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Bonterra Energy Corp.

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FY2001 Annual Report · Bonterra Energy Corp.
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COV Bonterra  5/13/02  6:45 PM  Page 2

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

COV Bonterra  5/13/02  6:45 PM  Page 3

TRUST PROFILE

Bonterra Energy Income Trust. (TSE symbol – BNE.UN) is an energy income
trust that develops and produces oil and natural gas in the Provinces of Alberta
and Saskatchewan.  

The Trust’s business strategy is to strive to maximize unitholders value by apply-
ing long-term growth objectives.  The Trust’s primary objective is to combine its
oil  and  gas  production  technical  strengths  with  planned  business  strategies  to
generate above average results and returns for our unitholders.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The  Annual  Meeting  of  Unitholders  will

be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in the

Barclay  Room  at  the  Westin  Hotel,  320

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights

Report to Unitholders

Review of Operations 

Property Discussions

Management’s Discussion 

and Analysis

Management’s Responsibility for

Financial Statements

Fourth  Avenue  S.W.,  Calgary,  Alberta,  at

Auditors’ Report

11:00 a.m. (Calgary time).

Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements

Trust Information

1

2

5

8

10

15

15

16

19

IBC

Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 1

HIGHLIGHTS

$

2001

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2001

Financial ($000, except $ per unit)

Revenue – oil and gas (net of royalties)

Distributions per Unit

Cash Flow from Operations 

Per Unit Diluted

Net Earnings 

Per Unit Diluted

Capital Expenditures and Acquisitions

Outstanding Debt

Unitholders’ Equity

Units Outstanding (weighted average) (000’s)

Operations

Oil and Liquids (barrels per day)

Average Price ($ per barrel)

Natural Gas (MCF per day)

Average Price ($ per MCF)

Reserves (proven producing)

Oil and Liquids (barrels in 000’s)

Natural Gas (MCF in 000’s)

11,257

0.80

6,446

0.74

5,366

0.62

1,037

7,890

11,388

8,692

1,531

38.05

1,408

4.55

7,069

6,320

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 2

REPORT TO UNITHOLDERS

Bonterra 

Energy 

Income 

Trust

(“Bonterra”)  is  pleased  to  report  its  first

operational  and  financial  results  since

converting to a trust from a corporation on

July 1, 2001.  The results are for the six-

month period ending December 31, 2001.

As  previously  announced,  the  trust  was

mainly formed to provide a more favorable

environment  for  taxation  and  to  provide  a

monthly return to the Unitholders.

Operations

Bonterra’s  production  is  ideally  suited  for  a  trust.    Approximately  80  percent  of  its

production is mainly light, sweet gravity crude and liquids, and the remaining 20 percent

natural gas is sweet long-life production.  The life index for the trust’s proven producing

reserves is approximately 12 years, which is significantly higher than most other trusts.

The long-life index allows the trust to distribute a higher percentage of its cash flow to

Unitholders rather than using it for capital expenditures to maintain production volumes.

Also,  as  previously  announced  when

Bonterra’s annual decline rate is approximately 6 percent.

Bonterra Energy Income Trust was formed,

the  intent  was  to  merge  it  with  Comstate

Resources Income Trust.  This merger was

completed on January 31, 2002.

Production  volumes  for  the  six-month  period  were  slightly  lower  than  the  forecast

volumes  mainly  due  to  delays  in  being  able  to  tie-in  some  gas  production.    It  is

anticipated that all of these wells should be on production during the first half of 2002.

Financial

Bonterra’s distribution for the six-month period was $0.80 per Unit, of which 64.5 percent

is taxable and 35.5 percent is a return of capital.  On an annualized basis, the distribution

generally exceeded a rate of return of 20 percent (dependent on Unit price), representing

one of the higher returns for trusts.

Rate of Return on Distributions

28.92

26.87

31.58

27.61

22.72

22.37

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

 5%

  0% 

Rate of return based on average monthly price of units.

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 3

Gross  revenue  from  commodity  sales  of  $11,257,000  for  the  six-month  period  was  slightly  lower  than  the  forecast  amount.    The

reduction is due to lower commodity prices and slightly lower production volumes than forecast.  Actual prices were $32.94 per barrel

of oil and natural gas liquids, and $3.46 per MCF for natural gas, compared to the price forecast provided by the trust’s independent

engineering firm of $40.32 per barrel and $7.27 per MCF.  Actual prices received, including hedging gains, were $38.05 per barrel and

$4.55 per MCF.

At year-end Bonterra’s long-term debt was approximately $7,890,000, which is approximately 7 months cash flow on an annualized

basis.  This debt to cash flow level is much lower than most other trust’s debt to cash flow levels.

Outlook

The objectives for the trust are to increase its production volumes in the future by developing its existing properties and by acquiring

additional production.      The January 31, 2002 merger with Comstate Resources Income Trust will increase Bonterra’s production

volumes  by  approximately  80  percent.    Management  is  aggressively  pursuing  further  acquisitions  and  is  hopeful  that  additional

production will be acquired in 2002.

In 2002 Bonterra will also be aggressively evaluating potential production from coal beds in the Pembina area of Alberta.  The trust

will be testing a number of wells to determine production volumes of natural gas from the shallow coal beds to better assess the

economic potential for this type of production.  Further information about results will be released on a timely basis.

