NAL Energy Corporation ("NAL" or the "Corporation") (TSX:NAE) today announced
its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year ended
December 31, 2010 as well as 2010 year-end reserves. All amounts are in Canadian
dollars unless otherwise stated.
SUMMARY
For 2010, the Corporation delivered performance consistent with its guidance
ranges, replaced production through reserve additions, added additional land and
locations to increase our prospect inventory and maintained our financial
flexibility to take advantage of opportunities. At year end 2010, NAL completed
its conversion from a trust to a dividend paying corporation.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
- NAL's average production volumes increased 24 percent year-over-year related
to strong performance in the Corporation's Cardium, Mississippian and liquids
rich natural gas programs and the addition of the Breaker Energy production for
the full year;
- Funds from operations increased approximately 12 percent largely as a result
of stronger operating netbacks and offset by a slightly higher production mix
weighting toward natural gas and significantly lower hedging gains than in 2010;
- The Corporation delivered production volumes and operating costs consistent
with its guidance;
- Including acquisitions, NAL replaced 109 percent of production in its year end
2010 McDaniel and Associates reserve report and added $46 million (net) in new
land purchases;
- NAL currently has identified over 1,300 risked drilling locations in inventory
through ongoing work being conducted by our technical teams;
- NAL maintains financial flexibility heading into 2011 with over $280 million
in available capacity on credit lines of $550 million.
2010 PERFORMANCE & 2011 GUIDANCE
2010 Guidance (1) 2010 Actual 2011 Guidance
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Production (boe/d) 29,200 - 30,200 29,446 29,700 - 30,700
Operating Costs ($/boe) 10.75 - 11.25 10.93 10.50 - 10.90
Net Capital Expenditures
($ MM) 210 203 200 - 230
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(1) Guidance has been adjusted down by approximately 300 boe per day
attributable to the wind-up of the Tiberius and Spear partnership
coincident with the corporate conversion on December 31, 2010.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
On December 31, 2010, NAL successfully completed its planned conversion to a
corporation. NAL's strategy remains unchanged to provide a competitive total
return to its shareholders which combines income with prudent growth in the
Canadian upstream oil and gas industry.
In the near-term, NAL's 2011 capital program remains clearly focused on organic
development of its extensive Cardium oil resources in central Alberta, and
Mississippian opportunities in southeast Saskatchewan. The Corporation's
disciplined approach to development focuses on the highest cash generating
return projects with the lowest risk in the near-term, while at the same time
evaluating potential on unproven and emerging prospects to drive locations in
the future. Approximately 95 percent of NAL's drilling in 2011 will be
horizontal wells.
DIVIDENDS
NAL has maintained its policy of paying dividends on a monthly basis to its
shareholders. On conversion to a corporation, a monthly dividend level of $0.07
per share has been established by the Board effective January 1, 2011. Assuming
the Corporation's commodity price and guidance assumptions are attained, this
dividend level represents a payout ratio in the range of 40 - 50 percent of
funds from operations. The current monthly dividend totals $0.84 per common
share on an annualized basis.
These dividends are designated as "eligible dividends" for Canadian income tax
purposes.
NAL's Board of Directors reviews its dividend policy periodically taking into
consideration commodity prices, forecast cash flow of the Corporation, financial
market conditions, availability of financing, internal capital investment
opportunities and taxability.
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE PROGRAM
The Corporation spent $69 million on acquisitions during 2010, with almost half
of the purchases representing land in the Hoffer area of Saskatchewan and the
balance being producing assets in southeast Saskatchewan and central Alberta.
Divestitures of non-core assets totaling approximately $22 million were realized
in 2010. In addition to adding opportunity through land capture, net
acquisitions contributed slightly over 2 MMboe of proved plus probable ("P+P")
reserves. Subsequent to year-end, NAL closed additional non-core disposition
transactions for proceeds of approximately $26 million.
2010 RESERVES AND FINDING & DEVELOPMENT ("F&D") HIGHLIGHTS
- Year-end proved plus probable reserves increased slightly to 103.9 million boe
at year-end 2010 from 103.0 million boe at the end of 2009;
- Including acquisitions, and net of dispositions, the Corporation replaced 109
percent of production in 2010;
- The Corporation's P+P reserve life index ("RLI") now stands at 9.4 years, an
increase from 9.2 last year and from 8.8 at the end of 2008;
- NAL's total proved reserves represent approximately 68 percent of total proved
plus probable reserves and proved producing reserves represent approximately 86
percent of the total proved category. The reserves mix remains consistent
year-over-year at approximately 50 percent crude oil and natural gas liquids and
50 percent natural gas;
- NAL spent approximately $24 million on Crown land purchases and $23 million on
acquisitions (net of dispositions) of undeveloped lands from third parties,
which is expected to contribute to future reserves bookings. Three-year average
P+P F&D and FD&A metrics of $18.80 per boe and $21.86 per boe are a better
measure of performance than one year metrics, as full-cycle development programs
often span multiple years.
2010 RESERVES AND CAPITAL EFFICIENCY SUMMARY (1)
2010 2009
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Reserves (MMboe)
Proved 71.0 70.9 (2)
Proved + Probable ("P+P") 103.9 102.2 (2)
P+P Reserves per unit (boe per share) 0.71 0.74
Reserve Life Index (years)
P+P 9.4 9.2
Reserves Replacement Ratio
P+P (excluding A&D) 90% 131%
P+P (including A&D) 109% 445%
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Three Year
Weighted
Including Changes in Future Average
Development Capital 2010 2009 2008 2008 - 2010
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Finding & Development Costs ($/boe)
Proved 21.41 18.52 14.18 17.92
P+P 22.60 17.86 16.24 18.80
F&D Recycle Ratio (3)
Proved 1.4 1.7 3.0 1.9
P+P 1.3 1.8 2.6 1.8
Finding, Development & Acquisition
Costs ($/boe)
Proved 22.37 27.87 19.41 24.77
P+P 22.85 22.33 19.66 21.86
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Three Year
Weighted
Excluding Changes in Future Average
Development Capital 2010 2009 2008 2008 - 2010
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Finding & Development Costs ($/boe)
Proved 23.73 13.06 13.96 16.61
P+P 20.92 12.34 12.77 15.19
F&D Recycle Ratio (3)
Proved 1.2 2.4 3.0 2.0
P+P 1.4 2.6 3.3 2.2
Finding, Development & Acquisition
Costs ($/boe)
Proved 24.28 22.24 18.99 21.92
P+P 21.46 15.95 16.06 16.98
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Operating Netback Including
Hedging ($/boe) 29.02 31.91 42.25 34.00
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(1) All reserves and production volumes data exclude royalty interest
volumes.
(2) 2009 Proved and P+P reserves have been adjusted for the wind-up of the
Tiberius & Spear partnership to be comparable with 2010 figures.
(3) Recycle ratio is defined as operating netback divided by F&D and FD&A,
respectively, including changes in FDC.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Please refer to the disclaimer on forward-looking information set forth under
the Management's Discussion and Analysis in this document. The disclaimer is
applicable to all forward-looking information in this document, including the
2011 full year guidance set forth above.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Please refer to the discussion of non-GAAP measures set forth under the
Management's Discussion and Analysis regarding the use of the following terms:
"funds from operations", "payout ratio" and "operating netbacks".
NOTE
When converting natural gas to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) within this press
release, NAL uses the widely recognized standard of six thousand cubic feet
(Mcf) to one barrel of oil. However, boes may be misleading, particularly if
used in isolation. A conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 boe is based on an energy
equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does
not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
(thousands of dollars, except per unit and boe data)
(unaudited)
-------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
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2010 2009 2010 2009
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FINANCIAL
Revenue (1) 116,888 111,477 491,037 361,087
Cash flow from operating
activities 65,084 53,060 254,140 236,295
Cash flow per share - basic 0.44 0.45 1.77 2.21
Cash flow per share - diluted 0.43 0.44 1.70 2.14
Funds from operations 61,950 62,953 257,894 230,741
Funds from operations per
share - basic 0.42 0.53 1.79 2.15
Funds from operations per
share - diluted 0.41 0.51 1.73 2.09
Net income (loss) (4,204) 5,634 32,410 9,200
Distributions declared 39,702 32,625 155,777 120,153
Distributions per share 0.27 0.27 1.08 1.12
Basic payout ratio:
based on cash flow from
operating activities 61% 61% 61% 51%
based on funds from operations 64% 52% 60% 52%
Basic payout ratio including
capital expenditures(2):
based on cash flow from
operating activities 101% 130% 141% 106%
based on funds from operations 106% 110% 139% 109%
Shares outstanding (000's)
Period end 147,248 137,471 147,248 137,471
Weighted average 146,948 118,174 143,913 107,157
Capital expenditures (3) 26,175 36,764 203,038 133,028
Property acquisitions
(dispositions), net 15,963 (17,255) 46,429 (14,721)
Corporate acquisitions, net (4) - 310,051 - 351,664
Net debt, excluding convertible
Debentures (5) 310,919 282,727 310,919 282,727
Convertible debentures
(at face value) 194,744 194,744 194,744 194,744
OPERATING
Daily production prior to
Reorganization (6)
Crude oil (bbl/d) 11,469 10,290 11,575 9,868
Natural gas (Mcf/d) 93,314 78,265 92,522 71,169
Natural gas liquids (bbl/d) 2,635 2,413 2,718 2,287
Oil equivalent (boe/d) 29,657 25,748 29,713 24,016
Daily production after
Reorganization (7) 28,596 25,413 29,446 23,624
OPERATING NETBACK (boe)
Revenue before hedging gains 44.43 47.06 45.69 41.19
Royalties (7.75) (8.95) (8.25) (7.52)
Operating costs (10.21) (10.21) (10.93) (11.09)
Other income 0.20 0.15 0.13 0.17
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Operating netback before hedging 26.67 28.05 26.64 22.75
Hedging gains 2.49 4.71 2.37 9.16
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Operating netback 29.16 32.76 29.01 31.91
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(1) Oil, natural gas and liquid sales less transportation costs and prior
to royalties and hedging.
(2) Capital expenditures included are net of non-controlling interest
amount of $nil (2009 - $0.4) for the three months ended December 31,
2010 and $nil (2009 - $1.8) for the year ended December 31, 2010,
attributable to the Tiberius and Spear properties.
(3) Excludes property and corporate acquisitions, and is net of drilling
incentive credits of $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010
(2009 - $3.3 million).
(4) Represents total consideration for corporate acquisitions including
fees.
(5) Bank debt plus working capital and other liabilities, excluding
derivative contracts, notes payable/receivable and future income tax
balances.
(6) Production prior to the conversion includes 100 percent of the volumes
attributable to a jointly held partnership with Manulife Financial
Corporation, see MD&A disclosure for details; all volumes include
royalty interest volumes.
(7) Excludes 50 percent of volumes attributable to a jointly held
partnership of NAL and Manulife dissolved as part of Reorganization for
2010 and 2009, see MD&A. 2009 volumes adjusted in order to facilitate a
fair and reasonable comparison with 2010 figures.
OIL AND GAS RESERVES
NAL's 2010 year-end reserves were evaluated by McDaniel & Associates Consultants
Ltd. ("McDaniel"), independent engineering consultants in Calgary, in accordance
with National Instrument ("NI") 51-101. At December 31, 2010, the Corporation's
proved reserves totaled 71.0 million barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") and
proved plus probable ("P+P") reserves amounted to 103.9 million boe.
NAL has a Reserves Committee, composed entirely of independent directors, which
is responsible for appointing the Corporation's independent engineering
consultants, determining the scope of the annual reserves review and reviewing
the results.
Some key points regarding NAL's 2010 reserves summary are:
- Additions for "improved recovery", which includes discoveries, extensions,
infill drilling and well recompletions, amounted to 2,314 Mboe of proved and
9,006 Mboe of P+P reserves. This represents new reserves added related to
development activities, over and above volumes that were previously booked in
the reserve report. These reserve additions occurred across all of NAL's core
areas, with the larger ones resulting from successful drilling results in the
Hoffer Ratcliffe oil development in Saskatchewan, the Cardium oil development in
the Garrington and Westward Ho areas in Alberta, as well as the Wilrich gas
development in the Pine Creek area of Alberta.
- Approximately 26 percent of NAL's total P+P undeveloped reserves consist of
Cardium horizontal drilling locations in the Garrington/Westward Ho areas, where
59 gross (36.0 net) future locations are booked. These locations are booked at
average gross P+P reserves of between 170 and 175 Mboe per well (split
approximately 70 percent oil, 8 percent NGL's, 22 percent natural gas). Beyond
these 59 booked locations, an additional 130 gross risked Cardium locations
remain in the Corporation's future opportunity inventory within the
Garrington/Westward Ho areas.
- Overall positive technical revisions amounted to 6,152 Mboe for proved and 600
Mboe for P+P reserves. The technical revisions were widespread among all
producing areas, and were largely the result of positive performance trends
observed in numerous producing wells, with some minor reductions to oil reserves
more than offset by increases to gas reserves, along with reclassification of
some reserves from probable to proved to reflect increased levels of certainty.
- The Corporation added 2,453 Mboe of proved reserves and 3,050 Mboe of P+P
reserves during 2010 from acquisitions, the majority of which were related to
the acquisition of additional interests in the Sylvan Lake/Medicine River areas
in December 2010. Dispositions for the year totaled 658 Mboe of proved reserves
and 1,044 Mboe of P+P reserves, approximately half of which were related to the
wind-up of the Tiberius/Spear partnership. The wind-up of that partnership
resulted in the Corporation's share of the partnership reserves being re-stated
at a 50 percent working interest rather than the previous requirement to report
100 percent of the reserves burdened with a 50 percent net profits interest.
- The total P+P reserves additions for improved recovery and technical revisions
amount to 9,606 Mboe, which represents an approximately 90 percent replacement
ratio on 2010 production of 10,661 Mboe (excluding royalty volumes). Including
acquisitions (net of dispositions), the Corporation's total P+P reserves
replacement ratio for 2010 was approximately 109 percent.
- Approximately 68 percent of NAL's total P+P reserves were in the proved
category at year-end 2010, and approximately 86 percent of the proved reserves
were in the proved producing category. NAL's proved undeveloped reserves were
9,137 Mboe, relatively consistent with year-end 2009.
- NAL's reserves are evenly balanced between liquids and gas, with approximately
50 percent of the P+P reserves being comprised of oil and natural gas liquids
while approximately 50 percent are natural gas.
- Using the P+P reserves of 103,946 Mboe and 147,248,494 outstanding shares at
December 31, 2010, the P+P reserves at year-end 2010 amounted to 0.71 boe per
unit versus 0.74 boe per unit at year-end 2009 (re-stated to adjust for the
wind-up of the Tiberius/Spear partnership).
The following tables summarize NAL's estimated reserves volumes and values using
McDaniel's January 1, 2011 price forecasts. Gross reserves volumes are based on
the Corporation's working interests before deduction of royalties payable, and
exclude any wells or properties in which NAL has only a royalty interest. Net
reserves represent the Corporation's working interest reserves after deducting
royalties payable, plus royalty interest reserves. The Natural Gas category
includes non-associated gas, solution gas from oil wells and coal bed methane
volumes, as the solution gas and coal bed methane volumes are not considered
material in terms of requiring separate reporting.
Numbers may not add exactly due to rounding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves
As at December 31, 2010
Forecast Prices and Costs
-----------------------------------------------------
Reserves
-----------------------------------------------------
Light and
Medium Oil Heavy Oil Natural Gas
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Reserves Category (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (MMcf) (MMcf)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved
Developed Producing 23,566 20,738 381 330 183,606 160,406
Developed
Non-Producing 125 108 20 16 5,122 4,095
Undeveloped 3,601 3,252 400 331 26,205 21,821
------------------------------------------------------
Total Proved 27,292 24,098 801 677 214,933 186,322
Probable 12,731 11,184 638 504 97,325 84,039
------------------------------------------------------
Total Proved Plus
Probable 40,023 35,282 1,439 1,181 312,258 270,361
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves
As at December 31, 2010
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas
Liquids Total BOE (6:1)
Gross Net Gross Net
Reserves Category (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mboe) (Mboe)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved
Developed Producing 6,170 4,338 60,718 52,141
Developed Non-Producing 138 97 1,136 903
Undeveloped 769 617 9,137 7,837
-----------------------------------
Total Proved 7,076 5,052 70,991 60,881
Probable 3,365 2,467 32,954 28,161
-----------------------------------
Total Proved Plus Probable 10,441 7,519 103,946 89,042
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Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before Income Taxes, Discounted at (%/year)
--------------------------------------------
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Reserves Category (MM$) (MM$) (MM$) (MM$) (MM$)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved
Developed Producing 1,870 1,414 1,142 964 839
Developed Non-Producing 27 18 13 10 8
Undeveloped 206 136 93 64 44
--------------------------------------------
Total Proved 2,103 1,569 1,249 1,039 891
Probable 1,156 659 429 302 225
--------------------------------------------
Total Proved Plus Probable 3,260 2,228 1,678 1,341 1,115
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Income Taxes, Discounted at (%/year)
--------------------------------------------
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Reserves Category (MM$) (MM$) (MM$) (MM$) (MM$)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved
Developed Producing 1,743 1,340 1,096 933 818
Developed Non-Producing 20 14 10 8 7
Undeveloped 153 99 66 43 27
--------------------------------------------
Total Proved 1,916 1,452 1,172 985 852
Probable 859 486 313 218 160
--------------------------------------------
Total Proved Plus Probable 2,775 1,938 1,484 1,203 1,012
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The table above shows the before-tax and after-tax net present value ("NPV") of
the Corporation's reserves at various discount rates. It should not be assumed
that the estimated future net revenue is representative of the fair market value
of the properties of the Corporation. There is no assurance that such price and
cost assumptions will be attained and variances could be material.
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Summary of Pricing and Inflation Rate Assumptions
As at December 31, 2010
Forecast Prices and Costs
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Oil
-----------------------------------------------------------------
WTI Edmonton Hardisty Cromer
Cushing Par Price Heavy Medium
Oklahoma 40 Degrees API 12 Degrees API 29.3 Degrees API
Year ($US/bbl) ($Cdn/bbl) ($Cdn/bbl) ($Cdn/bbl)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 act 79.40 77.45 62.30 73.75
2011 85.00 84.20 66.70 77.20
2012 87.70 88.40 68.70 80.40
2013 90.50 91.80 68.60 82.50
2014 93.40 94.80 70.80 85.20
2015 96.30 97.70 73.00 87.90
2016 99.40 100.90 75.40 90.70
2017 101.40 102.90 76.90 92.50
2018 103.40 104.90 78.40 94.30
2019 105.40 107.00 80.00 96.20
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Thereafter (1) +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Pricing and Inflation Rate Assumptions
As at December 31, 2010
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas
Natural Gas Liquids Inflation
AECO Spot Edmonton Rates Exchange
Price Mix Percent / Rate
Year ($Cdn/MMBtu) ($Cdn/bbl) Year ($US/Cdn)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 act 4.15 61.00 2.0 0.971
2011 4.25 61.40 2.0 0.975
2012 4.90 64.50 2.0 0.975
2013 5.40 67.30 2.0 0.975
2014 5.90 69.80 2.0 0.975
2015 6.35 72.30 2.0 0.975
2016 6.75 74.90 2.0 0.975
2017 7.10 76.50 2.0 0.975
2018 7.40 78.20 2.0 0.975
2019 7.60 79.80 2.0 0.975
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Thereafter (1) +2%/yr +2%/yr 2.0 0.975
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Price escalation rates are approximate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconciliation of Company Gross Reserves
By Principal Product Type
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light and Associated and Non-
Medium Oil Heavy Oil Associated Gas
Proved Proved Proved
Plus Plus Plus
Proved Probable Proved Probable Proved Probable
Factors (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (MMcf) (MMcf)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
2009 27,721 39,962 825 1,662 215,257 307,439
Improved
Recovery (1) 1,511 5,277 0 0 3,901 18,332
Technical
Revisions 1,765 (1,445) 95 (103) 21,841 11,171
Acquisitions 798 1,015 0 0 7,982 9,838
Dispositions (511) (794) 0 0 (611) (1,084)
Production (3,991) (3,991) (120) (120) (33,437) (33,437)
December 31,
2010 27,292 40,023 801 1,439 214,933 312,258
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconciliation of Company Gross Reserves
By Principal Product Type
Forecast Prices and Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas Liquids Total BOE
Proved Proved
Plus Plus
Proved Probable Proved Probable
Factors (Mbbl) (Mbbl) (Mboe) (Mboe)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 2009 6,968 10,131 71,391 102,994
Improved Recovery (1) 154 674 2,314 9,006
Technical Revisions 652 287 6,152 600
Acquisitions 324 396 2,453 3,050
Dispositions (45) (70) (658) (1,044)
Production (977) (977) (10,661) (10,661)
December 31, 2010 7,076 10,441 70,991 103,946
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(1) Improved Recovery includes discoveries, extensions, infill drilling and
well recompletions.
FINDING AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Finding and Development ("F&D") costs are reported below for proved and P+P
reserves, in each case after eliminating the effects of acquisitions and
dispositions and including changes in future development costs as per NI 51-101
guidelines. The total reserve changes in the improved recovery and technical
revisions categories of the reconciliation table, excluding any changes related
to the acquired properties, are used in the F&D calculation.
The capital spending of $200.9 million used in the F&D calculation for 2010
represents the Corporation's total expenditures for drilling, completion and
production equipment, plant and facility costs (including maintenance capital
items that supported NAL's base production volumes), plus seismic and land
costs, capitalized G&A and stock-based incentive costs. The capital spent on
land was considerably higher in 2010 versus previous years, at approximately $24
million (versus $6 million in 2009), as the Corporation continues to position
itself for future development opportunities. The majority of the $24 million was
spent on Crown land sales in the Pine Creek area where NAL continues to pursue
some emerging gas development plays. A negligible amount of incremental capital
was spent within the producing properties that were acquired in 2010, so the
total capital spending amount used for the F&D calculation is the same as that
used for the Finding, Development and Acquisition ("FD&A") calculation in the
section which follows.
