gross margin percentages improved year-over-year in all regions due to generally improved pricing, better equipment and improved overall productivity. In Africa, margins were still impacted by operational issues but improved from the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company has made several management and operational changes in the region and expects results to improve in the coming quarters.

General and administrative costs were $13.4 million for the quarter, compared to $10.0 million in the same period last year. The increase is primarily due to increased staffing levels and infrastructure costs to accommodate growth. The Company also added significant resources in safety and training, particularly in the second half of last year. In addition, the Company has started a new research and development program with the goal of finding new ways to enhance productivity and safety.

Other expenses for the quarter increased to $3.8 million, up from $3.5 million in the prior year quarter, due primarily to higher incentive compensation expenses given the Company's improved profitability in the current year, and write-off of disposed assets.

Foreign exchange loss in the quarter was $0.2 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year quarter.

Short-term interest revenue was $0.1 million for the quarter compared to $0.3 million for the same quarter last year, while interest expense on long-term debt was $0.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same quarter last year.

Amortization expense was $7.6 million for the quarter compared to $6.1 million for the same quarter last year, as a result of the increased direct investment in equipment.

The provision for income tax was $11.5 million in the quarter compared to $7.9 million for the prior year quarter, reflecting the increased profitability of the operations.

Net earnings from continuing operations for the quarter were $26.3 million or $1.11 per share ($1.10 per share on a diluted basis) compared to $18.8 million or $0.80 per share ($0.79 per share on a diluted basis) in the prior year period.

Resulting net earnings were $26.3 million or $1.11 per share ($1.10 per share on a diluted basis) compared to $18.9 million or $0.81 per share ($0.80 per share on a diluted basis) for the same period last year.

On a rolling 12-month basis to July 31, 2008, revenue from continuing operations increased by 34.6 percent to $625.1 million compared to $464.4 million for the prior year period. Earnings from continuing operations, on the same rolling 12-month basis, increased by 48.5 percent to $82.1 million from $55.3 million for the corresponding period last year.

The Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of Major Drilling Group International Inc. will be held at The TSX Broadcast Centre, TSX Gallery, The Exchange Tower, 130 King St. W., Toronto, Ontario, today, September 9, 2008 at 10:00 am EDT.

Some of the statements contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe or are with respect to the future price of minerals and metals, the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition to exist or occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements by reason of factors such as, but not limited to, the factors set out in the discussion starting on pages 21 to 24 of the 2008 Annual Report entitled "General Risks and Uncertainties", as filed with the Canadian Securities Commission (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com). All such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to the Company. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, including those statements that are incorporated by reference herein, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Major Drilling Group International Inc. is one of the world's largest metals and minerals contract drilling service companies. To support its customers' mining operations and mineral exploration activities, Major Drilling maintains operations in Canada, the United States, South and Central America, Australia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Armenia, and Africa.

Financial statements are attached.

Major Drilling will provide a simultaneous webcast of its quarterly conference call on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 8:30 AM (EDT). To access the webcast please go to the Major Drilling website at www.majordrilling.com and click the attached link, or go directly to the CNW Group website at www.newswire.ca for directions. Participants will require Windows MediaPlayer, which can be downloaded prior to accessing the call. Please note that this is listen only mode.