The  trust  is  optimistic  that  if  commodity  prices  are  reasonable,  the  trust  should  be  able  to  continue  to  provide  high  returns  and

additional capital appreciation.  It should be noted that since Bonterra Energy Corp. (predecessor to the Trust) was incorporated and

listed publicly in mid 1998, for every $1.00 invested at that time, it is worth approximately $20.00 in March 2002.

Outlook

The Board of Directors of the operating company and management wish to thank the Unitholders for their continued support, and the

staff for the continued significant contribution made by them.

Submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors,

George F. Fink
President and Director

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 4

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 5

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Reserves

The Trust engaged the services of an independent engineering firm to prepare a reserve

evaluation  with  an  effective  date  of  January  1,  2002.    The  reserves  are  located  in  the

Provinces  of  Alberta  and  Saskatchewan.    The  majority  of  the  Company’s  production  is

comprised of light sweet crude, which results in higher oil prices, and better marketing

opportunities.  The Company’s main oil producing areas are located in the Pembina area

of  Alberta  and  Dodsland  area  of  Saskatchewan.    Oil  and  natural  gas  proven  reserve

estimates at December 31, 2001, before royalties, are as follows:

July 1, 2001

Production

Drilling additions

Evaluation adjustments to reserves

December 31, 2001

Life index (years) - December 31, 2001 

Crude Oil and Liquids

Natural Gas

Proven

Probable

Proven Probable

(MBbls) 

(MMCF)

7,369

(282)

63

217

7,069

12.5

69

– 

–

15

84 

4,698

(259)

632

1,249

6,320

12.2

62

–

–

(26)

36

The  reserve  values  in  the  following  table,  “Estimated  Present  Worth  of  Reserves”,  are

based upon proved producing reserve estimates at December 31, 2001. 

ESTIMATED PRESENT WORTH OF FUTURE NET PRODUCTION REVENUE

($ thousands)

$ Undiscounted

10%

15%

20%

Proven developed producing reserves

124,528

58,605

46,950

39,498

Probable reserves, risked at 50%

1,025

600

480

394

Discounted at the rate of

Proven and probable 

reserves at December 31, 2001

125,553

59,205

47,430

39,892

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 6

Commodity prices used in the above calculations of reserves are as follows:

Edmonton 

Alberta

Year

Par Price

Index Plantgate

Propane

(Cdn $ 

(Cdn $ 

(Cdn $

Butane

(Cdn $

Pentane

(Cdn $

per barrel)

per MCF)

per barrel) per barrel) per barrel)

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

34.49

32.18

32.37

32.88

33.38

33.88

34.40

34.92

35.45

35.99

36.53

3.87

4.31

4.22

4.29

4.37

4.45

4.53

4.61

4.69

4.78

4.86

21.59

19.09

18.13

18.41

18.69

18.98

19.27

19.56

19.86

20.16

20.46

23.14

20.39

19.30

19.60

19.90

20.20

20.51

20.82

21.14

21.46

21.78

35.32

32.96

33.15

33.67

34.18

34.70

35.23

35.76

36.30

36.86

37.42

Crude oil, natural gas and liquid prices escalate at 1.5% per year thereafter.

Production

The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  production  volumes  from  our  main 

producing areas.

Pembina, Alberta

Dodsland, Saskatchewan

Pinto, Saskatchewan

Land Holdings

Oil and NGL

(Bbls/day)

Natural Gas

(MCF/day)

2001

972

500

59

1,531

2001

986

354

68

1,408

The Trust’s holdings of petroleum and natural gas leases and rights are as follows:

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Gross Acres

Net Acres

36,034

29,630

65,664

28,080

17,768

45,848

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 7

Petroleum and Natural Gas Capital Expenditures

The following table summarizes petroleum and natural gas capital expenditures incurred

by  the  Trust  on  acquisitions,  land,  seismic,  exploration  and  development  drilling  and

production facilities for the period:

Period ended December 31

Exploration and development costs

Pipeline projects

Seismic

Land costs

$

$  

2001

964,200

292,900

10,100

62,300

Net petroleum and natural gas capital expenditures

$    1,329,500

Drilling History

The following table summarizes the Trust’s gross and net drilling activity and success :

Development

Exploratory

Total

Gross

2

1

–

3

Net

2.00

.97

–

2.97

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

–

7

–

7

–

6

–

6

2

8

–

10

2.00

6.97

–

8.97

Crude Oil

Natural Gas

Dry

Total

Success rate

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN ON $100 INVESTMENT

$2,000

$1,800

$1,600

$1,400

$1,200

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

$0

July
1998

Dec
1998

Dec
1999

Dec
2000

Dec
2001

BONTERRA ENERGY CORP.
TSE 300 COMPOSITE INDEX
TSE OIL AND GAS PRODUCERS

Note 1:  Includes the results of Bonterra Energy Corp. Prior to July 1, 2001
Note 2:  Includes distributions of $0.80

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 8

PROPERTY DISCUSSIONS

The Trust’s producing properties are located in the Pembina area of Alberta, the Dodsland

area  in  southwest  Saskatchewan,  the  Pinto  area  in  southeast  Saskatchewan  and

production  has  recently  commenced  from  the  Angling  area  in  east  central  Alberta.

Bonterra continues to acquire exploration lands in the Pembina area of Alberta.

