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Bonterra Energy Corp.

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FY2017 Annual Report · Bonterra Energy Corp.
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Positioned 
for Success

B O N T E R R A   E N E R G Y   C O R P.   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

01  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Table of Contents

Annual Highlights 

Quarterly Highlights  

Message to Shareholders 

Operations Overview 

Statistical Review 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Financial Statements 

Notes to the Financial Statements  

Corporate Information 

02

03

04

06

08

12

31

35

IBC

L O N G -T E R M   G R O W T H   P O T E N T I A L

21 YEARS

With  approximately  735  net  Cardium  horizontal 
drilling  locations  in  inventory,  Bonterra  is  well 
positioned 
for  continued  value  creation  and  
long-term  growth  potential.  The  Company  has  a 
Reserve  life  index  of  ~21  years  on  a  proved  plus 
probable (“P+P”) basis. 

Positioned 
for Success

Bonterra  Energy  Corp.  is  a  dividend-paying  oil 
and  gas  company  focused  on  the  conventional 
its  Cardium  oil  assets 
development  of 
concentrated  in  Alberta.  The  Company  seeks 
to  generate 
returns  for  shareholders  by 
growing  funds  flow,  production  and  reserves 
on  a  per  share  basis  while  continuing  to  pay  
a sustainable dividend. 

Through  2017,  Bonterra  continued  to  realize  operational 
success by investing in projects that offer the highest returns 
within  a  challenging  commodity  price  environment.  Bonterra’s 
sustainable  growth  is  supported  by  an  industry-low  corporate 
decline  rate  of  approximately  22  percent,  a  low-risk  drilling 
inventory  and  consistent  low-cost  operations.  The  Company’s 
high-quality  asset  base,  conservative  financial  management 
and  strong  capital  efficiencies  position  Bonterra  for  long-term 
sustainability through various commodity price cycles.  

02  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

P D P   N AV   /   S H A R E   G R O W T H

G R O W I N G   P + P   R E S E R V E S   P E R   S H A R E

$15

$10

$5

$0

$10.76

$10.89

$11.60

2015

2016

2017

e
r
a
h
s

n
o
m
m
o
c

r
e
p

s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

P
+
P

3.2

3.0

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.2

3.00

2.85

2.74

2.50

2014

2015

2016

2017

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

(

s
e
r
u
t
i
d
n
e
p
x
e

l

a
t
i
p
a
C

PDP NAV per Share (NPV 10%) 

P+P reserves per fully diluted common share

Capital expenditures

Proved Developed and Producing ("PDP")

Proved plus Probable ("P+P")

I N D U S T R Y   L O W   P R O D U C T I O N   D E C L I N E   R AT E

R E S E R V E S   P E R   S H A R E

22%

INCREASED 5%

Bonterra’s low corporate decline rate means minimal capital is required 
to sustain production volumes, which provides significant flexibility to 
increase capital for growth as commodity prices improve. With excess 
free cash flow generation, the Company will look first to reduce its Debt 
to Funds Flow ratio followed by investment in growth projects and the 
potential for a dividend increase. 

P+P reserves per fully diluted share increased to 3.00 BOE per share in 
2017 compared to 2.85 BOE per share from the prior year, an increase of  
five percent over 2016. Increased P+P reserves by five percent to 99.8 
million  BOE  (70  percent  oil  and  liquids)  and  total  proved  reserves  by  
six percent to 78.6 million BOE (70 percent oil and liquids).

01  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual 
Highlights

As at and for the year ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

December 31,
2017

  December 31,
2016

December 31, 
2015(1)

FINANCIAL

Revenue – realized oil and gas sales

Funds flow(2)

Per share – basic and diluted

Dividend payout ratio

Cash flow from operations

Per share – basic and diluted

Dividend payout ratio

Cash dividends per share

Net earnings (loss)

Per share – basic and diluted

Capital expenditures

Acquisition

Disposition

Total assets

Working capital deficiency

Long-term debt

Shareholders’ equity

OPERATIONS

Oil   

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

NGLs 

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

Natural gas    – MCF per day

  – average price ($ per MCF)

Total barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE)(5)

202,566

102,444

3.08

39%

103,873

3.12

38%

1.20

2,506

0.08

82,441(4)

 -   

56,752(4)

1,125,551

27,790

292,212

510,260

7,907

59.30

905

31.47

24,087

2.40

12,827

169,863

96,305

2.90

41%

75,294

2.26

53%

1.20

(24,135)

(0.73)

40,797

-

-

1,147,834

24,921

329,204

543,824

7,942

49.46

894

19.93

22,888

2.34

12,650

197,239

117,948

3.61

54%

107,871

 3.30 

59%

1.95

 (9,080)

(0.28)

58,498

 170,430(3)

 - 

1,183,593

29,804

332,471

595,805

8,641

 54.08 

733

 20.80 

19,694

 2.94 

12,656

(1)  Annual  figures  for  2015  include  the  results  of  a  purchase  (the  Acquisition)  of  primarily  Pembina  Cardium  oil  and  gas  assets  (Pembina  Assets)  for  the  period  of  
April 15, 2015 to December 31, 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2015, production includes 260 days for the Pembina Assets and 365 days for the original 
Bonterra assets. 

(2)  Funds flow is not a recognized measure under IFRS. For these purposes, the Company defines funds flow as funds provided by operations including proceeds from 

sale of investments and investment income received excluding the effects of changes in non-cash working capital items and decommissioning expenditures settled.

(3)  For 2015, includes the Acquisition that closed April 15, 2015 for $170,430,000.
(4)  For  2017,  includes  the  Disposition  of  a  two  percent  overriding  royalty  interest  on  the  total  production  from  the  Company’s  Pembina  Cardium  pool  that  closed  
December 20, 2017 and is effective January 1, 2018.  Consideration consisted of $52 million of cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4.7 million which is 
included in capital expenditures (refer to Note 5 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements).

(5)  BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 MCF: 1 bbl is based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the 

burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

02  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarterly 
Highlights

Q4

54,192

26,948

0.81

37%

26,472

0.79

38%

0.30

2,096

0.06

18,775(2) 

 56,752(2) 

1,125,551

27,790

292,212

510,260

7,766

65.16

963

39.12

24,466

1.90

12,807

2017

Q3

Q2

Q1

46,349

21,745

0.65

46%

25,491

0.77

40%

0.30

(3,043)

(0.09)

 14,121 

 -   

1,146,498

28,260

345,322

517,719

8,038

53.48

1,000

27.81

25,460

1.81

13,281

52,695

28,508

0.86

35%

27,370

0.82

37%

0.30

2,978

0.09

 19,416 

 -   

1,173,936

29,759

341,070

529,844

8,287

58.27

843

27.48

24,138

3.03

13,153

49,330

25,243

0.76

40%

24,540

0.74

41%

0.30

475

0.01

 30,129 

 -   

1,156,398

39,483

330,118

535,742

7,533

60.63

813

31.00

22,243

2.97

12,053

As at and for the periods ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

FINANCIAL

Revenue – oil and gas sales 

Funds flow(1)

Per share – basic and diluted

Dividend payout ratio

Cash flow from operations

Per share – basic and diluted

Dividend payout ratio

Cash dividends per share

Net earnings (loss)

Per share – basic and diluted

Capital expenditures

Disposition

Total assets

Working capital deficiency

Long-term debt

Shareholders' equity

OPERATIONS

Oil   

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

NGLs 

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

Natural gas    – MCF per day

  – average price ($ per MCF)

Total BOE per day(3)

(1)  Funds flow is not a recognized measure under IFRS. For these purposes, the Company defines funds flow as funds provided by operations including proceeds from 

sale of investments and investment income received excluding the effects of changes in non-cash working capital items and decommissioning expenditures settled.

(2)  For  Q4  2017,  includes  the  Disposition  of  a  two  percent  overriding  royalty  interest  on  the  total  production  from  the  Company’s  Pembina  Cardium  pool  that  closed  
December 20, 2017 and is effective January 1, 2018. Consideration consisted of $52 million of cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4.7 million which is 
included in capital expenditures (refer to Note 5 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements).

(3)  BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 MCF: 1 bbl is based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the 

burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

03  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Message to
Shareholders

Bonterra  Energy  Corp. 
(“Bonterra”  or  the 
“Company”)  continued  to  realize  operational 
and  financial  success  throughout  2017  as 
commodity prices began to recover. 

The Company maintained stable production volumes, increased 
reserves and reserves per share by actively directing capital to 
the  most  economic  projects  –  all  while  reducing  overall  debt. 
Through  patient  and  prudent  development  of  Bonterra’s  high-
quality asset base, the Company remained true to its established 
strategy of balancing financial stability with long-term corporate 
sustainability during a period of recovery for the energy sector.

Through  2017,  Bonterra’s  production  remained  stable  at  
12,827 BOE per day and the Company generated $102.4 million 
($3.08  per  diluted  share)  of  funds  flow,  an  increase  of  seven 
percent over 2016. Compared to many of its industry peers, the 
Company  is  uniquely  positioned  with  a  low  production  decline 
rate of approximately 22 percent, meaning less capital spending 
is  required  to  sustain  production  volumes  annually.  Bonterra’s 
Cardium light oil weighted asset base offers significant torque to 
rising oil prices which can positively contribute to higher funds 
flow  and  support  strong  netbacks.  With  an  improving  oil  price 
environment, low all-in cash costs that averaged $21.44 per BOE 
in  2017,  and  very  modest  maintenance  capital  requirements, 
Bonterra is well positioned to generate free funds flow that can 
be  directed  towards  debt  repayment,  higher  capital  spending 
levels or dividend increases. 

Bonterra  continued  to  focus  on  key  priorities  during  2017  and 
realized success across numerous areas:

 u Commitment  to  Operational  &  Capital  Efficiencies:  While 
maintaining its track record of safe and efficient operations, 
Bonterra  executed  on  a  $77.7  million  capital  program  in 
2017. Approximately 80 percent of the capital program was 
directed to drilling, completions and tie-in activities with the 
remaining 20 percent directed primarily to facility upgrades 

and  gathering  pipelines.  Deploying  an  efficient  approach 
enabled  the  Company  to  continue  the  trend  of  reducing 
the  finding,  development  and  acquisition  (“FD&A”)  three 
year  weighted  average  costs  to  $12.60  per  BOE  for  2017 
compared to $14.28 per BOE for 2016. 

 u Growing  Reserves  per  Share:  The  Company’s  2017  capital 
program delivered meaningful growth in proved plus probable 
(“P+P”) reserves per share, which increased five percent over 
2016. This growth builds on Bonterra’s historical track record 
as  the  Company  has  achieved  a  five  percent  compound 
annual growth rate (“CAGR”) on P+P reserves per share from 
2010 to 2017. 

 u Creating Value with a Long-life and Predictable Asset Base: 
The  Pembina  Cardium  reservoir  is  the  largest  conventional 
oil  reservoir  in  western  Canada  with  significant  original-oil-
in-place and very low recoveries to date. Bonterra’s Cardium 
assets are concentrated within the Pembina and Willesden 
Green areas, with an average working interest of 76 percent 
while 88.5 percent of production is operated. Bonterra also 
operates the majority of its oil and gas processing facilities, 
providing access to consistent and reliable infrastructure.

 During  2017,  the  Company  maintained  its  natural  gas  
production  firm  service  transportation  commitments  at 
approximately  90  percent.  Currently,  around  90  percent  of 
Bonterra’s natural gas production is derived from the solution 
gas  that  is  present  within  oil  wells  which  will  help  reduce 
transportation  curtailments  associated  with  interruptible 
service, therefore decreasing restrictions on oil production. 

 u Building  Sustainability  and  Long-term  Growth  Potential: 
Bonterra has one of the longest-life inventories of economic 
undrilled  locations  in  its  peer  group,  with  735  net  Cardium 
horizontal  drilling  locations  identified  as  at  December  31, 
2017.  This  represents  an  estimated  21  years  based  on 
current capital spending levels. Bonterra has also identified 
additional drilling locations in other formations within Alberta, 
Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

04  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 During periods of higher commodity prices, the Company can 
choose to accelerate drilling, or in periods of weaker pricing, 
Bonterra  can  slow  the  pace  of  development,  which  could 
extend  the  life  of  its  undrilled  inventory,  supporting  future 
growth  and  long-term  sustainability.  In  addition,  Bonterra’s 
established waterflood scheme in the Pembina Cardium field 
is expected to improve oil recoveries, resulting in greater long-
term value creation for shareholders and further supporting 
the Company’s low decline rate. 

 u Conservatively Managing Reserves: The Company continues to 
be conservative regarding the determination of future reserves 
bookings. With approximately one third of its undrilled identified 
well  locations  for  the  Pembina  and  Willesden  Green  Cardium 
included in its year end 2017 reserves evaluation, Bonterra is 
well positioned to capture future upside with further increases 
in commodity prices. Bonterra is largely unhedged going into 
2018 and 2019, positioning the Company to take full advantage 
of upside in a rising commodity price environment. 

 u Enhancing  Financial  Flexibility  and  Reducing  Debt:  As 
part  of  the  Company’s  ongoing  commitment  to  reduce 
debt  levels  and  strengthen  its  balance  sheet,  in  December 
of  2017,  Bonterra  announced  a  gross  overriding  royalty 
(“GORR”)  sale  of  a  two  percent  interest  in  its  Pembina 
Cardium pool. The Company received total consideration of  
$52 million in cash, and Pembina Cardium properties valued at  
$4.7 million. The cash proceeds from the GORR were directed 
to debt reduction, and improved Bonterra’s debt to cash flow 
ratio without dilution to shareholders. 

 u Improved  Commodity  Prices  Support  Netbacks:  Bonterra’s 
oil production is priced based on the light, sweet Edmonton 
Par benchmark, which trades at a premium to the Western 
Canadian  Select  benchmark.  The  Company’s  realized 
commodity prices for the year averaged $59.30 per bbl for 
oil,  $2.40  per  MCF  for  natural  gas  and  $31.47  per  bbl  for 
Natural Gas Liquids, resulting in an average realized per BOE 
price of $43.29 in 2017, approximately 18 percent higher than 

in  2016.  The  improved  pricing  helped  increase  Bonterra’s 
2017  cash  netback  to  $21.85  per  BOE,  which  is  almost  
24 percent higher than the 2016 netback of $17.71 per BOE.

O U T L O O K

For  2018,  Bonterra  has  set  its  capital  expenditures  budget  at 
$75 million which will be directed largely to drilling new wells and 
facility upgrades in the Pembina Cardium area, and is designed 
to maintain a balance between funds flow and capital spending 
plus  dividends.  Any  excess  cash  will  be  used  to  reduce  debt. 
Annual  production  volumes  in  2018  are  estimated  to  increase 
between  two  and  four  percent  over  2017  and  range  between 
13,200 and 13,500 BOE per day. The Company will continue to 
regularly monitor commodity price changes and funds flow, with 
the view to adjusting capital expenditures and dividend levels up 
or down as required. 

Going  forward,  Bonterra  will  continue  to  focus  on  operational 
efficiencies  and  financial  discipline  to  maximize  returns  for 
shareholders. The Company will manage its business cautiously 
in  the  context  of  a  volatile  commodity  price  environment  and 
increased  provincial  and  federal  political  uncertainty.  The 
Company continues to be one of the lowest cost producers, has 
one of the lowest annual production decline rates and one of the 
largest inventory of economic undrilled locations. These factors 
are expected to contribute to Bonterra’s continued success in 
the oil and gas industry. 

The  Board  of  Directors  wishes  to  thank  all  of  the  Company’s 
employees  for  their  contributions  and  Bonterra’s  shareholders 
for their continued support.

George F. Fink 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

05  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
Operations 
Overview

Bonterra’s  assets  are  focused  within  the 
expansive  Pembina  Cardium  light  oil  pool  in 
Alberta. The Company’s oil-weighted production 
features  a  large  inventory  of  future  economic 
drilling  locations  and  a  low  corporate  decline 
rate  of  approximately  22  percent,  which  helps 
keep  maintenance  capital  expenditures  low 
while contributing to stable production volumes. 

R14

R13

R12

R11

R10

R9

R8

R7

R6

R5

R4

R3

R2

R1W5

T52

T51

T50

T49

T48

T47

T46

T45

T44

T43

T42

T41

T40

T39

T38

BONTERRA CARDIUM LANDS

T52

T51

T50

T49

T48

T47

T46

T45

T44

T43

T42

T41

T40

T39

T38

O I L- W E I G H T E D   A S S E T   B A S E 

is  focused  on 

Bonterra’s  ongoing  development 
its 
numerous,  high-quality  Cardium  oil  drilling  opportunities 
in  the  Pembina  area.  The  Company’s  active  2017  capital 
investments,  contributed  to  a  five  percent  increase 
in  proved  plus  probable  (“P+P”)  reserves  over  2016  to  
99.8 million BOE, of which 70 percent were oil and liquids. 
Similarly, total proved reserves increased by six percent to  
78.6 million BOE, with 70 percent oil and liquids. Bonterra’s 
oil production is priced based on the light, sweet Edmonton 
Par  benchmark,  which  trades  at  a  premium  to  the  other 
commonly used benchmark; Western Canadian Select. With 
the Company’s high oil and liquids weighting and a stronger 
price environment through the latter part of 2017, Bonterra 
posted stronger cash netbacks of $21.85 per BOE in 2017 
compared  to  $17.71  per  BOE  in  2016.  Bonterra  continues 
to be a low-cost producer with an industry-low production 
decline with significant exposure to the expansive Pembina 
Cardium light oil pool. 