The F&D costs for 2010, as shown in the table below, were $21.41 per boe for
proved and $22.60 per boe for P+P reserves, with 2010 development capital being
primarily focused on oil properties and significant investment being made in
purchasing undeveloped land. These F&D costs would be more than 10 percent lower
if the $24 million of capital spent on land purchases were excluded from the
calculation.
It should be noted that the aggregate of the development costs incurred during
the year and the change in estimated future development costs generally will not
reflect total finding and development costs related to reserves additions for
that year. As a result, the three-year weighted average, with changes tracked
over time, provides a useful indicator of capital effectiveness as it relates to
reserves development. As shown in the table below, the weighted average F&D
costs for the three-year period from 2008 through 2010 were $17.92 per boe for
proved and $18.80 per boe for P+P reserves.
2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual Spending Change in Estimated
During 2010 Future Development
Costs Total
Capital ($000s) Proved 200,931 (19,647) 181,285
Proved +
Probable 200,931 16,158 217,089
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improved Recovery Technical Revisions Total
Reserves (Mboe) Proved 2,314 6,152 8,466
Proved +
Probable 9,006 600 9,606
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
F&D ($/boe) Proved $21.41
Proved + Probable $22.60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-YEAR WEIGHTED AVERAGE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual Spending Change in Estimated
Over 3 Years Future Development
Costs Total
Capital ($000s) Proved 463,021 36,488 499,509
Proved +
Probable 463,021 109,998 573,020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improved Recovery Technical Revisions Total
Reserves (Mboe) Proved 10,686 17,191 27,877
Proved +
Probable 25,425 5,052 30,478
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
F&D ($/boe) Proved $17.92
Proved +
Probable $18.80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINDING, DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION COSTS
A significant part of NAL's business activity in any given year is the
acquisition and, to a lesser degree, the disposition of properties. In order to
provide a more representative measure of the Corporation's total capital
spending as it relates to reserves development, FD&A costs are reported
including the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.
During 2010 the Corporation completed a number of minor property acquisitions
and non-core property dispositions in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The most
significant acquisition from a reserves perspective was in the greater Sylvan
Lake area, where NAL acquired incremental and offsetting interests in several
properties. NAL also acquired a significant amount of undeveloped land in the
area of our Hoffer development program through purchases from other operators.
Of the total net acquisition capital for the year (net of dispositions) of
approximately $48 million, almost half, or about $23 million, is attributable to
the undeveloped land component of acquisitions.
The FD&A calculation incorporates all the components used in the F&D
calculation, plus any adjustments to capital spending and reserves related to
the acquisition and disposition activities completed during the year, as shown
in the table below. As there was only a small amount of net capital expenditures
made by NAL within the acquired producing properties during the year, the same
annual capital spending amount has been used for the F&D calculation and the
FD&A calculation.
The FD&A costs for 2010 were $22.37 per boe for proved and $22.85 per boe for
P+P reserves. Excluding the capital of $24 million spent on Crown land purchases
and the $23 million spent on the undeveloped land component of acquisitions,
these FD&A costs would be almost 20 percent lower.
The weighted average FD&A costs for the three-year period from 2008 through 2010
were $24.77 per boe for proved and $21.86 per boe for P+P reserves. These
three-year averages provide a longer term measure of the Corporation's overall
capital spending effectiveness.
2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in
Estimated Total
Actual Spending Future including
During 2010 Development Acquisitions Dispositions A&D
Costs
Capital Proved 200,931 (19,647) 70,401 (22,178) 229,508
($000s) Proved +
Probable 200,931 16,158 70,401 (22,178) 265,312
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Improved Technical including
Recovery Revisions Acquisitions Dispositions A&D
Reserves Proved 2,314 6,152 2,453 (658) 10,261
(Mboe) Proved +
Probable 9,006 600 3,050 (1,044) 11,612
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FD&A Proved $22.37
($/boe) Proved + Probable $22.85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-YEAR WEIGHTED AVERAGE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in
Estimated Total
Actual Spending Future including
During 2010 Development Acquisitions Dispositions A&D
Costs
Capital Proved 481,795 141,001 639,074 (39,700) 1,222,170
($000s) Proved +
Probable 481,795 311,185 639,074 (39,700) 1,392,354
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Improved Technical including
Recovery Revisions Acquisitions Dispositions A&D
Reserves Proved 11,334 17,118 22,277 (1,398) 49,331
(Mboe) Proved +
Probable 26,181 4,723 34,718 (1,931) 63,691
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FD&A Proved $24.77
($/boe) Proved + Probable $21.86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESERVE LIFE INDEX
Reserve Life Index ("RLI") is calculated by dividing the reserves at year-end by
the expected annual production for the subsequent year. RLI is useful in making
generalized comparisons between companies but does not accurately represent the
anticipated life of the Corporation's reserves. Due to the natural decline of
oil and gas production, the actual producing life of oil and gas properties is
expected to be much longer than the RLI calculation would suggest.
In the McDaniel reserve report, the average production forecasted for 2011 in
the P+P reserves case is 30,429 boe/d, within NAL's production guidance range
for 2011. For consistency, the RLI calculation is based on the reserves at
December 31, 2010 and the forecasted annual production for 2011 from the
reserves report. Using those numbers, NAL's RLI for P+P reserves has increased
from 9.2 years at year-end 2009 to 9.4 years at year-end 2010.
LAND AND SEISMIC
At December 31, 2010, NAL held an average 37.1 percent working interest in
1,519,101 gross acres (564,064 net acres) of undeveloped land. Much of NAL's
land is owned in common with Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC"), which
results in NAL operating a majority of its prospective acreage. Based on an
internal estimate and using market benchmarks, NAL estimates that the value of
its undeveloped land and seismic at December 31, 2010 was approximately $192
million.
NET ASSET VALUE
The following net asset value ("NAV") calculations are based on what is
generally referred to as the "produce-out" net present values of the
Corporation's oil and gas reserves as evaluated by independent engineering
consultants in accordance with NI 51-101. The reduction in NAV per unit versus
2009 is largely driven by the lower natural gas price forecasts in the McDaniel
report at year-end 2010.
December 31, 2010 December 31, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per unit data) Using Forecast Using Forecast
Prices (5) Prices (6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved plus probable reserves
(before tax, discounted at 10 percent) 1,677,546 1,870,482
Undeveloped land and seismic (1) 192,193 131,009
Working capital (deficiency) (2) (43,954) (52,014)
Long-term debt (3) (448,637) (408,690)
Asset retirement obligation (4) (90,361) (79,797)
Net asset value 1,286,787 1,460,990
Units outstanding (000s) 147,248.5 137,471.2
NAV per unit ($) 8.74 10.63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Internal estimate.
(2) Working capital and other liabilities, excluding the fair value of
derivative contracts, future income taxes and notes due to/from MFC.
(3) Includes bank debt and amount assigned to debt component of convertible
debentures.
(4) The Asset Retirement Obligation ("ARO") is calculated based on the same
methodology that was used to calculate the ARO on NAL's year-end
financial statements, with two exceptions: future expected ARO costs
are discounted at 10 percent and a deduction is made for abandonment
costs incorporated in the value of the proved plus probable reserves.
The balance on the year-end balance sheets of $144.7 million for 2010
and $127.9 million for 2009, when discounted at 10 percent, result in a
total discounted ARO of $124.8 million and $110.5 million at the
respective balance sheet dates. These balances are further reduced by
$34.4 million and $30.7 million, respectively, relating to abandonment
costs incorporated in the reserves value.
(5) McDaniel price forecast as of January 1, 2011.
(6) McDaniel price forecast as of January 1, 2010.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following discussion and analysis ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010
and December 31, 2009 of NAL Energy Corporation ("NAL" or the "Corporation"). It
contains information and opinions on the Corporation's future outlook based on
currently available information. All amounts are reported in Canadian dollars,
unless otherwise stated. Where applicable, natural gas has been converted to
barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") based on a ratio of six thousand cubic feet of
natural gas to one barrel of oil. The boe rate is based on an energy equivalent
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent
a value equivalent at the wellhead. Use of boe in isolation may be misleading.
NAL is engaged in the exploration for, and the development and production of
natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil in Western Canada. The
Corporation resulted from a reorganization effective December 31, 2010 as part
of the Plan of Arrangement involving, among others, NAL Oil & Gas Trust (the
"Trust"), the Corporation, and the security holders of the Trust
("Reorganization").
Pursuant to the Reorganization, the Trust was restructured from an open-end
unincorporated trust to NAL Energy Corporation, a publicly traded exploration
and development corporation. Unitholders of the Trust received one common share
of the Corporation for every trust unit that the Trust held. The Corporation and
its subsidiaries now carry on the business formerly carried on by the Trust and
its subsidiaries.
The Reorganization to a corporation has been accounted for on a continuity of
interest basis and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for 2010
and 2009 reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as
if the Corporation had carried on the business formerly carried on by the Trust.
References to NAL or the Corporation in this MD&A for periods prior to December
31, 2010 are references to the Trust and for periods after December 30, 2010 are
references to NAL Energy Corporation. Additionally, NAL or the Corporation
refers to shares, shareholders, and dividends which are comparable to units,
unitholders and distributions previously under the Trust.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this discussion and analysis, management uses the terms funds from
operations, funds from operations per share, payout ratio, cash flow from
operations per share, net debt to trailing 12 month cash flow, operating netback
and cash flow netback. These are considered useful supplemental measures as they
provide an indication of the results generated by the Corporation's principal
business activities. Management uses the terms to facilitate the understanding
of the results of operations. However, these terms do not have any standardized
meaning as prescribed by Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
("GAAP"). Investors should be cautioned that these measures should not be
construed as an alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP as
an indication of NAL's performance. NAL's method of calculating these measures
may differ from that of other companies and, accordingly, they may not be
comparable to measures used by other companies.
Funds from operations is calculated as cash flow from operating activities
before changes in non-cash working capital. Funds from operations does not
represent operating cash flows or operating profits for the period and should
not be viewed as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities
calculated in accordance with GAAP. Funds from operations is considered by
management to be a meaningful key performance indicator of NAL's ability to
generate cash to finance operations and to pay monthly dividends. Funds from
operations per share and cash flow from operations per share are calculated
using the weighted average shares outstanding for the period.
Payout ratio is calculated as dividends declared for a period as a percentage of
either cash flow from operating activities or funds from operations; both
measures are stated.
Net debt to trailing 12 months cash flow is calculated as net debt as a
proportion of funds from operations for the previous 12 months. Net debt is
defined as bank debt, plus convertible debentures at face value, plus working
capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts and future income
tax balances.
The following table reconciles cash flows from operating activities to funds
from operations:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended December 31 Years ended December 31
$(000s) 2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from
operating activities 65,084 53,060 254,140 236,295
Add back change in
non-cash working
capital (3,134) 9,893 3,754 (5,554)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funds from operations 61,950 62,953 257,894 230,741
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking information as to the
Corporation's internal projections, expectations and beliefs relating to future
events or future performance. Forward looking information is typically
identified by words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect",
"forecast", "may", "will", "could", "plan", "intend", "should", "believe",
"outlook", "project", "potential", "target", and similar words suggesting future
events or future performance. In addition, statements relating to "reserves" are
forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on
certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the
quantities estimated and can be profitably produced in the future.
In particular, this MD&A contains forward-looking information pertaining to the
following, without limitation: the amount and timing of cash flows and dividends
to shareholders; reserves and reserves values; 2011 production; future tax
treatment of the Corporation; the Corporation's tax pools; future oil and gas
prices; operating, drilling and completion costs; the amount of future asset
retirement obligations; future liquidity and future financial capacity; the
initiation of an "at-the-market" financing program; future results from
operations; payout ratios; cost estimates and royalty rates; drilling plans;
tie-in of wells; future development, exploration and acquisition activities and
related expenditures; and rates of return.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A and the press
release through which it was disseminated, we have made assumptions regarding,
among other things: future oil and natural gas prices; future capital
expenditure levels; future oil and natural gas production levels; future
exchange rates; the amount of future dividends that we intend to pay; the cost
of expanding our property holdings; our ability to obtain equipment in a timely
manner to carry out exploration and development activities; our ability to
market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the
impact of increasing competition; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable
terms; and our ability to add production and reserves through our development
and exploitation activities.
Although NAL believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
information contained in the MD&A and the press release through which it was
disseminated, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking information are
made, are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans,
intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking information are based
will occur. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those anticipated and which may cause NAL's actual performance and financial
results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections
of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, without
limitation: changes in commodity prices; unanticipated operating results or
production declines; the impact of weather conditions on seasonal demand and
NAL's ability to execute its capital program; risks inherent in oil and gas
operations; the imprecision of reserve estimates; limited, unfavorable or no
access to capital credit markets; the impact of competitors; the lack of
availability of qualified operating or management personnel; the inability to
obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, when
required; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions; general
economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; fluctuations in
foreign exchange or interest rates; changes in government regulation of the oil
and gas industry, including environmental regulation; changes in royalty rates;
changes in tax laws; stock market volatility and market valuations; OPEC's
ability to control production and balance global supply and demand for crude oil
at desired price levels; political uncertainty, including the risk of
hostilities in the petroleum producing regions of the world; and other risk
factors discussed in other public filings of the Corporation including the
Corporation's current Annual Information Form.
NAL cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results
is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in the MD&A is made
as of the date of this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in the
MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
STRUCTURE OF THE BUSINESS
On December 31, 2010 NAL Oil & Gas Trust completed a plan of arrangement whereby
the Trust unitholders exchanged their trust units for common shares of NAL
Energy Corporation on a one-to-one basis thereby effectively converting the
Trust into a corporation ("Reorganization"). As a result of the Reorganization,
the Trust was dissolved and NAL Energy Corporation received all the assets and
assumed all the liabilities of the Trust.
In conjunction with the Reorganization, a partnership ("Partnership") that was
indirectly owned jointly by the Corporation and Manulife Financial Corporation
("MFC") was dissolved on December 31, 2010. This Partnership held the assets
acquired from the acquisitions of Tiberius and Spear in February 2008.
Prior to December 31, 2010 the Corporation, by virtue of being the owner of the
general partner of the Partnership, was required to consolidate the results of
the Partnership into its financial statements on the basis that the Corporation
had control over the Partnership. The 2009 MD&A and financial information of the
Corporation therefore reflects all the assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses of the Partnership, of which 50 percent are effectively removed through
the non-controlling interest. As a result of the Partnership dissolution on
December 31, 2010, the Corporation only reflects its proportionate share of the
Partnership's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the December 31,
2010 MD&A and financial information.
NAL's conversion from a trust to a corporation had no effect on its strategic or
operational objectives.
EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The Corporation spent $19.4 million on drilling, completion and tie-in
operations during the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to $32.1 million during
the fourth quarter of 2009 and drilled 23 (8.61 net) wells as compared to 37
(13.4 net) wells during the same period in 2009. Operated activity for the
quarter continued to be focused on horizontal oil wells in Saskatchewan and
Alberta.
The Corporation drilled 131 (61.40 net) wells for the full year 2010, including
participation in 26 (4.8 net) non operated wells. Full year drilling activity
consisted of 16 (6.4 net) gas wells and 113 (53.6 net) oil wells of which 30 (14
net) were Cardium and 66 (29 net) were Mississippian wells.
Fourth Quarter Drilling Activity
Crude Oil Natural Gas Service Wells
---------------------------------------------------
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operated wells 11 5.44 1 0.70 0 0
Non-operated wells 9 2.25 2 0.22 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wells drilled 20 7.69 3 0.92 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dry & Total
Abandoned
---------------------------------
Gross Net Gross Net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operated wells 0 0 12 6.14
Non-operated wells 0 0 11 2.47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total wells drilled 0 0 23 8.61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, there were 13 (five net) horizontal oil wells drilled during
the fourth quarter. Development activity was focused on the Mississippian in
Alida, Parkman, Midale, Bromhead and Elswick, drilling 150 meter spacing infill
wells. During the last half of 2010, NAL also drilled six test wells in
Hummingbird, Hardy, Beaubier and Dahinda to validate exploration licenses that
were purchased from third parties during the first half of 2010. Information
gathered was also used to set up 3D seismic programs which were shot throughout
2010 and early 2011. The seismic has assisted NAL's technical teams in
identifying conventional Bakken and Mississippian targets and allowed the
company to capture additional opportunities through recent crown land sales.
A new discovery was tested at Beaubier with 75 bbls per day of initial oil
production. This positive result sets up a potential new strategraphic play for
NAL in the area. At Hardy, a Bakken test well produced at 25 bbls per day of oil
with a high water cut and has validated oil in a closed feature imaged on a
recently shot 3D. There are ten follow up horizontal locations mapped which are
significantly up structure from the test well and that we anticipate could
encounter significantly higher oil cuts. The first well on this structure will
be drilled in the first quarter of 2011. Engineering has been completed on the
Hoffer battery and construction is expected to commence in the second half of
2011. It is anticipated that waterflood facilities will be functional in the
first year of operations, which will reduce operating costs significantly, while
enhancing production volumes and reserves through increased recovery factors.
NAL intends to drill 66 (30 net) oil wells in 2011 across its diverse land base
targeting new pool discoveries, infills and extensions.
Alberta
In the quarter, NAL participated in drilling ten (3.6 net) wells, including four
(1.3 net) lower working interest wells in the Cardium at Garrington and Lochend
in order to test extensions of known accumulations. Garrington results remain
in-line with expectations and management remains encouraged by the significant
potential of this resource.
At Lochend, industry drilling results continue to demonstrate the highly
variable outcomes to be expected in this early stage of development. Pipeline
land acquisition is almost complete, which will allow the extension of a central
gas gathering system through the area in order to conserve all solution gas
produced from recent and future drilling. It is expected that construction of
this pipeline will be complete by the end of the third quarter. Drilling in the
Lochend area during 2011 will consist of five wells that will offset some of the
best results in the area, in order to establish a base of production and justify
infrastructure spending.
In 2011, the Corporation plans to drill 31 (20 net) horizontal Cardium oil wells
in Garrington and Lochend to further delineate and test significant acreage
positions. There will be a strong focus on capital efficiency throughout 2011
beginning with the implementation of water as a completion fluid and drilling
slightly shorter horizontals with a tighter fracturing density. Performance will
be monitored during the course of the year and optimized as required. At the
same time, it is also recognized that there is considerable pressure on services
and equipment due to high activity levels within Alberta, which is challenging
the efficiency of operations from an equipment availability and cost escalation
perspective.
Additional Wilrich gas drilling in the Edson area was completed and brought on
stream in the fourth quarter with combined production from the 13-7 and 1-8
wells currently producing 11.5 mmcf per day and 175 bbls per day of liquids
against 8,000 kpa pipeline pressure. The two wells have been producing at these
conditions for several months and there is significant back pressure being
applied due to pressure restrictions on the pipeline system. Debottlenecking of
the pipeline system and future compression will be installed coincident with the
drilling of the third well in the area which is expected to be brought on stream
by the end of the first quarter.
Northeast British Columbia
Production at Sukunka, the major producing asset in northeast British Columbia
for the Corporation, was curtailed due to third party processing not being
available for the month of December. This outage impacted volumes by
approximately 200 boe per day during the quarter but had minimal impact to cash
flow. The productive capacity in the area is currently 2,000 boe per day.
NAL will drill two additional Doig horizontal wells in Fireweed during the first
quarter to fill existing infrastructure capacity, with expectations that
production will be on-stream by April.
Focus of Future Activity
NAL continues to advance its knowledge base in the use of horizontal drilling
techniques with multi-stage fracing. The efficient application of this
technology has unlocked significant low risk oil reserves and value for
shareholders in 2010. In 2011, approximately 95 percent of the wells operated by
NAL will be horizontal drills. NAL maintains its strong position in the Cardium
oil resource play with acreage at Garrington, and Cochrane in central Alberta,
leveraging large exclusive farm-in and joint venture agreements. In addition,
NAL has taken steps to de-risk unproven acreage through a directed farm-out
strategy that is expected to drive near-term value.
Mississippian light oil opportunities also continue to expand the recently
developed Hoffer area in southeast Saskatchewan. Current oil prices coupled with
provincial royalty incentive programs drive compelling economics for oil
development with recycle ratios greater than two times due to very attractive
netbacks and rates of return in the 40 - 50+ percent range. The Corporation will
remain focused on an oil weighted program through 2011.
The Corporation currently has catalogued a significant drill ready portfolio of
horizontal gas wells in the Rock Creek, Falher, Halfway, Viking, Doig and
Mannville zones. As in 2010, it is expected that NAL will spend approximately 15
percent of its exploration and development budget in 2011 on strategic liquids
rich gas drilling to prove up reserves. Selective prospects with high initial
gas rate potential and high liquid yields that deliver competitive economic
returns will be considered in the program to take advantage of attractive
government incentives.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures, before property acquisitions, for the quarter ended
December 31, 2010 totaled $26.2 million compared with $36.8 million for the
quarter ended December 31, 2009. On a full year basis, capital expenditures,
before property acquisitions, totaled $203.0 million compared to $133.0 million
in 2009 which is coincident with significant production growth year-over-year.
In 2010, Crown sales and land focused acquisitions equated to approximately $46
million (net of dispositions) for land located largely in Saskatchewan. This
investment, including five evaluation wells to hold several exploration
licenses, equated to $60 million of spending which pre-funds significant future
oil opportunities for NAL. The implied land price, including evaluation wells,
for entry in these new areas equates to 50 percent of year end crown sale
metrics.