Pembina Area, Central Alberta

The Pembina field is the largest conventional oil field in Canada and our most significant

producing property. Our production is predominately predictable, long life, low decline

and  high  quality  light  oil  from  the  Cardium  formation  which  is  located  at  a  depth  of

approximately 5,000 feet. Bonterra operates approximately 75 percent of its production in

this  large  core  area  which  allows  for  significant  operating  efficiencies.  The  property

contains approximately 117 gross (98 net) operated producing wells with an 84 percent

average  working  interest  and  189  gross  (32  net)  non-operated  producing  wells  with  an

approximate 17 percent average working interest.

Our  large  land  holdings  and  strong  infrastructure  position  provides  a  strong  base  to

exploit a range of low risk development and exploration opportunities. Even though the

Pembina area is considered a mature field it is proving to also be a significant area for the

potential  development  of  additional  oil  and  natural  gas  zones.  The  Trust  continues  to

increase it’s holding in the area to take advantage of these opportunities.  

Bonterra  has  been  able  to  increase  oil  production  volumes  and  reserves  through  the

successful  drilling  of  wells  into  the  shallower  Belly  River  formation.  The  Belly  River

produces high quality light sweet oil from a depth of approximately 3,600 feet. There is

also the potential to increase production from the Cardium formation through infill drilling

in select areas of the field. 

Bonterra has also been successful in increasing natural gas production and reserves by

drilling  multi-zone  shallow  gas  wells  into  the  Edmonton  and  Paskapoo  formations.  The

company is targeting several productive sands that range in depth from 900 to 2,400 feet.

Bonterra  will  continue  to  build  on  our  previous  exploration  success  in  the  area  and

develop these low cost shallow natural gas reserves.

Bonterra has been conducting tests to evaluate the feasibility of coal bed methane (CBM)

production  with  encouraging  initial  results.  The  Trust  has  extensive  prospective  land

holdings near existing operated infrastructure in the area. CBM has the potential to add

significant low risk production and reserves and the company is aggressively pursuing this

opportunity.

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 9

Dodsland Area, Southwest Saskatchewan

The Dodsland properties produce light sweet gravity oil and solution gas from the Viking

formation at a depth of approximately 2,300 feet. Under terms of an existing agreement

Bonterra  had  an  option  to  acquire  additional  production  in  this  area.  The  option  was

exercised in 2001 and an additional 66 gross wells (64 net) were acquired. Bonterra now

operates approximately 426 gross (374 net) wells with an average working interest of 88

percent.

This is low rate stable production so cost control is an important focus of our operating

strategy in this area. The Trust is continually reviewing different operating practices and

improved  technology  that  may  improve  the  profitability  of  the  property.  Bonterra  does

not have an abandonment or reclamation liability for this property because under terms

of  an  agreement  Bonterra  has  an  option  to  transfer  uneconomic  wells  to  the  previous

owner of the property.

Pinto Area, Southeast Saskatchewan

The  Pinto  property  produces  slightly  sour  gravity  oil  and  solution  gas  from  the  Midale

formation. The Trust has an average working interest of approximately 95 percent in the

area.  Bonterra  continues  to  evaluate  this  area  to  determine  if  further  optimization

programs may increase overall profitability for the property.

Angling Area, East Central Alberta

Angling  is  a  new  area  that  Bonterra  has  successfully  advanced  from  an  exploration

property  to  a  producing  property  in  early  2002.  The  100  percent  operated  property

consists of sweet shallow gas production from the Colony formation. The Trust continues

to look to increase its’ holdings in the area and to find similar exploration opportunities. 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This report is a review of the operations, current financial position and outlook for the Trust and should be read in conjunction with

the audited financial statements for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2001, together with the notes related thereto.

Production

The Trust’s average production of oil and natural gas liquids was 1,531 (1,553 during the last three months) barrels per day.  The Trust’s

natural gas production averaged 1,408 (1,580 during the last three months) MCF per day for the six month period ending December

31, 2001.   Production was approximately 250 MCF per day below forecast due to delays in tying in our Angling, Alberta production.

Subsequent to year end, this production was on stream at a rate of approximately 400 MCF per day.  

Revenue 

Gross revenue from petroleum and natural gas sales was $11,257,362.  The average price received for crude oil and natural gas liquids

including hedging, was $38.05 per barrel and $4.55 per MCF of natural gas.  Actual prices received during the period ending December

31, 2001 were $32.94 per barrel of oil and natural gas liquids and $3.46 per MCF for natural gas.   The forecast prices, excluding hedging

adjustments, were $35.94 Cdn per barrel and $4.00 per MCF.

The Trust has hedging agreements in place from April 1, 2002 to October 31, 2003 for 1,000 GJ’s (approximately 950 MCF) per day of

natural gas at $3.77 Cdn. per GJ (approximately $3.97 per MCF), from May 1, 2002 to October 31, 2002 for 625 GJ’s (approximately 590

MCF) per day of natural gas at $4.30 Cdn. per GJ (approximately $4.53 per MCF)  and for 600 barrels per day of crude oil at a price of

$37.97 Cdn. per barrel for the period April 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. 

Royalties 

Royalties paid by the Trust consist primarily of Crown royalties paid to the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.  During the period

the Trust paid $592,990 in Crown royalties and $119,333 in freehold royalties, gross overriding royalties and net carried interests.  The

majority of the Trust’s wells are low productivity wells and therefore have low Crown royalty rates.  The Trust’s average Crown royalty

rate  is  approximately  6  percent  and  approximately  1  percent  for  other  royalties.    The  Trust  is  eligible  for  Alberta  Crown  Royalty

rebates for Alberta production from a small amount of its purchased wells as well as on newly drilled wells.