P + P   R E S E R V E   L I F E   I N D E X

INCREASED TO 21 YEARS

The reserve life index increased to 17 years on a total proved basis, 
and  nine  years  on  a  proved  developed  producing  (“PDP”)  basis, 
based on 2017 average production rate of 12,827 BOE per day. 

R14

R13

R12

R11

R10

R9

R8

R7

R6

R5

R4

R3

R2

R1W5

06  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

R O B U S T   I N V E N T O R Y   O F   E C O N O M I C   
D R I L L I N G   L O C AT I O N S

O P E R AT I O N A L   E XC E L L E N C E

To date, less than 14 percent of the estimated 10.6 billion barrels 
of  oil  in  place  within  the  Cardium  pool  have  been  produced, 
providing  for  significant  long-term  development  potential. 
Bonterra has a substantial inventory of 735 net highly economic, 
low-risk  drilling  locations,  which  based  on  2017  production 
volumes  of  12,827  BOE  per  day  would  provide  approximately 
21  years  of  continued  future  development.  The  Company’s 
sustainable  growth  strategy 
is  centered  on  maintaining 
operational  efficiencies,  managing  the  dividend  and  seeking 
to  actively  reduce  debt,  with  the  goal  of  delivering  attractive 
returns  for  shareholders  across  a  variety  of  commodity  
price environments.

Bonterra maintained production, grew reserves and lowered net 
debt in 2017 with no shareholder dilution due to its successful 
2017 development program coupled with the GORR transaction 
completed  late  in  the  year.  Operational  prudence  and  the 
decision to complete the GORR transaction highlights Bonterra’s 
ability to remain flexible and has positioned the Company well 
for a recovery in commodity prices in 2018.

3   Y E A R   AV E R A G E   F D & A   C O S T S   P E R   B O E ,   
I N C L U D I N G   F D C ( 1 )

P + P   A N D   T O TA L   P R O V E D   
R E S E R V E S   G R O W T H   ( M B O E )

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

$0

E
O
B
r
e
p

$22.47

$20.02

$14.28

$12.60

2014

2015

2016

2017

3 Year Average

Current 3 Year Average

Finding, Development & Acquisition (“FD&A”); Future Development Capital (“FDC”)

(1) calculated on Total Proved Reserves

100

80

60

40

20

0

90.6

94.9

70.7

74.3

99.8

78.6

2015

2016

2017

Proved

Proved + Probable

07  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
Statistical 
Review

S U M M A R Y   O F   G R O S S   O I L   A N D   G A S   R E S E R V E S   A S   O F   D E C E M B E R   3 1 ,   2 0 1 7

Reserves category

PROVED

Developed producing

Developed non-producing

Undeveloped

TOTAL PROVED

PROBABLE

TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE(1)(2)(3)

Light &  
Medium  

Crude Oil

(Mbbl)

25,760

617

22,369

48,746

13,148

61,894

  Conventional 
Natural Gas

Natural Gas 
 Liquids

Oil 
Equivalent(4)

Future  
  Development 
Capital

(MMCF)

(Mbbl)

(MBOE)

($ 000s)

73,750

1,712

65,915

141,377

38,498

179,875

3,147

69

3,068

6,284

1,684

7,968

41,199

971

36,423

78,592

21,248

99,840

-

1,136

605,140

606,275

9,651

615,926

(1)  Reserves have been presented on gross basis which are the Company’s total working interest share before the deduction of any royalties and without including any 

royalty interests of the Company. 
(2)  Totals may not add due to rounding. 
(3)  Based on Sproule’s December 31, 2017 escalated price deck. 
(4)  Oil equivalent amounts have been calculated using a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil.

R E C O N C I L I AT I O N   O F   C O M PA N Y   G R O S S   R E S E R V E S   BY   P R I N C I P L E   P R O D U C T   T Y P E   A S   O F 
D E C E M B E R   3 1 ,   2 0 1 7 ( 1 ) ( 2 )

Light and Medium  
Crude Oil

Conventional  
Natural Gas

Natural Gas Liquids

Total

 Proved 
(Mbbl)

Proved +  
Probable  
(Mbbl)

 Proved 
  (MMCF)

Proved + 
Probable 
(MMCF)

Proved 
(Mbbl)

  Proved (Mbbl) 
Proved +  
 Probable (Mbbl)

 Proved 
  (MBOE)

Opening Balance December 31, 2016 47,581

60,320 129,108

167,269

5,157

6,707

74,257

Extensions & Improved Recovery(2) 4,086

5,166

7,130

Technical Revisions

 (882)

 (1,785)

11,905

-

697

-

150

-

-

868

1,730

-

211

-

295

9,009

9,803

-

2,170

-

415

427

960

-

57

-

13

540

964

-

71

-

16

5,701

2,062

-

1,043

-

212

Proved +  
Probable  
(MBOE)

94,905

7,207

814

-

1,301

-

296

 (2,886)

 (2,886)

 (8,792)

 (8,792)

 (331)

 (331)

 (4,682)

 (4,682)

48,746

61,894

141,376

179,874

6,284

7,968

78,592

99,840

Discoveries

Acquisitions

Dispositions(3)

Economic Factors

Production

CLOSING BALANCE,  
DECEMBER 31, 2017(4)

(1)  Gross Reserves means the Company’s working interest reserves before calculation of royalties, and before consideration of the Company’s royalty interests. 
(2)  Increases  to  Extensions  &  Improved  Recovery  include  infill  drilling  and  are  the  result  of  step-out  locations  drilled  by  Bonterra  and  other  operators  on  and  near  

Company-owned lands.

(3)  Includes volumes associated with farm outs.
(4)  Totals may not add due to rounding.

08  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S U M M A R Y   O F   N E T   P R E S E N T   VA L U E S   O F   F U T U R E   N E T   R E V E N U E   A S   O F   D E C E M B E R   3 1 ,   2 0 1 7

($ 000s)

Reserves category

PROVED

Developed producing

Developed non-producing

Undeveloped

TOTAL PROVED

PROBABLE

TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE(1)(2)(3)(4)

Net Present Value Before Income Taxes Discounted at (% per Year)

0%

5%

10%

15%

1,379,164

20,761

930,643

2,330,568

946,292

3,276,860

935,526

18,112

514,685

1,468,324

492,725

1,961,049

706,099

14,854

306,474

1,027,427

317,563

1,344,990

569,452

12,272

190,432

772,156

231,218

1,003,374

(1)  Evaluated by Sproule as at December 31, 2017. Net present value of future net revenue does not represent fair value of the reserves. 
(2)  Net present values equals net present value before income taxes based on Sproule’s forecast prices and costs as of December 31, 2017. There is no assurance that 

the forecast price and cost assumptions will be attained and variances could be material. 

(3)  Includes abandonment and reclamation costs as defined in NI 51-101.
(4)  Totals may not add due to rounding.

F I N D I N G ,   D E V E L O P M E N T   &   A C Q U I S I T I O N   ( F D & A )   A N D   F I N D I N G   &   D E V E L O P M E N T   ( F & D )   C O S T S

FD&A COSTS PER BOE(1)(2)(3)

Including FDC

Excluding FDC 

F&D COSTS PER BOE(1)(2)(3)

Including FDC

Excluding FDC

Proved Reserve Net Additions

Proved + Probable Reserve Net Additions

2017

2016

2015 3 Yr Avg(4)

2017

2016

2015 3 Yr Avg(4)

 $  15.66 

 $  10.87 

 $  11.52 

 $  12.60 

 $  13.74 

 $  9.93 

 $  11.60 

 $  11.77 

 $  9.06 

 $  4.91 

 $  15.50 

 $  10.62 

 $  8.57 

 $  4.58 

 $  15.29 

 $  10.51 

 $  17.02 

 $  10.89 

 $  4.76 

 $  13.04 

 $  15.22 

 $  9.91 

 $  3.12 

 $  11.96 

 $  9.55 

 $  4.81 

 $ 33.26 

 $  9.73 

 $  9.25 

 $  4.44 

 $ 56.32 

 $  9.64 

(1)  Barrels of Oil Equivalent may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 MCF: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method 

primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. 

(2)  The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and the change during that year in estimated future development 

costs generally will not reflect total finding and development costs related to reserve additions for that year. 

(3)  FD&A and F&D costs are net of proceeds of disposal and the FD&A costs per BOE are based on reserves acquired net of reserves disposed of. 
(4)  Three  year  average  is  calculated  using  three  year  total  capital  costs  and  reserve  additions  on  both  a  Proved  and  Proved  +  Probable  reserves  on  a  weighted  

average basis.

09  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C O M M O D I T Y   P R I C E S   U S E D   I N   T H E   A B O V E   C A L C U L AT I O N S   O F   R E S E R V E S   A R E   A S   F O L L O W S :

Year

FORECAST(1)(2)

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Edmonton
Par Price
($Cdn per bbl)

Natural Gas  
AECO-C Spot 
 ($Cdn per mmbtu)

Butanes 
Edmonton 
($Cdn per bbl)

Pentanes 
Edmonton 
($Cdn per bbl)

Operating Cost
Inflation Rate 
(% per Year)

Exchange 
Rate 
($US/$Cdn)

 65.44 

 74.51 

 78.24 

 82.45 

 84.10 

 85.78 

 87.49 

 89.24 

 91.03 

 92.85 

 94.71 

 2.85 

3.11 

 3.65 

 3.80 

 3.95 

 4.05 

 4.15 

 4.25 

 4.36 

 4.46 

 4.57 

 48.73 

 55.49 

 57.65 

 60.12 

 61.32 

 62.55 

 63.80 

 65.07 

 66.37 

 67.70 

 69.06 

 67.72 

 75.61 

 78.82 

 82.35 

 84.07 

 85.82 

 87.61 

 89.43 

 91.29 

 93.19 

 95.12 

0.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

 0.79 

 0.82 

 0.85

 0.85

 0.85 

 0.85 

 0.85 

 0.85 

 0.85 

 0.85 

 0.85 

(1)  Crude oil, natural gas and liquid prices escalate at 2.0 percent thereafter.
(2)  The forecasted prices were provided by the independent reserves evaluator Sproule Associates Limited.

P R O D U C T I O N

Alberta

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

L E A S E   H O L D I N G S

Alberta

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

Oil & NGLs 
(Bbl Per Day)

8,652

154

6

 8,812 

2017

Conventional 
Natural Gas
(MCF Per Day)

22,723

50

1,313

 24,086 

Total
 (BOE Per Day)

12,440

162

225

 12,827 

2017

2016

Gross Acres

Net Acres

Gross Acres

Net Acres

 313,909 

 8,178 

 62,045 

 384,132 

 192,945 

 5,647 

 22,594 

 221,186 

 297,388 

 8,865 

 62,045 

 368,298 

 180,150 

 6,193 

 22,638 

 208,981 

10  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

P E T R O L E U M   A N D   N AT U R A L   G A S   E X P E N D I T U R E S

The  following  table  summarized  petroleum  and  natural  gas  capital  expenditures  incurred  by  Bonterra  on  acquisisitons,  land,  and 
exploration and development costs for the years ended December 31:

($ 000s)

Land

Acquisitions

Disposals

Exploration and development costs

Net petroleum and natural gas capital expenditures

2017

 -   

 - 

(56,752)(1)

82,441(1)

25,689

2016

 -   

 -   

(54)

40,851

40,797

(1)  For  2017,  includes  the  disposition  at  a  two  percent  overriding  royalty  interest  on  the  total  production  from  the  Company’s  Pembina  Cardium  pool  that  closed  
December 20, 2017 and is effective January 1, 2018. Consideration consisted of $52 million of cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4.7 million which is 
included in capital expenditures.

D R I L L I N G   H I S T O R Y

The following tables summarize Bonterra’s gross and net drilling activity and success:

Crude oil

Natural gas

Total

Success rate

Crude oil

Natural gas

Total

Success rate

Development

Gross

 30.0 

 -  

 30.0 

100%

Development

Gross

 23.0 

 -  

 23.0 

100%

Net

 27.9 

 -  

 27.9 

100%

Net

 18.8 

 -  

 18.8 

100%

2017

Exploratory

Gross

Net

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

2016

Exploratory

Gross

Net

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

Total

Gross

 30.0 

 -  

 30.0 

100%

Total

Gross

 23.0 

 -  

 23.0 

100%

Net

 27.9 

 -  

 27.9 

100%

Net

 18.8 

 -  

 18.8 

100%

11  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The following report dated March 13, 2018 is a review of the operations and current financial position for the year ended December 31, 
2017 for Bonterra Energy Corp. (“Bonterra” or “the Company”) and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements 
presented under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including the notes related thereto.

U S E   O F   N O N - I F R S   F I N A N C I A L   M E A S U R E S

Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) the Company uses the terms “payout ratio”, “cash netback” and “net 
debt” to analyze operating performance, which are not standardized measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized 
meaning  prescribed  by  IFRS.  These  measures  are  commonly  used  in  the  oil  and  gas  industry  and  are  considered  informative  by 
management, shareholders and analysts. These measures may differ from those made by other companies and accordingly may not 
be comparable to such measures as reported by other companies. 

The  Company  calculates  payout  ratio  percentage  by  dividing  cash  dividends  paid  to  shareholders  by  cash  flow  from  operating 
activities, both of which are measures prescribed by IFRS which appear on our statements of cash flows. We calculate cash netback 
by dividing various financial statement items as determined by IFRS by total production for the period on a barrel of oil equivalent 
basis. The Company calculates net debt as long-term debt plus working capital deficiency (current liabilities less current assets).

F R E Q U E N T LY   R E C U R R I N G   T E R M S

Bonterra uses the following frequently recurring terms in this MD&A: “WTI” refers to West Texas Intermediate, a grade of light sweet 
crude oil used as benchmark pricing in the United States; “MSW Stream Index” or “Edmonton Par” refers to the mixed sweet blend 
that is the benchmark price for conventionally produced light sweet crude oil in Western Canada; “AECO” refers to Alberta Energy 
Company, a grade or heating content of natural gas used as benchmark pricing in Alberta, Canada; “bbl” refers to barrel; “NGL” refers 
to Natural gas liquids; “MCF” refers to thousand cubic feet; “MMBTU” refers to million British Thermal Units; “GJ” refers to gigajoule; 
and “BOE” refers to barrels of oil equivalent. Disclosure provided herein in respect of a BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in 
isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 MCF: 1 bbl is based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and 
does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. 

N U M E R I C A L   A M O U N T S

The reporting and the functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar.

12  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

A N N U A L   C O M PA R I S O N S

As at and for the year ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

December 31,
2017

  December 31,
2016

December 31, 
2015(1)

FINANCIAL

Revenue – realized oil and gas sales

Cash flow from operations

Per share – basic and diluted

Payout ratio

Cash dividends per share

Net earnings (loss)

Per share – basic and diluted

Capital expenditures, net of disposition

Acquisition

Disposition

Total assets

Working capital deficiency

Long-term debt

Shareholders’ equity

OPERATIONS

Oil   

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

NGLs 

  – bbl per day

  – average price ($ per bbl)

Natural gas    – MCF per day

  – average price ($ per MCF)

Total barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE)

202,566

103,873

3.12

38%

1.20

2,506

0.08

82,441(3)

 - 

56,752(3)

1,125,551

27,790

292,212

510,260

7,907

59.30

905

31.47

24,087

2.40

12,827

169,863

75,294

2.26

53%

1.20

(24,135)

(0.73)

40,797

-

-

1,147,834

24,921

329,204

543,824

7,942

49.46

894

19.93

22,888

2.34

12,650

197,239

107,871

 3.30 

59%

1.95

 (9,080)

(0.28)

58,498

 170,430(2)

 - 

1,183,593

29,804

332,471

595,805

8,641

 54.08 

733

 20.80 

19,694

 2.94 

12,656

(1)  Annual figures for 2015 include the results of a purchase (“the Acquisition”) of primarily Pembina Cardium oil and gas assets (“Pembina Assets”) for the period of  

April 15, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Production includes 260 days for the Pembina Assets and 365 days for the original Bonterra assets. 

(2)   Represents the Acquisition that closed April 15, 2015 for $170,430,000.
(3)   For 2017, includes the Disposition of a two percent gross overriding royalty (“GORR”) interest on the total production from the Company’s Pembina Cardium pool that 
closed December 20, 2017 and is effective January 1, 2018. Consideration consisted of $52 million of cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4.7 million which 
is included in capital expenditures (refer to Note 5 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements).

13  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q U A R T E R LY   C O M PA R I S O N S

As at and for the periods ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

FINANCIAL

Revenue – oil and gas sales 

Cash flow from operations

Per share – basic and diluted

Payout ratio

Cash dividends per share

Net earnings (loss)

Per share – basic and diluted

Capital expenditures

Disposition

Total assets

Working capital deficiency

Long-term debt

Shareholders' equity

OPERATIONS

Oil (barrels per day)

NGLs (barrels per day)

Natural gas (MCF per day)

Total BOE per day

Q4

54,192

26,472

0.79

38%

0.30

2,096

0.06

18,775(1) 

 56,752(1) 

1,125,551

27,790

292,212

510,260

7,766

963

24,466

12,807

2017

Q3

Q2

Q1

46,349

25,491

0.77

40%

0.30

(3,043)

(0.09)

 14,121 

 - 

1,146,498

28,260

345,322

517,719

8,038

1,000

25,460

13,281

52,695

27,370

0.82

37%

0.30

2,978

0.09

 19,416 

 - 

1,173,936

29,759

341,070

529,844

8,287

843

24,138

13,153

49,330

24,540

0.74

41%

0.30

475

0.01

 30,129 

 - 

1,156,398

39,483

330,118

535,742

7,533

813

22,243

12,053

(1)  For  Q4  2017,  includes  the  Disposition  of  a  two  percent  overriding  royalty  interest  on  the  total  production  from  the  Company’s  Pembina  Cardium  pool  that  closed 
December 20, 2017 and is effective January 1, 2018. Consideration consisted of $52 million of cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4.7 million which is 
included in capital expenditures (refer to Note 5 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements).