Capital Expenditures ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drilling, completion and production
equipment 19,368 32,084 157,812 104,769
Plant and facilities 2,782 1,728 7,913 11,381
Seismic 267 168 1,955 1,222
Land 843 419 23,960 5,709
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total exploitation and development 23,260 34,399 191,640 123,081
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office equipment 348 183 2,106 692
Capitalized G&A 1,626 1,315 7,852 5,575
Capitalized unit-based compensation 995 867 1,440 3,680
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other capital 2,969 2,365 11,398 9,947
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capitalized expenditures
before acquisitions 26,175 36,764 203,038 133,028
Property acquisitions
(dispositions), net 15,963 (17,255) 46,429 (14,721)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capitalized expenditures 42,138 19,509 249,467 118,307
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION
Fourth quarter 2010 production was 29,657 boe per day and compares to production
of 25,748 boe per day in the same period of 2009. This 15 percent growth in
production is related to strong Cardium and Mississippian oil programs through
year-end and the full year impact of acquisitions. Production in the quarter was
negatively impacted by 300 - 500 boe per day due to greater than forecasted down
time, due to cold weather in December, Enbridge outages in Saskatchewan and a
further production curtailment of Sukunka gas volumes through non-operated
facilities.
As discussed in our guidance presentation, accelerated capital spending programs
are designed to have maximum impact on annual average volumes and during 2010
this profile of spending translated into peak production during the fourth
quarter of over 30,000 boe per day. Drilling of the 2011 capital program
commenced in early January, with volumes starting to come on stream by April.
The organically supported production profile has been consistent year-over-year,
in that production peaks in the third quarter and declines through the fourth
quarter and into the first quarter of the following year. Due to timing of
spring break up, capital spending in the first quarter is not expected to
translate into increasing volumes until the second half of the year.
Full year 2010 average production of 29,713 boe per day is the highest in the
Corporation's history and is 24 percent higher than 2009.
Average Daily Production Volumes before Reorganization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil (bbl/d) 11,469 10,290 11,575 9,868
Natural gas (Mcf/d) 93,314 78,265 92,522 71,169
NGLs (bbl/d) 2,635 2,413 2,718 2,287
Oil equivalent (boe/d) 29,657 25,748 29,713 24,016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Daily Production Volumes after Reorganization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009(1) 2010 2009(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil (bbl/d) 10,575 10,011 11,349 9,541
Natural gas (Mcf/d) 92,841 78,100 92,403 70,972
NGLs (bbl/d) 2,548 2,384 2,696 2,255
Oil equivalent (boe/d) 28,596 25,413 29,446 23,624
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Reflects volumes after deducting the non-controlling interest in order
to facilitate a fair and reasonable comparison with 2010 figures
The Corporation's net production, after deducting the non-controlling interest,
is 28,596 boe/d for the fourth quarter of 2010 (2009 - 25,413 boe/d) and 29,446
boe/d (2009 - 23,624 boe/d) for full year 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2010 oil and natural gas liquids totaled 48
percent of production while natural gas represented 52 percent supported
predominantly by an oil focused drilling program offset by gas weighted
acquisitions.
Production Weighting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil 37% 40% 39% 41%
Natural gas 54% 51% 52% 49%
NGLs 9% 9% 9% 10%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE
Gross revenue from oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales, after
transportation costs and prior to hedging, totaled $116.9 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2010, five percent higher than the fourth quarter of
2009. The increase is due to a 13 percent increase in production partially
offset by a six percent decrease in the average realized price per boe, which
was driven by a 22 percent decrease in the realized natural gas price, partially
offset by a six percent increase in realized crude oil prices. The decrease in
realized prices reflects lower AECO prices in the fourth quarter of 2010.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenue after transportation costs totaled
$491.0 million, an increase of 36 percent from 2009. The increase is
attributable to an 11 percent increase in the average realized price per boe and
by a 25 percent increase in production. The increase in realized price reflects
higher WTI prices, partially offset by a stronger Canadian dollar.
Revenue
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue (1) ($000s)
Oil 74,347 68,305 305,462 222,329
Gas 30,404 32,701 134,193 106,534
NGLs 12,092 10,530 51,222 31,729
Sulphur 45 (59) 160 495
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue 116,888 111,477 491,037 361,087
$/boe 44.43 47.06 45.69 41.19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Oil, natural gas and liquid sales less transportation costs and prior
to royalties and hedging.
OIL MARKETING
NAL markets its crude oil based on refiners' posted prices at Edmonton, Alberta
and Cromer, Manitoba adjusted for transportation and the quality of crude oil at
each field battery. The refiners' posted prices are influenced by the WTI
benchmark price, transportation costs, exchange rates and the supply/demand
situation of particular crude oil quality streams during the year.
NAL's fourth quarter average realized Canadian crude oil price per barrel, net
of transportation costs excluding hedging, was $76.42, as compared to $72.15 for
the comparable quarter of 2009. The increase in realized price
quarter-over-quarter of six percent, or $4.27 per barrel, was primarily driven
by a 12 percent increase in WTI (U.S.$ per barrel) over the comparable period,
partially offset by a four percent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar.
For the fourth quarter of 2010, NAL's crude oil price differential was 89
percent, the same as the comparable period in 2009. The differential is
calculated as realized price as a percentage of WTI stated in Canadian dollars.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, NAL's average oil price was $73.74 per
barrel as compared to $61.73 for the comparable period in 2009. The 19 percent
increase in realized price was driven by a 29 percent increase in WTI (US$ per
barrel) and an increase in crude oil differentials to 90 percent from 88 percent
in 2009, partially offset by a 10 percent increase in the value of the Canadian
dollar.
Natural gas liquids averaged $51.59 per barrel in the fourth quarter of 2010, a
nine percent increase from the $47.43 per barrel realized in 2009. For the year
ended December 31, 2010, natural gas liquids averaged $52.05 per barrel, an
increase of 37 percent from the comparable period in 2009.
NATURAL GAS MARKETING
Approximately 69 percent of NAL's current gas production is sold under marketing
arrangements tied to the Alberta monthly or daily spot price ("AECO"), with the
remaining 31 percent tied to NYMEX or other indexed reference prices.
For the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Corporation's natural gas
sales averaged $3.56/Mcf compared to $4.54/Mcf in the comparable period of 2009,
a decrease of 22 percent. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in gas prices was
mainly attributable to a 20 percent decrease in the benchmark AECO daily spot
prices.
Prices for Lake Erie natural gas decreased to $4.64/Mcf in the fourth quarter of
2010, compared to $5.32/Mcf in the comparable period in 2009, a decrease of 13
percent. Lake Erie production of 3.0 MMcf/d accounted for three percent of the
Corporation's natural gas production in the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared
to four percent in the comparable period of 2009. Natural gas sales from the
Lake Erie property generally receive a higher price due to the proximity of the
Ontario and Northeastern U.S. markets.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, NAL averaged $3.98/Mcf, a three percent
decrease from the $4.10/Mcf realized in the comparable period of 2009.
Average Pricing (net of transportation charges)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquids
WTI (US$/bbl) 85.18 76.19 79.54 61.80
NAL average oil (Cdn$/bbl) 76.42 72.15 73.74 61.73
NAL natural gas liquids (Cdn$/bbl) 51.59 47.43 52.05 38.01
Natural Gas (Cdn$/mcf)
AECO - daily spot 3.63 4.54 4.00 3.97
AECO - monthly 3.58 4.23 4.13 4.14
NAL Western Canada natural gas 3.53 4.51 3.94 4.05
NAL Lake Erie natural gas 4.64 5.32 5.04 5.12
NAL average natural gas 3.56 4.54 3.98 4.10
NAL oil equivalent before hedging
(Cdn$/boe - 6:1) 44.43 47.06 45.69 41.19
Average foreign exchange rate
(Cdn$/US$) 1.0128 1.0561 1.0301 1.1414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK MANAGEMENT
NAL employs risk management practices to assist in managing cash flows and to
support capital programs and distributions. NAL currently has derivative
contracts in place to assist in managing the risks associated with commodity
prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
NAL's commodity hedging policy currently provides authorization for management
to hedge up to 60 percent of forecasted total production, net of royalties for a
period of up to two years. Management's practice is to hedge more near-term
volumes on a six month forward basis with more limited volumes hedged in future
periods. The execution of NAL's commodity hedging program is layered in using a
combination of swaps and collars. As at December 31, 2010, NAL had several
financial WTI oil contracts and AECO natural gas contracts in place.
NAL's interest rate hedging policy currently provides authorization to hedge up
to 50 percent of outstanding bank debt for periods of up to five years. As at
December 31, 2010, NAL had several interest rate swaps outstanding with a total
notional value of $139 million.
NAL's foreign exchange hedging policy currently provides authorization to hedge
up to 50 percent of the Corporation's U.S. dollar exposure for periods of up to
24 months. As at December 31, 2010, NAL had several foreign exchange contracts
outstanding with a total notional value of U.S.$78.0 million.
All derivative contract counterparties are Canadian chartered banks in the
Corporation's lending syndicate.
Realized gains on derivative contracts were $6.4 million for the fourth quarter
of 2010, compared to $10.9 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. The
decrease in gains is attributable to realized losses on crude oil contracts
compared to realized gains in 2009, mainly due to higher oil prices in 2010.
For full year 2010, realized gains were $24.4 million compared to a realized
gain of $79.7 million in 2009. The decrease in realized gains in 2010 is
attributable to realized losses on crude oil contracts as compared to gains in
2009, mainly due to higher oil prices in 2010.
All derivative contracts are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value based
upon forward curves at December 31, 2010. Changes in the fair value of the
derivative contracts are recognized in net income for the period.
Fair value is calculated at a point in time based on an approximation of the
amounts that would be received or paid to settle outstanding instruments, with
reference to forward prices at December 31, 2010. Accordingly, the magnitude of
the unrealized gain or loss will continue to fluctuate with changes in commodity
prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
The fair value of the derivatives at December 31, 2010 was a net liability of
$9.9 million, comprised of a $15.3 million liability on oil contracts, partially
offset by a $1.6 million asset on gas contracts, a $0.7 million asset on
interest rate swaps, and a $3.1 million asset on foreign exchange contracts.
Fourth quarter income for 2010 includes a $20.3 million unrealized loss on
derivatives resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative
contracts during the quarter from an unrealized gain of $10.4 million at
September 30, 2010, to an unrealized loss of $9.9 million at December 31, 2010.
The $20.3 million unrealized loss was comprised of a $15.7 million unrealized
loss on crude oil contracts, a $6.0 million unrealized loss on natural gas
contracts and a $1.4 million unrealized gain on foreign exchange and interest
rate swaps.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, income includes an unrealized loss of $7.4
million, resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative contracts
during the period, from an unrealized loss of $2.5 million at December 31, 2009
to an unrealized loss of $9.9 million at December 31, 2010. The unrealized loss
was comprised of a $2.5 million unrealized loss on crude oil contracts, $2.3
million unrealized loss on natural gas contracts, $1.7 million unrealized loss
on interest rate swaps and a $0.9 million unrealized loss on foreign exchange
swaps.
The risk management policies for 2011 are expected to remain consistent with
those in 2010. The Corporation's current positions are summarized in the tables
below.
The gain/loss on all forward derivative contracts is as follows:
Gain / (Loss) on Derivative Contracts ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts (15,683) (12,439) (2,467) (68,590)
Natural gas contracts (5,974) (870) (2,318) (6,430)
Interest rate swaps 958 (41) (1,755) 2,735
Exchange rate swaps 430 (1,462) (875) 3,986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss) (20,269) (14,812) (7,415) (68,299)
Realized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts (1,705) 2,632 (4,353) 46,811
Natural gas contracts 6,131 5,588 23,349 25,382
Interest rate swaps (147) (223) (1,057) (656)
Exchange rate swaps 2,125 2,934 6,507 8,134
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain (loss) 6,404 10,931 24,446 79,671
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts (13,865) (3,881) 17,031 11,372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a summary of the realized gains and losses on risk
management contracts:
Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Contracts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity contracts:
Average crude volumes hedged (bbl/d) 6,099 4,800 6,189 4,472
Crude oil realized gain (loss) ($000s) (1,705) 2,632 (4,353) 46,811
Gain (loss) per bbl hedged ($) (3.04) 5.96 (1.93) 28.68
Average natural gas volumes hedged
(GJ/d) 31,337 34,348 37,570 24,252
Natural gas realized gain (loss)($000s) 6,131 5,588 23,349 25,382
Gain (loss) per GJ hedged ($) 2.13 1.77 1.70 2.87
Average boe hedged (boe/d) 11,049 10,226 12,124 8,304
Total realized commodity contracts
gain ($000s) 4,426 8,220 18,996 72,193
Gain (loss) per boe hedged ($) 4.35 8.74 4.29 23.82
Gain (loss) per boe ($) 1.68 3.47 1.77 8.24
Interest rate swaps realized loss
($000s) (147) (223) (1,057) (656)
Loss per boe ($) (0.06) (0.09) (0.10) (0.07)
Exchange rate swaps realized gain
($000s) 2,125 2,934 6,507 8,134
Gain per boe ($) 0.81 1.24 0.61 0.92
Total realized gain (loss) ($000s) 6,404 10,931 24,446 79,671
Gain (loss) per boe ($) 2.43 4.62 2.27 9.09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average hedged boes for the fourth quarter of 2010 were 11,049 as compared
to 10,226 for the third quarter of 2010.
NAL has the following interest rate risk management contracts outstanding:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Counterparty
(Cdn$MM) Corporation Floating
INTEREST RATE Remaining Term (1) Fixed Rate Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Dec 2011 $39.0 1.5864% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 $22.0 1.3850% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Jan 2014 $22.0 1.5100% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8500% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8750% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9300% (3 months)
CAD-BA-CDOR
Swaps-floating to fixed Jan 2011 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9850% (3 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional debt amount
NAL has the following Canadian dollar / U.S. dollar foreign exchange option
contracts outstanding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional
Fixed Rate (US)
(CAD/USD) per month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BofC
1.05 $2.0 MM Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011 Monthly Average Noon Rate
BofC
1.0608 $ 5 MM Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011 Monthly Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAL has a monthly commitment to settle the above fixed rates against the
Bank of Canada monthly average noon rate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional
Option Payout (US) per Counterparty Monthly Premium
Range (CAD/USD) month Term Floating Rate Received (CAD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly
$0.95 - $1.12 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 Average Noon Rate $25K
Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly
$0.945 - $1.045 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 Average Noon Rate $18K
Mar 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly
$0.95 - $1.025 $2.0 MM Jun 30, 2012 Average Noon Rate $40K
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate is outside the payout
range, the monthly premium is forfeited. NAL is committed to selling the above
listed USD at the upper payout range value for that month when the average noon
spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the payout range.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Notional
Fixing Rate (US) per
(CAD/USD) month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.94 - $1.06 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.07 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.94 - $1.08 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.04 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Mar 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.0125 $0.5 MM Jun 30, 2012 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the lower
fixing rate, NAL is committed to selling the above listed USD at the upper
fixing rate for that month. To the extent the monthly average noon spot foreign
exchange rate is below the lower fixing rate, NAL has no commitment to sell USD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Notional
Fixing Range (US)
(CAD/USD) per month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to
$1.05 - $1.15 $1.0 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the fixing
range, NAL is committed to selling the above listed USD at the lower fixing rate
for that month. To the extent the monthly average spot foreign exchange rate is
below the lower fixing rate, NAL has a commitment to sell the above listed USD
at the lower fixing rate. When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange
rate falls within the fixing range, NAL has no commitment to sell USD.
NAL has the following commodity risk management contracts outstanding:
CRUDE OIL Q1-11 Q2-11 Q3-11 Q4-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US$ Collar Contracts
---------------------
$US WTI Collar Volume (bbl/d) 800 1,000 200 200
Bought Puts - Average Strike Price
($US/bbl) 81.25 83.00 90.00 90.00
Sold Calls - Average Strike Price
($US/bbl) 94.47 95.68 100.50 100.50
US$ Swap Contracts
-------------------
$US WTI Swap Volume (bbl/d) 4,900 4,900 5,700 5,700
Average WTI Swap Price ($US/bbl) 87.39 87.39 88.10 88.10
Total Oil Volume (bbl/d) 5,700 5,900 5,900 5,900
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two calendar 2011 500 bbl/day swap contracts with an average price of $95.00
contain extendable call options. The extendible call option provides the
counterparty with the option to extend the contract into calendar 2012 under the
same price and volumetric terms. The counterparty can exercise this option any
time before December 31, 2011.
NATURAL GAS Q1-11 Q2-11 Q3-11 Q4-11 Q1-12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swap Contracts
---------------
AECO Swap Volume (GJ/d) 5,000 20,000 21,000 21,000 21,000
AECO Average Price ($Cdn/GJ) 5.61 4.32 3.95 3.95 3.95
Total Natural Gas Volume (GJ/d) 5,000 20,000 21,000 21,000 21,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For 2011, the Corporation has outstanding contracts representing approximately
34 percent of its net liquids and natural gas production after royalties.
ROYALTY EXPENSES
Crown, freehold and overriding royalties were $20.4 million for the three months
ended December 31, 2010. Expressed as a percentage of gross sales net of
transportation costs, before gain/loss on derivative contracts, the net royalty
rate was 17.4 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, a decrease from
the 19.0 percent experienced in the same period of the previous year.
Royalties decreased to $7.75 per boe for the fourth quarter of 2010, a decrease
of 13 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. The decrease is primarily
attributable to lower realized natural gas prices on a quarter-over-quarter
basis.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, royalties were $88.6 million, up from
$65.9 million in 2009, primarily attributable to higher realized liquid prices
in 2010 and higher production volumes. Expressed as a percentage of gross sales
net of transportation costs, before gain/loss on derivative contracts, the net
royalty rate was 18.0 percent as compared to 18.2 percent in 2009.
On March 11, 2010, the Government of Alberta announced measures to advance
Alberta's competitiveness in the upstream oil and gas sector. The royalty
framework for natural gas and conventional oil was modified for all production
effective January 1, 2011 and the new royalty curves were announced on May 31,
2010. The current incentive program rate of five percent on new natural gas and
conventional oil wells is a permanent feature of the royalty system. The maximum
royalty rate for conventional oil is reduced at higher price levels from 50
percent to 40 percent. The maximum royalty rate for natural gas is reduced at
higher price levels from 50 percent to 36 percent.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, 45 percent of crude oil and 66 percent of
natural gas production is from Alberta.
Royalty Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royalties ($000s) 20,379 21,206 88,617 65,898
As % of revenue 17.4 19.0 18.0 18.2
$/boe 7.75 8.95 8.25 7.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING COSTS
Operating costs averaged $10.21 per boe for the quarter ended December 31, 2010,
the same as the quarter ended December 31, 2009. Costs in the fourth quarter of
2009 and 2010 were positively impacted by a one time reduction from prior period
accruals where actual costs were lower than previously assumed.
On a full year basis, operating costs were $10.93 per boe for 2010 a modest
reduction from $11.09 per boe in 2009. Year-over-year operating cost decreases
are a direct result of an aggressive program focused on cost reduction in NAL's
operations specifically around repairs and maintenance coupled with reduced
power costs as a result of lower gas prices. In 2011, NAL is forecasting
operating costs to decline further due to the disposition of high cost non-core
properties completed in February. However, a sharp increase in industry wide
drilling activity may start to negatively impact the decreasing trend of the
last two years.
Operating Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating costs ($000s) 26,869 24,184 117,523 97,240
As a % of revenue 23.0 21.7 23.9 26.9
$/boe 10.21 10.21 10.93 11.09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME
Other income was $0.33 per boe for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $0.10
per boe in the comparable quarter of 2009. Other income includes gas processing
fees, other miscellaneous income and fees and interest income and interest
expense on notes due from and to MFC (see "Related Party Transactions and
Non-Controlling Interest").
Other Income
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on notes with MFC ($000s) 334 (124) - 168
Other ($000s) 528 368 1,403 1,464
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income ($000s) 862 244 1,403 1,632
As a % of revenue 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5
Interest on notes with MFC ($/boe) 0.13 (0.05) - 0.02
Other ($/boe) 0.20 0.15 0.13 0.17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income ($/boe) 0.33 0.10 0.13 0.19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING NETBACK
For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, NAL's operating netback, before hedging
gains, was $26.67 per boe, a decrease of five percent from $28.05 per boe for
the quarter ended December 31, 2009. The decrease was due to lower revenues as a
result of lower natural gas prices, partially offset by lower royalties. Hedging
gains, related to commodity and exchange rate derivative contracts, were $2.49
per boe in the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to $4.71 per boe in 2009. The
lower hedging gains are attributable to higher realized crude oil prices in the
fourth quarter of 2010 as compared to the comparable quarter in 2009.
On a full year basis, NAL's operating netback, before hedging gains, was $26.64
per boe compared to $22.75 per boe in 2009. The increase was primarily due to
higher revenue as a result of higher liquids prices, partially offset by higher
royalty expense. Hedging gains, related to commodity and exchange rate
derivative contracts, were $2.37 per boe for the year ended December 31, 2010,
as compared to $9.16 per boe in 2009, attributable mainly to higher realized
crude oil prices in 2009.