Production Costs

Production costs totalled $4,097,781 in the six month period that the Trust operated in 2001.  This was in line with forecasted operating

costs, however, on a BOE basis operating costs were $12.61 (using a 6 to 1 conversion) per BOE which is higher than both original and

revised forecasted amounts.  The increase on a per barrel basis was due to delays in tying in lower cost natural gas production until

2002.  Additional operating costs were incurred due to a major field maintenance program involving the repair and maintenance of

all Pembina area oil facilities during the months of October and November 2001.

General and Administrative Expense 

General  and  administrative  expenses  excluding  management  fees  were  $244,803  or  $0.75  per  BOE.    Total  administrative  costs

including the management fee of $323,500 were $568,303 or $1.75 per BOE.  Both of these figures are in line with revised forecasted

numbers presented in the Trust’s September 30, 2001 quarterly report.

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The  Trust  has  entered  into  a  management  agreement  with  Comstate  Resources  Ltd.  (Comstate)  to  provide  field  operations,

management and general office services.  Fees charged for field operations are charged on a per well basis.  Fees associated with well

operations  are  charged  to  production  costs  as  incurred.      Fees  for  management  and  general  office  services  consist  of  $30,000  per

month plus three percent of before tax net income.  Effective February 1, 2002, Comstate became a wholly owned subsidiary of the

Trust and the Trust is no longer charged a management fee.

Interest Expense

Interest  expense  for  the  2001  fiscal  period  of  the  Trust  was  $200,307.    Interest  expense  was  slightly  higher  than  forecast  due  to

increases in loans resulting from larger capital expenditures for drilling additional gas wells than forecast as well as lower than forecast

revenues resulting in lower repayments of loans than anticipated.  

Interest  rate  charges  during  the  period  on  the  outstanding  debt  averaged  4.85  percent.    The  Trust  has  the  ability  to  use  Bankers

Acceptances (BA’s) as part of its loan facility.  Interest charges on BA’s are generally one half percent lower than that charged on the

general loan account.  

Gain on Disposal of Property

On September 28, 2001, the Trust’s subsidiary, Novitas Energy Ltd. (Novitas), went public on the Canadian Venture Exchange (since

renamed TSX Venture Exchange) and ceased to be a subsidiary.  With Novitas no longer being a subsidiary of the Trust the gain on

disposition of $294,206 from the sale of an oil and gas property from Bonterra to Novitas (original transaction of Novitas) had to be

adjusted.   The gain represents the difference between the Trust’s book value of the property and the fair value of the property sold

to Novitas for cash proceeds of $650,000. 

Depletion, Depreciation, Future Site Restoration and Dry Hole Costs

The Trust depletes its oil and natural gas intangible assets using the unit of production basis by field.  For tangible assets such as well

equipment, a life span of ten years is estimated and the related tangible costs are depreciated at one tenth of original cost per year.

Provisions are made for future site restoration based on management’s estimation of abandonment requirements using current costs

and amortized on a unit of production basis by field.  

For the fiscal period ending December 31, 2001, the Trust expensed $1,797,984 for the above-described items.  

The  Trust  follows  the  successful  efforts  method  of  accounting  for  petroleum  and  natural  gas  exploration  and  development  costs.

Under this method, the costs associated with dry holes are charged to operations. 

Income Taxes

The Trust is required to allocate all taxable income to its unitholders and as such will not incur any current taxes.  The Trust operates

its oil and gas interests through its 100 percent owned subsidiary Bonterra Energy Corp. (Bonterra Corp.)  With the restructuring into

an  income  trust,  Bonterra  Corp.  pays  the  majority  of  its  income  to  the  Trust  through  interest  and  royalty  payments  which  are

deductible for income tax purposes.   For the period July 1 to December 31, 2001, Bonterra Corp. paid to the Trust sufficient royalty

and interest payments to eliminate all of its taxable income.  The current tax amount represents adjustments to previous periods tax

accruals for Bonterra Corp.

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 12

Future  tax  provision  relates  to  the  future  taxes  that  exist  within  Bonterra  Corp.    The  liability  on  the  balance  sheet  and  the

corresponding income recovery relates to temporary differences existing between Bonterra Corp’s. book value of its assets and its

remaining tax pools.

Net Earnings 

The Trust is extremely pleased to report net earnings of $5,366,202 for its first six months of operations.  This represents a return on

unit capital of 41.4 percent during the period.    The Trust has an average cost for its oil and gas assets of $2.84 per BOE.  The low

costs that result in low depletion and depreciation and low administration and interest expenses all contribute towards the significant

net earnings.

The Trust, effective February 1, 2002, merged with Comstate Resources Income Trust.   Due to accounting rules affecting mergers, the

oil and gas assets of Comstate Resources Income Trust will be valued at the fair value on the date of merger.  As a result, the Trust

will have a significantly higher average cost of its oil and gas assets for 2002.  However,  continued high energy prices should continue

to provide the Trust with significant net earnings.

Cash Flow From Operations

Cash  flow  from  operations  for  the  fiscal  period  ending  December  31,  2001  was  $6,446,134.    The  merger  with  Comstate  Resources

Income Trust, anticipated operating cost reductions per BOE, increases in oil and natural gas prices, and increases in its production

volumes should substantially increase the Trusts 2002 cash flow.