As at and for the periods ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

FINANCIAL

Revenue – oil and gas sales 

Cash flow from operations

Per share – basic and diluted

Payout ratio

Cash dividends per share

Net loss

Per share – basic and diluted

Capital expenditures, net of dispositions

Total assets

Working capital deficiency

Long-term debt

Shareholders' equity

OPERATIONS

Oil (barrels per day)

NGLs (barrels per day)

Natural gas (MCF per day)

Total BOE per day

Q4

48,967

31,537

0.94

32%

0.30

(1,168)

(0.03)

12,270

1,147,834

24,921

329,204

543,824

7,467

911

22,540

12,134

2016

Q3

Q2

Q1

46,236

19,219

0.58

52%

0.30

(5,830)

(0.18)

17,424

41,150

13,392

0.40

75%

0.30

(5,582)

(0.17)

9,420

 1,163,743 

 1,169,782 

26,361

335,953

549,870

8,197

942

24,948

13,298

18,429

336,923

564,075

7,780

877

21,771

12,285

33,510

11,146

0.34

89%

0.30

(11,555)

(0.35)

1,683

 1,174,141 

13,115

345,118

575,925

8,325

845

22,274

12,882

14  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B U S I N E S S   E N V I R O N M E N T   A N D   S E N S I T I V I T I E S 

Bonterra’s financial results are significantly influenced by fluctuations in commodity prices, including price differentials and foreign 
exchange. The following table depicts selective market benchmark prices, differentials and foreign exchange rates in the last eight 
quarters  to  assist  in  understanding  volatility  in  prices  and  foreign  exchange  rates  that  have  impacted  Bonterra’s  financial  and 
operating performance. The increases or decreases for Bonterra’s realized price for oil and natural gas for each of the eight quarters 
is also outlined in detail in the following table.

Q4-2017

Q3-2017

Q2-2017

Q1-2017

Q4-2016

Q3-2016

Q2-2016

Q1-2016

Crude oil WTI (US$/bbl)

55.40

48.30

48.28

WTI to MSW Stream Index Differential (US$/bbl)(1)

(1.14)

(2.89)

(2.26)

51.91

(3.60)

49.29

(3.09)

44.94

(3.02)

45.59

33.45

(3.14)

(3.78)

Foreign exchange US$ to Cdn$

1.2717

1.2524

1.3447

1.3230

1.3339

1.3051

1.2886

1.3748

Bonterra average realized oil price (Cdn$/bbl)

65.16

53.48

58.27

60.63

58.02

51.80

51.64

37.33

Natural gas AECO (Cdn$/mcf)

Bonterra average realized gas price (Cdn$/mcf)

1.68

1.90

1.45

1.81

2.77

3.03

2.68

2.97

3.08

3.32

2.31

2.47

1.39

1.48

1.82

2.02

(1)  This differential accounts for the major difference between WTI and Bonterra’s average realized price (before quality adjustments and foreign exchange). 

The overall volatility in Bonterra’s average realized commodity pricing can be impacted by numerous events or factors, including but 
not limited to:

 u Worldwide crude oil supply and demand imbalance;

 u Geo-political events that affect worldwide crude oil supply and demand;

 u The value of the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar;

 u Access to infrastructure and markets; 

 u Weather; and

 u Timing and duration of plant, refinery and pipeline maintenance.

Global and local supply and demand imbalances have placed continued pressure on oil, natural gas and liquids pricing since 2015 
resulting in commodity price volatility. WTI benchmark pricing which has been steadily increasing from the low of $30.62 US per bbl 
in  February  of  2016,  continued  to  increase  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  to  over  $55.00  US  per  barrel.  This  price  increase  has 
been attributed to reductions in global crude oil inventories and increased global demand from emerging markets. With the 2016 
OPEC agreement extended through 2018, this trend is anticipated to continue, although it may be tempered somewhat if US shale 
production continues to increase. In November of 2017 the Keystone pipeline had a crude oil spill in South Dakota, USA. The Keystone 
pipeline is currently not running at capacity which has led to reduced transportation of oil and storage issues for crude oil in the 
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. This spill has had an impact on the WTI to Edmonton Par or MSW stream index (both light 
sweet crude benchmarks), which has widened in the first quarter of 2018. Several export pipeline projects were approved including 
TransMountain Pipeline, Enbridge Line 3 Expansion and Keystone XL. Completion of any of these projects may have a positive effect 
on the movement and pricing of Canadian barrels. 

The AECO benchmark price for natural gas improved somewhat through the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 
2017. This was mainly due to the onset of winter and increased heating demand. Western Canadian supply continues to hover near 
historically high levels. Should this continue into 2018, pipeline infrastructure will struggle to handle all of the existing and incremental 
volumes which is anticipated to put downward pressure on natural gas prices.

The following chart shows the Company’s sensitivity to key commodity price variables. The sensitivity calculations are performed 
independently and show the effect of changing one variable while holding all other variables constant.

ANNUALIZED SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ON CASH FLOW, AS ESTIMATED FOR 2018(1)

Impact on cash flow

Realized crude oil price ($/bbl)

Realized natural gas price ($/mcf)

US$ to Cdn$ exchange rate

Change ($)

1.00

0.10

0.01

$ 000s

2,772

915

369

$ per share(2)

0.08

0.03

0.01

(1)   This analysis uses current royalty rates, annualized estimated average production of 13,200 BOE per day and no changes in working capital.
(2)   Based on annualized basic weighted average shares outstanding of 33,310,796.

15  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

B U S I N E S S   O V E R V I E W,   S T R AT E G Y   A N D   K E Y   P E R F O R M A N C E   D R I V E R S

Bonterra is an upstream oil and gas company that is primarily focused on the development of its Cardium land within the Pembina and 
Willesden Green areas located in central Alberta. The Pembina Cardium reservoir is the largest conventional oil reservoir in Western 
Canada that features large original oil in place with very low recoveries to date. Bonterra operates 88.5 percent of its production 
with  an  average  working  interest  of  76  percent  and  operates  the  majority  of  its  related  oil  and  gas  processing  facilities,  which 
require minimal additional capital to increase production. At December 31, 2017, Bonterra has identified horizontal drilling inventory of  
735 net Cardium locations. Bonterra has also identified additional drilling locations in other formations within Alberta, Saskatchewan 
and British Columbia.

On December 20, 2017, the Company sold a two percent gross overriding royalty (GORR) on all of the production from the Company’s 
Pembina Cardium pool effective January 1, 2018. The royalty owner has the option of either being paid in cash or in kind. Consideration 
received on disposition was $52,000,000 in cash and incremental Cardium assets valued at $4,747,000. This transaction enabled 
Bonterra to crystalize value from its attractive, long-life and predictable asset base, lowered debt and improve its debt to cash flow 
ratio without dilution to the shareholders. The increase in royalty payments compared to the finance cost savings is not expected to 
have a material impact to the Company’s cash flow.

The Company averaged 12,827 BOE per day for 2017 which was in line with its revised annual production guidance of 12,900 BOE per 
day. Bonterra continues to manage production volumes on a month to month basis and uses commodity prices, availability of drilling 
and completion service providers and seasonal weather conditions to determine its capital expenditures so as to maximize cash 
flow and manage debt levels over an annual period. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company experienced challenges accessing 
fracking services, thereby preventing new wells from being placed on production until the second quarter. Also in the second and 
third quarter of 2017 the Company realized lower commodity prices due to a decrease in WTI and a strengthening of the Canadian 
dollar, which caused the Company to defer drilling five (4.4 net) wells. With an increase in WTI and weakening of the Canadian dollar 
in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company accelerated its drilling program and was able to drill, complete and tie-in those wells 
within the quarter. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2017, 298 BOE per day was shut-in or stored in inventory due to freeze-offs 
and pipeline restrictions. The combination of these events, negatively affected annual production and were the primary reasons the 
Company did not average over 13,000 BOE per day for 2017. The Company expects to minimize capital spending challenges in 2018 
and is forecasting 2018 annual production guidance to be between 13,200 to 13,500 BOE per day.

In 2017, Bonterra invested approximately $60,700,000 to drill 30 gross operated (27.9 net) horizontal wells and complete and tie-in 
33 gross (29.6 net) wells (of which three (1.7 net) wells were drilled in 2016, but not completed until 2017). In addition, approximately 
$17,000,000 was directed towards adding and improving infrastructure and non-operated capital programs. In December of 2017, the 
Company set its capital expenditure budget for 2018 at approximately $75,000,000.

On November 1, 2017, following the semi-annual review of its bank facility, the Company’s borrowing base was successfully renewed 
at $380,000,000. The bank facility is comprised of a $330,000,000 syndicated revolving credit facility, and a $50,000,000 non-
syndicated revolving credit facility. The revolving period on the bank facility expires on April 30, 2018, with a maturity date of April 30, 
2019, subject to an annual review. As at December 31, 2017, Bonterra had $292,000,000 drawn on the $380,000,000 bank facility. 
These credit facilities provide the Company with sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility to execute its business plan. 

Bonterra’s  successful  operations  are  dependent  upon  several  factors  including,  but  not  limited  to:  commodity  prices,  efficient 
management of capital spending and monthly dividends, ability to maintain desired levels of production, control over infrastructure, 
efficiency in developing and operating properties, and the ability to control costs. The Company’s key measures of performance with 
respect to these drivers include, but are not limited to; average production per day, average realized prices, and average operating 
costs per unit of production. Disclosure of these key performance measures can be found in the MD&A and/or previous interim or 
annual MD&A disclosures.

16  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

D R I L L I N G

Crude oil horizontal-operated

Crude oil horizontal-non-operated

Total

Success rate

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

Gross(1)

Net(2)

Gross(1)

Net(2)

Gross(1)

Net(2)

Gross(1)

Net(2)

Gross(1)

Net(2)

 5 

 2 

 7 

 4.4 

 0.2 

 4.6 

100%

 4 

 - 

4

 4.0 

 - 

4.0

100%

4

 2 

6

2.7

 0.1 

2.8

100%

30

 8 

38

27.9

 1.7 

29.6

100%

21

 2 

23

18.7

 0.1 

18.8

100%

(1)  “Gross” wells means the number of wells in which Bonterra has a working interest.
(2)   “Net” wells means the aggregate number of wells obtained by multiplying each gross well by Bonterra’s percentage of working interest.

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company placed three gross (1.7 net) wells on production that were drilled in the later part of 
2016. In addition, the Company drilled, completed and tied-in 30 gross (27.9 net) wells during 2017. 

In  addition,  eight  gross  (1.7  net)  non-operated  wells  were  drilled  and  completed  during  2017,  of  which  six  (1.0  net)  were  put  on 
production. The remaining two wells are expected to be on production in the first quarter of 2018. 

P R O D U C T I O N

Crude oil (barrels per day)

NGLs (barrels per day)

Natural gas (MCF per day)

Average BOE per day

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 7,766 

 963 

 24,466 

 12,807 

 8,038 

 1,000 

 25,460 

 13,281 

 7,467 

 911 

 22,540 

 12,134 

 7,907 

 905 

 24,087 

 12,827 

 7,942 

 894 

 22,888 

 12,650 

Annual production volumes for 2017 were in line with 2016. Due to the challenges of procuring fracking services in the first quarter 
of 2017, which caused delays with bringing 11 (9.6 net) new wells on production; new production was deferred from the first quarter 
of 2017 to the second quarter of 2017. Due to declining realized commodity prices in Q3 2017, the Company also deferred drilling, 
completing and tying-in five (4.5 net) wells until Q4 2017. The deferred drilling program resumed due to realized prices increasing 
by 22 percent from Q3 2017 to Q4 2017. These delays in bringing on new production resulted in a substantial reduction in annual 
production volumes for 2017. During the fourth quarter, production decreased 474 BOE per day compared to the third quarter of 
2017, partially due to 218 BOE per day being shut-in due to freeze offs from extremely cold weather and 80 barrels per day of crude 
oil in field storage due to pipeline restrictions. All restricted pipeline volumes that were stored in field inventory will be included in  
Q1 2018 production.

17  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C A S H   N E T B A C K

The following table illustrates the calculation of the Company’s cash netback from operations for the periods ended:

$ per BOE

Production volumes (BOE)

Gross production revenue

Royalties

Production costs

Field netback 

General and administrative

Interest and other 

Cash netback

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

1,178,212

1,221,852

46.09

(3.37)

(14.79)

27.93

(1.37)

(3.58)

22.98

 37.93 

(2.59)

(12.54)

22.80

(1.72)

(3.49)

 17.59 

1,116,357

 43.86 

(2.76)

(12.12)

28.98

(1.18)

(3.92)

 23.88 

4,681,773

4,629,972

 43.29 

(3.03)

(13.26)

 27.00 

(1.66)

(3.49)

 21.85 

 36.69 

(2.11)

(11.77)

 22.81 

(1.37)

(3.73)

 17.71 

Cash netbacks have increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to increased commodity prices. This increase was partially 
offset  by  increased  royalties,  production  costs  and  general  and  administrative  costs.  The  increase  in  quarter  over  quarter  cash 
netbacks was primarily the result of an increase in commodity prices, which was partially offset by an increase in production costs 
from deferred well and lease maintenance programs. With previously deferred well and lease maintenance programs being completed 
and field optimization infrastructure added during 2017, production costs per BOE on an annual basis are expected to decrease in 
2018 compared to 2017.

O I L   A N D   G A S   S A L E S

Revenue – oil and gas sales ($ 000s)

54,192

46,349

48,967

202,566

169,863

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

Average realized prices:

Crude oil ($ per barrel)

NGLs ($ per barrel)

Natural gas ($ per MCF)

Average ($ per BOE)

Average BOE per day

65.16

39.12

1.90

46.09

12,807

53.48

27.81

1.81

37.93

13,281

58.02

26.64

3.32

43.86

12,134

59.30

31.47

2.40

43.29

12,827

49.46

19.93

2.34

36.69

12,650

Revenue from oil and gas sales increased by $32,703,000 in 2017, or 19 percent, compared to the same period a year ago. This 
increase was primarily driven by higher oil prices. The quarter over quarter increase in oil and gas sales was primarily due to increased 
commodity prices, which was partially offset by a decrease in production volumes. 

The Company’s product split on a revenue basis for 2017 is approximately 90 percent weighted towards crude oil and NGLs. 

18  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R OYA LT I E S

($ 000s)

Crown royalties

Freehold, gross overriding and other royalties

Total royalties

Crown royalties – percentage of revenue

Freehold, gross overriding and other royalties –  

percentage of revenue

Royalties – percentage of revenue

Royalties $ per BOE

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

2,913

1,061

3,974

5.4

2.0

7.4

3.37

2,299

865

3,164

5.0

1.9

6.9

2.59

1,951

1,126

3,077

4.0

2.3

6.3

2.76

10,178

4,026

14,204

5.0

2.0

7.0

3.03

5,917

3,864

9,781

3.5

2.3

5.8

2.11

Royalties  paid  by  the  Company  consist  of  crown  royalties  to  the  Provinces  of  Alberta,  Saskatchewan  and  British  Columbia  and  
non-crown royalties. Total royalties on a per BOE basis increased by $0.92 per BOE for 2017 compared to 2016 and increased by 
$0.78 per BOE for Q4 2017 compared to Q3 2017 primarily due to an increase in commodity prices. 

P R O D U C T I O N   C O S T S

($ 000s except $ per BOE)

Production costs

$ per BOE

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

17,428

14.79

15,319

12.54

13,536

12.12

62,066

13.26

54,503

11.77

Production costs for 2017 increased by $1.49 per BOE compared to 2016, primarily due to an increase in service rigs, equipment 
and lease maintenance costs. In the first quarter of 2016, Bonterra elected to shut-in higher production cost areas due to extremely 
depressed crude oil prices experienced during that period. The Company did reactivate a portion of this production in the third and 
fourth quarter of 2016. However, a portion of the well service and lease maintenance costs were deferred into 2017. With rising 
commodity prices in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company also elected to expedite its well maintenance program to limit well 
downtime  and  reactive  further  down  wells  to  increase  production  and  cash  flow.  In  addition,  power  and  chemical  costs  in  2017 
increased approximately $800,000 compared to 2016. To reduce production costs going forward, the Company incurred infrastructure 
capital to reduce gathering, compression, water hauling and injection costs in 2017. With the completion of the deferred well service 
and lease maintenance activities, and the enhanced infrastructure in place for 2018 the Company anticipates 2018 annual production 
costs to be lower than $13.26 per BOE incurred in 2017.

Quarter over quarter, production costs increased on a per BOE basis primarily due to accelerated well maintenance programs as the 
Company doubled the service rigs from two to four in order to reactivate down wells that were deferred until the fourth quarter 
of 2017 as realized commodity prices increased. Also, cold weather contributed to shut-in production and increased chemical and 
maintenance costs that negatively affected production costs on a per BOE basis. 