<< Major Drilling Group International Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share information) (unaudited) Three months ended July 31 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- TOTAL REVENUE $ 178,215 $ 143,420 DIRECT COSTS 114,911 95,776 ---------- ---------- GROSS PROFIT 63,304 47,644 ---------- ---------- OPERATING EXPENSES General and administrative 13,378 10,026 Other expenses 3,825 3,527 Foreign exchange loss 167 979 Interest revenue (75) (348) Interest expense on long-term debt 601 724 GOODWILL 7,596 6,059 ---------- ---------- 25,492 20,967 ---------- ---------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAX AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 37,812 26,677 ---------- ---------- INCOME TAX - PROVISION Current 10,108 7,570 Future 1,374 283 ---------- ---------- 11,482 7,853 ---------- ---------- EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 26,330 18,824 GAIN FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - 111 ---------- ---------- NET EARNINGS $ 26,330 $ 18,935 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS --------------------------------------------- Basic* $ 1.11 $ 0.80 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Diluted** $ 1.10 $ 0.79 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- EARNINGS PER SHARE ------------------ Basic* $ 1.11 $ 0.81 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Diluted** $ 1.10 $ 0.80 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- *Based on 23,707,043 and 23,433,503 daily weighted average shares outstanding for the fiscal year to date 2009 and 2008, respectively. The total number of shares outstanding on July 31, 2008 was 23,707,173. **Based on 24,026,276 and 23,806,479 daily weighted average shares outstanding for the fiscal year to date 2009 and 2008, respectively. Major Drilling Group International Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) Three months ended July 31 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- NET EARNINGS $ 26,330 $ 18,935 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) Unrealized gains (losses) on translating financial statements of self-sustaining foreign operations 2,900 (7,131) ---------- ---------- COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS $ 29,230 $ 11,804 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) Three months ended July 31 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- RETAINED EARNINGS, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD $ 182,533 $ 108,438 Net earnings 26,330 18,935 ---------- ---------- RETAINED EARNINGS, END OF THE PERIOD $ 208,863 $ 127,373 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Consolidated Statements of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) Three months ended July 31 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD $ (44,552) $ (30,383) Unrealized gains (losses) on translating financial statements of self-sustaining foreign operations 2,900 (7,131) ---------- ---------- ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, END OF THE PERIOD $ (41,652) $ (37,514) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Major Drilling Group International Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) Three months ended July 31 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Earnings from continuing operations $ 26,330 $ 18,824 Operating items not involving cash Amortization 7,596 6,059 Loss on disposal of capital assets 812 104 Future income tax 1,374 283 Stock-based compensation 398 921 ---------- ---------- 36,510 26,191 Changes in non-cash operating working capital items (18,401) (10,337) ---------- ---------- Cash flow from operating activities 18,109 15,854 ---------- ---------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of long-term debt (3,042) (5,159) Repayment of demand loans (583) - Issuance of common shares 7 1,863 Discontinued operations - (3,096) ---------- ---------- Cash flow used in financing activities (3,618) (6,392) ---------- ---------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisition of capital assets, net of direct financing (18,891) (14,531) Proceeds from disposal of capital assets 472 720 ---------- ---------- Cash flow used in investing activities (18,419) (13,811) ---------- ---------- OTHER ACTIVITIES Foreign exchange translation adjustment 4 (92) ---------- ---------- DECREASE IN CASH (3,924) (4,441) CASH POSITION, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD 20,695 25,022 ---------- ---------- CASH POSITION, END OF THE PERIOD $ 16,771 $ 20,581 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Major Drilling Group International Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As at July 31, 2008 and April 30, 2008 (in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) ASSETS July April 2008 2008 ---------- ---------- CURRENT ASSETS Cash $ 16,771 $ 20,695 Accounts receivable 104,018 103,555 Income tax receivable 4,206 3,218 Inventories (note 6) 77,987 75,094 Prepaid expenses 10,859 6,280 Future income tax assets 2,349 3,948 ---------- ---------- 216,190 212,790 CAPITAL ASSETS 210,918 199,007 FUTURE INCOME TAX ASSETS 1,414 334 GOODWILL 15,316 14,837 ---------- ---------- $ 443,838 $ 426,968 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Demand loan $ 1,596 $ 2,179 Accounts payable and accrued charges 63,258 73,870 Income tax payable 9,985 10,541 Current portion of long-term debt 11,998 11,798 Future income tax liabilities 1,106 1,177 Liabilities of discontinued operations (note 7) 1,953 2,028 ---------- ---------- 89,896 101,593 LONG-TERM DEBT 25,379 28,317 FUTURE INCOME TAX LIABILITIES 11,022 9,152 ---------- ---------- 126,297 139,062 ---------- ---------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share capital 142,147 142,140 Contributed surplus 8,183 7,785 Retained earnings 208,863 182,533 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (41,652) (44,552) ---------- ---------- 317,541 287,906 ---------- ---------- $ 443,838 $ 426,968 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- >>

MAJOR DRILLING GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED JULY 31, 2008 AND 2007

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

---------------------

These interim consolidated financial statements were prepared using accounting policies and methods consistent with those used in the preparation of the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2008, except for the adoption of new accounting policies as disclosed in Note 2 below. These interim consolidated financial statements conform in all respects to the requirements of Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements, with the exception of certain note disclosures. As a result, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended April 30, 2008 contained in the Company's 2008 annual report.

2. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

------------------------------

The Company adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") Handbook Section 3031, Inventories, replacing Section 3030, Inventories, Section 3862, Financial Instruments - Disclosures, Section 3863, Financial Instruments - Presentation, and Section 1535, Capital Disclosures, on May 1, 2008.

Section 3031, Inventories, provides more guidance on the determination of the cost of inventory and the subsequent recognition of inventory as an expense, as well as requiring additional associated disclosures. The new standard also allows for the reversal of any write-down's previously recognized. The adoption of this policy had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. (see Note 6 - Inventory)

Section 3862 on financial instruments disclosures, requires the disclosure of information about: a) the significance of financial instruments for the entity's financial position and performance and b) the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed during the period and at the balance sheet date, and how the entity manages those risks. Section 3863 on the presentation of financial instruments is unchanged from the presentation requirements included in Section 3861. Section 1535 on capital disclosures requires the disclosure of information about an entity's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital. As the standards relate only to disclosure requirements, they have had no effect on financial results. (see Note 8 - Capital Management and Note 9 - Financial Instruments)

3. FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES

-------------------------

Goodwill and intangible assets

In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Section 3450, Research and Development Costs. Various changes have been made to other sections of the CICA Handbook for consistency purposes. The new Section will be applicable to financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. Accordingly, the Company will adopt the new standards for its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2009. Section 3064 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition and of intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning goodwill are unchanged from the standards included in the previous Section 3062. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new Section on its consolidated financial statements.

IFRS

In February 2008, the Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for publically accountable enterprises in Canada. In April 2008, the AcSB issued an IFRS Omnibus Exposure draft proposing that publically accountable enterprises be required to apply IFRS, in full and without modification, on January 1, 2011 for companies with a calendar year end, therefore the transition date for the Company is May 1, 2011. This will require the restatement, for comparative purposes, of amounts reported by the Company for its year ended April 30, 2011, and of the opening balance sheet as at May 1, 2010. The Company is currently assessing the effect that this transition will have on its operations and financial reporting.

4. SEASONALITY OF OPERATIONS

-------------------------

The Company's operations tended to exhibit a seasonal pattern whereby its fourth quarter (February to April) was it's strongest. With the exception of the third quarter, the Company now exhibits comparatively less seasonality in quarterly revenue than in the past. The third quarter (November to January) is normally the Company's weakest quarter due to the shutdown of mining and exploration activities, often for extended periods, over the holiday season, particularly in South and Central America.

5. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

---------------------

Effective September 1, 2007 the Company acquired the exploration drilling company Harris y Cia Ltda. ("Harris") in Chile. Through this purchase, Major Drilling acquired 11 drill rigs, support equipment, inventory, an office and repair facilities. As part of this acquisition, the Company also acquired Harris' existing contracts and retained key management personnel, as well as the other employees, including a number of experienced drillers. The purchase price for the transaction was US$23,934 (C$25,203), including customary working capital adjustments, financed with cash.

<< Net assets acquired at fair market value at acquisition are as follows: Assets & liabilities acquired Cash $ 1,149 Accounts receivable 631 Inventories 1,060 Capital assets 9,621 Future income tax assets 2,328 Goodwill 11,570 Accounts payable (1,156) ---------- Net assets $ 25,203 ---------- ---------- Consideration Cash $ 25,203 ---------- ---------- Effective October 25, 2007 the Company acquired the assets of the exploration drilling company Paragon del Ecuador S.A. ("Paragon") in Ecuador. Through this purchase, Major Drilling acquired 7 drill rigs, support equipment and inventory, existing contracts and personnel. The purchase price for the transaction was US$5,999 (C$5,805), subject to various holdbacks, financed by cash and debt. Net assets acquired at fair market value at acquisition are as follows: Assets acquired Inventories $ 586 Capital assets 2,023 Goodwill 3,196 ---------- Net assets $ 5,805 ---------- ---------- Consideration Cash $ 3,871 Long-term debt 1,934 ---------- $ 5,805 ---------- ---------- >>