Cash Netback

The following table illustrates the Trust’s cash netback:

$ per BOE

Production volumes (BOE)

Gross production revenue

Royalties

Field operating

Field netback

General and administrative 

Management fees

Interest

Cash netback

$

$

2001

324,893

36.84

(2.19)

(12.61)

22.04

(0.75)

(1.00) 

(0.62)

$

19.67

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 13

Comparison to Forecast

REVENUE

Forecast

Actual

Difference

Oil and gas sales 

$ 6,124,000

$ 5,717,000

$ (407,000)

Royalties

Other

(423,000)

(331,000)

16,000

51,000

92,000

35,000

TOTAL REVENUES

5,717,000

5,437,000

(280,000)

EXPENSES

Production costs 

Management fee

General and administrative

Interest 

TOTAL EXPENSES

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND 

FUTURE SITE RESTORATION

FUTURE INCOME TAXES

2,008,000

1,986,000

167,000

117,000

89,000

2,381,000

3,336,000

151,000

123,000

108,000

2,368,000

3,069,000

903,000

(213,000)

993,000

(110,000)

22,000

16,000

(6,000)

(19,000)

13,000

(267,000)

(90,000)

(103,000)

NET INCOME

$ 2,646,000

$ 2,186,000

$ (460,000)

The forecast figures are the revised forecasted amounts as stated in the Trust’s quarterly statements dated September 30, 2001.  

Total  oil  and  gas  sales  were  lower  than  anticipated  due  primarily  to  oil  prices  averaging  approximately  $10  Cdn.  lower  than  our

forecast.  However, the Trust somewhat offset the lower oil prices by hedging 80 percent of its crude oil production leaving only 20

percent of its crude oil and its natural gas liquids at spot market prices during the period.  In addition natural gas production volumes

were below our forecast averaging 1,580 MCF per day compared to forecasted production of 1,801 MCF per day.  The 21.7 percent

decline in actual royalties from forecast compared to only 6.6 percent decline in revenues was due to the above discussed hedging

adjustments as royalties are calculated on well head prices.  

Depletion, depreciation and future site restoration was higher due to larger claims on certain of our properties due to reallocation of

reserves resulting from our most recent reserve report dated January 1, 2002.  Future income tax recovery declined by $103,000 due

to lower net income, resulting primarily from revenue being lower than forecast.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During its first six months of operations, the Trust participated in drilling 10 gross (8.97 net) wells at a total cost of $1,037,085.  Of these

wells, two (two net) oil wells and two (1.47 net) gas wells were completed and on production by December 31, 2001.  Subsequent to

year end, three (2.5 net) gas wells drilled during the fiscal period of the Trust and three (three net) gas wells drilled prior to July 1,

2001 were placed on production.  Current production from the wells placed on production subsequent to the Trusts fiscal year end is

approximately 1,000 MCF per day.

Three (three net) of the wells drilled in the Trusts fiscal period ending December 31, 2001 were not successful in producing from the

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 14

zones originally drilled for but all have potential to produce coal bed methane.  The Trust plans on evaluating the coal bed methane

zones during 2002.

At December 31, 2001 the Trust had bank debt of $7,889,737.  The Trust’s credit facility at year-end consisted of a revolving line of

credit of $10,000,000 and carried an interest rate of one quarter percent above Canadian chartered bank prime.  The Trust has issued

a $1,293,714 letter of credit to the Province of Alberta for future abandonment costs.  Due to the outstanding letter of credit, the Trust’s

available  borrowing  under  the  above  mentioned  facility  is  $8,706,286.    The  letter  of  credit  is  reduced  on  a  per  well  basis  upon

notification of abandonment or reactivation of specified wells.  

The credit facility allows for borrowings by means of Bankers Acceptances (BA’s).  The effective interest rates of BA’s are generally half

a percentage point lower than that available under the normal credit facility.  The Trust attempts to maximize the amount of its credit

facility used by financing with BA’s to reduce overall interest costs.  Collateral for the loan consists of a demand debenture providing

a first floating charge over all of the Trust’s assets and a general security agreement.

At December 31, 2001, the Trust had no stock options issued under its Stock Option Plan.  The option plan allowed for 869,223 options

to be issued.  As a result of the merger with Comstate Resources Income Trust the maximum number of stock options that can be

issued has increased to 1,323,450 in 2002 (less than 10 percent of outstanding trust units).

Business Prospects, Risks, and Outlooks

The resource industry operates with a great deal of risk.  The most significant risks may come from oil and natural gas price swings,

the  uncertainty  of  finding  new  reserves  from  drilling  programs  or  acquisitions,  competition  within  the  industry,  and  increasing

environmental controls and regulations.

The  prices  received  for  crude  oil  are  established  by  world  market  forces  and  for  natural  gas  by  forces  within  North  America.

Fluctuations in pricing can have extremely positive or negative effects on the Trust’s cash flow or in the value of its producing and

non-producing oil and natural gas properties.  

The Trust presently attempts to minimize these risks by pursuing both oil and natural gas activities.  The Trust may sometimes elect

to protect against price fluctuation by using commodity hedging.  The Trust has hedged approximately 60 percent of its current oil

and gas production.  Please see discussion under revenue and notes to financial statements for details.  The Trust operates its oil

and natural gas interests in areas which have long life reserves; where it has the technical expertise to enhance production, control

operating costs and to increase margins of profit. 