19  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
O T H E R   I N C O M E

($ 000s)

Investment income

Administrative income

Gain on sale of property

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 33 

 108 

 4,233 

 4,374 

18

85

 -  

 103 

10

70

 1 

 81 

74

297

 4,233 

 4,604 

18

214

 1 

 233 

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Bonterra sold a two percent overriding royalty interest on all the total production from the Company’s 
Pembina Cardium pool, with an effective date of January 1, 2018. Consideration received on disposition was $56,747,000, comprised 
of $52,000,000 in cash and property, plant and equipment valued at $4,747,000. The result of this disposition was a gain on disposal 
of $4,226,000 and deferred consideration of $16,064,000. Deferred consideration was determined for an upfront payment received 
for the implicit obligation of future extraction services that will generate future royalties. Beginning on January 1, 2018, deferred 
consideration will be recognized into income at the same depletion rate as the Pembina Cardium pool assets.

The market value of the investments held by the Company at December 31, 2017 was $750,000 (December 31, 2016 – $1,621,000). 
The carrying value decreased due to a decrease in the investments carrying value. Dispositions resulted in a gain on sale of $nil 
(December 31, 2016 – $3,047,000) which was recorded as an equity transfer between accumulated other comprehensive income 
and retained earnings. 

The Company receives administrative income for various oil and gas administrative services and production equipment rentals.

G E N E R A L   A N D   A D M I N I S T R AT I O N   ( G & A )   E X P E N S E

($ 000s except $ per BOE)

Employee compensation expense

Office and administrative expense

Total G&A expense

$ per BOE

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

1,007

611

1,618

1.37

959

1,137

2,096

1.72

894

421

1,315

1.18

4,535

3,214

7,749

1.66

3,755

2,584

6,339

1.37

The increase of $780,000 in employee compensation expense for 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to a one-time bonus paid to 
staff and consultants in lieu of compensation increases over the past two years and to stay competitive with similar sized companies 
in  the  resource  industry.  The  Company  has  a  bonus  plan  in  which  the  bonus  pool  consists  of  a  range  between  2.5  percent  to  
3.5 percent of earnings before income taxes. The Company firmly believes that tying employee compensation (including the use of 
stock options) to corporate performance clearly aligns the interests of the employees with those of shareholders.

Office and administration expense for 2017 increased compared to 2016 primarily due to an increase in the allowance for doubtful 
accounts and insurance premiums, which was partially offset by a decrease in continuous disclosure fees, lower banking renewal fees 
and more overhead recoveries resulting from fewer wells being shut-in and more wells being drilled compared to 2016. The quarter 
over quarter decrease in office and administrative expense is primarily due to a decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

20  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C E   C O S T S

($ 000s except $ per BOE)

Interest on long-term debt

Other interest

Interest expense

$ per BOE

Unwinding of the discounted value of  

decommissioning liabilities

Total finance costs

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

4,129

235

4,364

3.70

761

5,125

4,142

231

4,373

3.58

763

5,136

4,240

219

4,459

3.99

659

5,118

15,807

899

16,706

3.57

3,013

19,719

16,708

789

17,497

3.78

2,507

20,004

Interest on long-term debt decreased slightly for 2017 compared to 2016 as the Company realized lower interest rates due to a lower 
net debt to EBITDA ratio. Interest rates are determined quarterly for the subsequent quarter by the ratio of total debt (excluding 
accounts payable and accrued liabilities) to current quarter EBITDA (defined as net income excluding finance costs, provision for 
current and deferred taxes, depletion and depreciation, share-option compensation, gain or loss on sale of assets and impairment of 
assets) multiplied by four. 

Other interest relates to amounts paid to a related party (see related party transactions) and a $12,500,000 subordinated promissory 
note from a private investor. On February 9, 2018, the Company repaid $2,500,000 of the subordinated promissory note. For more 
information about the subordinated promissory note, refer to Note 13 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements.

A one percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian prime rate would decrease (increase) both annual net earnings and comprehensive 
income by approximately $2,221,000.

S H A R E - O P T I O N   C O M P E N S AT I O N

($ 000s)

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

Share-option compensation

604

1,029

1,756

4,511

5,818

Share-option compensation is a statistically calculated value representing the estimated expense of issuing employee stock options. 
The Company records a compensation expense over the vesting period based on the fair value of options granted to employees, 
directors and consultants. 

Share-option compensation decreased by $1,307,000 from a year ago due to the majority of the options issued being granted in the 
fourth quarter in 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 and lower share price volatility in the current year. Quarter over quarter 
share-option compensation decreased due to the majority of 2016 share-options being fully amortized at the end of the third quarter 
of 2017.

Based on the outstanding options as of December 31, 2017, the Company has an unamortized expense of $3,402,000, of which 
$2,477,000 will be recorded for 2018, $907,000 for 2019 and $18,000 thereafter. For more information about options issued and 
outstanding, refer to Note 18 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements.

21  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D E P L E T I O N   A N D   D E P R E C I AT I O N ,   E X P L O R AT I O N   A N D   E VA L U AT I O N   ( E & E )   A N D   G O O D W I L L

($ 000s)

Depletion and depreciation

Exploration and evaluation

Impairment of oil and gas assets

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 22,912 

 1,566 

 -  

22,349

 -  

 -  

22,818

 -  

 2,505 

89,339

 1,566 

 -  

100,992

 -  

 2,505 

The provision for depletion and depreciation decreased by $11,653,000 for 2017 compared to 2016. The decrease in depletion and 
depreciation is primarily due to lower depletion rates resulting from an increase in previously estimated reserves over 2016. 

Exploration and evaluation expense related to expired leases.

On December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a $799,000 impairment charge to E&E expenditures and $1,706,000 to Property, Plant 
and Equipment (PPE) for a total impairment charge of $2,505,000 all related to its non-core British Columbia gas properties. There 
were no impairment provisions recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017.

TA X E S

The Company recorded a total tax expense of $5,510,000 (2016 – total tax recovery of $5,711,000). The increase in the total tax 
expense is due to an increase in net earnings before income taxes, a valuation allowance of $1,901,000 on its non-core successored 
resource related pools and a provincial tax loss carryback accrued in the prior year for taxes paid in prior periods. 

For additional information regarding income taxes, see Note 17 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements. 

N E T   E A R N I N G S   ( L O S S )

($ 000s except $ per share)

Net earnings (loss)

$ per share – basic

$ per share – diluted

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

2,096

0.06

0.06

(3,043)

(0.09)

(0.09)

(1,168)

(0.03)

(0.03)

2,506

0.08

0.08

(24,135)

(0.73)

(0.73)

Net  earnings  for  2017  increased  by  $26,641,000  compared  to  2016.  The  increase  in  net  earnings  was  mainly  due  to  increased 
commodity prices, a gain on disposal and a decrease in depletion and depreciation. The increase in net earnings was partially offset 
by an increase in royalties, production costs, exploration and evaluation expense and an income tax recovery in 2016. 

The quarter over quarter increase in net earnings was mainly due to an increase in commodity prices and a gain on disposal, partially 
offset by an increase in production costs, exploration and evaluation expense and deferred tax expense. 

O T H E R   C O M P R E H E N S I V E   I N C O M E   ( L O S S )

Other comprehensive income for 2017 consists of an unrealized loss before tax on investments (including investment in a related 
party) of $871,000 relating to a decrease in the investments’ fair value (December 31, 2016 – unrealized gain of $2,866,000). Realized 
gains decrease accumulated other comprehensive income as these gains are transferred to retained earnings. Other comprehensive 
income varies from net earnings by unrealized changes in the fair value of Bonterra’s holdings of investments including the investment 
in a related party, net of tax. 

22  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C A S H   F L O W   F R O M   O P E R AT I O N S

($ 000s except $ per share)

Cash flow from operations

$ per share – basic

$ per share – diluted

Three months ended

Year ended

  December 31,
2017

  September 30,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

26,472

0.79

0.79

25,491

0.77

0.77

31,537

0.94

0.94

103,873

3.12

3.12

75,294

2.26

2.26

In 2017, cash flow from operations increased by $28,579,000 compared to 2016. This was primarily due to an increase in revenue 
from oil and gas sales from higher commodity prices and to an increase in non-cash-working capital. The quarter over quarter increase 
in cash flow of $981,000 is primarily due to an increase in commodity prices and partially offset by both a decrease in production 
and an increase in production costs.

R E L AT E D   PA R T Y   T R A N S A C T I O N S

Bonterra holds 1,034,523 (December 31, 2016 – 1,034,523) common shares in Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. (“Pine Cliff”) which represents 
less than one percent ownership in Pine Cliff’s outstanding common shares. Pine Cliff’s common shares had a fair market value as of 
December 31, 2017 of $476,000 (December 31, 2016 of $1,169,000). During 2016, Pine Cliff paid a management fee to the Company 
of $15,000 plus the reimbursement of certain administrative expenses. On April 1, 2016, the management agreement was terminated. 
Services previously provided by the Company included mainly executive and marketing services. All services that were performed 
were charged at estimated fair value. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had an account receivable from Pine Cliff of $36,000 
(December 31, 2016 – $51,000).

As at December 31, 2017, the Company’s CEO, Chairman of the Board and a major shareholder has loaned the Company $12,000,000 
(December 31, 2016 – $12,000,000). The loan bears interest at Canadian chartered bank prime less 5/8th of a percent and has no set 
repayment terms but is payable on demand. Security under the debenture is over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated 
to any and all claims in favour of the syndicate of senior lenders providing credit facilities to the Company. The Company’s bank 
agreement requires that the above loan can only be repaid should the Company have sufficient available borrowing limits under the 
Company’s credit facility. Interest paid on this loan for 2017 was $274,000 (December 31, 2016 – $249,000). This loan results in a 
substantial benefit to Bonterra as the interest paid to the CEO by Bonterra is lower than bank interest.

L I Q U I D I T Y   A N D   C A P I TA L   R E S O U R C E S

Net Debt to Cash Flow from Operations

Bonterra continues to focus on monitoring overall debt while managing its cash flow, capital expenditures and dividend payments. 
The Company’s net debt to twelve month trailing cash flow ratio as of December 31, 2017 was 3.1 to 1 times (versus 4.7 to 1 times at 
December 31, 2016). The decrease in net debt to cash flow ratio is primarily due to the $52,000,000 of cash received for the sale of 
a two percent overriding royalty interest on the total production from the Company’s Pembina Cardium pool and improved commodity 
prices realized in 2017. To manage its bank debt during a period of low commodity prices the Company significantly reduced planned 
capital  expenditures  for  the  2015,  2016  and  2017  fiscal  years  compared  to  2014.  Additionally,  in  January  of  2016  the  Company 
reduced the monthly dividend by $0.05 to $0.10 per common share. The Company will continue to assess its dividend and capital 
expenditures compared to cash flow from operations on a quarterly basis.

Working Capital Deficiency and Net Debt

($ 000s)

Working capital deficiency

Long-term bank debt

Net Debt

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

27,790

292,212

320,002

24,921

329,204

354,125

23  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company has sufficient availability on its credit facility to repay both the related party loan and the subordinated promissory 
note if required. The Company manages net debt during each quarter by monitoring capital spending and dividends paid compared 
to cash flow from operations.

Net debt is a combination of long-term bank debt and working capital. Net debt for December 31, 2017 decreased by $34,123,000 from 
December 2016 primarily due to the $52,000,000 received for the GORR transaction in the fourth quarter of 2017 and increased cash 
flow from higher commodity prices. This was offset by capital expenditures and dividends paid in the year.  

Working capital is calculated as current liabilities less current assets. The Company finances its working capital deficiency using 
cash flow from operations, its long-term bank facility, share issuances, option exercises, sale of non-core assets and investments and 
adjustments of dividend payments. Included in the working capital deficiency at December 31, 2017 is $24,500,000 million of debt 
relating to the subordinated promissory note and the amount due to a related party. 

Financial Risk Management

The Company has entered into physical delivery sales contracts to manage commodity risk. These contracts are considered normal 
sales contracts and are not recorded at fair value in the financial statements. For more information on physical delivery contracts in 
place see Note 21 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements.

Capital Expenditures

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  Company  incurred  capital  expenditures  of  $77,694,000  (December  31,  2016  – 
$40,851,000). The costs primarily relate to $60,700,000 for the drilling of 30 gross (27.9 net) Cardium operated horizontal wells and 
complete and tie-in 33 gross (29.6 net) wells. An additional $16,994,000 was spent on related infrastructure costs and eight gross 
(1.7 net) Cardium non-operated wells. In addition, $4,747,000 of asset additions were incurred for 2017 relating to the incremental 
Cardium assets received in the GORR transaction.

Liability Management Ratio (“LMR”) Update

In  2017,  94  percent  of  the  Company’s  production  is  from  the  province  of  Alberta.  The  Company  currently  has  an  LMR  rating  of  
2.07  in  Alberta  and  does  not  expect  that  with  its  current  LMR  there  will  be  any  regulatory  impediments  to  completing  future  
potential acquisitions. 

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt represents the outstanding draws from the Company’s bank facility as described in the notes to the Company’s audited 
annual financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has a bank facility with a limit of $380,000,000 (December 31, 
2016 – $380,000,000) that is comprised of a $330,000,000 syndicated revolving credit facility and a $50,000,000 non-syndicated 
revolving credit facility. Amounts drawn under this bank facility at December 31, 2017 totaled $292,212,000 (December 31, 2016 – 
$329,204,000). The interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2017 on the Company’s Canadian prime rate loan and Banker’s 
Acceptances are between four to six percent. The loan is revolving to April 30, 2018 with a maturity date of April 30, 2019, subject 
to annual review. The credit facilities have no fixed terms of repayment. 

The available lending limit of the bank facility is reviewed semi-annually on or before April 30 and October 31 each year based mainly 
on the lender’s interpretation of the Company’s reserves, future commodity prices and costs. On November 1, 2017, the Company 
successfully renewed its available lending limit at $380,000,000.

Advances drawn under the bank facility are secured by a fixed and floating charge debenture over the assets of the Company. In 
the event the bank facility is not extended or renewed, amounts drawn under the facility would be due and payable on the maturity 
date. The size of the committed credit facilities is based primarily on the value of the Company’s producing petroleum and natural 
gas assets and related tangible assets as determined by the lenders. For more information see Note 14 of the December 31, 2017 
audited annual financial statements.

24  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Shareholders’ Equity

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value.

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Class “A” redeemable Preferred Shares and an unlimited number of Class “B” 
Preferred Shares. There are currently no outstanding Class “A” redeemable Preferred Shares or Class “B” Preferred Shares. 

Issued and fully paid – common shares

Balance, beginning of year

Issued pursuant to the Company's share option plan

Transfer from contributed surplus to share capital

Number

33,302,435

8,361

Amount 
($ 000s)

763,788

 143 

 46 

Number

33,143,435

 159,000 

Balance, end of period

33,310,796

763,977

33,302,435

Amount 
($ 000s)

760,020

 3,253 

 515 

763,788

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

The Company provides a stock option plan for its directors, officers, employees and consultants. Under the plan, the Company may 
grant options for up to 3,331,080 (December 31, 2016 – 3,330,244) common shares. The exercise price of each option granted will not 
be lower than the market price of the common shares on the date of grant and the option’s maximum term is five years. For additional 
information regarding options outstanding, see Note 18 of the December 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements.

Commitments

The  Company  has  entered  into  firm  service  gas  transportation  agreements  in  which  the  Company  guarantees  certain  minimum 
volumes of natural gas will be shipped on various gas transportation systems. The Company uses approximately 20,000 MCF per day 
of natural gas firm service delivery with Transcanada Pipeline. Considering approximately 90 percent of Bonterra’s current natural 
gas production is from the solution gas in oil wells, this will reduce transportation curtailments associated with interruptible service, 
therefore decreasing restrictions on oil production. The terms of the various agreements expire in one to eight years. 

The Company has office lease commitments for building and office equipment. The building and office equipment leases have an 
average remaining life of 5.9 years. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases. 

Future  minimum  payments  for  the  firm  service  gas  transportation  agreements  using  current  tariff  rates  and  the  non-cancellable 
building and office equipment leases as at December 31, 2017 are as follows;

($ 000s)

Firm service commitments

Office lease commitments

Total

D I V I D E N D   P O L I C Y

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 Thereafter

Total

 1,305 

 1,275 

 1,166 

 1,060 

 535 

 535 

 999 

 538 

 1,535 

 7,340 

 521 

 3,176 

 1,701 

 1,595 

 1,537 

 2,056 

 10,516 

 541 

 1,846 

 506 

 1,781 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company declared and paid dividends of $39,971,000 ($1.20 per share) (December 31, 2016 –  
$39,807,000)  ($1.20  per  share).  Bonterra’s  dividend  policy  is  regularly  monitored  and  is  dependent  upon  production,  commodity 
prices,  cash  flow  from  operations,  debt  levels  and  capital  expenditures.  With  its  large  inventory  of  undrilled  locations,  Bonterra 
continues  to  be  well  positioned  to  provide  its  shareholders  with  a  combination  of  sustainable  growth  and  meaningful  dividend 
income. Bonterra’s dividend payout ratio based on cash flow from operations was 38 percent for the year ended December 31, 2017  
(53 percent for the year ended December 31, 2016).

Bonterra’s dividends to its shareholders are funded by a portion of cash flow from operating activities with the remaining cash flow 
directed towards capital spending and the repayment of debt. To the extent that the excess cash flow from operations after dividends 
is not sufficient to cover capital spending, the shortfall is funded by funds from drawdowns on Bonterra’s bank facility. Bonterra 
intends to provide dividends to shareholders that are sustainable to the Company with consideration to its liquidity and long-term 
operational strategy. In addition, since the level of dividends is highly dependent upon cash flow generated from operations, which 
fluctuates significantly in relation to changes in financial and operational performance, commodity prices, interest and exchange 
rates and many other factors, future dividends cannot be assured.