Operating Netback
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
--------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION
Oil (bbl/d) 10,575 10,290 11,349 9,868
Gas (Mcf/d) 92,841 78,265 92,403 71,169
NGLs (bbl/d) 2,548 2,413 2,696 2,287
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (boe/d) 28,596 25,748 29,446 24,016
REVENUE(1)
Oil ($/bbl) 76.42 72.16 73.74 61.73
Gas ($/Mcf) 3.56 4.54 3.98 4.10
NGLs ($/bbl) 51.59 47.16 52.05 38.60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 44.43 47.06 45.69 41.19
ROYALTIES
Oil ($/bbl) 15.04 15.02 14.83 12.82
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.27 0.62 0.39 0.45
NGLs ($/bbl) 14.73 11.20 14.16 9.49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 7.75 8.95 8.25 7.52
OPERATING EXPENSES
Oil ($/bbl) 15.18 10.18 18.42 10.98
Gas ($/Mcf) 1.12 1.69 0.94 1.90
NGLs ($/bbl) 10.93 10.59 9.52 9.88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 10.21 10.21 10.93 11.09
OTHER INCOME(2)
Oil ($/bbl) 0.34 0.23 0.21 0.24
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02
NGLs ($/bbl) 0.23 0.15 0.15 0.15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 0.20 0.15 0.13 0.17
OPERATING NETBACK, BEFORE HEDGING
Oil ($/bbl) 51.51 47.19 48.19 38.18
Gas ($/Mcf) 1.61 2.24 1.78 1.76
NGLs ($/bbl) 26.88 25.52 27.11 19.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 26.67 28.05 26.64 22.75
HEDGING GAINS/(LOSSES)(3)
Oil ($/bbl) 0.43 5.88 0.52 15.26
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.72 0.78 0.69 0.98
NGLs ($/bbl) - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 2.49 4.71 2.37 9.16
OPERATING NETBACK, AFTER HEDGING
Oil ($/bbl) 51.94 53.07 48.71 53.43
Gas ($/Mcf) 2.33 3.01 2.47 2.74
NGLs ($/bbl) 26.88 25.52 27.11 19.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 29.16 32.76 29.01 31.91
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net of transportation charges.
(2) Excludes interest on notes with MFC.
(3) Realized hedging gains/losses on commodity and exchange rate derivative
contracts.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative ("G&A") expenses include direct costs incurred by the
Corporation plus the reimbursement of the G&A expenses incurred by NAL Resources
Management Limited (the "Manager") on the Corporation's behalf.
For the three months ended December 31, 2010, G&A expenses were $4.6 million,
compared with $5.4 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. In addition, $1.6
million of G&A costs relating to exploitation and development activities were
capitalized in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with $1.3 million in the
fourth quarter of 2009. G&A expense per boe was $1.70 in the quarter, as
compared to $2.29 for the same period in 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, G&A expenses were $16.4 million as
compared to $16.2 million in 2009. In addition, on a year-to-date basis $7.9
million of G&A costs relating to exploitation and development activities were
capitalized, compared with $5.6 million in the comparable period of 2009.
The increase in total G&A of $2.5 million in 2010 compared to 2009 is
attributable to unusually low costs in 2009 resulting from an adjustment to the
short term incentive payout, plus higher compensation costs due to acquisitions.
As a result of increased volumes partly due to acquisitions, the boe rate for
G&A has decreased from $1.84 per boe in 2009 to $1.53 per boe in 2010.
General and Administrative Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
G&A ($000s):
Expensed 4,473 5,418 16,393 16,171
Capitalized 1,626 1,315 7,852 5,575
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total G&A 6,099 6,733 24,245 21,746
Expensed G&A costs:
$/(boe) 1.70 2.29 1.53 1.84
As % of revenue 3.8 4.9 3.3 4.5
Per share ($) 0.03 0.05 0.11 0.15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
The employees of the Manager are all members of a share-based incentive plan
(the "Plan"). The Plan results in employees of the Manager receiving cash
compensation based upon the value and overall return of a specified number of
notional common shares. The Plan consists of Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and
Performance Share Units ("PSUs"). RSUs vest as to one third of the amount of the
grant on November 30 in each of three years after the date of grant. PSUs vest
on November 30, three years from the date of grant. Dividends paid on the
Corporation's outstanding shares during the vesting period are assumed to be
paid on the awarded notional shares and reinvested in additional notional shares
on the date of the dividend. Upon vesting, the employee of the Manager is
entitled to a cash payout based on the share price at the date of vesting of the
shares held. In addition, the PSUs have a performance multiplier which is based
on the Corporation's performance relative to its peers and may range from zero
to two times the market value of the notional shares held at vesting.
Pursuant to the Reorganization, all previously issued RSUs and PSUs were amended
such that instead of them representing one notional trust unit they represent
one notional share on the same terms and continue to be governed by the same
terms under the Plan.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Corporation recorded a $2.1 million
charge for share-based incentive compensation that reflects the impact of
vesting and an increase in the share price. The share price of the Corporation
increased by 12 percent, from $11.53 at September 30, 2010 to $12.95 at December
31, 2010. An increase in share price results in previously accrued amounts being
increased.
Share-based incentive compensation increased from $2.8 million in the fourth
quarter of 2009 to $3.1 million in 2010. This increase is a reflection of the
greater increase in share price used to determine the compensation during the
fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to the increase in share price during the
fourth quarter of 2009 (from $12.70 at September 30, 2009 to $13.74 at December
31, 2009). An increase in share price results in previously accrued amounts
being increased.
On a year-to-date basis, the Corporation has accrued $4.6 million compared to
$12.5 million in the comparable period of 2009. The decrease period-over-period
is mainly attributable to a six percent decrease in share price during 2010 as
compared to a 71 percent increase in share price during 2009.
At December 31, 2010, the share price used to determine unit-based incentive
compensation was $12.95. The closing share price of the Corporation on the
Toronto Stock Exchange on March 8, 2011 was $13.97.
The calculation of share-based compensation expense is made at the end of each
quarter based on the quarter end Corporation share price and estimated
performance factors. The compensation charges relating to the shares granted are
recognized over the vesting period based on the Corporation share price, number
of RSUs and PSUs outstanding, and the expected performance multiplier. As a
result, the expense recorded in the accounts will fluctuate in each quarter and
over time.
At December 31, 2010, the Corporation has recorded a total accumulated liability
for share-based incentive compensation in the amount of $13.8 million, of which
$6.9 million was paid in January 2011. The remaining balance represents the
Corporation's estimated liability for the share-based incentive plan as at
December 31, 2010, with $5.7 million recorded as a current liability as it is
payable in December 2011, and $1.0 million recorded as a long-term liability as
it is payable in December 2012 and December 2013.
Share-Based Compensation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share-based compensation ($000s):
Expensed 2,076 1,916 3,170 8,781
Capitalized 995 867 1,440 3,680
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total share-based compensation 3,071 2,783 4,610 12,461
Expensed share-based compensation:
As % of revenue 1.8 1.7 0.6 2.4
$/boe 0.79 0.81 0.29 1.00
Per share ($) 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Corporation continues to be managed by the Manager. The Manager is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MFC and also manages NAL Resources Limited ("NAL
Resources"), another wholly-owned subsidiary of MFC. NAL Resources and the
Corporation maintain ownership interests in many of the same oil and natural gas
properties in which NAL Resources is the joint operator. As a result, a
significant portion of the net operating revenues and capital expenditures
during the year are based on joint amounts from NAL Resources. These
transactions are in the normal course of joint operations and are measured using
the fair value established through the original transactions with third parties.
The Manager provides certain services to the Corporation and its subsidiary
entities pursuant to an Administrative Services and Cost Sharing Agreement (the
"Agreement"). The Agreement requires the Corporation to reimburse the Manager at
cost for G&A and share-based compensation expenses incurred by the Manager on
behalf of the Corporation calculated on a unit of production basis. The
Agreement does not provide for any base or performance fees to be payable to the
Manager.
The Corporation paid $3.4 million (2009 - $3.9 million) for the reimbursement of
G&A expenses during the fourth quarter and $13.9 million (2009 - $12.6 million)
for 2010. The Corporation also pays the Manager its share of share-based
incentive compensation expense when cash compensation is paid to employees under
the terms of the Plan, of which $7.1 million was paid in the first quarter of
2010, representing shares that vested on November 30, 2009 (2009 - $2.3
million). These reimbursements are included in the G&A and share-based
compensation amounts discussed above.
At December 31, 2010 the Corporation owed the Manager $8.7 million for the
reimbursement of G&A and share-based incentive compensation, offset by $8.1
million due to NAL Resources relating to capital expenditures less net operating
revenues.
In conjunction with the Reorganization, a partnership that was indirectly owned
jointly by the Corporation and MFC was dissolved on December 31, 2010. The
Partnership held the assets acquired from the acquisitions of Tiberius and Spear
in February 2008. Refer to Structure Of The Business.
As a part of the original structuring of the Partnership in 2008, both the
Corporation and MFC entered into net profit interest royalty agreements with the
Partnership. These agreements entitled each royalty holder to a 49.5 percent
interest in the cash flow from the Partnership's reserves. In exchange for this
interest, the royalty holders each paid $49.6 million to the Partnership by way
of promissory notes in 2008. Although the MFC note resided in the Partnership,
it was consolidated.
During the first quarter of 2009, MFC repaid the note receivable to the
Partnership of $49.6 million. The note receivable bore interest at prime plus
three percent. The Partnership then paid an equal distribution of $49.6 million
to MFC. This payment resulted in a $49.6 million reduction to the
non-controlling interest on the balance sheet.
During 2010, the Partnership did not pay distributions to its partners (MFC's
2009 share being $5.0 million).
In addition, in the Partnership there was a note payable to MFC, which was
settled on dissolution of the Partnership. At December 31, 2009, the note
payable of $8.9 million was included on consolidation of the Partnership, but
was effectively eliminated through the non-controlling interest. The note was
due on demand, unsecured and bears interest at prime plus three percent.
INTEREST
Interest on bank debt includes charges on borrowings, plus standby fees on the
unused portion of the bank credit facility. Interest on bank debt for the fourth
quarter of 2010 was $3.2 million, an increase of $0.5 million from $2.7 million
for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to higher average debt
levels and higher average interest rates. Average outstanding bank debt for the
fourth quarter of 2010 was $251.8 million, $11.7 million higher than the $240.1
million outstanding during the fourth quarter of 2009. NAL's effective interest
rate averaged 5.06 percent during the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to 4.48
percent during the comparable period in 2009. The increase in the interest rate
from the fourth quarter of 2009 is attributable to higher average base interest
rates, slightly offset by lower stamping fees and borrowing fees. NAL's interest
is calculated based upon a floating rate before any effects of interest rate
swaps.
For the year ended December 31 2010, interest on bank debt increased $1.4
million to $11.8 million, compared to $10.4 million in 2009. The increase was
due to a higher effective interest rate. Average outstanding debt for the year
ended December 31, 2010 decreased to $228.7 million compared to $269.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2009. In addition, the effective interest rate
averaged 5.16 percent in 2010 compared to 3.86 percent in 2009.
Interest on convertible debentures includes interest charges of $3.1 million for
the three months ended December 31, 2010 ($12.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2010) compared to $1.9 million ($6.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2009). The interest includes the interest on the 2007 debentures at
6.75 percent and the interest on the debentures issued in December 2009 at 6.25
percent. Accretion of the debt discount was $1.0 million (2009 - $0.6 million)
for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and $4.0 million (2009 - $1.7
million) for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Interest and Debt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on bank debt ($000s)(1) 3,207 2,713 11,794 10,399
Interest and accretion on
convertible debentures ($000s) 4,151 2,500 16,562 7,676
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest ($000) 7,358 5,213 28,356 18,075
Bank debt outstanding at period
end ($000s) 266,965 230,713 266,965 230,713
Convertible debentures at
period end ($000s)(2) 181,672 177,977 181,672 177,977
$/boe:
Interest on bank debt 1.22 1.15 1.09 1.19
Interest on convertible
debentures 1.19 0.81 1.17 0.68
Accretion on convertible
debentures 0.39 0.24 0.38 0.19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest 2.80 2.20 2.64 2.06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Excludes interest rate hedge impact.
(2) Debt component of the debentures, as reported on the balance sheet.
CASH FLOW NETBACK
For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, NAL's cash flow netback was $24.33 per
boe, a 12 percent decrease from $27.56 per boe for the comparable period in
2009. The decrease was due to a lower operating netback after hedging and higher
interest charges, offset by lower G&A expenses, including share-based incentive
compensation.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, NAL's cash flow netback was $24.83 per
boe, a nine percent decrease from $27.15 per boe in 2009. The decrease was
primarily due to a lower operating netback after hedging, higher interest
charges, partially offset by lower G&A expenses including share-based incentive
compensation.
Cash Flow Netback ($/boe)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating netback, after hedging 29.16 32.76 29.01 31.91
G&A expenses, including unit-based
incentive compensation (2.49) (3.10) (1.82) (2.84)
Interest on bank debt and
convertible debentures(1) (2.41) (1.96) (2.26) (1.87)
Interest on notes with MFC(2) 0.13 (0.05) - 0.02
Realized loss on interest rate
derivative contracts (0.06) (0.09) (0.10) (0.07)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow netback 24.33 27.56 24.83 27.15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Excludes non-cash accretion on convertible debentures.
(2) Reported as other income.
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND ACCRETION OF ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS ("DDA")
Depletion of oil and natural gas properties, including the capitalized portion
of the asset retirement obligations, and depreciation of equipment is provided
for on a unit-of-production basis using estimated proved reserves volumes.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, depletion on property, plant and
equipment and accretion on the asset retirement obligations was $24.05 per boe,
eight percent higher than the $22.34 per boe for the same period in 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the DDA rate per boe was $24.51 as
compared to $21.77 for 2009.
The DDA rate will fluctuate period-over-period depending on the amount and type
of capital expenditures and the amount of reserves added.
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion and depreciation ($000s) 59,182 50,783 251,343 182,979
Accretion of asset retirement
obligation ($000s) 4,078 2,139 12,112 7,856
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DDA ($000s) 63,260 52,922 263,455 190,835
DDA rate per boe ($) 24.05 22.34 24.51 21.77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES
In the fourth quarter of 2010, NAL had a future income tax recovery of $16.0
million compared to a $9.0 million income tax recovery in the corresponding
period of the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2010, NAL had a future
income tax recovery of $41.9 million compared to a $34.8 million income tax
recovery in 2009.
As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation's (including all subsidiaries)
estimated tax pools (unaudited) available for deduction from future taxable
income approximated $1.4 billion, of which approximately 32 percent represented
COGPE and 18 percent represented UCC. The remaining balance was represented by
CEE, CDE, share issue costs and non-capital loss carry forwards.
Estimated Tax Pools ($ millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian exploration expense 57 50
Canadian development expense 376 379
Canadian oil and gas property expense 456 436
Undepreciated capital costs 251 274
Other (including loss carry forwards) 279 128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total estimated tax pools 1,419 1,267
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on strip prices at December 31, 2010, the Corporation is not expected to
be taxable in 2011.
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
The Corporation had recorded a non-controlling interest in respect of the 50
percent ownership interest indirectly held by MFC in the Partnership holding the
Tiberius and Spear assets (see "Structure of the Business") for the year ended
December 31, 2009. As the Partnership was wound up December 31, 2010, no
non-controlling interest was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The non-controlling interest presented in the 2009 statement of income has two
components; the royalty paid to MFC under the NPI, being a cash payment to the
royalty holder, and 50 percent of net income remaining in the Partnership, after
NPI expense, attributable to MFC. This share of net income attributable to MFC
is a non-cash item.
The non-controlling interest in the consolidated statement of income is
comprised of:
Non-Controlling Interest ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profits interest expense
(income) (1,825) 396 - 1,919
Share of net income attributable
to MFC 191 252 - 1,040
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,634) 648 - 2,959
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME
Net income is a measure impacted by both cash and non-cash items. The largest
non-cash items impacting the Corporation's net income are DDA, unrealized gains
or losses on derivative contracts and future income taxes.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $4.2 million compared to net income
of $5.6 million for the comparable period in 2009. The decrease of $9.8 million
was mainly due to increased losses on derivative contracts ($10.0 million),
increased operating costs ($2.7 million) and higher depletion and accretion
($10.3 million), partially offset by a future income tax recovery ($7.0 million)
and increased revenues net of royalties ($6.3 million).
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $32.4 million was $23.2
million more than the net income of the comparable period of 2009. The increase
in 2010 is mainly attributable to increased revenues net of royalties ($109.1
million), decreased share-based compensation ($5.6 million), increased gains on
derivative contracts ($5.7 million) and increased future income tax recovery
($7.2 million) partly offset by increased operating costs ($20.3 million)
increased depletion and accretion expense ($72.6 million), and increased
interest expense ($10.3 million).
Net Income (loss) ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net lncome (4,204) 5,634 32,410 9,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
The capital structure of the Corporation is comprised of shares, bank debt and
convertible debentures.
As at December 31, 2010, NAL had 147,248,494 common shares outstanding, compared
with 137,471,209 as at December 31, 2009. The increase from December 31, 2009 is
attributable to 7,550,000 shares issued under an equity offering and 2,227,285
shares issued under the Corporation's dividend reinvestment program ("DRIP").
On April 14, 2010, the Corporation closed an equity offering of 7,550,000 common
shares at a price of $13.25 per share for total gross proceeds of $100.0
million.
Under the DRIP, shareholders may elect to reinvest distributions or make
optional cash payments to acquire common shares from treasury under the DRIP at
95 percent of the average market price with no additional fees or commissions.
The operation of the DRIP was reinstated effective with the March distribution
payable on April 15, 2009, following suspension of the program in October 2008.
Participation in the DRIP has averaged 17 percent during 2010.
As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation had net debt of $505.7 million (net of
working capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts and future
income taxes) including the convertible debentures at face value of $194.7
million. Excluding the convertible debentures, net debt was $310.9 million,
compared with $282.7 million at December 31, 2009. The increase in net debt,
excluding convertible debentures, of $28.2 million during 2010 is attributable
to increased bank debt of $36.3 million, offset by a positive change in working
capital of $8.1 million.
Bank debt outstanding was $267.0 million at December 31, 2010 compared with
$230.7 million as at December 31, 2009. All of the amounts are outstanding under
the production facility.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the Corporation had a net debt (excluding
convertible debentures) to 12 months trailing funds from operations ratio of
1.21 times and a total net debt (including convertible debentures) to 12 months
trailing funds from operations ratio of 1.96 times.
Effective January 29, 2010, the Corporation increased its credit facility by
$100 million to $550 million. The credit facility is a fully secured,
extendible, revolving facility and will revolve until April 30, 2011 at which
time it is extendible for a further 364-day revolving period upon agreement
between the Corporation and the bank syndicate. The facility consists of a $535
million production facility and a $15 million working capital facility. The
credit facility is fully secured by first priority security interests in all
present and after acquired properties and assets of the Corporation and its
subsidiary and affiliated entities. The purpose of the facility is to fund
property acquisitions and capital expenditures. Principal repayments to the bank
are not required at this time. Should principal repayments become mandatory, and
in the absence of refinancing arrangements, the Corporation would be required to
repay the facility in five equal quarterly installments commencing May 1, 2012.
On December 3, 2009, the Corporation issued $115 million principal amount of
6.25% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures. Interest on the debentures
is paid semi-annually in arrears, on June 30 and December 31, and the debentures
are convertible at the option of the holder, at anytime, into fully paid common
shares at a conversion price of $16.50 per common share. The debentures mature
on December 31, 2014 at which time they are due and payable. The debentures are
redeemable by the Corporation at a price of $1,050 per debenture on or after
January 1, 2013 and on or before December 31, 2013, and at a price of $1,025 per
debenture on or after January 1, 2014 and on or before December 31, 2014. On
redemption or maturity, the Corporation may opt to satisfy its obligation to
repay the principal by issuing common shares. If all of the outstanding
debentures were converted at the conversion price, an additional 7.0 million
common shares would be required to be issued.
In addition, the Corporation has outstanding $79.7 million principal amount of
6.75% convertible extendible unsecured subordinated debentures. Interest on the
debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears, on February 28 and August 31, and
the debentures are convertible at the option of the holder, at any time, into
fully paid common shares at a conversion price of $14.00 per common share. The
debentures mature on August 31, 2012 at which time they are due and payable. The
debentures are redeemable by the Corporation at a price of $1,050 per debenture
on or after September 1, 2010 and on or before August 31, 2011, and at a price
of $1,025 per debenture on or after September 1, 2011 and on or before August
31, 2012. On redemption or maturity, the Corporation may opt to satisfy its
obligation to repay the principal by issuing common shares. If all of the
outstanding debentures were converted at the conversion price, an additional 5.7
million common shares would be required to be issued.
The convertible debentures are classified as debt on the balance sheet with a
portion of the proceeds allocated to equity, representing the value of the
conversion feature. As the debentures are converted to common shares, a portion
of the debt and equity amounts are transferred to share capital. The debt
component of the convertible debentures is carried net of issue costs. The debt
balance, net of issue costs, accretes over time to the principal amount owing on
maturity. The accretion of the debt discount and the interest paid to debenture
holders are expensed each period as part of the line item "interest and
accretion on convertible debentures" in the consolidated statement of income.
The Corporation recognized $1.0 million (2009 - $0.6 million) of accretion of
the debt discount in the fourth quarter of 2010 and $4.0 million (2009 - $1.7
million) during 2010.
As at March 8, 2011, the Corporation has 147,625,687 common shares and $194.7
million in convertible debentures outstanding.
Capitalization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares equity ($000s) 892,021 894,192
Bank debt ($000s) 266,965 230,713
Working capital deficit (surplus)(1) ($000s) 43,954 52,014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt excluding convertible debentures ($000s) 310,919 282,727
Convertible debentures ($000s)(2) 194,744 194,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt ($000s) 505,663 477,471
Net debt excluding convertible debentures to
trailing 12-month funds from operations(3) 1.21 1.23
Total net debt to trailing 12-month funds from
operations(3) 1.96 2.07
Common shares outstanding (000s) 147,248 137,471
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Working capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts,
future income taxes and notes with MFC.
(2) Convertible debentures included at face value.
(3) Calculated as net debt divided by funds from operations for the previous
12 months.