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis, which includes the impact of the February 1, 2002 merger with Comstate Resources Income Trust, as estimated

for 2002 follow:

U.S. $1.00 per barrel

Canadian $0.10 per MCF

Cash Flow

$1,136,000

$   170,000

Change of Canadian $0.01/U.S. $ exchange rate

$   377,000

Cash Flow

Per Unit

$0.085

$0.013

$0.028

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 15

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The information provided in this report, including the financial statements, is the responsibility of management.  In the preparation

of  the  statements,  estimates  are  sometimes  necessary  to  make  a  determination  of  future  values  for  certain  assets  or  liabilities.

Management believes such estimates have been based on careful judgements and have been properly reflected in the accompanying

financial statements.

Management maintains a system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the Trust’s assets are safeguarded and to

facilitate the preparation of relevant and timely information.

Deloitte & Touche LLP has been appointed by the shareholders to serve as the Trust’s external auditors.  They have examined the

financial  statements  and  provided  their  auditors’  report.    The  audit  committee  has  reviewed  these  financial  statements  with

management  and  the  auditors,  and  has  reported  to  the  Board  of  Directors.    The  Board  of  Directors  has  approved  the  financial

statements as presented in this annual report.

George F. Fink
President

AUDITORS’ REPORT

Garth E. Schultz
Vice President, Finance

To the Unitholders of Bonterra Energy Income Trust:

We  have  audited  the  balance  sheet  of  Bonterra  Energy  Income  Trust  as  at  December  31,  2001  and  the  statements  of  unitholders’

equity, operations and accumulated income, cash available for distribution, and of cash flows for the period from formation, May 15,

2001, to December 31, 2001.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management.  Our responsibility is to

express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan

and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit

includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.    An  audit  also

includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as, evaluating the overall

financial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as at December 31,

2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the period from formation, May 15, 2001, to December 31, 2001 in accordance

with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. 

Calgary, Alberta
March 22, 2002                                                                             Chartered Accountants (“Deloitte & Touche LLP”)

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 16

Bonterra Energy Income Trust 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at December 31, 2001 (See Note 1)

ASSETS

Current

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

$

$ 

2001

2,670,899

63,367

354,538

3,088,804

Property and equipment (Note 3)

Petroleum and natural gas properties and related equipment   

28,909,019

Accumulated depletion and depreciation 

LIABILITIES

Current

Bank indebtedness

Distributions payable

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Long-term debt (Note 4)

Future income tax liability (Note 6)

Future site restoration

Unitholders’ Equity

Unit capital (Note 5)

Accumulated income

Accumulated cash distributions

On behalf of the Board:

(5,845,831)

23,063,188

$   

26,151,992

$

448,039

956,144

2,572,360

3,976,543

7,889,737

447,092

2,450,520

14,763,892

12,975,678

5,366,202

(6,953,780)

11,388,100

$ 

26,151,992

Director (“George F. Fink”)

Director (“F.W. Woodward”)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2001 (See Note 1)

Unitholders’ equity, beginning of period (Note 1)

Net earnings for the period

Cash distributions

$

$

2001

12,975,678

5,366,202

(6,953,780)

Unitholders’ Equity, End of Period

$          11,388,100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND ACCUMULATED INCOME

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2001 (See Note 1)

Revenue

Oil and gas sales, net of royalties of $712,323

Production costs

Alberta royalty tax credits

Interest and other

Expenses

General and administrative

Management fees

Interest on long-term debt

Cash Flow From Operations Before Current Taxes

Gain on disposal of property

Depletion, depreciation and future site restoration

Dry holes

Earnings Before Taxes

Income taxes (recovery) (Note 6)

Current

Future

Net Earnings for the Period

Accumulatd income at beginning of period

Accumulated Income at End of Period

Net Earnings Per Unit, Basic and Diluted (Note 2)

$

$

$

$

$

2001

11,257,362

(4,097,781)

34,877

14,768

7,209,226

244,803

323,500

200,307

768,610

6,440,616

294,206

(1,797,984)

(4,151)

(1,507,929)

4,932,687

(5,518)

(427,997)

(433,515)

5,366,202

–

5,366,202

0.62

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION

Bonterra Energy Income Trust 

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2001 (See Note 1)

$

2001

Cash flow from operations

$             6,446,134

Cash provided by increase in long-term debt

Cash required for investing activities

Cash provided by working capital adjustments

Cash Distributions to Unitholders

863,274

(387,085)

31,457

6,953,780

Cash Distributions Per Unit, Basic and Diluted

$                     0.80

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2001 (See Note 1)

Operating Activities

Net earnings for the period

Items not affecting cash

Gain on sale of property

Depletion, depreciation and future site restoration

Dry holes

Future income taxes

Cash Flow from Operations

Change in non-cash operating working capital items

Financing Activities

Increase in long-term debt

Unit distributions

Investing Activities

Property and equipment expenditures

Cash received on disposition of property

Net cash inflow (outflow)

Bank indebtedness, beginning of period

$

2001

$           5,366,202

(294,206)

1,797,984

4,151

(427,997)

6,446,134

(1,372,726)

5,073,408

863,274

(5,997,636)

(5,134,362)

(1,037,085)

650,000

(387,085)

(448,039)

–

Bank Indebtedness, End of Period

$  

(448,039)

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Bonterra Energy Income Trust 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2001 (See Note 1) 

1. COMMENCEMENT OF TRUST

Bonterra  Energy  Income  Trust  was  formed  on  May  15,  2001  to  effect  the  arrangement

under  the  Business  Corporations  Act  (Alberta)  involving  the  exchange  of  the  common

shares  of  Bonterra  Energy  Corp.  on  a  four-for-one  basis  for  units  of  Bonterra  Energy

Income Trust.  The shareholders of Bonterra Energy Corp. approved the arrangement on

June 27, 2001 and Bonterra Energy Income Trust commenced operations on July 1, 2001.