25  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
Q U A R T E R LY   F I N A N C I A L   I N F O R M AT I O N

For the periods ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

Revenue – oil and gas sales 

Cash flow from operations

Net earnings (loss)

Per share – basic

Per share – diluted

For the periods ended ($ 000s except $ per share)

Revenue – oil and gas sales 

Cash flow from operations

Net loss

Per share – basic

Per share – diluted

Q4

54,192

26,472

2,096

0.06

0.06

Q4

48,967

31,537

(1,168)

(0.03)

(0.03)

2017

Q3

46,349

25,491

(3,043)

(0.09)

(0.09)

2016

Q3

46,236

19,219

(5,830)

(0.18)

(0.18)

Q2

52,695

27,370

2,978

0.09

0.09

Q2

41,150

13,392

(5,582)

(0.17)

(0.17)

Q1

49,330

24,540

475

0.01

0.01

Q1

33,510

11,146

(11,555)

(0.35)

(0.35)

The fluctuations in the Company’s revenue and net earnings from quarter to quarter are caused by variations in production volumes, 
realized commodity pricing and the related impact on royalties, production, G&A and finance costs. In the first and second quarters 
of 2016, net earnings and cash flow were lower than most other periods due to a significant decrease in commodity prices.

C R I T I C A L   A C C O U N T I N G   E S T I M AT E S

There  have  been  no  changes  to  the  Company’s  critical  accounting  policies  and  estimates  as  of  the  period  ended  in  the  
financial statements.

F O R WA R D - L O O K I N G   I N F O R M AT I O N

Certain statements contained in this MD&A include statements which contain words such as “anticipate”, “could”, “should”, “expect”, 
“seek”, “may”, “intend”, “likely”, “will”, “believe” and similar expressions, relating to matters that are not historical facts, and such 
statements  of  our  beliefs,  intentions  and  expectations  about  development,  results  and  events  which  will  or  may  occur  in  the 
future, constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and are based on 
certain  assumptions  and  analysis  made  by  us  derived  from  our  experience  and  perceptions.  Forward-looking  information  in  this 
MD&A includes, but is not limited to: expected cash provided by continuing operations; cash dividends; future capital expenditures, 
including the amount and nature thereof; oil and natural gas prices and demand; expansion and other development trends of the oil 
and gas industry; business strategy and outlook; expansion and growth of our business and operations; and maintenance of existing 
customer, supplier and partner relationships; supply channels; accounting policies; credit risks; and other such matters.

All  such  forward-looking  information  is  based  on  certain  assumptions  and  analyses  made  by  us  in  light  of  our  experience  and 
perception  of  historical  trends,  current  conditions  and  expected  future  developments,  as  well  as  other  factors  we  believe  are 
appropriate  in  the  circumstances.  The  risks,  uncertainties,  and  assumptions  are  difficult  to  predict  and  may  affect  operations, 
and may include, without limitation: foreign exchange fluctuations; equipment and labour shortages and inflationary costs; general 
economic conditions; industry conditions; changes in applicable environmental, taxation and other laws and regulations as well as 
how such laws and regulations are interpreted and enforced; the ability of oil and natural gas companies to raise capital; the effect 
of weather conditions on operations and facilities; the existence of operating risks; volatility of oil and natural gas prices; oil and gas 
product supply and demand; risks inherent in the ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet current and future 
obligations; increased competition; stock market volatility; opportunities available to or pursued by us; and other factors, many of 
which are beyond our control. The foregoing factors are not exhaustive. 

26  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual  results,  performance  or  achievements  could  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  in,  or  implied  by,  this  forward-looking 
information  and,  accordingly,  no  assurance  can  be  given  that  any  of  the  events  anticipated  by  the  forward-looking  information 
will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits will be derived therefrom. Except as required by law, Bonterra disclaims  
any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events 
or otherwise. 

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (“DC&P”),  as  defined  in  National  Instrument  52-109  Certification  of  Disclosure  in  Issuers’  
Annual  and  Interim  Filings,  are  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  the  
Company’s annual filings, interim fillings or other reports filed, or submitted by the Company under securities legislation is recorded, 
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under securities legislation and include controls and procedures 
designed  to  ensure  that  information  required  to  be  disclosed  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to  management,  including  the 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Bonterra evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s 
DC&P. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that Bonterra’s DC&P were 
effective at December 31, 2017.

I N T E R N A L   C O N T R O L S   O V E R   F I N A N C I A L   R E P O R T I N G

Internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as defined in National Instrument 52-109, includes those policies and procedures that:

1.   Pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  transactions  and  dispositions  

of Bonterra;

2.   Are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of Bonterra are being 
made in accordance with authorizations of management and Directors of Bonterra; and

3.   Are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of authorized acquisition, use, or disposition 

of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

The CEO and CFO have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, ICFR as defined in National Instrument 52-109 of 
the Canadian Securities Administrators, in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The control framework the Company used 
to design its ICFR was in accordance with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO 2013).

The Company’s CEO and CFO have evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under their supervision, the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal controls over financial reporting at the financial period end of the Company and concluded that such internal controls over 
financial reporting are effective. 

It  should  be  noted  that  while  Bonterra’s  CEO  and  CFO  believe  that  the  Company’s  internal  controls  and  procedures  provide  a 
reasonable level of assurance and are effective; they do not expect that these controls will prevent all errors and fraud. A control 
system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives are met.

27  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

F U T U R E   A C C O U N T I N G   P R O N O U N C E M E N T S

In May 2014, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which 
replaces IAS 18 “Revenue,” IAS 11 “Construction Contracts,” and related interpretations. The standard requires an entity to recognize 
revenue  to  reflect  the  transfer  of  goods  and  services  for  the  amount  it  expects  to  receive  when  control  is  transferred  to  the 
purchaser. Disclosure requirements have also been expanded. The standard is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using 
a modified retrospective approach for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted.

The  Company  will  retrospectively  adopt  IFRS  15  on  January  1,  2018.  The  Company  has  completed  reviewing  its  various  revenue 
streams and underlying contracts with customers. It has been concluded that the adoption of IFRS 15 will not have a material impact 
on Bonterra’s comprehensive income and financial position. However, Bonterra will expand the disclosures in the notes to its financial 
statements as prescribed by IFRS 15, including disclosing the Company’s disaggregated revenue streams by product type. 

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 “Leases,” which replaces IAS 17 “Leases” and International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC) 4 “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease.” IFRS 16 requires the recognition of lease assets and 
liabilities on the statement of financial position for most leases, where the entity is acting as a lessee. For lessees applying IFRS 16, 
the dual classification model of leases as either operating leases or finance leases no longer exists, effectively treating all leases 
as  finance  leases.  Leases  less  than  12  months  and  leases  of  low-value  assets  are  exempt  from  the  balance  sheet  recognition 
requirements, and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with the dual classification model for leases 
and the accounting for lessors remains virtually unchanged.

The standard will come into effect for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted if the 
entity is also applying IFRS 15. IFRS 16 is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach. The 
modified retrospective approach does not require restatement of prior period financial information as it recognizes the cumulative 
effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and applies the standard prospectively. The Company has not yet assessed the 
impact, if any, that the new amended standard will have on its financial statements or whether to early adopt this new requirement.

Additional information relating to the Company may be found on www.sedar.com or visit our website at www.bonterraenergy.com.

28  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Management’s Responsibility For Financial Statements

The information provided in this report, including the financial statements, is the responsibility of management. The timely preparation 
of the financial statements requires that management make estimates and use judgment regarding the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts 
of revenues and expenses during the period. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as at the date 
of  the  financial  statements.  Accordingly,  actual  results  may  differ  from  estimated  amounts  as  future  confirming  events  occur. 
Management believes such estimates have been based on careful judgments and have been properly reflected in the accompanying 
financial statements.

Management maintains a system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the Company’s assets are safeguarded 
and to facilitate the preparation of relevant and timely information.

Deloitte LLP has been appointed by the Shareholders to serve as the Company’s external auditors. They have examined the financial 
statements and provided their auditor’s 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 
Chief Executive Officer and 
Chairman of the Board

Robb D. Thompson 
Chief Financial Officer

March 13, 2018

March 13, 2018

29  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Independent Auditor’s Report

T O   T H E   S H A R E H O L D E R S   O F   B O N T E R R A   E N E R G Y   C O R P.

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  financial  statements  of  Bonterra  Energy  Corp.  (the  “Company”),  which  comprise  the  
statement of financial position as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the statement of comprehensive income (loss), statement of 
cash flow and statement of changes in equity for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

M A N A G E M E N T ’ S   R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y   F O R   T H E   F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

A U D I T O R ’ S   R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance 
with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan 
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the 
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant 
to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate 
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit 
also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

O P I N I O N

In  our  opinion,  the  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Bonterra  Energy  Corp.  as 
at  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  and  its  financial  performance  and  its  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards.

Chartered Professional Accountants

March 13, 2018 
Calgary, Canada

30  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Statement of Financial Position

As at ($ 000s)

ASSETS

CURRENT

Accounts receivable

Crude oil inventory

Prepaid expenses

Investments

Investment in related party

Exploration and evaluation assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment tax credit receivable

Goodwill

LIABILITIES

CURRENT

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Due to related party

Subordinated promissory note

Deferred Consideration

Bank debt

Deferred Consideration

Decommissioning liabilities

Deferred tax liability

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Share capital

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Retained earnings (deficit)

See accompanying notes to these financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

Note

December 31,
2017

December 31,
2016

7

8

9

17

10

11

12

13

5,15

14

5,15

16

17

23

18

 20,536 

 794 

 2,535 

 274 

 24,139 

 476 

 4,217 

 995,075 

 8,834 

 92,810 

 1,125,551 

 26,130 

 12,000 

 12,500 

 1,299 

 51,929 

 292,212 

 14,765 

 126,631 

 129,754 

 615,291 

 763,977 

 25,533 

 (339)

 (278,911)

 510,260 

 1,125,551 

 20,774 

 1,060 

 2,529 

 452 

 24,815 

 1,169 

 7,073 

 1,013,133 

 8,834 

 92,810 

 1,147,834 

 25,236 

 12,000 

 12,500 

 -  

 49,736 

 329,204 

 -  

 100,941 

 124,129 

 604,010 

 763,788 

 21,068 

 414 

 (241,446)

 543,824 

 1,147,834 

George F. Fink 
Director

Rodger A. Tourigny 
Director

31  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 
($ 000s, except $ per share)

REVENUE

Oil and gas sales, net of royalties

Other income

EXPENSES

Production

Office and administration

Employee compensation

Finance costs

Share-option compensation

Depletion and depreciation

Exploration and evaluation

Impairment of oil and gas assets

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

TAXES 

Current income tax expense (recovery)

Deferred income tax expense (recovery)

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

Deferred taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on investments

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE – BASIC AND DILUTED

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE – BASIC AND DILUTED

See accompanying notes to these financial statements.

Note

19

20

6

9

8

9

17

17

18

18

2017

2016

 188,362 

 4,604 

 192,966 

 62,066 

 3,214 

 4,535 

 19,719 

 4,511 

 89,339 

 1,566 

 - 

 184,950 

 8,016 

 (232)

 5,742 

 5,510 

 2,506 

 (871)

 118 

 (753)

 1,753 

 0.08 

 0.05 

 160,082 

 233 

 160,315 

 54,503 

 2,584 

 3,755 

 20,004 

 5,818 

 100,992 

 - 

 2,505 

 190,161 

 (29,846)

 (3,547)

 (2,164)

 (5,711)

 (24,135)

 2,866 

 (387)

 2,479 

 (21,656)

 (0.73)

 (0.65)

32  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flow

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 
($ 000s)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net earnings (loss)

Items not affecting cash

Deferred income taxes

Share-option compensation

Depletion and depreciation

Exploration and evaluation expenditures

Impairment of oil and gas assets

Gain on sale of property and equipment

Unwinding of the discount on decommissioning liabilities

Investment income

Interest expense

Change in non-cash working capital accounts:

Accounts receivable

Crude oil inventory

Prepaid expenses

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Decommissioning expenditures

Interest paid

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Increase (Decrease) of bank debt

Subordinated promissory note

Stock option proceeds

Dividends

CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investment income received

Exploration and evaluation expenditures

Property, plant and equipment expenditures

Proceeds on sale of property

Proceeds on sale of investments

Change in non-cash working capital accounts:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Accounts receivable

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

NET CHANGE IN CASH IN THE YEAR

Cash, beginning of year

CASH, END OF YEAR

See accompanying notes to these financial statements.

Note

December 31,
2017

December 31,
2016

 2,506 

 (24,135)

16

16

8

5,9

5

 5,742 

 4,511 

 89,339 

 1,566 

 - 

 (4,233)

 3,013 

 (49)

 16,706 

 (283)

 53 

 (6)

 2,828 

 (1,114)

 (16,706)

 103,873 

 (36,992)

 - 

 143 

 (39,971)

 (76,820)

 49 

 (738)

 (76,956)

 52,005 

 - 

 (1,934)

 521 

 (27,053)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (2,164)

 5,818 

 100,992 

 - 

 2,505 

 (1)

 2,507 

 (18)

 17,496 

 (5,266)

 (77)

 269 

 (2,341)

 (2,795)

 (17,496)

 75,294 

 (3,267)

 (12,500)

 3,253 

 (39,807)

 (52,321)

 18 

 - 

 (40,851)

 54 

 10,783 

 7,098 

 (75)

 (22,973)

 - 

 - 

 - 

33  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity

FOR THE YEARS ENDED 
($ 000S, except number of shares outstanding)

Numbers  
of common  
shares  
outstanding  
(Note 18)

Share  
capital  
(Note 18)

JANUARY 1, 2016

 33,143,435 

 760,020 

  Accumulated  
other  
  comprehensive 
income (loss)(2)

Retained  
earnings  
(deficit)

Total  
  shareholder's 
equity

 571 

 (180,551)

 595,805 

  Contributed

surplus(1)

 15,765 

 5,818 

 159,000 

 3,253 

 515 

 (515)

 2,479 

 (24,135)

 (3,047)

 3,047 

 411 

 414 

 (39,807)

 (241,446)

 (753)

 2,506 

 (39,971)

 5,818 

 3,253 

 (21,656)

 - 

 - 

 411 

 (39,807)

 543,824 

 4,511 

 143 

 - 

 1,753 

 (39,971)

 510,260 

Share-option compensation

Exercise of options

Comprehensive income (loss)

Transfer to share capital on  

exercise of option

Transfer on realized gain on  

investments

Deferred taxes on realized  
gain on investments

Dividends

Share-option compensation

Exercise of options

Transfer to share capital on  

exercise of options

Comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends

DECEMBER 31, 2016

 33,302,435 

 763,788 

 21,068 

 4,511 

 8,361 

 143 

 46 

 (46)

DECEMBER 31, 2017

 33,310,796 

 763,977 

 25,533 

 (339)

 (278,911)

(1)  Contributed surplus includes all amounts related to share-based payments.
(2)  Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments.

See accompanying notes to these financial statements.

34  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements

As at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

1 .  N AT U R E   O F   B U S I N E S S   A N D   S E G M E N T   I N F O R M AT I O N

Bonterra  Energy  Corp.  (“Bonterra”  or  “the  Company”)  is  a  public  company  listed  on  the  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  (the  “TSX”) 
and  incorporated  under  the  Business  Corporations  Act  (Alberta).  The  address  of  the  Company’s  registered  office  is  Suite  901,  
1015 – 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 1J4.

Bonterra operates in one industry and has only one reportable segment being the development and production of oil and natural gas 
in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

2 .  B A S I S   O F   P R E PA R AT I O N

a)  Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The financial statements were authorized for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 13, 2018.

b) 

 Basis of Measurement

These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments and share-based 
payment transactions which are measured at fair value.

c) 

Functional and Presentation Currency

The Company’s functional and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar.

Foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  into  Canadian  dollars  at  the  rates  prevailing  on  the 
reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rates prevailing on the transaction 
dates. Exchange gains and losses are recorded as income or expense in the period in which they occur.

d)  Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The timely preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  as  at  the  date  of  the  statement  of  financial 
position as well as the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and cash flows during the periods presented. Such estimates relate 
primarily to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from 
estimated amounts. See Note 4 for more information.

e) 

Future Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which 
replaces IAS 18 “Revenue,” IAS 11 “Construction Contracts,” and related interpretations. The standard requires an entity to recognize 
revenue  to  reflect  the  transfer  of  goods  and  services  for  the  amount  it  expects  to  receive  when  control  is  transferred  to  the 
purchaser. Disclosure requirements have also been expanded. The standard is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using 
a modified retrospective approach for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted.

The  Company  will  retrospectively  adopt  IFRS  15  on  January  1,  2018.  The  Company  has  completed  reviewing  its  various  revenue 
streams and underlying contracts with customers. It has been concluded that the adoption of IFRS 15 will not have a material impact 
on Bonterra’s comprehensive income and financial position. However, Bonterra will expand the disclosures in the notes to its financial 
statements as prescribed by IFRS 15, including disclosing the Company’s disaggregated revenue streams by product type. 

35  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 “Leases,” which replaces IAS 17 “Leases” and International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC) 4 “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease.” IFRS 16 requires the recognition of lease assets and 
liabilities on the statement of financial position for most leases, where the entity is acting as a lessee. For lessees applying IFRS 16, 
the dual classification model of leases as either operating leases or finance leases no longer exists, effectively treating all leases 
as  finance  leases.  Leases  less  than  12  months  and  leases  of  low-value  assets  are  exempt  from  the  balance  sheet  recognition 
requirements, and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with the dual classification model for leases 
and the accounting for lessors remains virtually unchanged.