Funds from operations is a non-GAAP measure used by management as an indicator
of the Corporation's ability to generate cash from operations. Assuming the
Corporation's commodity price and guidance assumptions are attained, this
dividend level represents a payout ratio in the range of 40 - 50 percent of
funds from operations. Currently, the Corporation has a bank line of $550
million of which $267.0 million is drawn at December 31, 2010, leaving available
capacity of $283.0 million.
The Corporation benefited from an active hedging program in 2010 at prices above
market levels. For 2011, the Corporation expects to continue to benefit from an
active hedging program. Currently, the Corporation has in place oil hedges for
approximately 52 percent of net forecasted (after royalty) production for 2011.
Crude volumes are hedged at an average price of US$87.77 per boe on fixed price
contracts. On collared contracts, crude volumes are hedged at an average ceiling
price of US$96.12 per boe and at an average floor price of US$83.64 per boe. For
natural gas, 2011 hedges total approximately 20 percent of net budgeted
production volumes hedged at an average floor in excess of $4.18 per GJ (or
$4.41 per Mcf).
NAL's capital program is designed to be scalable and flexible in response to
commodity prices and market conditions. For 2011, the Corporation plans for a
$200 - 230 million capital program and expects to drill approximately 139 (79
net) wells. The Corporation, through the Manager, operates approximately 90
percent of the assets to which the capital program is directed, allowing for
significant flexibility over the scale and timing of the program.
In the 2011 guidance, released on January 26, 2011, the Corporation used pricing
assumptions of US$90.00 per barrel WTI crude oil price, a $1.00 Cdn/US$ exchange
rate and $3.75 per GJ natural gas.
Fluctuations in commodity prices, other market factors or growth opportunities
may make it necessary to adjust forecasted capital expenditures and/or dividend
levels.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
At December 31, 2010, the Corporation reported an asset retirement obligation
("ARO") balance of $144.7 million ($127.9 million as at December 31, 2009) for
future abandonment and reclamation of the Corporation's oil and gas properties
and facilities. The ARO balance was increased by $3.2 million due to liabilities
incurred and revisions to estimates and $12.1 million from accretion expense,
$8.2 million for property acquisitions and was reduced by $6.7 million for
actual abandonment and environmental expenditures incurred in 2010.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
NAL has no variable interest entities.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Joint Venture Agreement:
Effective April 20, 2009, the Corporation and MFC entered into a joint venture
agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a three
year commitment to spend $50 million to earn an interest in freehold and crown
acreage. The Corporation has a 65 percent interest in this agreement and MFC a
35 percent interest and therefore the Corporation's net commitment is $32.5
million. The agreement is exclusive and structured to be extendible for up to an
additional six years for a total potential commitment of $150 million ($97.5
million net to the Corporation) to earn an interest in over 150 sections (97.5
net) of freehold and crown acreage. If the capital spending commitments are not
met, interests in the freehold and crown acreage will not be earned and the
Corporation will not be required to pay unspent commitment amounts to the senior
industry partner. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation had spent $13.1
million under this agreement, representing its 65 percent working interest.
Farm-in Agreement:
Effective August 10, 2009, the Corporation and MFC entered into a Farm-in
Agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a two year
initial commitment, with a minimum capital commitment of $40 million in the
first year and $57 million in the second year, with an option for a third year,
at NAL's election, for an additional $50 million commitment. The Corporation has
a 60 percent interest in this agreement and MFC a 40 percent interest. The
agreement provides the opportunity to earn an interest in approximately 1,400
gross sections of undeveloped oil and gas rights in Alberta held by the partner.
If the capital spending commitments are not met, interest in the acreage will
not be earned and the Corporation will not be required to pay any unspent
amounts under the agreement. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation has spent
$24.4 million under this agreement, representing its 60 percent working
interest.
Other:
NAL has entered into several contractual obligations as part of conducting
day-to-day business. NAL has the following commitments for the next five years:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s) 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office lease(1) 2,254 2,254 2,239 2,196 2,196
Office lease - Clipper and
Breaker(2) 2,200 2,200 364 -
Transportation agreements 4,274 2,303 2,158 977 121
Processing agreements(3) 628 197 184 -
Convertible debentures(4) - 79,744 - 115,000
Bank debt - 160,179 106,786 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 9,356 246,877 111,731 118,173 2,317
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents the Corporation's share of office lease commitments,
including both base rent and operating costs, in relation to the lease
held by the Manager, of which the Corporation is allocated a pro rata
share (currently approximately 63 percent) of the expense on a monthly
basis.
(2) Represents the full amount of the office lease assumed with the
acquisition of Clipper and Breaker. MFC will reimburse the Corporation
for 50 percent of the Clipper obligation.
(3) Represents gas processing agreements with take or pay components.
(4) Principal amount.
QUARTERLY INFORMATION
2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per share
and production amounts) Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue, net of royalties(1) 85,111 100,657 105,925 135,662
Per share 0.58 0.69 0.73 0.99
Cash flow 65,084 82,082 43,326 63,648
Per share 0.44 0.56 0.30 0.46
Funds from operations(2) 61,950 60,018 62,684 73,242
Per share 0.42 0.41 0.43 0.53
Net income (loss) (4,204) (781) 8,046 29,349
Per share
basic (0.03) (0.01) 0.06 0.21
diluted (0.03) (0.01) 0.06 0.21
Average oil equivalent
production (boe/d - 6:1) 28,596 29,473 29,609 30,120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per share
and production amounts) Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue, net of royalties(1) 88,165 85,988 60,922 77,791
Per share 0.75 0.77 0.60 0.81
Cash flow 53,060 52,999 63,690 66,546
Per share 0.45 0.47 0.63 0.69
Funds from operations(2) 62,953 53,766 51,998 62,024
Per share 0.53 0.48 0.51 0.64
Net income (loss) 5,634 8,249 (9,407) 4,724
Per share
basic 0.05 0.07 (0.09) 0.05
diluted 0.05 0.07 (0.09) 0.05
Average oil equivalent
production (boe/d - 6:1) 25,748(3) 23,418 23,049 23,836
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents revenue, net of royalties, plus gain (loss) on derivative
contracts
(2) Represents cash flow from operating activities prior to the change in
non-cash working capital items
(3) Includes Breaker volumes effective December 11, 2009.
SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
Years ended December 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s except per unit amounts) 2010 2009 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil, natural gas and liquid sales 497,538 365,760 618,914
Net income 32,410 9,200 162,580
Net income per share 0.23 0.09 1.72
Net income per share - diluted 0.23 0.09 1.69
Distributions paid and declared 155,777 120,153 181,462
Distributions paid or declared per
share 1.08 1.12 1.92
Total assets 1,612,864 1,609,450 1,210,597
Total liabilities 720,843 715,258 653,334
Long term debt(1) 448,637 408,690 356,336
Shareholders' equity 892,021 894,192 557,263
Number of common shares outstanding at
year-end 147,248 137,471 96,181
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes bank debt and convertible debentures.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P"), as
such term is defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure
in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings ("NI 52-109"), for NAL. They have, as at
the financial year ended December 31, 2010, designed such DC&P, or caused them
to be designed under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by NAL in its annual filings, interim
filings or other reports filed or submitted by NAL under applicable securities
legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in applicable securities legislation and that all material
information relating to NAL is made known to them by others, particularly during
the period in which NAL's annual and interim filings are being prepared.
Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, NAL conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its DC&P as at
December 31, 2010. Based on this evaluation, the officers concluded that as of
December 31, 2010, NAL's DC&P provide reasonable assurance that information
required to be disclosed by NAL in its annual filings, interim filings or other
reports that it files or submits under applicable securities legislation is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in such legislation and that these controls and procedures also provide
reasonable assurance that material information relating to NAL is made known to
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for
establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR"),
as such term is defined in NI 52-109, for NAL. They have, as at the financial
year ended December 31, 2010, designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under
their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The control framework the officers
used to design NAL's ICFR is the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (COSO
Framework) published by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO).
NAL's ICFR includes polices and procedures that:
- Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect transactions, acquisitions and dispositions of assets of the
Corporation;
- Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; and
- Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Corporation's assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer (collectively, the "Officers"), NAL conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of its ICFR as at December 31, 2010 based on the COSO Framework.
Based on this evaluation, the Officers concluded that as of December 31, 2010,
NAL's ICFR are effective.
It should be noted that while the Officers believe that NAL's are effective,
they do not expect that the disclosure controls and procedures or internal
controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control
system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable,
but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
There were no changes in the Corporation's ICFR during the year ended December
31, 2010 that materially affected the Corporation's ICFR.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The significant accounting policies used by NAL are disclosed in the notes to
NAL's December 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements. Certain accounting
policies require that management make appropriate decisions when formulating
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Manager reviews the estimates regularly.
The emergence of new information and changed circumstances may result in actual
results or changes in estimated amounts that differ materially from current
estimates. NAL might also realize different results from the application of new
accounting standards published, from time to time, by various regulatory bodies.
Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
Under National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101"), "proved" reserves are those reserves that can be
estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable (it is possible that
the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved
reserves). The level of certainty should result in at least a 90 percent
probability at a Corporation aggregate level that the quantities actually
recovered will equal or exceed the estimated reserves. In the case of "probable"
reserves, which are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves, NI 51-101
states that it must be equally likely that the actual remaining quantities
recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus
probable ("P+P") reserves. As for certainty, in order to report reserves as P+P,
the reporting Corporation must believe that there is at least a 50 percent
probability at a Corporation aggregate level that the quantities actually
recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated P+P reserves.
The oil and gas reserve estimates are made using all available geological and
reservoir data as well as historical production data. Estimates are reviewed and
revised as appropriate. Revisions occur as a result of changes in prices, costs,
fiscal regimes, reservoir performance or a change in NAL's plans. The effect of
changes in proved oil and gas reserves on the financial results and position of
NAL is described under the heading "Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment"
below.
Depletion Expense
NAL uses the full cost method of accounting for exploration and development
activities. In accordance with this method of accounting, all costs associated
with exploration and development are capitalized whether or not the activities
funded were successful. The aggregate of net capitalized costs and estimated
future development costs is amortized using the unit of production method on
estimated proved oil and gas reserves.
An increase or decrease in estimated proved oil and gas reserves would result in
a corresponding reduction or increase in depletion expense. A decrease or
increase in estimated future development costs would result in a corresponding
reduction or increase in depletion expense.
Unproved Properties
The cost of acquisition and evaluation of unproved properties are initially
excluded from the depletion calculation. These properties are assessed to
ascertain whether impairment in value has occurred. When proved reserves are
assigned or a property is considered to be impaired, the cost of the property or
the amount of the impairment will be added to the capitalized costs for the
calculation of depletion.
Impairment of Property, Plant & Equipment
NAL is required to review the carrying value of all property, plant and
equipment, including the carrying value of oil and gas assets, for potential
impairment. Impairment is indicated if the carrying value of the long-lived oil
and gas asset is not recoverable by the future undiscounted cash flows. If
impairment is indicated, the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the
estimated fair value of the property, plant and equipment is charged to net
income.
The cash flows used in the impairment assessment require management to make
assumptions and estimates about recoverable reserves (see "Proved Oil and Gas
Reserves" above), future commodity prices and operating costs. Changes in any of
the assumptions, such as a downward revision in reserves, a decrease in future
commodity prices, or an increase in operating costs could result in an
impairment of an asset's carrying value.
Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to impairment tests annually, or as economic events dictate,
by comparing the fair value of the reporting entity to its carrying value,
including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting entity is less than its
carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized as the excess of the
carrying value of the goodwill over the implied value of the goodwill. The
determination of fair value requires management to make assumptions and
estimates about recoverable reserves (see the "Proved Oil and Gas Reserves"
discussion above), future commodity prices, operating costs, production profiles
and discount rates. Adverse changes in any of these assumptions could result in
an impairment of all or a portion of the goodwill carrying value in future
periods.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
NAL utilizes financial derivatives to manage market risk. The purpose of hedging
activity is to provide an element of stability to NAL's cash flow in a volatile
market environment. NAL recognizes the fair value of derivative contracts on its
balance sheet with the change in fair value recognized in net income of the
period. The fair value of commodity derivative contracts is based on forward
commodity prices. The fair value of interest rate derivative contracts is based
on forward interest rates. The fair value of foreign exchange derivative
contracts is based on forward exchange rates. Any change in commodity prices,
interest rates and foreign exchange rates will impact the fair value of the
contracts and therefore net income of the period.
Asset Retirement Obligation
NAL is required to recognize and measure liabilities associated with capital
assets. A liability is recognized equal to the discounted fair value of the
obligation in the period in which the asset is recorded with an equal offset to
the carrying amount of the asset. The liability then accretes to its fair value
with the passage of time. Management is required to estimate the timing and
future costs to settle liabilities. Changes in the estimated future costs, the
timing of these costs, and the discount and inflation rate will impact the
liability, related asset and expense.
Acquisitions
Acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method using fair values.
The determination of fair value involves numerous estimates. The valuation of
petroleum and natural gas assets is based on NAL's estimate of P+P reserves
using estimated forecasted prices at the time of the transaction, plus an
estimate of unproved properties. Management also estimates the fair value of
other assets and liabilities in these transactions and the balances for tax
pools. This valuation could differ materially by altering the various
assumptions which would have impacted the composition of the balance sheet.
Legal, Environmental Remediation and Other Contingent Matters
NAL is required to determine whether a loss is probable based on judgment, the
interpretation of laws and regulations and whether the loss can reasonably be
estimated. When the loss is determined, it is charged to net income. NAL's
management must continually monitor known and potential contingent matters and
make appropriate provisions by charges to earnings when warranted by
circumstances.
Income Tax Accounting
The determination of NAL's income and other tax liabilities requires
interpretation of complex laws and regulations often involving multiple
jurisdictions. All tax filings are subject to audit and potential reassessments
after the lapse of considerable time. Accordingly, the actual income tax
liability may differ significantly from that estimated and recorded by
management.
Future income taxes are recognized for temporary differences arising in the
Corporation and its subsidiaries. Should the assumptions underlying the estimate
of the reversal of temporary differences change, including future commodity
prices, capital expenditures and reserves, future taxes recorded may be adjusted
for the Corporation.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS/FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
In February 2008, the Accounting Standards Board confirmed that the transition
date to IFRS from Canadian GAAP will be January 1, 2011 for publicly accountable
enterprises. Therefore, the Corporation is required to report its results in
accordance with IFRS starting in 2011, with comparative disclosure for 2010.
The Corporation had an IFRS conversion plan and had established timelines for
the completion and execution of the conversion project. The conversion plan
included the following phases:
1) An IFRS diagnostic phase which involved a high level assessment of the
differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS, identifying major impact areas.
2) An in-depth review of GAAP differences and determination of transition policy
choices as well as ongoing IFRS accounting policies.
3) The implementation phase where solutions are being developed and assessed.
This involves an evaluation of information systems, business processes,
procedures, internal controls and training to support the new accounting
requirements.
4) A post implementation phase which involves the parallel running of 2010
financial results, the preparation of IFRS financial statements and disclosures
and a review of processes and controls to make any required changes.
As at December 31, 2010, NAL has made significant progress on its changeover
plan, and has substantially completed its conversion to IFRS.
Regular reporting on the status of IFRS has been provided to the Board of
Directors through the Audit Committee. In addition, the Corporation has actively
engaged its auditors in the conversion project and will continue to engage them
in ongoing discussions as the project progresses.
NAL commenced its IFRS conversion project in 2009 and internal staff was
assigned to lead the transition project, supplemented with consultants as
required. Training of key internal finance and accounting personnel was
completed both through external IFRS oil and gas training and internal training.
Training and education continues to be expanded to other key personnel within
the organization.
The IFRS implementation is not considered to have a significant impact on NAL's
various business activities, including banking arrangements, compensation
arrangements and risk management agreements.
Financial systems have been modified to accommodate the reporting of both
Canadian GAAP financial results and IFRS financial results in 2010. In addition,
modifications have been made to ensure data is captured with the added level of
granularity required under IFRS. Other IT systems that capture data used in the
financial system are under review as to whether any modifications are still
required.
Internal business processes and controls have been assessed, developed and
continue to be enhanced to enable the collection of information so that data can
be attained in the manner necessary to report under IFRS. As processes are
developed or amended, internal controls are being assessed to determine any
required changes. This has been, and continues to be, an ongoing process to
ensure all changes in accounting policies include appropriate controls and
procedures.
The Corporation has completed its January 1, 2010 IFRS opening balance sheet
based on its draft accounting policies.
NAL continues to monitor new and amended accounting standards issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board to determine the impact on the
Corporation's results, if any.
Significant Accounting Policy Differences
NAL's preliminary assessment of the impact of adopting IFRS based on current
standards has identified several areas as potentially having the most
significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. This should not be
regarded as a complete list of changes that will result from the transition to
IFRS, but rather is intended to highlight the areas believed to be the most
significant. As our conversion is finalized additional changes will be
confirmed. These assessments are based on available information and the
Corporation's expectations as of the date of the MD&A and are therefore subject
to change based on new facts and circumstances.
IFRS 1 provides entities adopting IFRS for the first time with a number of
optional exemptions and mandatory exceptions, in certain areas, to the full
retrospective application of IFRS. Most adjustments required on transition to
IFRS will be made against retained earnings in the comparative balance sheet.
We have identified the following significant differences between our current
accounting policies and those required or expected to apply in preparing IFRS
financial statements. The estimated impact to the comparative financial
statements for 2010 is discussed for certain of these differences.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Corporation, like many other Canadian oil and gas reporting issuers, applies
the "full cost" accounting methodology to its oil and gas assets. Under full
cost, capital expenditures are maintained in a single cost centre for each
country, and the cost centre is subject to a single depletion calculation, on a
unit of production basis using proved reserves, and a single impairment test.
Upon transition, NAL will be required to adopt new accounting policies,
including pre exploration costs, exploration costs and development costs.
Capital expenditures will have to be segregated between pre exploration costs,
exploration and evaluation ("E&E") and development and production ("D&P")
assets. In addition, assets will have to be aggregated at a component level.
Pre-explorations costs are required to be expensed. For 2010 these expenditures
for NAL were minimal.
E&E costs are those expenditures for which technical feasibility and commercial
viability have not yet been determined. These costs will initially be
capitalized as E&E assets. When technical feasibility and commercial viability
have been determined, the costs are transferred to PP&E. Currently E&E assets
are comprised primarily of certain possible reserves on acquisitions of
approximately $86.5 million. Consistent with Canadian GAAP, these costs will not
be depleted.
D&P assets representing property, plant and equipment will be depleted on a unit
of production basis, by component. NAL has defined components to be at an area
level. In addition, depletion will be calculated based on proved plus probable
reserves. As a result of depleting on a proved plus probable basis, and all
other things being equal, depletion expense will be lower than when depletion
expense is calculated on proved reserves under Canadian GAAP.
The Corporation is taking advantage of an IFRS 1 exemption on transition to IFRS
which allows NAL to deem its carrying value of PP&E under IFRS to remain the
same as Canadian GAAP, subject to an impairment test. The Canadian carrying
value is allocated to the component areas and cash generating units based on the
relative reserve values of the properties as at January 1, 2010. No impairment
has been noted by NAL on transition to IFRS.
When NAL divests of properties under Canadian GAAP, there is no requirement to
recognize a gain or loss, unless depletion rates change by more than 20 percent.
Under IFRS, a gain or loss must be calculated. During 2010 certain divestments
were completed by NAL. It is anticipated these divestments will result in gains
recognized in net income.
Farm-outs and property swaps under IFRS will also result in a gain or loss
recognized in net income. During 2010 NAL did not undertake any material farm
outs or property swaps.
Impairment
Under Canadian GAAP, an impairment test was completed for the one full cost
pool. Impairment losses under Canadian GAAP are not reversed once recognized.
Impairment tests under IFRS are to be calculated at a cash generating unit level
("CGU"), which is defined as the lowest level of assets that produce independent
cash inflows. The Corporation has identified its CGU's for this purpose. An
impairment test must be performed when indicators suggest there may be
impairment. In addition, the recognition of impairment in a prior period must be
reversed should impairment conditions reverse at a depleted value.
An impairment test has been performed individually for all CGU's on transition
with no impairment noted. Given the decrease in gas prices throughout 2010, it
is anticipated that NAL will recognize an impairment loss during 2010 in the
comparative financial statements.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Under Canadian GAAP, ARO is measured at the estimated fair value of expenditures
expected to be incurred and discounted at a credit adjusted rate. This value is
not re-measured for a change in discount rate.
On transition to IFRS, the Corporation has selected an IFRS 1 exemption allowing
for the ARO liability to be measured in accordance with IFRS as at January 1,
2010 with the offset to retained earnings.
Under IFRS, the liability is re-measured each period end at the current discount
rate. Within the industry, there is debate on interpretation of the IFRS
standard and whether the discount rate can include a component related to the
entity's own credit risk. Not including this component would decrease the
discount rate, thereby significantly increasing the provision on transition to
IFRS, with a corresponding charge to a retained earnings or deficit. The
Corporation has selected a current policy of including the credit component in
the rate, resulting in approximately a $6.5 million increase in the liability on
transition.
Further, onerous contracts require identification and, to the extent they exist,
must be recorded as a liability on the balance sheet. On transition, no onerous
contracts exist that would require recognition under IFRS for the Corporation.
Convertible Debentures
The Corporation has elected to mark to market the convertible debentures under
IFRS. On transition to IFRS, as the convertible debentures are marked to market,
the entire $12 million equity component under Canadian GAAP is eliminated and
the debt is increased by approximately $26 million.
On conversion to a corporation, there is a requirement to bifurcate the
debentures back to their equity and debt components based on the fair value of
the debenture at December 31, 2010.
Deferred Income Taxes
In transitioning to IFRS, the Corporation's deferred tax liability will be
impacted by the tax effects resulting from the IFRS changes discussed in this
section of the MD&A.