The financial statements represent operating results for the six month period July 1, 2001

to  December  31,  2001.    The  arrangement  is  accounted  for  as  a  continuation  through  a

restructuring of Bonterra Energy Corp.  As a result, the carrying values (see below) of the

assets and liabilities of Bonterra Energy Corp. are unaffected by the transaction.

Net Assets Acquired

Current Assets 

Property and Equipment

Current Liabilities

Long-term Debt

Future Income Taxes

Future Site Restoration

$      3,633,688

23,488,303

27,121,991

(4,158,064)

(7,026,463)

(877,857)

(2,083,929)

$    12,975,678

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Trust and its wholly

owned subsidiary Bonterra Energy Corp. for the six months ended December 31, 2001.

Property and Equipment

Petroleum and Natural Gas Properties and Related Equipment

The Trust follows the successful efforts method of accounting for petroleum and natural

gas  properties  and  related  equipment.    Costs  of  acquiring  unproved  properties  are

capitalized  and  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  lives  of  the  related  leases.

When  property  is  found  to  contain  proved  reserves  as  determined  by  the  Trusts

engineers,  the  related  net  book  value  is  depleted  on  the  unit-of-production  basis,

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 20

calculated  by  field.    The  costs  of  dry  holes  and  abandoned  properties  are  charged  to

operations.  Geological costs, lease rentals and carrying costs are charged to income as

incurred.  Costs of drilling exploratory and development wells that result in additions to

proved reserves are capitalized and depleted on the unit-of-production basis.  Tangible

equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over ten years.

Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment

These  assets  are  recorded  at  cost  and  depreciated  over  a  three  to  ten  year  period

representing their estimated useful lives.

Income Taxes

The  Trust  follows  the  liability  method  of  accounting  for  income  taxes  under  which  the

income  tax  provision  is  based  on  the  temporary  differences  in  the  accounts  calculated

using income tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the temporary differences

will reverse.  

Future Site Restoration

The Trust provides for future site restoration and abandonment costs over the estimated

production life of its property and equipment.  Estimates of these amounts are based on

the  anticipated  method  and  extent  of  site  restoration  using  current  costs  and  in

accordance with existing legislation and industry practice.  The annual charge is included

with depletion, depreciation and future site restoration.

Trust Unit-based Compensation Plan

The  Trust  has  a  trust-unit-based  compensation  plan  as  described  in  Note  5.    No

compensation expense is recognized for the plan when trust units or options are issued.

Consideration paid on exercise of options is credited to unit capital.

Joint Interest Operations

Significant portions of the Trust’s oil and gas operations are conducted with other parties

and accordingly the financial statements reflect only the Trust’s proportionate interest in

such activities.

Inventories

Inventories consist of materials and supplies that are valued at the lower of cost or net

realizable value.

Net Earnings Per Unit

The Trust uses the treasury stock method of calculating earnings per unit and funds from

operations  per  unit  in  accordance  with  the  new  CICA  Handbook  Section  3500.    Net

earnings  per  unit  is  calculated  using  the  weighted  average  number  of  trust  units

outstanding  during  the  period,  which  was  8,692,226.    There  are  no  dilutive  instruments

outstanding as of December 31, 2001 or during the period then ended.

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3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Accumulated

Depletion and

Depreciation

Cost

Undeveloped Land

$      461,215

$               –

Petroleum and natural gas properties

and related equipment

Furniture, equipment and other

28,422,237

25,567

5,834,969

10,862

$ 28,909,019

$ 5,845,831

During the period no general and administrative expenses were capitalized.  

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

The  Trust  has  a  long-term  bank  revolving  credit  facility  of  $10,000,000  at  December  31,

2001.    The  terms  of  the  credit  facility  provide  that  the  loan  is  due  on  demand  and  is

subject  to  annual  review.    The  credit  facility  has  no  fixed  payment  requirements.    The

amount  available  for  borrowing  under  the  credit  facility  is  reduced  by  the  amount  of

outstanding  letters  of  credit.    Collateral  for  the  loan  consists  of  a  demand  debenture

providing  a  first  floating  charge  over  all  of  the  Trust’s  assets,  and  a  general  security

agreement.    The  credit  facility  carries  an  interest  rate  of  one-quarter  percent  above

Canadian chartered bank prime.  Cash interest paid during 2001 for this loan was $182,858.

The Trust is required under Province of Alberta Regulations to provide a letter of credit

in  the  amount  of  $1,293,714  to  the  Alberta  Energy  and  Utilities  Board  for  the  future

abandonment  of  specified  inactive  wells.    The  letter  of  credit  is  reduced  on  a  per  well

basis if a well is reactivated or abandoned and the surface reclaimed.  

5. UNIT CAPITAL

Authorized

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of trust units without nominal or par

value.

Issued

Trust Units

Number

Amount

Balance, beginning of period (Note 1)

Balance, end of period

8,692,226

8,692,226

$12,975,678

$12,975,678

The Trust provides an option plan for its directors, officers, employees and consultants.

Under the plan, the Trust may grant options for up to 869,223 trust units.  The exercise

price of each option granted equals the market price of the trust unit on the date of grant

and the option’s maximum term is five years.  Options vest one-third each year for the first

three years of the option term.  As of December 31, 2001 no options have been issued.