6. INVENTORY

---------

The cost of inventory recognized as an expense and included in cost of goods sold for the three months ended July 31, 2008 was $37,450. During the period, there were no significant write-downs of inventory as a result of net realizable value being lower than cost and no inventory write-downs recognized in previous years were reversed.

The Company's credit facility related to operations is in part secured by a general assignment of the Company's inventory.

7. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

-----------------------

On June 7, 2006, the Company sold its manufacturing subsidiary ("UDR") for A$46.8 million (C$39.2 million). The consideration for the sale was A$43.3 million (C$36.2 million) cash and a holdback paid in December 2007 in the amount of A$3.5 million (C$3.2 million). The net gain before income taxes was C$22.2 million. UDR previously constituted the Company's entire manufacturing segment. The Company made the strategic decision to focus its corporate resources on the mineral drilling business, where it competes as one of the world's largest contract drillers.

The gain from discontinued operations was nil for the quarter (2008 - $111). Current liabilities from discontinued operations consists of income tax payable for $1,953 as at July 31, 2008 ($2,028 as at April 30, 2008).

8. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

---------------------

The Company includes shareholders' equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss), long-term borrowings and demand loan net of cash in the definition of capital.

Total managed capital was as follows:

<< July April 2008 2008 ---------- ---------- Demand loan $ 1,596 $ 2,179 Long-term debt 37,377 40,115 Share capital 142,147 142,140 Contributed surplus 8,183 7,785 Retained earnings 208,863 182,533 Cash (16,771) (20,695) ---------- ---------- $ 381,395 $ 354,057 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- >>

The Company's objective when managing its capital structure is to maintain financial flexibility in order to: i) preserve access to capital markets; ii) meet financial obligations and iii) finance internally generated growth and potential new acquisitions. To manage its capital structure, the Company may adjust spending, issue new shares, issue new debt or repay existing debt.

Under the terms of certain of the Company's debt agreements, the Company must satisfy certain financial covenants. Such agreements also limit, among other things, the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers or acquisitions and make dividend and other payments. During the period, the Company was, and continues to be, in compliance with all covenants and other conditions imposed by its debt agreements.

In order to facilitate the management of its capital requirements, the Company prepares annual budgets that are updated as necessary, dependent on various factors.

The Company's objectives with regards to capital management remain unchanged from 2008.

9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

---------------------

Fair value

The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable, demand loans and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. Long-term debt has a carrying value of $37,377 as at July 31, 2008 (April 30, 2008 - $40,115) and also approximates its fair market value.

Risk management

The Company is exposed to various risks related to its financial assets and liabilities. There have been no substantive changes in the Company's exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks, or the methods used to measure them, from previous periods, unless otherwise stated in this note.

Credit risk

The Company is exposed to credit risk from its accounts receivable. The Company has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. It carries out, on a continuing basis, credit checks on its customers and maintains provisions for contingent credit losses. The Company also diversifies its credit risk by dealing with a large number of customers in various countries. Demand for the Company's drilling services depends upon the level of mineral exploration and development activities conducted by mining companies, particularly with respect to gold, nickel and copper. The Company's five largest customers account for 22% (18% in 2008) of total revenue, with no one customer representing more than 10% of its revenue for 2009 or 2008.

The carrying amounts for accounts receivable are net of allowances for doubtful accounts, which are estimated based on aging analysis of receivables, past experience, specific risks associated with the customer and other relevant information. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of the financial assets.

As at July 31, 2008, 95.4% of the Company's trade receivables are aged as current and 1% of the receivables are impaired.

Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions. This risk is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.

The Company does not enter into derivatives to manage credit risk.