The standard will come into effect for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted if the 
entity is also applying IFRS 15. IFRS 16 is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach. The 
modified retrospective approach does not require restatement of prior period financial information as it recognizes the cumulative 
effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and applies the standard prospectively. The Company has not yet assessed the 
impact, if any, that the new amended standard will have on its financial statements or whether to early adopt this new requirement.

3 .  S I G N I F I C A N T   A C C O U N T I N G   P O L I C I E S

a)  Revenue Recognition

Revenues from the sale of petroleum and natural gas are recorded when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been 
transferred to the customer. This generally occurs when the product is physically transferred into a third-party pipeline or when the 
delivery truck arrives at a customer’s receiving location. Items such as royalties for crown, freehold, gross overriding (GORR) and 
Saskatchewan surcharge are netted against revenue. These items are netted to reflect the deduction for other parties’ proportionate 
share of the revenue.

Administration fee income is recorded when management services and office administration are provided. 

b)  Joint Arrangements

Certain  exploration,  development  and  production  activities  are  conducted  jointly  with  others.  These  financial  statements  
reflect only the Company’s interests in such activities. A jointly controlled operation involves the use of assets and other resources 
of  the  Company  and  those  of  other  venturers  through  contractual  arrangements  rather  than  through  the  establishment  of  a 
corporation, partnership or other entity. The Company has no interests in jointly controlled entities. The Company recognizes in its 
financial statements its interest in assets that it owns, the liabilities and expenses that it incurs and its share of income earned by 
the joint arrangement. 

c) 

Inventories

Inventories consist of crude oil. Crude oil stored in the Company’s tanks is valued on a first in first out basis at the lower of cost or 
net realizable value. Inventory cost for crude oil is determined based on combined average per barrel operating costs, depletion and 
depreciation for the period and net realizable value is determined based on estimated sales price less transportation costs.

d) 

Investments and Investment in Related Party

Investments  and  investment  in  related  party  consist  of  equity  securities.  The  Company’s  investments  are  measured  as  fair 
value  through  other  comprehensive  income  (FVTOCI),  with  gains  or  losses  arising  from  changes  in  fair  value  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in the fair value instrument. The cumulative gain or loss will not be reclassified to profit or 
loss on disposal of the investments. Fair value is determined by multiplying the period end trading price of the investments by the 
number of common shares held as at period end. 

e)  Exploration and Evaluation Assets

General exploration and evaluation (E&E) expenditures incurred prior to acquiring the legal right to explore are charged to expense 
as incurred.

E&E expenditures represent undeveloped land costs, licenses and exploration well costs.

36  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Undeveloped  land  costs,  licenses  and  exploration  well  costs  are  initially  capitalized  and,  if  subsequently  determined  to  have  not 
found sufficient reserves to justify commercial production, are charged to expense. E&E assets continue to be capitalized as long 
as  sufficient  progress  is  being  made  to  assess  the  reserves  and  economic  viability  of  the  asset.  Once  technical  feasibility  and 
commercial  viability  has  been  established,  E&E  assets  are  transferred  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  (PP&E).  E&E  assets  are 
assessed for impairment annually, upon transfer to PP&E assets or whenever indications of impairment exist to ensure they are not 
at amounts above their recoverable amounts. 

f) 

Property, Plant and Equipment

PP&E assets include transferred-in E&E costs, development drilling and other subsurface expenditures. PP&E assets are carried at 
cost less depletion and depreciation of all development expenditures and include all other expenditures associated with PP&E assets.

When commercial production in an area has commenced, PP&E properties, excluding surface costs are depleted using the unit-of-
production method over their proved plus probable developed reserve life. Proved plus probable developed reserves are determined 
annually  by  qualified  independent  reserve  engineers.  Changes  in  factors  such  as  estimates  of  proved  plus  probable  developed 
reserves  that  affect  unit-of-production  calculations  are  accounted  for  on  a  prospective  basis.  Surface  costs  such  as  production 
facilities and furniture, fixtures and other equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

The initial cost of an asset is comprised of its purchase price or construction cost; including expenditures such as drilling costs; the 
present value of the initial and changes in the estimate of any decommissioning obligation associated with the asset; and finance 
charges on qualifying assets that are directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation and to its present location. 

PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Production facilities are comprised of costs related to petroleum and natural gas plant and production equipment.

DEPLETION AND DEPRECIATION

Depletion and depreciation is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). Production facilities, furniture, fixtures 
and other equipment are depreciated over the individual assets’ estimated economic lives, less estimated salvage value of the assets 
at the end of their useful lives. 

These assets are depreciated on a declining balance method as follows:

Production facilities 

10 percent per year

Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 

10 percent to 20 percent per year

g)  Business Combinations and Goodwill

The purchase price used in a business combination is based on the fair value at the date of acquisition. The business combination is 
accounted for based on the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. 
Contingent  liabilities  are  recognized  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  the  acquisition,  and  subsequently  re‐measured  at  each  reporting 
period until settled. The excess of cost over fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. 

h) 

Impairment of Assets

IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS 

A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect 
on the estimated future cash flow of that asset. An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is 
calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flow discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. Significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial 
assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognized in net earnings. An impairment loss is reversed if there is an indicator that the impairment 
reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. Any subsequent recovery of an 

37  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
impairment loss in respect of an investment in an equity instrument classified as fair value through other comprehensive income 
(FVTOCI) is reversed through other comprehensive income instead of net earnings. For financial assets measured at amortized cost, 
the reversal is recognized in net earnings.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

The carrying amounts of the Company’s non-financial assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether 
there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, then the assets’ carrying amounts are assessed for impairment. 

For  the  purpose  of  impairment  testing,  assets  (which  include  E&E,  PP&E  and  Goodwill)  are  grouped  together  into  the  smallest  
group of assets that generates cash flows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash flow of other assets or 
groups of assets (the cash-generating unit or CGU). Goodwill is allocated to the CGU expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination. The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the greater of its value-in-use (VIU) and its fair value less costs to sell 
(FVLCS). The Company has a core CGU composed of its Alberta properties and secondary CGUs for its British Columbia (BC) and 
Saskatchewan properties.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses 
are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). Impairment losses recognized in respect of a CGU are allocated first 
to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets of 
the CGU on a pro-rata basis.

In  respect  of  assets  other  than  goodwill,  impairment  losses  recognized  in  prior  periods  are  assessed  at  each  reporting  date  for 
any indications that the impairment loss has reversed. If the amount of the impairment loss reverses in a subsequent period and 
the reversal can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed 
only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depletion and depreciation, if no impairment loss had been recognized and recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill cannot be reversed. 

i) 

Deferred Consideration

Deferred consideration is generated when a sale of a royalty interest linked to production at a specific property occurs. Consideration 
is given to the specific terms of each arrangement to determine whether a disposal of an interest in the reserves of the respective 
property has occurred and whether the counterparty is entitled to the associated risks and rewards attributable to the property 
over its estimated life including the contractual terms and implicit obligations related to production, such as the holder of the royalty 
having the option of either being paid in cash or in kind and the associated commitments, if any, to develop future expansions or 
projects at the property. 

Proceeds  for  sale  of  a  royalty  interest  on  petroleum  properties  are  then  attributed  to  two  components:  a  payment  for  partial 
disposal of an interest in property, plant and equipment; and an upfront payment received for future extraction services that will 
generate future royalties. Discounted future cash flows of future development and operating costs multiplied by the royalty rate 
are used to derive the upfront payment received for future extraction services, which is accounted for as deferred consideration 
and recognized as revenue over the reserve life of the encumbered properties (as this represents the efforts incurred towards the 
extraction performance obligation). Upon commencement of the royalty interest the deferred consideration is depleted (recognized 
into revenue) using the same unit-of-production method as the depletion of the encumbered PP&E asset’s carrying value.  

j) 

Decommissioning Liabilities

The fair value of the statutory, contractual, constructive or legal liabilities associated with the retirement and reclamation of oil and 
gas properties is recorded when incurred, with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related PP&E. The amount 
recognized is the estimated cost of decommissioning, discounted to its present value using the Company’s risk free rate. Changes 
in the estimated timing of decommissioning or decommissioning cost estimates and changes to the risk free rates are dealt with 
prospectively by recording an adjustment to the decommissioning liabilities, and a corresponding adjustment to property, plant and 
equipment. The unwinding of the discount on the decommissioning provision is charged to net earnings as a finance cost.

The Company recognizes a decommissioning liability in the period in which it is incurred when a reasonable estimate of the liability 
can be made. On a periodic basis, management will review these estimates and changes and if there are any, they will be applied 
prospectively.  The  fair  value  of  the  estimated  provision  is  recorded  as  a  long-term  liability,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  the 
carrying amount of the related asset. The capitalized amount is depleted on a unit-of-production basis over the life of the proved  

38  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

plus  probable  developed  reserves.  The  liability  amount  is  increased  each  reporting  period  due  to  the  passage  of  time  and  this  
amount is charged to earnings in the period. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the obligations are charged against the provision 
to the extent of the liability recorded and any remaining balance of actual costs is recorded in the statement of comprehensive 
income (loss).

k) 

Income Taxes

Tax expense comprises current and deferred taxes. Tax is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) or directly  
in equity.

Current tax expense is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible. Current tax 
is calculated using tax rates and laws that are substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Management periodically 
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. 
Provisions are established where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. 

Deferred tax is recognized using the liability method, providing for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and temporary differences 
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. 
Deferred tax is not recognized for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments 
in subsidiaries to the extent that they are unlikely to be reversed in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax 
rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which unused 
tax losses, unused tax credits and temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each period end and 
are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

The  amount  and  timing  of  reversals  of  temporary  differences  will  also  depend  on  the  Company’s  future  operating  results,  and 
acquisitions and dispositions of assets and liabilities. A significant change in any of the preceding assumptions could materially affect 
the Company’s estimate of the deferred income tax asset or liability.

l) 

Share-option Compensation

The  Company  accounts  for  share-option  compensation  using  the  fair-value  method  of  accounting  for  stock  options  granted  to 
directors, officers, employees and other service providers using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Share-option payments are 
recognized through the statement of comprehensive income (loss) over the vesting period with a corresponding amount reflected in 
contributed surplus in equity. For awards issued in tranches that vest at different times, the fair value of each tranche is recognized 
over its respective vesting period.

At  the  grant  date  and  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period,  the  Company  assesses  and  re-assesses  for  subsequent  periods  its 
estimates  of  the  number  of  awards  that  are  expected  to  vest  and  recognizes  the  impact  of  the  revisions  in  the  statement  of 
comprehensive income (loss). Upon exercise of share-based options, the proceeds received net of any transaction costs and the fair 
value of the exercised share-based options is credited to share capital.

Employees  may  elect  to  have  the  Company  settle  any  or  all  options  vested  and  exercisable  using  a  cashless  equity  settlement. 
In connection with any such exercise, an employee shall be entitled to receive, without any cash payment (other than the taxes 
required to be paid in connection with the exercise), whole shares of the Company. The number of shares under option multiplied by 
the difference of the fair value at the time of exercise less the option exercise price, divided by the fair value at the time of exercise, 
determines the number of whole shares issued.

m)  Financial Instruments

The Company classifies its financial instruments into one of the following categories: financial assets at amortized cost, financial 
liabilities  at  amortized  costs;  and  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss.  All  financial  instruments  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  initial 
recognition. Measurement in subsequent periods is dependent on the classification of the respective financial instrument.

Fair value through profit or loss financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized 
in net earnings. All other categories of financial instruments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

39  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Cash, account receivables and certain other long-term assets are classified as financial assets at amortized cost since it is the 
Company’s intention to hold these assets to maturity and the related cash flows are mainly payments of principle and interest. The 
Company’s investments are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI), with gains or losses arising from 
changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the fair value instrument. The cumulative gain 
or loss will not be reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of the investments. Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and certain other 
long-term liabilities and long-term debt are classified as financial liabilities at amortized cost. Risk management assets and liabilities 
are classified as fair value through profit or loss.

n) 

Fair Value Measurement

Financial instruments consisting of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, due to related party, subordinated 
promissory note and bank debt on the statement of financial position are carried at amortized cost. Investments and investments 
in related party are carried at fair value. All of the investments are transacted in active markets. Bonterra determines the fair value 
of these transactions according to the following hierarchy based on the amount of observable inputs used to value the instrument.

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are 
those in which transactions occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1. Prices in Level 2 are either directly or 
indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 valuations are based on inputs, including quoted forward prices for commodities, 
time value and volatility factors, which can be substantially observed or corroborated in the marketplace.

Level 3 – Valuations in this level are those with inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

Bonterra’s investments and investments in related party have been assessed on the fair value hierarchy described above and are all 
considered Level 1. 

o)  Risk Management Contracts

The  Company  is  exposed  to  market  risks  resulting  from  fluctuations  in  commodity  prices,  foreign  currency  exchange  rates  and 
interest rates in the normal course of its business. The Company may use a variety of instruments to manage these exposures. For 
transactions where hedge accounting is not applied, the Company accounts for such instruments using the fair value method by 
initially recording an asset or liability, and recognizing changes in the fair value of the instruments in earnings as unrealized gains or 
losses on risk management contracts. Fair values of financial instruments are based on third party quotes or valuations provided by 
independent third parties. Any realized gains or losses on risk management contracts are recognized in net earnings in the period 
they occur.

p)  Net Earnings and Comprehensive Income Per Share

Per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net earnings or comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 
of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. 

Diluted  per  share  amounts  are  calculated  similar  to  basic  per  share  amounts  except  that  the  weighted  average  common  
shares outstanding are increased to include additional common shares from the assumed exercise of dilutive share options. The 
number of additional outstanding common shares is calculated by assuming that the outstanding in-the-money share options were 
exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire common shares at the average market price during the 
reporting period.

4 .  S I G N I F I C A N T   A C C O U N T I N G   E S T I M AT E S   A N D   J U D G E M E N T S 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the 
year in which the estimates are revised and in any future years affected. The following are the estimates and judgments applied by 
management that most significantly affect the Company’s financial statements.

40  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures

Exploration and evaluation costs are initially capitalized with the intent to establish commercially viable reserves. Exploration and 
evaluation assets include undeveloped land and costs related to exploratory wells. The Company is required to make estimates and 
judgments about future events and circumstances regarding the future economic viability of extracting the underlying resources. 
Changes to project economics, resource quantities, expected production techniques, unsuccessful drilling, expired mineral leases, 
production costs and required capital expenditures are important factors when making this determination. To the extent a judgment 
is made, that the underlying reserves are not viable, the exploration and evaluation costs will be impaired and charged to net earnings. 

Impairment of Non-financial Assets

Property, plant and equipment (PP&E) and goodwill are aggregated into cash generating units (CGUs) based on their ability to generate 
largely independent cash flows and are assessed for impairment. CGUs have been determined based on similar geological structure, 
shared infrastructure, geographical proximity, commodity type, and similar market risks. Oil and gas prices and other assumptions will 
change in the future, which may impact the Company’s recoverable amounts and may therefore require a material adjustment to the 
carrying value of PP&E. The determination of the Company’s CGUs is subject to management’s judgment. The Company has a core 
CGU composed of its Alberta properties and secondary CGUs for its BC and Saskatchewan properties.

The recoverable amount of E&E, PP&E, and goodwill is determined based on the fair value less costs of disposal using a discounted 
cash flow model and is assessed at the cash generating unit (“CGU”) level. The period the Company used to project cash flows is 
approximately 50 years or the CGUs reserve life. Growth in cash flow from a single well would be determined based on the extent 
of total reserves assigned, which is produced at declining rates over the estimated reserve life. The fair value measurement of the 
Company’s E&E, PP&E, and goodwill is designated Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company performed an impairment test on all of its CGUs for any potential impairment or 
related recovery. In making these evaluations, the Company uses the following information;

1)   The net present value of the pre-tax cash flows from oil and gas reserves of each CGU based on reserves estimated by the 

Company’s independent reserve evaluator; and

Key input estimates used in the determination of cash flows from oil and gas reserves include the following:

a)   Reserves – Assumptions that are valid at the time of reserve estimation may change significantly when new information becomes 
available. Changes in forward price estimates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves 
and may ultimately result in reserves being restated.

b)   Crude oil and natural gas prices – Forward price estimates of the crude oil and natural gas prices are used in the cash flow model. 
Commodity prices used tend to be stable because short-term increases or decreases in prices are not considered indicative of 
long-term price levels, but nonetheless subject to change and the change could be material.

c)   Discount rate – The Company uses a pre-tax discount rate of 10 percent that reflects risks specific to the assets for which the 
future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. The discount rate was determined based on the Company’s assessment of 
risk based on past experience. Changes in the general economic environment could result in material changes to this estimate. 

The following table from external sources outlines the forecast benchmark commodity prices used in the impairment calculation as 
at December 31, 2017. 

BONTERRA KEY ASSUMPTIONS FOR IMPAIRMENT

WTI Crude oil $US/Bbl(1)

AECO C-Spot $Mmbtu(1)

Exchange rate US$/$Cdn

2018

65.44

2.85

0.79

2019

74.51

3.11

0.82

2020

78.24

3.65

0.85

2021

82.45

3.80

0.85

2022

84.10

3.95

0.85

2023

85.78

4.05

0.85

2024

87.49

4.15

0.85

2025

89.24

4.25

0.85

2026

91.03

4.36

0.85

2027

92.85

4.46

0.85

2028(2)

94.71

4.57

0.85

(1)  The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed above are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors 

specific to the Company’s operations in performing the Company’s impairment tests.