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 22

6. INCOME TAXES

The Trust has recorded a future income tax liability.  The liability relates to the following

temporary differences:

Temporary differences related to assets and liabilities

$            723,315

Finance expense charged to unitholders’ equity

Tax loss carry forward

Income tax expense varies from the amounts that would be 

computed by applying Canadian federal and provincial income

tax rates as follows:

Earnings before income taxes

Combined federal and provincial income tax rates

Income tax provision calculated using statutory tax rates

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

Non-deductible crown royalties

Resource allowance

Trust income allocated to unitholders

Non-taxable gain on disposal of property

Other

(103,263)

(172,960)

$            447,092

$         4,932,687

43.26%

2,133,880

293,072

(746,038)

(1,991,107)

(127,763)

4,441

$        

(433,515)

The Trust and its subsidiary have the following tax pools, which may be used to reduce

taxable income in future years, limited to the applicable rates of utilization:

Undepreciated capital costs

Canadian oil and gas property expenses

Canadian exploration expenses

Tax loss 

Finance expenses

Rate of

Draw down

%

Amount

20-100

$  3,166,070

10

100

100

20

15,221,575

703,929

399,772

238,681

$19,730,027

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7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value of the financial instruments of the Trust approximates their estimated fair values.  Financial instruments include

accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, distributions payable, and long-term debt.

8. COMMITMENTS - FUTURE SALES AGREEMENTS

The Trust entered into the following commodity hedging transactions in 2001 for a portion of its 2002 production:

Period of Agreement

Commodity

Volume per day

Index

Price (Cdn.) 

January 1 to January 31, 2002

February 1 to February 28, 2002

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

1,200 barrels

800 barrels

WTI    

$42 per barrel

WTI

$42 per barrel

9. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

The  Trust  has  entered  into  a  management  agreement  with  Comstate  Resources  Ltd.  (Comstate),  a  company  with  common

management, to provide field operations, management and general office services.  Fees charged for field operations are charged on

a per well basis.  Total amount charged during the period was $394,020.  This amount, net of amounts related to joint venture partner

interests, has been recorded in production costs.  

Fees for management and general office services consist of $30,000 per month plus three percent of before tax net income.  Total

amount paid during the period was $326,230 and has been included in general and administrative expenses.  

Effective February 1, 2002, Comstate became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust and the Trust is no longer charged a management

fee.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT - MERGER

On December 17, 2001, the Trust announced its intention to combine with Comstate Resources Income Trust “Comstate Trust” by way

of merger whereby each unit holder of the Trust would receive 0.885 of a unit of Comstate Trust.  The transaction will be accounted

for as a reverse takeover of Comstate Trust by the Trust as the former unitholders of the Trust will own greater than 50% of the units

of the new trust.  This merger arrangement was approved by the unitholders of both Comstate Trust and the Trust on January 24, 2002

and was effective January 31, 2002.

As this transaction is to be accounted for as a reverse takeover, the assets and liabilities of the Trust will remain at their book values,

while the assets and liabilities of Comstate Trust will be recorded at their fair values on January 31, 2002.  The net assets of Comstate

Trust acquired through this merger transaction are as follows:

Net working capital 

Property and Equipment

Long-term Debt

Future Tax Liability

Future Site Restoration

$         413,372  

47,696,922

(6,750,000)

(314,658)

(4,320,792)

$     36,724,844

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Text_sd  5/13/02  6:43 PM  Page 24

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT- COMMITMENTS

The  Trust  entered  into  the  following  commodity  hedging  transactions  subsequent  to

December 31, 2001 for a portion of its future production:

Period of Agreement

Commodity

Volume per day

Index

Price (Cdn.) 

April 1, 2002 to

October 31, 2003

Natural Gas

1,000GJ’s 

AECO

$3.77 per GJ

May 1, 2002 to

October 31, 2002  

Natural Gas

625GJ’s

AECO

$4.30 per GJ

April 1, 2002 to

December 31, 2002

Crude Oil

600 barrels

WTI

$37.97 per barrel

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COV Bonterra  5/13/02  6:45 PM  Page 4

CORPORATE INFORMATION

HEAD OFFICE

901, 1015 – Fourth Street SW

Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J4 

REGISTRAR & TRANSFER AGENT

Olympia Trust Company, Calgary, Alberta

AUDITORS

PH 403.262.5307 FX 403.265.7488

Deloitte & Touche LLP, Calgary, Alberta

REGISTERED OFFICE

SOLICITORS

Suite 3400, 150 - 6th Avenue S.W.

Parlee McLaws, Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta T2P 3Y7

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tupper, Jonsson & Yeadon,

Vancouver, British Columbia

G.J. Drummond, Calgary, Alberta

BANKERS

G.F. Fink, Calgary, Alberta

The Royal Bank of Canada

C.R. Jonsson, Vancouver, British Columbia

Calgary, Alberta

F. W. Woodward, Calgary, Alberta

OFFICERS

G.F. Fink – President

STOCK LISTING

The Toronto Stock Exchange

Toronto, Ontario

R.M. Jarock – Operations Manager &

Trading symbol: BNE.UN

Vice President, Acquisitions

S.L. Safronovitch –  Vice President

Operations

G.E. Schultz – Vice President, Finance &

Secretary

WEB SITE

www.bonterraenergy.com

COV Bonterra  5/13/02  6:45 PM  Page 1

901, 1015 – FOURTH STREET SW, CALGARY, ALBERTA T2R 1J4