Interest rate risk

The demand loan and long-term debt of the Company bears a floating rate of interest, which exposes the Company to interest rate fluctuations.

As at July 31, 2008 the Company has estimated that a one percentage point increase or decrease in interest rates would have caused a corresponding quarterly increase or decrease in net income of approximately $59.

Foreign currency risk

Foreign exchange risk arises as the Company has operations located internationally where local operational currency is not the same as the functional currency of the Company.

A significant portion of the Company's operations are located outside of Canada. The accounting impact of foreign currency exposure is minimized since the operations are classified as self-sustaining operations. In certain developing countries, the Company mitigates its risk of large exchange rate fluctuations by conducting business primarily in U.S. dollars. U.S. dollar revenue exposure is partially mitigated by offsetting U.S. dollar labour and material expenses. Monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.

Based on the Company's foreign currency net exposures as at July 31, 2008, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 10% rise or fall in the Canadian dollar against the other foreign currencies would have resulted in increases (decreases) in the net income and comprehensive earnings as follows:

<< Increase (decrease) in net income -------------------------- Canadian Canadian dollar dollar appreciates depreciates 10% 10% ------------ ------------ Argentine Peso $ 163 $ (163) Australian Dollar (190) 190 Chilean Peso (744) 744 Mexican Peso 451 (451) US Dollar (526) 526 Increase (decrease) in comprehensive earnings --------------------------- Canadian Canadian dollar dollar appreciates depreciates 10% 10% --------------------------- Australian Dollar $ (4,376) $ 4,376 US Dollar (19,548) 19,548 >>

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Company's management of working capital, the finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. It is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, banking facilities and reserve borrowing facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Included in Note 8 - Demand Credit Facilities, of the Company's 2008 annual report, are details of undrawn facilities that the Company has at its disposal to further reduce liquidity risk.

<< Total financial liabilities, by due date, as at July 31, 2008 are as follows: Total 0-1 year 2-3 years 4-5 years 5 + years ----- -------- --------- --------- --------- Demand loan $ 1,596 $ 1,596 $ - $ - $ - Accounts payable & accrued charges 63,258 63,258 - - - Long-term debt 37,377 11,998 16,083 8,130 1,166 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- $ 102,231 $ 76,852 $ 16,083 $ 8,130 $ 1,166 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 10. SEGMENTED INFORMATION --------------------- 2009 YTD 2008 YTD ---------- ---------- Revenue Canada - U.S. $ 55,568 $ 49,337 South and Central America 55,288 42,461 Australia, Asia and Africa 67,359 51,622 ---------- ---------- $ 178,215 $ 143,420 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings from operations Canada - U.S. $ 14,998 $ 11,190 South and Central America 15,845 11,875 Australia, Asia and Africa 12,266 9,789 ---------- ---------- 43,109 32,854 Eliminations (302) (292) ---------- ---------- 42,807 32,562 Interest expense, net 526 376 General corporate expenses 4,469 5,509 Income tax 11,482 7,853 ---------- ---------- Earnings from continuing operations 26,330 18,824 Gain from discontinued operations - 111 ---------- ---------- Net earnings $ 26,330 $ 18,935 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- >>

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

----------------

On August 1, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of the exploration drilling company Forage à Diamant Benoit Ltée ("Benoit") based in Val-d'Or, Québec.

Through this purchase Major Drilling acquired 19 drill rigs, the majority of which have deep hole capacity and are fitted with rod handlers, which fits with the Company's strategic focus on specialized drilling. In addition to the rigs, this acquisition involved support equipment and inventory, existing contracts, and personnel, including a number of experienced drillers. Subsequent to the acquisition, Major Drilling has a total fleet of 42 mineral exploration drill rigs in Québec.

Management anticipates that the operations of Benoit will produce additional annual revenue of approximately $26 million for the twelve months subsequent to the acquisition.

The purchase price for the transaction was $21.0 million, financed with cash.

The transaction closed on August 1, 2008.

SOURCE: MAJOR DRILLING GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC.

Denis Larocque, Chief Financial Officer, (506) 857-8636, Fax: (506) 857-9211, ir@majordrilling.com

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