(2)   Forecast benchmarks commodity prices are assumed to increase by 2.0% in each year after 2027 to end of the reserve life.

41  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

With  the  current  key  assumptions  listed  above,  the  Company  performed  impairment  tests  for  each  CGU  and  concluded  that  no 
reasonable  change  in  the  key  assumptions,  such  as  a  five  percent  change  in  commodity  prices  or  a  one  percent  change  in  the 
discount rate, would result in an impairment being recorded.

Reserves Estimation

The  capitalized  costs  of  oil  and  gas  properties  and  deferred  consideration  are  depleted  on  a  unit-of-production  basis  at  a  rate 
calculated by reference to proved plus probable developed reserves determined in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 and 
the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation handbook. Commercial reserves are determined using best estimates of oil and gas in place, 
recovery factors and future oil and gas prices. Amounts used for impairment calculations are also based on estimates of crude oil 
and natural gas reserves and future costs required to develop those reserves. 

Risk Management Contract

The Company accounts for such instruments using the fair value method by initially recording an asset or liability, and recognizing 
changes in the fair value of the instruments in net earnings as unrealized gains or losses on risk management contracts. Fair values 
of financial instruments are based on third party futures quotes for commodities. Any realized gains or losses on risk management 
contracts are recognized in net earnings in the period they occur.

Share-option Compensation

The Company measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments 
at the date they are granted. Estimating the fair value requires the determination of the most appropriate valuation model for a grant, 
which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This also requires the determination of the most appropriate inputs to 
the valuation model including the expected life of the option, risk free interest rates, volatility and dividend yield. 

Deferred Consideration 

Deferred consideration is incurred when the sale of a royalty interest occurs that has contractual terms or implicit obligations that 
requires  future  performance  such  future  development  costs  and  operating  costs.  Management  uses  judgements  in  determining 
those cash flows such as cost, inflation and the discount rate to determine the portion of proceeds that is deferred. 

Decommissioning and Restoration Costs 

Decommissioning and restoration costs will be incurred by the Company at the end of the operating lives of the Company’s oil and 
gas properties. Provisions for decommissioning liabilities are based on cost estimates which can vary in response to many factors 
including timing of abandonment, inflation, changes in legal requirements, new restoration techniques and interest rates. 

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes the net deferred tax benefit or expense related to deferred income tax assets or liabilities to the extent 
that  it  is  probable  that  the  deductible  temporary  differences  will  reverse  in  the  foreseeable  future.  Assessing  the  recoverability 
of investment tax credit receivable requires the Company to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable 
income. The provision for income taxes is based on judgments in applying income tax law and estimates of the timing, likelihood 
and reversal of temporary differences between the accounting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The ability to realize on the 
deferred tax assets and investment tax credit receivable recorded on the balance sheet may be compromised to the extent that any 
interpretation of tax law is challenged or taxable income differs significantly from estimates. 

Further details regarding accounting estimates and judgments are disclosed in Note 3.

42  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

5 .  D I S P O S I T I O N 

On December 20, 2017, the Company sold a two percent gross overriding royalty (GORR) on the total production from the Company’s 
Pembina Cardium pool effective January 1, 2018. The royalty owner has the option of either being paid in cash or in kind. Consideration 
received on disposition was $56,747,000, comprised of $52,000,000 in cash and property, plant and equipment valued at $4,747,000. 

Upon evaluating this transaction it was determined that the proceeds for the sale of the GORR were comprised of a disposal of a 
portion of the Pembina Cardium properties, plant and equipment and an upfront payment received for the implicit obligation of future 
extraction services that will generate future royalties. 

The Company used discounted future cash flows of future development and operating costs multiplied by the two percent royalty 
rate to derive the upfront payment received for future extraction services of $16,064,000, which is being accounted for as deferred 
consideration  and  recognized  as  revenue  over  the  reserve  life  of  the  Pembina  Cardium  properties.  The  remaining  proceeds  of 
$40,683,000 were compared to the carrying value attributable to the partial disposal of property, plant and equipment of $36,457,000, 
resulting in a gain on disposal of $4,226,000. 

6 .  F I N A N C E   C O S T S

A breakdown of finance costs for the years ended:

($ 000s)

Interest expense on bank debt

Interest expense on amounts owing to related party

Interest expense on subordinated promissory note and other

Unwinding of the fair value of decommissioning liabilities

7. 

I N V E S T M E N T   I N   R E L AT E D   PA R T Y

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 15,807 

 274 

 625 

 3,013 

 19,719 

 16,708 

 249 

 540 

 2,507 

 20,004 

The  investment  consists  of  1,034,523  (December  31,  2016  –  1,034,523)  common  shares  in  Pine  Cliff  Energy  Ltd.  (“Pine  Cliff”),  a 
company with some common directors and some common management with Bonterra. The investment in Pine Cliff represents less 
than one percent ownership in the outstanding common shares of Pine Cliff and is recorded at fair value through other comprehensive 
income. The common shares of Pine Cliff trade on the TSX under the symbol PNE. 

8 .  E X P L O R AT I O N   A N D   E VA L U AT I O N   A S S E T S 

($ 000s)

COST AND CARRYING AMOUNT

Balance at January 1, 2016

Dispositions

Impairment (Note 9)

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Additions

Transfers to property, plant and equipment

Expiry of exploration and evaluation assets

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

 7,925 

 (54)

 (798)

 7,073 

 738 

 (2,028)

 (1,566)

 4,217 

On December 31, 2016 Bonterra recorded a $798,000 impairment on its E&E assets in the British Columbia CGU. This was a result 
of  a  decrease  in  commodity  price  forecasts,  an  increase  in  forecasted  operating  costs  and  no  currently  planned  future  capital 
expenditures in this non-core area.

43  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
9 .  P R O P E R T Y,   P L A N T   A N D   E Q U I P M E N T

COST 
($ 000s)

Balance at January 1, 2016

Additions

Adjustment to decommissioning liabilities(1)

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Additions(2)

Transfers from exploration and evaluation assets

Adjustment to decommissioning liabilities(1)

Disposal and other

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

ACCUMULATED DEPLETION AND DEPRECIATION 
($ 000s)

Balance at January 1, 2016

Depletion and depreciation

Disposal and other

Impairment

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Depletion and depreciation

Disposal and other

Other

Oil and Gas  
Properties

 1,222,683 

 28,564 

 29,706 

 1,280,953 

 60,331 

 2,028 

 23,791 

 (49,040)

 1,318,063 

Oil and Gas  
Properties

 (390,485)

 (84,455)

 (112)

 (1,366)

 (476,418)

 (72,586)

 19,353 

 217 

Production  
Facilities

 302,781 

 12,258 

 - 

 315,039 

 21,273 

 - 

 - 

 (11,583)

 324,729 

Production  
Facilities

 (90,116)

 (16,452)

 - 

 (341)

 (106,909)

 (16,660)

 4,812 

 - 

Furniture  
Fixtures  
& Other 
Equipment

 2,053 

 29 

 - 

 2,082 

 99 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Total  
Property  
Plant &  

Equipment

 1,527,517 

 40,851 

 29,706 

 1,598,074 

 81,703 

 2,028 

 23,791 

 (60,623)

 2,181 

 1,644,973 

Furniture  
Fixtures  
& Other 
Equipment

 (1,529)

 (85)

 - 

 - 

 (1,614)

 (93)

 - 

 - 

Total  
Property  
Plant &  

Equipment

 (482,130)

 (100,992)

 (112)

 (1,707)

 (584,941)

 (89,339)

 24,165 

 217 

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

 (529,434)

 (118,757)

 (1,707)

 (649,898)

CARRYING AMOUNTS AS AT: 
($ 000s)

December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2017

 804,535 

 788,629 

 208,130 

 205,972 

 468 

 474 

 1,013,133 

 995,075 

(1)  Adjustment to decommissioning liabilities is due to a decrease in the risk free rate and a change in estimate on decommissioning costs. 
(2)  Included in additions is $4,747,000 of property, plant and equipment received from the GORR sale as disclosed in Note 5. 

There  were  no  impairment  losses  or  reversals  recorded  in  the  statement  of  comprehensive  income  (loss)  for  the  year  ended  
December 31, 2017.

The impairment of property, plant and equipment assets and any subsequent reversal of such impairment losses are recognized in 
the statement of comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2016, due to decreasing commodity price forecasts and higher operating cost 
forecasts in one of its CGUs, Bonterra determined that there were indicators of impairment and completed impairment test on all of 
its CGUs. Consequently for the year ended December 31, 2016, Bonterra recorded impairment charges totaling $1,707,000 related 
to the secondary British Columbia CGU. The recoverable amounts used in the impairment tests, based on fair value less cost to sell, 
related to this CGU were calculated using a proved plus probable reserves at a pre-discount rate of 10 percent (2016 – 10 percent). 
As well for the year ended December 31, 2016, Bonterra recorded impairment charges totaling $798,000 on its E&E assets, also 
related to its British Columbia CGU for a total impairment loss of $2,505,000. As of December 31, 2016, the recoverable amount of 
the British Columbia CGU is $539,000. 

44  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 0 .  G O O D W I L L

The amount recorded as goodwill has all been allocated to the primary CGU, Alberta, Canada. There was no impairment loss recorded 
in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

1 1 .  A C C O U N T S   PAYA B L E   A N D   A C C R U E D   L I A B I L I T I E S

($ 000s)

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 19,547 

 6,583 

 26,130 

 18,710 

 6,526 

 25,236 

1 2 .  T R A N S A C T I O N S   W I T H   R E L AT E D   PA R T I E S

As at December 31, 2017, the Company’s CEO, Chairman of the Board and a major shareholder has loaned the Company $12,000,000 
(December 31, 2016 – $12,000,000). The loan bears interest at Canadian chartered bank prime less 5/8th of a percent and has no set 
repayment terms but is payable on demand. Security under the debenture is over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated 
to any and all claims in favour of the syndicate of senior lenders providing credit facilities to the Company. The Company’s bank 
agreement requires that the above loan can only be repaid should the Company have sufficient available borrowing limits under the 
Company’s credit facility. Interest paid on this loan during 2017 was $274,000 (December 31, 2016 – $249,000).

The Company received a management fee of $nil plus the reimbursement of certain administrative expenses for the year ended 
December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – $15,000) for management services and office administration from Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. 
(“Pine  Cliff”).  This  fee  has  been  included  in  other  income.  On  April  1,  2016,  the  management  agreement  was  terminated.  As  at 
December 31, 2017, the Company had an account receivable from Pine Cliff of $36,000 (December 31, 2016 – $51,000). 

Compensation for Key Management Personnel

($ 000s)

Compensation

Share-based payments

Total compensation

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 1,424 

 1,739 

 3,163 

 917 

 2,331 

 3,248 

Key management personnel are those persons, including all directors, having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the Company.

1 3 .  S U B O R D I N AT E D   P R O M I S S O R Y   N O T E

As at December 31, 2017, Bonterra had $12,500,000 (December 31, 2016 – $12,500,000) outstanding on a subordinated note to 
a private investor. The terms of the subordinated promissory note are that it bears interest at five percent and is repayable after 
thirty days’ written notice by either party. Security consists of a floating demand debenture over all of the Company’s assets and 
is subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the syndicate of senior lenders providing credit facilities to the Company. Interest 
paid on the subordinated promissory note during the year was $625,000 (December 31, 2016 – $540,000). On February 9, 2018 the 
Company repaid $2,500,000.

The  Company’s  bank  agreement  requires  that  the  above  loan  can  only  be  repaid  should  the  Company  have  sufficient  available 
borrowing limits under the Company’s credit facility.

45  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
1 4 .  B A N K   D E B T

As at December 31, 2017, the Company has a bank facility of $380,000,000 (December 31, 2016 – $380,000,000) comprising of a 
$330,000,000 syndicated revolving credit facility and a $50,000,000 non-syndicated revolving credit facility. Amounts drawn under 
the  bank  facility  at  December  31,  2017  were  $292,212,000  (December  31,  2016  –  $329,204,000).  Amounts  borrowed  under  the 
bank facility bear interest at a floating rate based on the applicable Canadian prime rate or Banker’s Acceptance rate, plus between 
1.00 percent and 4.25 percent, depending on the type of borrowing and the Company’s consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio. EBITDA 
is defined as net income for the period excluding finance costs, provision for current and deferred taxes, depletion and depreciation, 
share-option compensation, gain or loss on sale of assets and impairment of assets. The terms of the bank facility provide that the 
loan is revolving to April 30, 2018, with a maturity date of April 30, 2019, subject to annual review. The credit facilities have no fixed 
terms of repayment. 

The available lending limit of the bank facility is reviewed semi-annually on or before April 30 and October 31 each year based on 
the  lender’s  interpretation  of  the  Company’s  reserves,  future  commodity  prices  and  costs.  On  November  1,  2017,  the  Company 
successfully renewed its available lending limit at $380,000,000.

The  amount  available  for  borrowing  under  the  bank  facility  is  reduced  by  outstanding  letters  of  credit.  Letters  of  credit  totaling 
$900,000 were issued as at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – $2,990,000). Security for the bank facility consists of various 
and floating demand debentures totaling $750,000,000 (December 31, 2016 – $750,000,000) over all of the Company’s assets and 
a general security agreement with first ranking over all personal and real property.

The following is a list of the material covenants on the bank facility:

 u The  Company  cannot  exceed  $380,000,000  in  consolidated  debt  (excluding  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities).  As  at 

December 31, 2017 consolidated debt is $316,712,000.

 u Dividends paid in the current quarter shall not exceed 80 percent of the available cash flow for the preceding four fiscal quarters 

divided by four, which is calculated as 26 percent for the current quarter.

Available  cash  flow  is  defined  to  be  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  excluding  the  change  in  non-cash  working  capital  and 
decommissioning liabilities settled and including investment income received and all net proceeds of dispositions included in cash 
used in investing activities. At December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with all covenants.

1 5 .  D E F E R R E D   C O N S I D E R AT I O N

Deferred consideration was recorded on the sale of a royalty interest that will be recognized from commencement of the royalty over 
the oil and gas reserve life of the Pembina Cardium properties. Changes to deferred consideration are as follows:

($ 000s)

DEFERRED CONSIDERATION, JANUARY 1

Sale of a royalty interest on Pembina Cardium properties (Note 5)

Deferred consideration, end of year

Less current portion of deferred consideration

NON-CURRENT PORTION OF DEFERRED CONSIDERATION

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 - 

 16,064 

 16,064 

 (1,299)

 14,765 

 - 

-

- 

 - 

 - 

46  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
1 6 .  D E C O M M I S S I O N I N G   L I A B I L I T I E S

At December 31, 2017, the estimated total undiscounted amount required to settle the decommissioning liabilities was $298,111,000 
(December 31, 2016- $312,436,000). The provision has been calculated assuming a 2.0 percent inflation rate (December 31, 2016 –  
2.0 percent inflation rate). These obligations will be settled at the end of the useful lives of the underlying assets, which extend up 
to 50 years into the future. This amount has been discounted using a risk-free interest rate of 2.42 percent (December 31, 2016 – 
2.95 percent).

($ 000s)

DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES, JANUARY 1

Adjustment to decommissioning liabilities(1)

Liabilities settled during the period

Unwinding of the discount on decommissioning liabilities

DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES, END OF YEAR

(1)  Adjustment to decommissioning liabilities is due to a change in the risk free rate and estimated decommissioning costs.

1 7.  I N C O M E   TA X E S

($ 000s)

Deferred tax asset (liability) related to:

Investments

Exploration and evaluation assets and property, plant and equipment

Investment tax credits

Decommissioning liabilities

Corporate tax losses carried forward

Share issue costs

Corporate capital tax losses carried forward

Unrecorded benefits of capital tax losses carried forward

Unrecorded benefits of successored resource related pools

Deferred tax asset (liability)

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 100,941 

 23,791 

 (1,114)

 3,013 

 126,631 

 71,523 

 29,706 

 (2,795)

 2,507 

 100,941 

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 32 

 (85)

 (169,770)

 (159,670)

 (2,385)

 34,190 

 10,051 

 29 

 8,699 

 (8,699)

 (1,901)

 (2,385)

 27,251 

 10,393 

 281 

 8,698 

 (8,612)

 - 

 (129,754)

 (124,129)

Income tax expense varies from the amounts that would be computed by applying Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates 
as follows:

($ 000s)

Earnings (loss) before taxes

Combined federal and provincial income tax rates

Income tax provision calculated using statutory tax rates

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

Change in statutory tax rates(1)

Share-option compensation

Realized gain on sale of investments

Change in unrecorded benefits of tax pools

Change in estimates and other

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 8,016 

27.00%

 2,164 

 - 

 1,218 

 - 

 1,988 

 140 

 5,510 

 (29,846)

27.00%

 (8,058)

 4 

 1,571 

 411 

 - 

 361 

 (5,711)

47  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company has the following tax pools, which may be used to reduce taxable income in future years, limited to the applicable rates 
of utilization:

($ 000s)

Undepreciated capital costs

Share issue costs

Canadian oil and gas property expenditures

Canadian development expenditures

Canadian exploration expenditures

Federal income tax losses carried forward(1)

Provincial income tax losses carried forward(2)

Rate of
  Utilization (%)

7-100

20

10

30

100

100

100

Amount

 92,306 

 107 

 100,746 

 151,862 

 8,063 

 54,221 

 15,989 

 423,294 

(1)  Federal income tax losses carried forward expire in the following years; 2035 – $18,151,000; 2036 – $35,853,000; 2037 – $217,000.
(2)  Provincial income tax losses carried forward expire in 2036 – $15,772,000; 2037 – $217,000.