In addition, deferred income taxes are impacted due to the requirement under
IFRS to apply the highest applicable tax rate to the temporary differences in
question, rather than the most likely rate under Canadian GAAP. As a result,
deferred taxes on the balance sheet will increase, due to an increase in the
expected tax rate of approximately 39 percent for trust entities.
It is anticipated that on transition to IFRS the deferred tax liability will
decrease by approximately $5 million.
On conversion to a corporation, it is expected that the tax rate will decrease
to approximately 25 percent, therefore reducing deferred taxes.
Share Based Compensation
Under IFRS the Corporation is required to fair value its share based
compensation and to include a forfeiture feature, which the Corporation did not
include under Canadian GAAP. This change will only impact the timing of
recognition of the expense, as on vesting all phantom shares are paid out in
cash and the cash amount will not change. There will be no significant impact on
transition.
Other IFRS 1 Considerations
IFRS will allow the Corporation to use IFRS rules for business combinations on a
prospective basis rather than restating all prior business combinations. The
Corporation has elected this exemption on transition to IFRS. The Corporation is
currently evaluating acquisitions during the 2010 year to determine if they are
business or asset acquisitions in nature.
Trust units
In accordance with IFRS, trust units may have to be presented as debt if the
terms and conditions of such instruments meet the definition of a financial
liability. NAL has reviewed the terms and conditions of its Trust Indenture and
has determined that presentation of the units as equity is appropriate.
Dated: March 9, 2011
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of dollars) (unaudited)
As at As at
December 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash $ 821 $ 1,604
Accounts receivable 57,839 61,631
Prepaids and other receivables 14,532 15,663
Derivative contracts (Note 15) 422 6,285
Future income tax asset (Note 14) 3,830 3,132
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
77,444 88,315
Derivative contracts (Note 15) - 2,461
Future income tax asset (Note 14) 17,152 -
Goodwill 14,722 14,722
Property, plant and equipment (Notes 4 and 6) 1,503,546 1,503,952
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,612,864 $ 1,609,450
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 100,837 $ 110,897
Note payable (Note 5) - 8,907
Dividends payable to shareholders 13,252 12,372
Derivative contracts (Note 15) 7,819 11,231
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
121,908 143,407
Bank debt (Note 7) 266,965 230,713
Convertible debentures (Note 8) 181,672 177,977
Derivative contracts (Note 15) 2,503 -
Other liabilities (Note 9) 3,057 7,643
Asset retirement obligations (Note 11) 144,738 127,872
Future income tax liability (Note 14) - 24,778
Non-controlling interest (Note 12) - 2,868
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
720,843 715,258
Shareholders' equity
Share capital (Note 13) 879,393 -
Unitholders' capital (Note 13) - 1,482,029
Equity component of convertible debentures
(Note 8) 12,628 12,628
Deficit (Notes 1 and 13) - (600,465)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
892,021 894,192
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,612,864 $ 1,609,450
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments (Note 16)
Subsequent event (Note 17)
Common shares outstanding (000s) 147,248 137,471
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS), COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND
DEFICIT
(thousands of dollars, except per unit amounts) (unaudited)
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue
Oil, natural gas and
liquid sales $ 118,493 $ 113,008 $ 497,538 $ 365,760
Crown royalties (14,661) (13,767) (65,032) (44,684)
Freehold and other
royalties (5,718) (7,439) (23,585) (21,214)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
98,114 91,802 408,921 299,862
Gain (loss) on
derivative contracts
(Note 15):
Realized gain 6,404 10,931 24,446 79,671
Unrealized loss (20,269) (14,812) (7,415) (68,299)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(13,865) (3,881) 17,031 11,372
Other income 862 244 1,403 1,632
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
85,111 88,165 427,355 312,866
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Operating 26,869 24,184 117,523 97,240
Transportation 1,605 1,531 6,501 4,673
General and
administrative 4,473 5,418 16,393 16,171
Share-based incentive
compensation (Note 10) 2,076 1,916 3,170 8,781
Corporate conversion
costs 1,323 - 1,483 -
Interest on bank debt 3,207 2,713 11,794 10,399
Interest and accretion
on convertible
debentures 4,151 2,500 16,562 7,676
Bad debt recovery - (296) - (296)
Depletion, depreciation
and amortization 59,182 50,783 251,343 182,979
Accretion on asset
retirement obligations 4,078 2,139 12,112 7,856
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
106,964 90,888 436,881 335,479
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before taxes and
non-controlling interest (21,853) (2,723) (9,526) (22,613)
Income tax recovery 786 1 782 2
Future income tax
reduction 15,229 9,004 41,154 34,770
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income tax
reduction (Note 14) 16,015 9,005 41,936 34,772
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before
non-controlling interest (5,838) 6,282 32,410 12,159
Non-controlling interest
(Note 12) 1,634 (648) - (2,959)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) and
comprehensive income
(loss) (4,204) 5,634 32,410 9,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, beginning of
period (679,926) (573,474) (600,465) (489,512)
Net income (loss) (4,204) 5,634 32,410 9,200
Distributions declared
(Note 13) (39,702) (32,625) (155,777) (120,153)
Reclassification of
deficit to capital
pursuant to
Reorganization (Note 1) 723,832 - 723,832 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, end of period $ - $(600,465) $ - $(600,465)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) per
share (Note 13)
Basic $ (0.03) $ 0.05 $ 0.23 $ 0.09
Diluted $ (0.03) $ 0.05 $ 0.23 $ 0.09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares
outstanding (000s) 146,948 118,174 143,913 107,157
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of dollars) (unaudited)
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net income $ (4,204) $ 5,634 $ 32,410 $ 9,200
Items not involving cash:
Depletion, depreciation and
amortization 59,182 50,783 251,343 182,979
Accretion on asset
retirement obligations 4,078 2,139 12,112 7,856
Unrealized loss on
derivative contracts 20,269 14,812 7,415 68,299
Future income tax reduction (15,229) (9,004) (41,154) (34,770)
Non-cash accretion expense
on convertible
debentures 1,023 582 4,040 1,722
Non-controlling interest 191 252 - 1,040
Lease amortization (430) (149) (1,655) (366)
Abandonment and reclamation (2,930) (2,096) (6,617) (5,219)
Change in non-cash working
capital 3,134 (9,893) (3,754) 5,554
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
65,084 53,060 254,140 236,295
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Distributions paid to
shareholders (32,372) (26,078) (129,559) (111,256)
Increase (decrease) in bank
debt 31,949 (110,660) 36,252 (224,952)
Issue of trust units, net of
issue costs (6) (16) 94,466 81,577
Note repayment from MFC (Note
5) - - - 49,599
Partnership distribution paid
to MFC - (1,250) - (54,552)
Issuance of convertible
debentures - 110,287 (345) 110,287
Change in non-cash working
capital - (85) - (5,700)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(429) (27,802) 814 (154,997)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant
and equipment (26,175) (36,764) (203,038) (133,028)
Property acquisitions (23,227) - (68,607) (2,800)
Proceeds from dispositions 7,264 17,255 22,178 17,521
Acquisition of Breaker (Note 4) - (1,500) (901) (1,500)
Acquisition of Clipper (Note 4) - (68) - (901)
Disposition of Clipper (Note 4) - 1,130 - 54,432
Acquisition of Spearpoint
(Note 4) - - - (9,749)
Disposition of Spearpoint
(Note 4) - (8) (309) 6,764
Change in non-cash working
capital (21,642) (8,703) (4,968) (16,017)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(63,780) (28,658) (255,645) (85,278)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash 875 (3,400) (691) (3,980)
Cash, beginning of period 38 5,004 1,604 5,584
Dissolution of the
Partnership (Note 5) (92) - (92) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, end of period $ 821 $ 1,604 $ 821 $ 1,604
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplementary disclosure of
cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during
the period for:
Interest $ 9,736 $ 1,892 $ 29,044 $ 16,053
Tax $ (698) $ (238) $ (196) $ (516)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to Notes 4, 11 and 13 for significant non-cash amounts not included in
the cash flow statement.
See accompanying notes.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
(Tabular amounts in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
NAL Energy Corporation ("NAL" or the "Corporation") is engaged in the
exploration for, and the development and production of natural gas, natural gas
liquids and crude oil in Western Canada. The Corporation resulted from a
reorganization effective December 31, 2010 as part of a Plan of Arrangement
involving, among others, NAL Oil & Gas Trust (the "Trust"), the Corporation, and
the security holders of the Trust ("Reorganization").
Pursuant to the Reorganization, the Trust was restructured from an open-ended
unincorporated trust to NAL Energy Corporation, a publicly traded exploration
and development corporation. Unitholders of the Trust received one common share
of the Corporation for every trust unit that the Trust held. The Corporation and
its subsidiaries now carry on the business formerly carried on by the Trust and
its subsidiaries. The outstanding convertible debentures of the Trust were
assumed by NAL and are now convertible into common shares of the Corporation,
rather than trust units of the Trust, with the same terms and conditions as
those previously agreed to by the Trust.
Pursuant to the Reorganization, share capital was reduced by the amount of the
deficit of the Trust on December 31, 2010.
The Reorganization to a corporation has been accounted for on a continuity of
interest basis and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for 2010
and 2009 reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as
if the Corporation had carried on the business formerly carried on by the Trust.
References to NAL or the Corporation in these financial statements for periods
prior to December 31, 2010 are references to the Trust and for periods after
December 30, 2010 are references to NAL Energy Corporation. Additionally, NAL or
the Corporation refers to shares, shareholders, and dividends which are
comparable to units, unitholders and distributions previously under the Trust.
The Corporation, as with the Trust, continues to be managed by NAL Resources
Management Limited (the "Manager"). The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC") and manages, on their behalf, NAL
Resources Limited ("NAL Resources"), another wholly-owned subsidiary of MFC. NAL
Resources and the Corporation maintain ownership interests in many of the same
oil and natural gas properties. NAL Resources operates these properties on
behalf of the Corporation and MFC. As a result, a significant portion of the net
operating revenues and capital expenditures represent joint operations amounts
from NAL Resources. These transactions are in the normal course of joint
operations and are based on the original exchange amounts established through
transactions with third parties.
2) SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The Corporation's consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian
dollars and have been prepared by management in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in Canada and they include the accounts
of the Corporation and its subsidiary entities. All inter-entity transactions
and balances have been eliminated. Effective January 1, 2011, the Corporation
will be required to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimated. In
particular, the amounts recorded for depletion and depreciation of property,
plant and equipment and for the accretion of asset retirement obligations are
based on estimates of reserves and future costs. The amounts recorded for
share-based incentive compensation are based on quotes for the price of common
shares and performance factors. The fair value estimates for commodity
derivatives are based on expected future oil and natural gas prices and expected
volatility in these prices while the fair value of interest rate derivatives are
based on expected future interest rates and the fair value of foreign exchange
rate derivatives are based on expected future exchange rates. The amount
recorded for goodwill is based on estimates of the fair value of identifiable
assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition, and is subject to impairment
testing which is based on estimates of reserves, future commodity prices, future
costs, production profiles, discount rates and other relevant assumptions. The
ceiling test calculation is based on estimates of reserves, production rates,
oil and natural gas prices, future costs and other relevant assumptions. Future
income taxes are based on estimates as to the timing of the reversal of
temporary differences, and tax rates currently substantively enacted. By their
nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and may impact
the consolidated financial statements of future periods.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Corporation follows the full cost method of accounting for petroleum and
natural gas properties, whereby all costs of acquiring petroleum and natural gas
properties and related development costs are capitalized and accumulated in one
cost centre. Such costs include land acquisition, geological and geophysical
expenditures, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells,
related plant and production equipment costs and related overhead charges.
Proceeds from the sale of petroleum and natural gas properties are applied
against capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such sale
would alter the depletion rate by 20 percent or more.
Depletion of petroleum and natural gas properties and depreciation of equipment
is calculated using the unit of production method based on total proved reserves
before royalties, as determined by independent petroleum engineers. Natural gas
reserves are converted to barrels of oil equivalent based on relative energy
content (6:1). The depletion base includes capitalized costs, plus future costs
to be incurred in developing proved reserves and excludes the unimpaired cost of
undeveloped land and other unproved costs. Costs associated with undeveloped
land and other unproved costs are not subject to depletion and are assessed
periodically to assess whether impairment has occurred. When proved reserves are
assigned or the value of the unproved property is considered to be impaired, the
cost of the undeveloped land or the amount of impairment is added to the costs
subject to depletion.
Petroleum and natural gas properties are evaluated in each reporting period to
determine that the carrying amount in a cost centre is recoverable and does not
exceed the fair value of the properties in the cost centre.
The carrying amount of petroleum and natural gas properties is assessed to be
recoverable when the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected from the
production of proved reserves plus the lower of cost and market of undeveloped
land, exceeds the carrying amount. When the carrying amount is not assessed to
be recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying
amount of the cost centre exceeds the sum of the discounted cash flows expected
from the production of proved and probable reserves, plus the lower of cost and
market of undeveloped land. The cash flows are estimated using expected future
commodity prices and costs and discounted using a risk-free rate.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Corporation recognizes the fair value of an asset retirement obligation in
the period in which it is incurred, on a discounted basis, with a corresponding
increase to the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment. The asset
recorded is depleted on a unit of production basis over the life of the
reserves. The liability amount is increased each reporting period due to the
passage of time and the amount of accretion is charged to income in the period.
Revisions to the estimated timing of cash flows or to the original estimated
undiscounted cost could also result in an increase or decrease to the
obligation. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the retirement obligation
are charged against the obligation to the extent of the liability recorded.
Income Taxes
The Corporation follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, income tax liabilities and assets are recognized for
the estimated tax consequences attributable to differences between the amounts
reported in the Corporation's and the Corporation's subsidiaries financial
statements and their respective tax bases, using substantively enacted income
tax rates. The effect of the change in income tax rates on future income tax
liabilities and assets is recognized in income in the period that the change
occurs. A valuation allowance is recorded against any future income tax assets
if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Prior to the
Reorganization in December 2010, the Trust was a taxable entity under the
Canadian Income Tax Act and was taxable only on income that was not distributed
or distributable to unitholders.
Financial Instruments
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset to
one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument to another entity.
Upon initial recognition, financial instruments, including derivatives, are
recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Subsequent measurement is then
dependent on the financial instruments being classified into one of five
categories: held for trading, held to maturity, loans and receivables, available
for sale or other liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents have been designated as
held for trading which are measured at fair value. Accounts receivable are
classified as loans and receivables which are measured at amortized cost.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable, notes payable and
bank debt are classified as other liabilities which are measured at amortized
cost, which is determined using the effective interest method. The convertible
debentures are classified as debt on the balance sheet with a portion of the
proceeds allocated to equity. The debt component has been measured at amortized
cost.
All derivative contracts are classified as held for trading and are recorded on
the balance sheet at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized in
net income, unless specific hedge criteria are met. The Corporation has entered
into certain derivative contracts in order to reduce its exposure to market
risks from fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign
exchange. These instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes.
The Corporation has not designated its derivative contracts as effective
accounting hedges, even though the Corporation considers all derivative
contracts to be effective economic hedges. Therefore, changes in the fair value
of the derivative contracts are recognized in net income for the period.
Proceeds and costs realized from holding the derivative contracts are recognized
in net income at the time each transaction under a contract is settled. The fair
value of derivative contracts is based on an approximation of the amounts that
would be received or paid to settle these instruments at the end of the period,
with reference to forward commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest
rates.
The Corporation will assess at each reporting period whether a financial asset
is impaired. An impairment loss, if any, is included in net income.
Transaction costs are frequently attributed to the issue of a financial asset or
liability. The Corporation has selected a policy of netting all transaction
costs with the related financial assets and liabilities, and recording its bank
debt net of deferred interest payments. In accordance with this policy
convertible debentures are presented net of issue costs and bank debt is
presented net of deferred interest payments, with interest recognized in net
income on an effective interest basis.
The Corporation applies trade date accounting for the recognition of a purchase
or sale of short term investments and derivative contracts.
The Corporation measures and recognizes embedded derivatives separately from
host contracts when the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded
derivative are not closely related to those of the host contract, when it meets
the definition of a derivative, and when the contract is not measured at fair
value. Embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value.
Joint Operations
Substantially all development and production activities are conducted jointly
with others and, accordingly, these financial statements reflect only the
Corporation's proportionate interests in such activities.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of petroleum and natural gas are recorded when title
passes to the purchaser and if collection is reasonably assured.
Share-Based Incentive Compensation
The Manager has established a share-based incentive compensation plan (the
"Plan") for all employees. Under the Plan, employees receive cash compensation
based upon the value and overall return of a specified number of awarded
notional common shares on a fixed vesting date. The notional common shares are
in the form of Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and Performance Share Units
("PSUs"). Dividends paid on the Corporation's outstanding common shares during
the vesting period are assumed to be reinvested in the awarded notional common
shares on the date of distribution. Compensation expense is determined using the
liability method and incorporates the common share price and the number of RSUs
and PSUs outstanding at each period end. In addition, for the PSUs there is a
performance multiplier which is based on the Corporation's performance relative
to its peers and may range from zero to two times the value of the notional
common shares held at vesting.
Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period and is determined
based on the market price of the notional common shares at each period end and
an expected performance multiplier with a corresponding increase or decrease in
liabilities. Classification between current liabilities and long-term
liabilities is dependent on the expected payout date.
The Corporation charges the accrued compensation amounts relating to head office
employees to general and administrative expenses, the amounts relating to field
staff to operating costs, and the amounts relating to exploitation and
development personnel to property, plant and equipment.
The Corporation has not incorporated an estimated forfeiture rate for common
shares that will not vest and accounts for actual forfeitures as they occur.
Basic and Diluted per Share
Basic per share amounts, and prior to the Reorganization, per unit amounts, are
calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common
shares/trust units outstanding. Diluted net income per share/unit is calculated
using the "if converted method" to determine the dilutive effects of the
convertible debentures. Dilutive shares/trust units are arrived at by taking the
weighted average shares/trust units and the shares/trust units issuable on
conversion of the convertible debentures, giving effect to the potential
dilution that would occur had conversion occurred at the beginning of the period
or on issuance of the convertible instrument, whichever is later. Interest and
accretion on convertible debentures is added back to net income in calculating
diluted net income per share/unit.
Goodwill
Goodwill is recorded on a business acquisition when the total purchase price
exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities of the
acquired business. The goodwill balance is not amortized but, instead, is
assessed for impairment annually at year-end, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. To assess
impairment, the fair value of the reporting entity, deemed to be the
consolidated Corporation, is compared to the carrying value of the reporting
entity. If the fair value of the Corporation is less than the carrying value,
then a second test is performed to determine the amount of impairment. Any
impairment is measured by allocating the fair value of the consolidated
Corporation to the identifiable assets and liabilities as if the Corporation had
been acquired in a business combination for a purchase price equal to its fair
value. The excess of the fair value of the consolidated Corporation over the
amounts assigned to the identifiable assets and liabilities is the implied value
of the goodwill. Any excess of the book value of goodwill over the implied value
of goodwill is the impairment amount. Any impairment will be charged to net
income in the period in which it occurs.
3) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND CHANGES
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
On February 13, 2008, the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) confirmed that the
changeover to IFRS from Canadian GAAP will be required for publicly accountable
enterprises for interim and annual financial statements, effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, including comparatives for 2010.
The objective is to improve financial reporting by having a single set of
accounting standards that are comparable with other entities on an international
basis. The transition from current Canadian GAAP to IFRS is a significant
undertaking that will materially affect the Corporation's reported financial
position and results of operations. The Corporation continues to monitor
standards developments issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
and the AcSB, as well as regulatory developments issued by the Canadian
Securities Administrators which may affect the timing, nature or disclosure of
its adoption of IFRS.
4) CORPORATE ACQUISITIONS
i) Breaker Energy Ltd.
Effective December 11, 2009, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Breaker Energy Ltd. ("Breaker"), which has
interests in petroleum and natural gas properties and undeveloped land in
Alberta and northeast British Columbia.
The Corporation issued 24.8 million shares at a price of $12.45 per share for
total consideration, before acquisition costs, of $308.5 million. The share
price was based on the weighted average market price of shares at the date of
announcement, being October 13, 2009.
The results of Breaker have been included in the accounts of the Corporation
from December 11, 2009. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting. The fair values assigned to the net assets, and the
consideration paid by the Corporation, are as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets acquired:
Working capital deficiency $ (13,270)
Property, plant and equipment 485,844
Future income taxes (37,118)
Excess office lease obligation(1) (4,396)
Asset retirement obligations (25,703)
Bank debt (94,481)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 310,876
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consideration:
Issuance of common shares $ 308,475
Acquisition costs 2,401
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 310,876
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Represents the present value of an estimated loss on an office lease
obligation.
ii) Spearpoint Energy Corp.
Effective August 10, 2009, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Spearpoint Energy Corp. ("Spearpoint") for cash of
$10.6 million, prior to acquisition costs.
The results of Spearpoint have been included in the accounts of the Corporation
from August 10, 2009. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting. The fair values assigned to the net assets, and the
consideration paid by the Corporation, are as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets acquired:
Cash $ 1,201
Working capital deficiency (1,390)
Property, plant and equipment 16,999
Future income taxes 525
Asset retirement obligations (685)
Note payable (5,700)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 10,950
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consideration:
Cash $ 10,590
Acquisition costs 360
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 10,950
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concurrent with the acquisition, the Corporation entered into a purchase and
sale agreement (the "Spearpoint PSA") with MFC, pursuant to which MFC acquired a
40 percent working interest in all of the Spearpoint petroleum and natural gas
properties and the associated farm-in agreement for a base price of $6.5 million
payable in cash.
As a result, after taking into effect the MFC disposition, the Corporation
acquired property, plant and equipment of $10.3 million and a future income tax
asset of $0.5 million and assumed a note payable of $5.7 million, asset
retirement obligations of $0.4 million and a working capital deficiency of $0.2
million, for consideration of $4.5 million.
iii) Alberta Clipper Energy Inc.
Effective June 1, 2009, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Alberta Clipper Energy Inc. ("Clipper"), which has
interests in petroleum and natural gas properties and undeveloped land in
Alberta and northeast British Columbia.
As consideration the Corporation issued 5.7 million shares at a price of $6.45
per share for total consideration, before acquisition costs, of $36.6 million.
The share price was based on the weighted average market price of shares at the
date of announcement, being March 23, 2009. This purchase price included the
assumption of $78.9 million in bank debt.
The results of Clipper have been included in the accounts of the Corporation
from June 1, 2009. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. The fair values assigned to the net assets, and the consideration
paid by the Corporation, are as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets acquired:
Working capital deficiency(1) $ (3,998)
Derivative contract 408
Property, plant and equipment 118,125
Future income taxes 17,858
Excess office lease obligation(2) (1,446)
Asset retirement obligations (14,592)
Bank debt (78,852)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 37,503
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consideration:
Issuance of shares $ 36,600
Acquisition costs 903
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 37,503
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes cash of $2,000.
(2) Represents the present value of an estimated loss on an office lease
obligation.
Concurrent with the acquisition, the Corporation entered into a purchase and
sale agreement ("PSA") with MFC, pursuant to which MFC acquired a 50% working
interest in the Clipper petroleum and natural gas properties for a cash base
price of $52.5 million. The cash received from MFC was used to partially repay
the assumed bank debt.
As a result, after taking into effect the MFC disposition, the Corporation
acquired property, plant and equipment of $56.5 million, a derivative contract
of $0.4 million and a future tax asset of $17.9 million and assumed asset
retirement obligations of $7.3 million, bank debt of $26.4 million, a working
capital deficiency of $2.1 million and a lease obligation of $1.5 million, for
consideration of $37.5 million, including estimated acquisition costs.
5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Corporation is managed by the Manager. The Manager is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MFC and also manages on their behalf NAL Resources, another
wholly-owned subsidiary of MFC.
The Manager continues to provide certain services to the Corporation pursuant to
an Administrative Services and Cost Sharing Agreement. This agreement requires
the Corporation to reimburse the Manager, at cost, for general and
administrative ("G&A") expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of the
Corporation. The Corporation paid $3.4 million (2009 - $3.9 million) for the
reimbursement of G&A expenses during the fourth quarter and $13.9 million (2009
- $12.6 million) for 2010. The Corporation also pays the Manager its share of
share-based compensation expense when cash compensation is paid to employees
under the terms of the Manager's incentive compensation plans, of which, $7.1
million has been paid in 2010 relating to notional shares that vested on
November 30, 2009 (2009 - $2.3 million).
In conjunction with the Reorganization, a partnership that was jointly owned by
the Corporation and MFC was dissolved on December 31, 2010. This Partnership
held the assets acquired from the acquisitions of Tiberius and Spear in February
2008.
Prior to December 31, 2010 the Corporation, by virtue of being the owner of the
general partner of the Partnership, was required to consolidate the results of
the Partnership into its financial statements on the basis that the Corporation
had control over the Partnership. The 2009 financial statements of the
Corporation therefore reflect all the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
of the Partnership, of which 50 percent are effectively removed through the
non-controlling interest. As a result of the Partnership dissolution on December
31, 2010, the Corporation only reflects its proportionate share of the
Partnership's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the December 31,
2010 financial statements.
As a part of the original structuring of the Partnership in 2008, both the
Corporation and MFC entered into net profit interest royalty agreements with the
Partnership. These agreements entitled each royalty holder to a 49.5 percent
interest in the cash flow from the Partnership's reserves. In exchange for this
interest, the royalty holders each paid $49.6 million to the Partnership by way
of promissory notes in 2008. Although the MFC note resided in the Partnership,
it was consolidated.
During the first quarter of 2009, MFC repaid the note receivable to the
Partnership for $49.6 million. The note receivable bore interest at prime plus
three percent. The Partnership then paid an equal distribution of $49.6 million
to MFC. This resulted in a $49.6 million reduction to the non-controlling
interest (Note 12).
During 2010 the Partnership did not pay any distributions to its partners (MFC's
2009 share being - $5.0 million) (Note 12).
In addition, in the Partnership there was a note payable to MFC, which was
settled on dissolution. At December 31, 2009, the note payable of $8.9 million
was included on consolidation of the Partnership, but was effectively eliminated
through the non-controlling interest. The note was due on demand, unsecured and
bore interest at prime plus three percent.
The following amounts are due to and from related parties as at December 31,
2010 and 2009 and have been included in prepaids and other receivables, note
receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and note payable on the
balance sheet:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due from (to) NAL Resources Limited(1) $ 8,058 $ 1,731
Due to NAL Resources Management Limited (8,719) (8,753)
Due (to) from Manulife Financial Corporation(2) (265) (9,472)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (926) $ (16,494)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes base price adjustment due (to) from MFC, relating to the
Clipper and Spearpoint asset dispositions to MFC, of nil (2009 - $2.1
million) (Note 4).
(2) Included on consolidation, eliminated through non-controlling interest.
Represents note payable of $nil (2009 - $8.9 million), plus amounts due
from (to) MFC of ($0.3) million (2009 - ($0.6) million), presented in
accounts payable/ accounts receivable, relating to the net interest
and NPI amounts due.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum and natural gas properties, at cost $ 2,826,660 $ 2,579,268
Less: Accumulated depletion and depreciation (1,323,114) (1,075,316)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,503,546 $ 1,503,952
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The calculation of 2010 depletion and depreciation included future development
costs for proved reserves of $189.5 million (2009 - $209.2 million) and excluded
costs associated with undeveloped land and other unproved costs of $96.8 million
(2009 - $128.5 million).
During 2010, the Corporation acquired petroleum and natural gas properties and
equipment totaling $68.6 million. In addition, an amount of $8.2 million has
been included in property and equipment to recognize the asset retirement
obligation on these acquisitions.
During 2010, the Corporation capitalized $7.9 million (2009 - $5.6 million) of
G&A costs and $1.4 million (2009 - $3.7 million) of share-based incentive
compensation that were directly related to exploitation and development
programs.
The Corporation performed a ceiling test calculation at December 31, 2010 to
assess the recoverable value of property, plant and equipment. The oil and gas
future prices are based on the January 1, 2011 commodity price forecast of the
Corporation's independent reserve evaluators, adjusted for commodity
differentials specific to the Corporation. The following table summarizes the
benchmark prices used in the ceiling test calculation. Based on these
assumptions, the undiscounted value of net reserves from the Corporation's
proved reserves exceeded the carrying value of property, plant and equipment as
at December 31, 2010.
US$/Cdn$ AECO Gas
WTI Oil Exchange WTI Oil (Cdn$/
Year (US$/bbl) Rate (Cdn$/bbl) MMBtu)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 85.00 0.975 87.18 4.25
2012 87.70 0.975 89.95 4.90
2013 90.50 0.975 92.82 5.40
2014 93.40 0.975 95.79 5.90
2015 96.30 0.975 98.77 6.35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remainder(1) 2% 2% 2%
(1) Percentage change represents the change in each year after 2015 to the
end of the reserve life.
BANK DEBT
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production loan facility $ 266,965 $ 230,713
Working capital facility - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt outstanding $ 266,965 $ 230,713
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Corporation maintains a fully secured, extendible, revolving term credit
facility with a syndicate of Canadian chartered banks and one U.S. based lender.
As at December 31, 2010, the facility consisted of a $535 million production
facility and a $15 million working capital facility. The total amount of the
facility is determined by reference to a borrowing base. The borrowing base is
calculated by the bank syndicate and is based on the net present value of the
Corporation's oil and gas reserves and other assets. Given that the borrowing
base is dependent on the Corporation's reserves and future commodity prices,
lending limits are subject to change on renewal.
The credit facility is fully secured by first priority security interests in all
existing and future acquired properties and assets of the Corporation and its
subsidiary and affiliated entities. The facility will revolve until April 30,
2011 at which time it may be extended for a further 364-day revolving period
upon agreement between the Corporation and the bank syndicate. If the credit
facility is not extended in April 2011, the amounts outstanding at that time
will be converted to a two-year term loan. The term loan will be payable in five
equal quarterly installments commencing May 1, 2012.
Amounts are advanced under the credit facility in Canadian dollars by way of
prime interest rate based loans and by issues of bankers' acceptances and in
U.S. dollars by way of U.S. based interest rate and Libor based loans. The
interest charged on advances is at the prevailing interest rate for bankers'
acceptances, Libor loans, lenders' prime or U.S. base rates plus an applicable
margin or stamping fee. The applicable margin or stamping fee, if any, varies
based on the consolidated debt-to-cash flow ratio of the Corporation. As at
December 31, 2010 and 2009 all amounts outstanding were in Canadian dollars.
On December 31, 2010 the effective interest rate on amounts outstanding under
the credit facility was 5.16 percent (2009 - 3.27 percent). The Corporation's
interest charge includes this interest rate component, plus a standby fee, a
stamping fee and the fee for renewal.
8) CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
On August 28, 2007, the Corporation issued $100 million principal amount of 6.75
percent convertible extendible unsecured subordinated debentures, at a price of
$1,000 per debenture. Interest on these debentures is paid semi-annually in
arrears, on February 28 and August 31, and the debentures are convertible at the
option of the holder at any time into common shares at a conversion price of
$14.00 per share. The debentures mature on August 31, 2012 at which time they
are due and payable. The debentures are redeemable by the Corporation at a price
of $1,050 per debenture on or after September 1, 2010 and on or before August
31, 2011, and at a price of $1,025 per debenture on or after September 1, 2011
and on or before August 31, 2012. On redemption or maturity the Corporation may
opt to satisfy its obligation to repay the principal by issuing common shares.
On December 3, 2009, the Corporation issued $115 million principal amount of
6.25 percent convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, at a price of $1,000
per debenture. Interest on these debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears, on
June 30 and December 31, and the debentures are convertible at the option of the
holder at any time into common shares at a conversion price of $16.50 per share.
The debentures mature on December 31, 2014. The debentures are redeemable by the
Corporation at a price of $1,050 per debenture on or after January 1, 2013 and
on or before December 31, 2013, and at a price of $1,025 per debenture on or
after January 1, 2014 and on or before December 31, 2014. On redemption or
maturity the Corporation may opt to satisfy its obligation to repay the
principal by issuing common shares.
The debentures are classified as debt on the balance sheet with a portion of the
proceeds allocated to equity, representing the value of the conversion feature.
As the debentures are converted to common shares, a portion of the debt and
equity amounts will be transferred to share capital. The debt component of the
convertible debentures is carried net of issue costs. The debt balance, net of
issue costs, accretes over time to the principal amount owing on maturity. The
accretion of the debt discount and the interest paid to debenture holders are
expensed each period as part of the caption "interest and accretion on
convertible debentures" in the consolidated statement of income.
The following table reconciles the principal amount, debt component and equity
component of the convertible debentures.
2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.25% 6.75% Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, beginning of year $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
Issued during year - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, end of year $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, beginning of
year $ 102,450 $ 75,527 $ 177,977
Issued during year - - -
Issue costs (345) - (345)
Accretion 2,485 1,555 4,040
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, end of year $ 104,590 $ 77,082 $ 181,672
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, beginning of year $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
Issued during year - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, end of year $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.25% 6.75% Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, beginning of year $ - $ 79,744 $ 79,744
Issued during year 115,000 - $ 115,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, end of year $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, beginning of
year $ - $ 74,004 $ 74,004
Issued during year 106,965 - 106,965
Issue costs (4,714) - (4,714)
Accretion 199 1,523 1,722
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, end of year $ 102,450 $ 75,527 $ 177,977
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, beginning of year $ - $ 4,592 $ 4,592
Issued during year 8,036 - 8,036
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, end of year $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
9) OTHER LIABILITIES
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share-based incentive compensation (Note 10) $ 1,054 $ 3,935
Excess office lease obligations (Note 4)(1) 2,003 3,708
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,057 $ 7,643
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents the present value of the long-term portion of office lease
obligations, in excess of sub-leases, assumed on the acquisitions of
Clipper and Breaker. MFC reimbursed the Corporation for 50 percent of
the Clipper obligation of $0.5 million, under the base price adjustment
clause (Note 4).
10) SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
The Manager has a long term incentive plan under which employees receive cash
compensation based upon the value and overall return of a specified number of
awarded notional shares on a fixed vesting date. The notional share grants are
in the form of Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and Performance Share Units
("PSUs"). RSU's vest one third on November 30 in each of the three years after
the date of grant. PSUs vest on November 30, three years after the date of
grant.
Pursuant to the Reorganization, all previously issued Restricted Trust Units and
Performance Trust Units were amended such that instead of them representing one
notional unit they represent one notional share on the same terms and continue
to be governed by the same terms under the Plan.
The Corporation recorded a total compensation expense of $4.5 million in 2010,
of which $3.2 million was recorded as an expense and $1.4 million as property,
plant and equipment ($8.8 million was expensed and $3.7 million recorded as
property, plant and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2009). The
compensation expense was based on the December 31, 2010 share price of $12.95
(2009 - $13.74), accrued distributions, performance factors and the number of
shares vesting on maturity.
The following table reconciles the change in total accrued share-based incentive
compensation relating to the plan:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of year $ 16,411 $ 6,274
Increase in liability 4,510 12,461
Cash payout, relating to units vested (7,095) (2,324)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year $ 13,826 $ 16,411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current portion of liability(1) $ 12,772 $ 12,476
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term liability(2) $1,054 $3,935
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
(2) Included in other liabilities.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the Corporation's
incentive plan activity for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.
2010
--------------------------------------
Number of Number of
Restricted Performance
Shares Shares Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of year 147,057 521,669 668,726
Allocation rate change(1) 12,147 43,092 55,239
Issued 93,905 205,379 299,284
Exercised (114,131) (185,507) (299,638)
Forfeited (16,496) (41,622) (58,118)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year 122,482 543,011 665,493
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable, end of year - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Allocation rate change reflects change in proportion of expenses charged
to the Corporation from the Manager based on relative production of the
Corporation and MFC.
2009
--------------------------------------
Number of Number of
Restricted Performance
Shares Shares Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of year 87,724 344,791 432,515
Allocation rate change(1) (270) (1,063) (1,333)
Issued 163,824 338,707 502,531
Exercised (94,773) (145,583) (240,356)
Forfeited (9,448) (15,183) (24,631)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year 147,057 521,669 668,726
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable, end of year - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Allocation rate change reflects change in proportion of expenses charged
to the Corporation from the Manager based on relative production of the
Corporation and MFC.
11) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The total future asset retirement obligation was estimated based on the
Corporation's net ownership interests in oil and natural gas assets including
well sites, gathering systems and processing facilities, estimated costs to
remediate, reclaim and abandon the wells and facilities and the estimated timing
of the costs to be incurred in future periods. The Corporation has estimated the
net present value of its asset retirement obligations to be $144.7 million as at
December 31, 2010 (2009 - $127.9 million) based on a total undiscounted and
inflated amount of cash flows required to settle its asset retirement
obligations of $418.6 million (2009 - $374.8 million). These costs are expected
to be made over the next 43 years with the majority of the costs incurred
between 2012 and 2034. The Corporation's estimated credit-adjusted risk-free
rate of eight to nine percent (2009 - eight to nine percent) and an inflation
rate of two percent (2009 - two percent) were used to calculate the present
value of the asset retirement obligations.
The following table reconciles the Corporation's asset retirement obligations.
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of year $ 127,872 $ 90,844
Accretion expense 12,112 7,856
Revisions to estimates (569) 558
Liabilities incurred 4,593 1,522
Liabilities acquired, net (Notes 4 & 6) 8,218 32,311
Liabilities settled (6,617) (5,219)
Dissolution of the Partnership (Note 5) (871) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year $ 144,738 $ 127,872
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
12) NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
The Corporation had recorded a non-controlling interest in respect of the 50
percent ownership interest held by MFC in the Partnership holding the Tiberius
and Spear assets (Note 5) as at December 31, 2009. The Partnership was dissolved
on December 31, 2010 eliminating the non-controlling interest. The
non-controlling interest on the balance sheet represented 50 percent of the net
assets of the Partnership as follows:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-controlling interest, beginning of year $ 2,868 $ 56,380
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest - 1,040
Distributions to MFC(1) - (54,552)
Dissolution of the Partnership (Note 5) (2,868) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-controlling interest, end of year $ - $ 2,868
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes $49.6 million distribution paid following settlement of note
receivable (Note 5).
The non-controlling interest in the statement of income is comprised of:
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profits interest expense
(income) $(1,825) $ 396 $ - $ 1,919
Share of net income attributable
to MFC 191 252 - 1,040
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(1,634) $ 648 $ - $ 2,959
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
13) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares and
a number of preferred shares, issuable in series, limited in number to an amount
equal to not more than one-half of the common shares issued and outstanding at
the time of issuance of such preferred shares.
Common Shares of NAL Energy Corporation:
2010 2009
Shares Amount Shares Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of year - $- - $-
Issued pursuant to Reorganization
(Note1) 147,248 879,393 - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year 147,248 $ 879,393 - $-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust Units of NAL Oil & Gas Trust:
2010 2009
Units Amount Units Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of the
year 137,471 $ 1,482,029 96,181 $ 1,042,183
Equity offering 7,550 100,038 9,603 86,422
Issued on corporate
acquisitions (Note 4) - - 30,453 345,075
Less issue expenses (net
of tax of $1,392 (2009 -
$1,280) - (4,180) - (3,565)
Issued from Distribution
Reinvestment Plan 2,227 25,338 1,234 11,914
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, prior to
Reorganization 147,248 1,603,225 137,471 1,482,029
Exchanged for NAL common
shares pursuant to
Reorganization (Note 1) (147,248) (879,393) - -
Reduction in capital for
reclassification of
deficit (Note 1) - (723,832) - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of year - $ - 137,471 $ 1,482,029
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Corporation has in place a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") and a Premium
Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("Premium DRIP"). The regular DRIP entitles
shareholders to reinvest cash dividends or make optional cash payments to
acquire common shares from treasury under the DRIP at 95 percent of the average
market price with no additional fees or commissions. The average market price is
the arithmetic average of the daily volume weighted average trading price of the
common shares during a defined period before the distribution payment date.
The Premium DRIP component of the plan allows shareholders to exchange common
shares, acquired by reinvesting their cash dividends, for a cash payment from
the plan broker equal to 102 percent of the monthly dividend on the applicable
dividend payment date. The common shares issued under the Premium DRIP component
of the plan at a five percent discount to the average market price will be
delivered to the plan broker in exchange for 102 percent of the cash dividend
payable on the participant's existing common shares.
At certain times and at the discretion of management, the DRIP and Premium DRIP
may be suspended. Currently the Premium DRIP is suspended.
Cash Distributions
Prior to December 31, 2010, the Corporation was required to distribute all of
its cash available for distribution each calendar month, in accordance with the
terms of the Trust Indenture. The cash available for distribution is defined as
all cash amounts received less all costs, expenses, liabilities or obligations
of the Corporation, plus net proceeds from the issuance of units, less any
amounts the Trustee, upon recommendations of the Manager, considers it necessary
to retain. The amount considered necessary to retain includes: any costs,
expenses, liabilities or obligations which are reasonably expected to be
incurred such as for property, plant and equipment; amounts required to be
retained for repayment in order to comply with loan agreements; an allowance for
contingencies, working capital, investments or acquisitions; or any amount
appropriate to retain for a reserve to stabilize distributions. This requirement
has been eliminated with the conversion to a corporation.
Per share Information
Basic net income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of
shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted net income per share includes the
weighted average shares potentially issuable on the conversion of the
convertible debentures. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2010
and 2009, the shares potentially issuable on the conversion of the convertible
debentures are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from the calculation.
Total weighted average shares issuable on conversion of the convertible
debentures and excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation for
the three months and year ended December 31, 2010 was 12,665,697, as they were
anti-dilutive. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, an
additional 7,817,212 and 6,230,662 common shares, respectively, were excluded in
the diluted income per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. As at
December 31, 2010, the total convertible debentures outstanding were immediately
convertible to 12,665,697 shares.
Deficit
The deficit is comprised of the following:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated income $ 594,641 $ 562,231
Accumulated cash distributions (1,318,473) (1,162,696)
Reclassification of deficit to share capital
(Notes 1 and 13) 723,832 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ - $ (600,465)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Corporation has historically paid cash distributions in excess of
accumulated income as cash distributions are based on cash flow generated in the
period whereas accumulated income is based on net income which includes non-cash
items such as depletion, depreciation, accretion, future income taxes and
unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts.
14) INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements differs
from the result that would have been obtained by applying the combined federal
and provincial tax rate to the loss before taxes as follows:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before taxes $ (9,526) $ (22,613)
Statutory income tax rate 28.0% 29.0%
Expected income tax reduction (2,667) (6,558)
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Valuation allowance - (2)
Net income of the Trust (43,617) (34,844)
Rate variance 4,691 5,151
Other (343) 1,481
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current and future income tax reduction (41,936) (34,772)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The future income tax asset (liability) is comprised of:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment $ (82,365) $ (81,939)
Future tax liability resulting from different
year ends (3,476) (7,807)
Non-capital tax loss carry forward 71,581 35,777
Asset retirement obligations 36,923 31,750
Derivative contracts 2,525 621
Other 5,805 8,031
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$30,993 $ (13,567)
Valuation allowance (10,011) (8,079)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax asset $20,982 $ (21,646)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current asset (liability) $3,830 $3,132
Long-term asset (liability) $17,152 $ (24,778)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On December 31, 2010, the Corporation converted from a publicly traded mutual
fund trust to a publicly traded corporation. As a result, the future income tax
recognized at December 31, 2010 was calculated on the basis of being a
corporation.