The Company has $8,834,000 (December 31, 2016 – $8,834,000) of investment tax credits that expire in the following years; 2021 –  
$1,824,000; 2022 – $1,735,000; 2023 – $1,097,000; 2024 – $1,241,000; 2025 – $1,323,000; 2026 – $1,105,000; 2027 – $410,000; 
and 2035 – $99,000. 

The Company has $64,435,000 (December 31, 2016 – $64,435,000) of capital losses carried forward which can only be claimed 
against taxable capital gains.

1 8 .  S H A R E H O L D E R S ’   E Q U I T Y

Authorized

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value.

Issued and fully paid – common shares

Balance, beginning of year

Issued pursuant to the Company's share option plan

Transfer from contributed surplus to share capital

Number

33,302,435

8,361

Amount 
($ 000s)

763,788

 143 

 46 

Number

33,143,435

 159,000 

BALANCE, END OF YEAR

33,310,796

763,977

33,302,435

Amount 
($ 000s)

760,020

 3,253 

 515 

763,788

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Class “A” redeemable Preferred Shares and an unlimited number of Class 
“B” Preferred Shares. There are currently no outstanding Class “A” redeemable Preferred Shares or Class “B” Preferred Shares. 

The weighted average common shares used to calculate basic and diluted net earnings per share for the year ended December 31 
is as follows:

Basic shares outstanding 

Dilutive effect of share options(1)

Diluted shares outstanding

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 33,309,578 

 33,255,957 

 2,149 

 67,328 

 33,311,727 

 33,323,285 

(1)  The Company did not include 2,778,000 share options (December 31, 2016 – 2,081,000) in the dilutive effect of share options calculations as these share options  

were anti-dilutive.

48  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company declared and paid dividends of $39,971,000 ($1.20 per share) (December 31, 
2016 – $39,807,000 ($1.20 per share)). 

The  Company  provides  an  equity  settled  option  plan  for  its  directors,  officers,  employees  and  consultants.  Under  the  plan,  
the Company may grant options for up to 3,331,080 (December 31, 2016 – 3,330,244) common shares. The exercise price of each 
option granted cannot be lower than the market price of the common shares on the date of grant and the option’s maximum term 
is five years. 

A  summary  of  the  status  of  the  Company’s  stock  option  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  changed  during  the  period  ended  are  
presented below: 

At January 1, 2016

Options granted 

Options exercised

Options forfeited

Options expired

At December 31, 2016

Options granted

Options exercised(1)

Options forfeited

Options expired

AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

Number  

Weighted  
Average  

of Options

  Exercise Price

 2,955,500 

$ 

 935,000 

 (159,000)

 (152,500)

 (842,000)

 2,737,000 

$ 

 1,936,000 

 (14,000)

 (256,000)

 (1,597,000)

 2,806,000 

$ 

40.28

25.50

20.46

43.16

58.86

30.50

14.91

20.46

23.03

32.25

19.48

(1)  7,000 options were exercised under the cashless option method, which resulted in 1,361 shares being issued in which the Company received no proceeds.

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2017:

Range of exercise prices

 December 31,2017

contractual life

exercise price

Number  
outstanding at  

  Weighted-average  
remaining  

  Weighted-average  

Number  
exercisable at 
 December 31, 2017

  Weighted-average  

exercise price

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

$ 

14.00 – 30.00

30.01 – 40.00

40.01 – 65.00

$ 

17.00 – 65.00

 2,698,000

1.8 years

 $ 

 33,000

 75,000

0.4 years

0.1 years

 2,806,000

1.7 years

 $ 

18.24 

33.69

57.88

19.48 

 845,000 

 $ 

 25,000 

 75,000 

 945,000 

 $ 

25.75 

34.24

57.88

28.52 

49  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company  records  compensation  expense  over  the  vesting  period,  which  ranges  between  one  to  three  years,  based  on  
the  fair  value  of  options  granted  to  employees,  directors  and  consultants.  In  2017,  the  Company  granted  1,936,000  stock  
options  with  an  estimated  fair  value  of  $4,859,000  or  $2.51  per  option  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model  with  the 
following key assumptions:

Weighted-average risk free interest rate (%)(1)

Weighted-average expected life (years)

Weighted-average volatility (%)(2)

Forfeiture rate (%)

Weighted average dividend yield (%)

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

1.48

1.5

47.23

7.68

8.18

0.58

1.0

59.91

8.62

4.73

(1)  Risk-free interest rate is based on the weighted average Government of Canada benchmark bond yields for one, two, and three year terms to match corresponding 

vesting periods.

(2)  The expected volatility is measured as the standard deviation of expected share price returns based on statistical analysis of historical weekly share prices for a 

representative period.

1 9 .  O I L   A N D   G A S   S A L E S ,   N E T   O F   R OYA LT I E S

($ 000s)

Oil and gas sales

Less:

Crown royalties

Freehold, gross overriding royalties and other

Oil and gas sales, net of royalties

2 0 . O T H E R   I N C O M E

($ 000s)

Investment income

Administrative income

Gain on sale of property and equipment

Other income

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 202,566 

 169,863 

 (10,178)

 (4,026)

 188,362 

 (5,917)

 (3,864)

 160,082 

  December 31,
2017

  December 31, 
2016

 74 

 297 

 4,233 

 4,604 

 18 

 214 

 1 

 233 

2 1 .  F I N A N C I A L   A N D   C A P I TA L   R I S K   M A N A G E M E N T

Financial Risk Factors

The Company undertakes transactions in a range of financial instruments including:

 u Accounts receivable

 u Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 u Common share investments

 u Due to related party

 u Bank debt

 u Subordinated promissory note

The Company’s activities result in exposure to a number of financial risks including market risk (commodity price risk, interest rate 
risk, and foreign exchange risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and equity price risk.

50  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s overall risk management program seeks to mitigate these risks and reduce the volatility on the Company’s financial 
performance. Financial risk is managed by senior management under the direction of the Board of Directors.

The Company may enter into various risk management contracts to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price fluctuations. 
Currently no risk management agreements are in place. The Company does not speculatively trade in risk management contracts. The 
Company’s risk management contracts are entered into to manage the risks relating to commodity prices from its business activities.

Capital Risk Management

The Company’s objectives when managing capital, which the Company defines to include shareholders’ equity, debt and working 
capital balances, are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns to 
its shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain a capital structure that provides a low cost of capital. In order 
to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the amount of dividends, debt facilities or issue new shares.

The  Company  monitors  capital  on  the  basis  of  the  ratio  of  net  debt  (total  debt  adjusted  for  working  capital)  to  cash  flow  from 
operating  activities.  This  ratio  is  calculated  using  each  quarter  end  net  debt  divided  by  the  preceding  twelve  months  cash  flow. 
Management believes that a net debt level as high as one and a half year’s cash flow is still an appropriate level to allow it to take 
advantage in the future of either acquisition opportunities or to provide flexibility to develop its undeveloped resources by horizontal 
or vertical drill programs. During the current year the Company had a net debt to cash flow level of 3.1:1 compared to 4.7:1 in 2016. The 
decrease in net debt to cash flow ratio is primarily due to a $56,747,000 sale of a royalty interest in the Pembina Cardium properties, 
of which $52,000,000 was received in cash (see disposition Note 5) and improved commodity prices realized in 2017. To manage its 
bank debt during a period of low commodity prices the Company significantly reduced planned capital expenditures for the 2016 and 
2017 fiscal years. Additionally, in January of 2016 the Company reduced the monthly dividend by $0.05 to $0.10 per common share.

Section (a) of this note provides the Company’s debt to cash flow from operations.

Section (b) addresses in more detail the key financial risk factors that arise from the Company’s activities including its policies for 
managing these risks.

A) 

 NET DEBT RATIO

The net debt and cash flow amounts as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

($ 000s)

Bank debt

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Due to related party

Subordinated promissory note

Current assets

Net debt

Cash flow from operations

Net debt ratio

B) 

RISKS AND MITIGATION

 292,212 

 26,130 

 12,000 

 12,500 

 (24,139)

 318,703 

 103,873 

3.1

Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flow of the Company’s financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes 
in market prices. Components of market risk to which the Company is exposed are discussed as follows.

51  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s principal operation is the production and sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. Fluctuations in prices 
of these commodities directly impact the Company’s performance and ability to continue with its dividends. 

The Company has used various risk management contracts to set price parameters for a portion of its production. The Company has 
assumed the risk in respect of commodity prices, except for a small portion of physical delivery sales contracts to manage commodity 
risk on the Company’s higher operating cost areas. These contracts are considered normal sales contracts and are not recorded at 
fair value in the financial statements.

The Company has entered into the following physical delivery sales contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017:

Product

Type of Contract

Volume

Term

Oil

Oil

Oil

Oil

Oil

Fixed price – WTI(1)

Basis Differential WTI(1)(3)

Basis Differential WTI(1)(3)

Fixed price – WTI(1)

Basis Differential WTI(1)(3)

500 BBL/day

October 1 to December 31 2017

500 BBL/day

November 1 to November 30, 2017

500 BBL/day

December 1 to December 31, 2017

500 BBL/day

January 1 to March 31, 2018

500 BBL/day

January 1 to March 31, 2018

Contract Price

$51.90 US/BBL

$(2.00) US/BBL

$(3.10) US/BBL

$57.19 US/BBL

$(2.80) US/BBL

(1)  WTI refers to West Texas Intermediate, a grade of light sweet crude oil used as benchmark pricing in the United States.
(2)  “MSW  Stream  index”  or  “Edmonton  Par”  refers  to  the  mixed  sweet  blend  that  is  the  benchmark  price  for  conventionally  produced  light  sweet  crude  oil  in  

Western Canada.

(3)  Basis differential is the difference between WTI and MSW Stream Index.

The Company has entered into the following physical delivery sales contracts subsequent to December 31, 2017:

Product

Type of Contract

Volume

Term

Oil

Gas

Fixed price – WTI

500 BBL/day

January 1 to June 30, 2018

Costless physical gas collar – AECO(1)

5,000 GJ/day

April 1 to June 30, 2018

Contract Price

$59.55 US/BBL

  Floor price $0.80 $Cdn/GJ 
 Ceiling price $1.23 $Cdn/GJ

(1)  AECO refers to Alberta Energy Company, a grade or heating content of natural gas used as benchmark pricing in Alberta, Canada.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest  rate  risk  refers  to  the  risk  that  the  value  of  a  financial  instrument  or  cash  flows  associated  with  the  instrument  will 
fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing financial assets and liabilities that 
the Company uses. The principal exposure of the Company is on its borrowings which have a variable interest rate which gives rise 
to a cash flow interest rate risk.

The Company’s debt facilities consist of a $330,000,000 syndicated revolving operating line, $50,000,000 non-syndicated operating 
line, $12,000,000 due to a related party and a $12,500,000 subordinated promissory note. The borrowings under these facilities, 
except for the subordinated promissory note, are at bank prime plus or minus various percentages as well as by means of banker’s 
acceptances (BAs) within the Company’s credit facility. The subordinated promissory note is at a fixed interest rate of five percent. 
The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk on its floating interest rate debt through entering into various term lengths 
on its BAs but in no circumstances do the terms exceed six months. 

Sensitivity Analysis

Based on historic movements and volatilities in the interest rate markets and management’s current assessment of the financial 
markets,  the  Company  believes  that  a  one  percent  variation  in  the  Canadian  prime  interest  rate  is  reasonably  possible  over  a 
12-month period. 

A one percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian prime rate would decrease (increase) both annual net earnings and comprehensive 
income by $2,221,000.

52  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Price Risk

Equity price risk refers to the risk that the fair value of the investments and investment in related party will fluctuate due to changes 
in equity markets. Equity price risk arises from the realizable value of the investments that the Company holds which are subject 
to variable equity market prices which on disposition gives rise to a cash flow equity price risk. The Company will assume full risk in 
respect of equity price fluctuations.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company has no foreign operations and currently sells all of its product sales in Canadian currency. The Company however is 
exposed to currency risk in that crude oil is priced in U.S. currency, then converted to Canadian currency. The Company currently 
has no outstanding risk management agreements. The Company will assume full risk in respect of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a contracting party will not complete its obligations under a financial instrument and cause the Company 
to incur a financial loss. The Company is exposed to credit risk on all financial assets included on the statement of financial position. 
To help mitigate this risk:

 u The Company only enters into material agreements with credit worthy counterparties. These include major oil and gas companies 

or major Canadian chartered banks; and

 u Agreements for product sales are primarily on 30-day renewal terms.

Of  the  $20,536,000  accounts  receivable  balance  at  December  31,  2017  (December  31,  2016  –  $20,774,000)  over  84  percent  
(2016 – 80 percent) relates to product sales with national and international oil and gas companies.

The Company assesses quarterly if there has been any impairment of the financial assets of the Company. During the year ended 
December 31, 2017, there was no material impairment provision required on any of the financial assets of the Company. The Company 
does  have  a  credit  risk  exposure  as  the  majority  of  the  Company’s  accounts  receivable  are  with  counterparties  having  similar 
characteristics. However, payments from the Company’s largest accounts receivable counterparties have consistently been received 
within 30 days and the sales agreements with these parties are cancellable with 30 days’ notice if payments are not received. 

At December 31, 2017, approximately $1,434,000 or 7 percent of the Company’s total accounts receivable are aged over 90 days 
and considered past due (December 31, 2016 – $2,166,000 or 10 percent). The majority of these accounts are due from various joint 
venture partners. The Company actively monitors past due accounts and takes the necessary actions to expedite collection, which 
can include withholding production or netting payables when the accounts are with joint venture partners. Should the Company 
determine that the ultimate collection of a receivable is in doubt, it will provide the necessary provision in its allowance for doubtful 
accounts with a corresponding charge to earnings. If the Company subsequently determines an account is uncollectable, the account 
is written off with a corresponding charge to the allowance account. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts balance at 
December 31, 2017 is $1,146,000 (December 31, 2016 – $354,000) with the expense being included in general and administrative 
expenses. There were no material accounts written off during the period. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amounts of accounts receivable. There are no material financial 
assets that the Company considers past due.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk includes the risk that, as a result of the Company’s operational liquidity requirements:

 u The Company will not have sufficient funds to settle a transaction on the due date;

 u The Company will not have sufficient funds to continue with its dividends;

 u The Company will be forced to sell assets at a value which is less than what they are worth; or

 u The Company may be unable to settle or recover a financial asset at all.

To help reduce these risks the Company maintains bank facilities determined by a portfolio of high-quality, long reserve life oil and 
gas assets.

53  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

The Company has the following maturity schedule for its financial liabilities and commitments:

($ 000s)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Due to related parties

Suboridinated promissory note

Bank Debt

Firm service commitments

Office lease commitments

Total

2 2 . C O M M I T M E N T S

Recognized  
on Financial 
Statements

Yes - Liability

Yes - Liability

Yes - Liability

Yes - Liability

No

No

Less than  

1 year

Over 1 year 
to 9 year”

 26,130 

 12,000 

 12,500 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

 292,212 

 1,305 

 541 

 52,476 

 6,035 

 2,635 

 300,882 

The  Company  has  entered  into  firm  service  gas  transportation  agreements  in  which  the  Company  guarantees  certain  minimum 
volumes of natural gas will be shipped on various gas transportation systems. The terms of the various agreements expire in one to 
eight years. 

The Company has office lease commitments for building and office equipment. The building and office equipment leases have an 
average remaining life of 5.9 years. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases. 

Future  minimum  payments  for  the  firm  service  gas  transportation  agreements  using  current  tariff  rates  and  the  non-cancellable 
building and office equipment leases as at December 31, 2017 are as follows:

($ 000s)

Firm service commitments

Office lease commitments

Total

2 3 . S U B S E Q U E N T   E V E N T S

i) 

Dividends

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 Thereafter

Total

 1,305 

 1,275 

 1,166 

 1,060 

 535 

 535 

 999 

 538 

 1,535 

 7,340 

 521 

 3,176 

 1,701 

 1,595 

 1,537 

 2,056 

 10,516 

 541 

 1,846 

 506 

 1,781 

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company declared the following dividends:

Date declared

January 2, 2018

February 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

Record date

$ per share

Date payable

January 15, 2017

February 15, 2018

March 15, 2018

0.10

0.10

0.10

January 31, 2018

February 28, 2018

March 29, 2018

54  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

B O A R D   O F   D I R E C T O R S

G. F. Fink – Chairman 
G. J. Drummond 
R. M. Jarock 
R. A. Tourigny 
A. M. Walsh

O F F I C E R S 

G. F. Fink, CEO and Chairman of the Board 
R. D. Thompson, CFO and Corporate Secretary 
A. Neumann, Chief Operating Officer 
B. A. Curtis, Senior Vice President, Business Development

R E G I S T R A R   A N D   T R A N S F E R   A G E N T

Odyssey Trust Company

A U D I T O R S

Deloitte LLP

S O L I C I T O R S

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

B A N K E R S 

CIBC 
National Bank of Canada 
TD Securities 
Alberta Treasury Branch 
Business Development Bank of Canada

H E A D   O F F I C E

901, 1015 – 4th Street SW 
Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J4 
TEL 403.262.5307 
FAX 403.265.7488 
EMAIL info@bonterraenergy.com

W E B S I T E

www.bonterraenergy.com

55  /  Bonterra Annual Report  /  2017

901, 1015 – 4th Street SW 
Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1J4

TEL 403.262.5307  
FAX 403.265.7488

info@bonterraenergy.com 
www.bonterraenergy.com