The Corporation has non-capital loss carry forwards of $276 million of which
$1.5 million expire between 2011 and 2015, $29.3 million expire between 2016 and
2025, and $245.2 million expire after 2025.
15) FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Overview
The Corporation has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial
instruments: credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk.
This note presents information about the Corporation's exposure to each of the
above risks, the Corporation's objectives, policies and processes for measuring
and managing risk, and the Corporation's management of capital. Certain other
quantitative disclosures are included throughout these financial statements.
The Board of Directors has the responsibility to understand the principal risks
of the business and to achieve a proper balance between the risks incurred and
the potential return to shareholders. The Board of Directors have oversight for
ensuring systems are in place which effectively monitor and manage those risks
with a view to the long term viability of the Corporation.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Corporation if a customer or
counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual
obligations, and arises principally from the Corporation's receivables. The
Corporation is managed by the Manager. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of MFC and manages on its behalf NAL Resources, another wholly-owned subsidiary
of MFC. NAL Resources and the Corporation maintain ownership interests in many
of the same oil and natural gas properties in which NAL Resources is the
operator. As a result, a significant portion of the Corporation's net operating
revenues represent joint operations from NAL Resources. Accordingly, accounts
receivable include amounts due from NAL Resources for oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids sales. Oil and gas marketing is conducted by the Manager on
behalf of the Corporation and NAL Resources generally with large creditworthy
purchasers, for which the Corporation views the credit risk as low. NAL
Resources, and ultimately the Corporation, have not historically experienced any
collection issues with their oil and gas marketers. The Manager does not obtain
collateral from oil and natural gas marketers.
Cash and cash equivalents, when outstanding, consist of cash bank balances and
short-term deposits maturing in less than 90 days. Derivative contracts consist
of commodity contracts and foreign exchange rate contracts denominated in U.S.
dollars for periods of up to two years and interest rate contracts for periods
of up to five years. The Corporation manages the credit exposure related to
short-term investments and derivative contracts by dealing with established
counter-parties with high credit ratings and monitors all investments, avoiding
complex investment vehicles with higher risks such as asset backed commercial
paper. All derivative contract counterparties are Canadian chartered banks in
NAL's lending syndicate.
NAL management has reviewed its existing credit policy and has implemented more
regular reviews of purchasers to ensure credit worthiness given the current
market conditions.
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and derivatives represent the
maximum credit exposure.
The Corporation considers all amounts greater than 90 days to be past due.
Generally, the Corporation does not have amounts past due, due to receiving a
significant portion of net operating revenues from NAL Resources. No receivables
were past due as at December 31, 2010 (2009 - $0.8 million as a result of
acquisitions).
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its
financial obligations as they are due. The Corporation manages liquidity by
ensuring, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity under both
normal and stressed conditions.
The Corporation requires significant cash to fund capital programs necessary to
maintain or increase production and develop reserves, to acquire strategic oil
and gas assets, to repay maturing debt and to pay dividends.
The Corporation's capital programs are funded principally by internally
generated cash flows and undrawn committed borrowing facilities. The Corporation
also hedges a portion of its production to protect cash flow in the event of
commodity price declines. To support the capital spending program, the
Corporation maintains a fully secured, extendible, revolving term credit
facility, as outlined in Note 7.
The Corporation prepares annual capital expenditure budgets, which are regularly
monitored and updated as necessary. As well, the Manager utilizes authorizations
for expenditures on both operated and non-operated projects. Furthermore, the
Manager operates a high percentage of the Corporation's properties, which allows
for significant control over future expenditures.
The Corporation's non-derivative financial liabilities include its accounts
payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable to shareholders, bank debt
and convertible debentures. The Corporation's derivative financial liabilities
include its commodity contracts. The following table outlines cash flows
associated with the maturities of the Corporation's financial liabilities.
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at
December 31, 2010.
Non-Derivative less than
Financial Liability 1 Year 1 - 2 Years 2 - 5 Years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities $ 100,837 $ - $ -
Dividends payable to
shareholders 13,252 - -
Bank debt, principal - 160,179 106,786
Convertible
debentures, principal - 79,744 115,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 114,089 $ 239,923 $ 221,786
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative Financial less than
Liability 1 Year 1 - 2 Years 2 - 5 Years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity contracts $ 13,717 - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange
rates, commodity prices, and interest rates will affect the Corporation's net
income or the value of financial instruments.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future
cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates.
Although substantially all of the Corporation's oil and natural gas sales are
denominated in Canadian dollars, the underlying market prices in Canada for oil
and natural gas are impacted by changes in the exchange rate between the
Canadian and U.S. dollar.
NAL's management has authorization to fix the exchange rate on up to 50 percent
of the Corporation's U.S. dollar exposure for periods of up to 24 months.
NAL has the following Canadian dollar / U.S. dollar foreign exchange option
contracts outstanding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notional
Fixed Rate (US)
(CAD/USD) per month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.05 $ 2.0 MM Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Dec 31, 2011
1.0608 $ 5 MM Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Dec 31, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAL has a monthly commitment to settle the above fixed rates against the Bank of
Canada monthly average noon rate.
Option Monthly
Payout Notional Premium
Range (US) per Counterparty Received
(CAD/USD) month Term Floating Rate (CAD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly Average
$0.95 - $1.12 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 Noon Rate $25K
Jan 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly Average
$0.945 - $1.045 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 Noon Rate $18K
Mar 1, 2011 to BofC Monthly Average
$0.95 - $1.025 $2.0 MM Jun 30, 2012 Noon Rate $40K
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate is outside the payout
range, the monthly premium is forfeited. NAL is committed to selling the above
listed USD at the upper payout range value for that month when the average noon
spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the payout range.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option
Fixing
Range Notional (US)
(CAD/USD) per month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.94 - $1.06 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.07 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.94 - $1.08 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Jan 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.04 $0.5 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
Mar 1, 2011 to
$0.95 - $1.0125 $0.5 MM Jun 30, 2012 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the lower
fixing rate, NAL is committed to selling the above listed USD at the upper
fixing rate for that month. To the extent the monthly average noon spot foreign
exchange rate is below the lower fixing rate, NAL has no commitment to sell USD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option
Fixing
Range
(CAD/USD) Notional (US)
per month Term Counterparty Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1, 2011 to
$1.05 - $1.15 $1.0 MM Dec 31, 2011 BofC Monthly Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange rate exceeds the fixing
range, NAL is committed to selling the above listed USD at the lower fixing rate
for that month. To the extent the monthly average spot foreign exchange rate is
below the lower fixing rate, NAL has a commitment to sell the above listed USD
at the lower fixing rate. When the monthly average noon spot foreign exchange
rate falls within the fixing range, NAL has no commitment to sell USD.
The fair value of foreign exchange derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at December 31, 2010, if
exchange rates had strengthened by $0.01, with all other variables held
constant, net income for the period would have been $0.7 million higher, due to
changes in the fair value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite
effect would have occurred to net income had exchange rates been $0.01 weaker.
Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows will
fluctuate as a result of changes in commodity prices. Commodity prices for oil
and natural gas are impacted by not only the relationship between the Canadian
and U.S. dollar, but also macroeconomic events that dictate the levels of supply
and demand. The Corporation has attempted to mitigate commodity price risk by
entering into financial derivative contracts. The Corporation's policy is to
enter into commodity contracts to a maximum of 60 percent of forecasted, net of
royalty, production volumes for a period of up to two years.
NAL has the following commodity risk derivative contracts outstanding:
CRUDE OIL Q1-11 Q2-11 Q3-11 Q4-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US$ Collar Contracts
$US WTI Collar Volume (bbl/d) 800 1,000 200 200
Bought Puts - Average Strike Price
($US/bbl) 81.25 83.00 90.00 90.00
Sold Calls - Average Strike Price
($US/bbl) 94.47 95.68 100.50 100.50
US$ Swap Contracts
$US WTI Swap Volume (bbl/d) 4,900 4,900 5,700 5,700
Average WTI Swap Price ($US/bbl) 87.39 87.39 88.10 88.10
Total Oil Volume (bbl/d) 5,700 5,900 5,900 5,900
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two calendar 2011 500 bbl/d swap contracts with an average price of $95.00
contain extendable call options. The extendible call option provides the
counterparty with the option to extend the contract into calendar 2012 under the
same price and volumetric terms. The counterparty can exercise this option any
time before December 31, 2011.
NATURAL GAS Q1-11 Q2-11 Q3-11 Q4-11 Q1-12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AECO Swap Volume (GJ/d) 5,000 20,000 21,000 21,000 21,000
AECO Average Price ($Cdn/GJ) 5.61 4.32 3.95 3.95 3.95
Total Natural Gas Volume
(GJ/d) 5,000 20,000 21,000 21,000 21,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fair value of commodity derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at December 31, 2010, if oil
and natural gas liquids prices had been $1.00 per barrel lower and natural gas
prices $0.10 per Mcf lower, with all other variables held constant, net income
for the period would have been $2.1 million higher, due to changes in the fair
value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite effect would have
occurred to net income had oil and natural gas liquids prices been $1.00 per
barrel higher and natural gas $0.10 per Mcf higher.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result
of changes in market interest rates. The Corporation is exposed to interest rate
fluctuations on its bank debt, which bears a floating rate of interest. The
Corporation has attempted to mitigate commodity price risk by entering into
financial derivative contracts.
The contracts have a combined notional debt amount of $139 million and require
NAL to make fixed quarterly payments. In exchange, the counterparties are
required to pay the Corporation a floating rate of interest based on the average
rate for Canadian dollar bankers' acceptances. The Corporation's interest charge
includes this fixed interest rate component plus a standby fee, a stamping fee
and the fee for renewal. The Corporation's policy is to enter into interest rate
swap contracts to fix the interest rate on up to 50 percent of outstanding bank
debt for periods of up to five years.
NAL has the following interest rate derivative contracts outstanding:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Corporation Counterparty
INTEREST RATE Remaining Term (Cdn$MM)(1) Fixed Rate Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $39.0 1.5864% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Dec 2011 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $22.0 1.3850% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Jan 2013 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $22.0 1.5100% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Jan 2014 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $14.0 1.8500% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Mar 2013 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $14.0 1.8750% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Mar 2013 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $14.0 1.9300% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Mar 2014 (3 months)
Swaps-floating to Jan 2011 - $14.0 1.9850% CAD-BA-CDOR
fixed Mar 2014 (3 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional debt amount
The fair value of interest rate derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at December 31, 2010, if
interest rates had been one percent lower, with all other variables held
constant, net income for the year would have been $4.0 million lower, due to
changes in the fair value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite
effect would have occurred to net income had interest rates been one percent
higher.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of the Corporation's financial instruments, including
accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends
payable to shareholders, approximate their fair value due to their short term to
maturity.
The Corporation's bank debt and cash bear interest at floating market rates and,
accordingly, the fair market value approximates the carrying amount.
The fair value of the Corporation's convertible debentures at December 31, 2010
was $204.5 million, based on a quoted and observable market value (2009 - $203.7
million).
Derivative contracts are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as current
or long-term, assets or liabilities, based on their fair values on a
contract-by-contract basis. The fair value of commodity contracts is determined
as the difference between the contracted prices and published forward curves
(ranging from US$91.38 per barrel to US$94.52 per barrel for oil and $3.63 per
GJ to $4.31 per GJ for natural gas) as of the balance sheet date, using the
remaining contracted oil and natural gas volumes with option contracts also
including an element of volatility. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is
determined by discounting the difference between the contracted interest rate
and forward bankers' acceptances rates (ranging from 1.05 percent to 2.04
percent) as of the balance sheet date, using the notional debt amount and
outstanding term of the swap. The fair value of the exchange rate derivatives is
calculated as the discounted value of the difference between the contracted
exchange rate and the market forward exchange rates (ranging from 0.9936 to
1.0038) as of the balance sheet date, using the notional U.S. dollar amount and
outstanding term of the swap. The fair value of the derivative contracts is as
follows:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of commodity contracts $ (13,717) $ (8,932)
Fair value of interest rate swaps 706 2,461
Fair value of foreign exchange rate swaps 3,111 3,986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (9,900) $ (2,485)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The gain/(loss) on derivative contracts is as follows:
Gain / (Loss) on Derivative Contracts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts $(15,683) $(12,439) $(2,467) $(68,590)
Natural gas contracts (5,974) (870) (2,318) (6,430)
Interest rate swaps 958 (41) (1,755) 2,735
Exchange rate swaps 430 (1,462) (875) 3,986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized loss (20,269) (14,812) (7,415) (68,299)
Realized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts (1,705) 2,632 (4,353) 46,811
Natural gas contracts 6,131 5,588 23,349 25,382
Interest rate swaps (147) (223) (1,057) (656)
Exchange rate swaps 2,125 2,934 6,507 8,134
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain $6,404 $ 10,931 $24,446 $ 79,671
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts $(13,865) $ (3,881) $17,031 $ 11,372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
These contracts are presented on the balance sheet as short term / long
term, assets and liabilities as follows:
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current unrealized loss on derivative
contracts $ (7,819) $ (11,231)
Current unrealized gain on derivative
contracts 422 6,285
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current unrealized loss on derivative
contracts (7,397) (4,946)
Long term unrealized gain on derivative
contracts - 2,461
Long term unrealized loss on derivative
contracts (2,503) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net fair value of derivative contracts $ (9,900) $ (2,485)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at December 31, 2010, the total fair value of derivative contracts was a net
liability of $9.9 million (2009 - net liability of $2.5 million). The change in
the fair value for year ended December 31, 2010 of $7.4 million has been
recognized as an unrealized loss in the statement of income (2009 - $68.3
million loss).
The following table reconciles the movement in the fair value of the
Corporation's derivative contracts:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Years ended
December 31 December 31
----------------------------------------
2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss), beginning
of period $10,369 $ 12,327 $ (2,485) $ 65,406
Unrealized gain acquired(1) - - - 408
Unrealized loss, end of period (9,900) (2,485) (9,900) (2,485)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized loss for the period (20,269) (14,812) (7,415) (68,299)
Realized gain in the period 6,404 10,931 24,446 79,671
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts $(13,865) $ (3,881) $ 17,031 $ 11,372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumed on acquisition of Clipper (Note 4)
The financial instruments carried at fair value, being the derivative contracts
and cash, are required to be classified into a hierarchy that prioritizes the
inputs used to measure the fair value. The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy are:
- Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities;
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or
liability either directly or indirectly; and
- Level 3: Inputs that are not based on observable market data.
Fair values are classified as Level 1 when the related derivative is actively
traded and a quoted price is available. If different levels of inputs are used
to measure a financial instrument's fair value, the classification within the
hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair
value measurement. The following table illustrates the classification of the
financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy as at December 31, 2010:
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Assets at fair value as at
December 31, 2010
---------------------------------------
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
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Cash $821 $- $- $821
Foreign exchange rate swaps - 3,111 - 3,111
Interest rate swaps - 706 - 706
Commodity contracts - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$821 $ 3,817 $- $ 4,638
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Liabilities at fair value as at
December 31, 2010
---------------------------------------
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity contracts $- 13,717 $- 13,717
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Capital Management
The Corporation's policy is to maintain a strong and flexible capital base to
ensure that dividend levels are sustainable, while at the same time providing
the flexibility to take advantage of operational and acquisition opportunities.
The Corporation manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in
light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the
underlying oil and natural gas assets. The Corporation considers its capital
structure to include common shares, bank debt, convertible debentures, other
liabilities, and working capital (excluding derivative contracts and future
income tax) as shown below. In order to maintain or adjust its capital
structure, the Corporation may adjust the amount of dividends paid to
shareholders, issue new shares, adjust its capital spending to modify debt
levels, or suspend/resume its DRIP or Premium DRIP programs.
The Corporation monitors its capital based on the ratio of its net debt to 12
months trailing funds from operations. This ratio, which is a non-GAAP measure,
is calculated as net debt as a proportion of funds from operations for the
previous 12 months. Funds from operations is defined as cash flow from operating
activities prior to the change in non-cash working capital. Net debt is defined
as bank debt, plus convertible debentures at face value, plus working capital
(excluding derivative contracts and future income tax balances and including
other liabilities). Net debt is measured with and without convertible
debentures. The Corporation's strategy is to maintain a conservative net debt to
12 month trailing funds from operations as compared to other oil and gas
companies, both before and after taking into account the convertible debentures.
The Corporation will, for the appropriate opportunity, increase its debt to
funds from operations ratio above the Corporation's average. In order to
facilitate the management of this ratio, the Corporation prepares an annual
budget which is approved by the Board of Directors. On a monthly basis a
reforecast for the year is prepared based on updated commodity prices, results
of operational activity and other events. The monthly forecast is provided to
the Board of Directors.
As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation had a total net debt to 12 months
trailing funds from operations ratio of 1.96 (2009 - 2.07), as calculated in the
table below. The decrease in the net debt to 12 months trailing funds from
operations ratio in 2010 is attributable to higher total net debt being more
than offset by higher funds from operations.
The Corporation has no restrictions on the issuance of common shares.
There has been no change in the approach to capital management during 2010.
Capitalization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity $ 892,021 $ 894,192
Bank debt 266,965 230,713
Working capital deficit(1) 43,954 52,014
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Net debt 310,919 282,727
Convertible debentures(2) 194,744 194,744
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Total net debt(2) $ 505,663 $ 477,471
Cash flow from operating activities for last
12 months $ 254,140 $ 236,295
Add back change in non-cash working capital 3,754 (5,554)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trailing 12 months funds from operations $ 257,894 $ 230,741
Net debt to trailing 12 month funds from
operations(3) 1.21 1.23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net debt to trailing 12-month funds from
operations(4) 1.96 2.07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Working capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts,
future income taxes and notes with MFC.
(2) Convertible debentures included at face value.
(3) Calculated as net debt excluding convertible debentures divided by funds
from operations for the previous 12 months.
(4) Calculated as total debt divided by funds from operations for the
previous 12 months.
16) COMMITMENTS
(i) Joint Venture Agreement
Effective April 20, 2009, the Corporation and MFC entered into a joint venture
agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a three
year commitment to spend $50 million on or before August 31, 2012, that provides
the Corporation and MFC an opportunity to earn an interest in freehold and crown
acreage. The Corporation has a 65 percent interest in this agreement and MFC a
35 percent interest. The three year commitment to the Corporation is $32.5
million. The agreement is exclusive and structured to be extendible for up to an
additional six years for a total potential commitment of $150 million ($97.5
million net to the Corporation) to earn an interest in over 150 (97.5 net)
sections of freehold and crown acreage. If the capital spending commitments are
not met, interests in the freehold and crown acreage will not be earned and the
Corporation will not be required to pay unspent commitment amounts under the
arrangement. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation has spent $13.1 million
under this agreement.
(ii) Farm-in Agreement
Effective August 10, 2009, the Corporation and MFC entered into a farm-in
agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a two year
initial commitment, with a minimum capital commitment of $40 million in the
first year and $57 million in the second year, with an option for a third year,
at NAL's election, for an additional commitment of $50 million. The Corporation
has a 60 percent interest in this agreement and MFC a 40 percent interest. The
agreement provides the opportunity to earn an interest in approximately 1,400
gross sections of undeveloped oil and gas rights in Alberta held by the partner.
If the capital spending commitments are not met, interest in the acreage will
not be earned and the Corporation will not be required to pay any unspent
amounts. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation has spent $24.4 million under
this agreement and met its first year commitment.
(iii) Other
NAL has entered into several contractual obligations as part of conducting
day-to-day business. NAL has the following commitments for the next five years:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s) 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office lease(1) $ 2,254 $2,254 $2,239 $2,196 $ 2,196
Office lease - Clipper
and Breaker(2) 2,200 2,200 364 - -
Transportation agreement 4,274 2,303 2,158 977 121
Processing agreements(3) 628 197 184 - -
Convertible debentures(4) - 79,744 - 115,000 -
Bank debt - 160,179 106,786 - -
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Total $ 9,356 $ 246,877 $ 111,731 $ 118,173 $ 2,317
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(1) Represents the Corporation's share of office lease commitments,
including both base rent and operating costs, in relation to the lease
held by the Manager, of which the Corporation is allocated a pro rata
share (currently approximately 63 percent) of the expense on a monthly
basis.
(2) Represents the full amount of the office leases assumed with the
acquisitions of Clipper and Breaker. MFC will reimburse the Corporation
for 50 percent of the Clipper obligation under the base price adjustment
clause.
(3) Represents gas processing agreements with take or pay components.
(4) Principal amount.
17) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In February, 2011, the Corporation sold certain non-core oil and gas assets for
proceeds of approximately $26.2 million, subject to standard industry closing
adjustments.
TRADING PERFORMANCE
For the Quarter Ended Full Year
--------------------------------------------------------
31-Dec-10 30-Sept-10 31-Dec-09 30-Sept-09 2010
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PRICE
High $13.10 $11.53 $14.00 $12.75 $14.86
Low $11.72 $9.96 $10.75 $8.48 $9.95
Close $12.95 $11.53 $13.74 $12.70 $12.95
Daily Average Volume 781,151 732,492 629,523 511,838 800,982
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NAL Energy Corporation provides a total return to its investors which combines
income with prudent growth in the Canadian upstream oil and gas industry. The
Corporation generates returns for its shareholders by pursuing a strategy of
acquiring, developing, producing and selling crude oil, natural gas and natural
gas liquids from pools in southeastern Saskatchewan, central Alberta,
northeastern British Columbia and Lake Erie, Ontario. Common shares of NAL trade
on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "NAE".
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