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Central Securities Corp.

cet · AMEX Financial Services
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FY2009 Annual Report · Central Securities Corp.
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CATHEDRAL ENERGY SERVICES LTD. 

2009 Annual Report 

 
 
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY 

In ‘000’s of dollars except per share amounts 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

Revenues 

Gross margin % (1) 

EBITDAS (1) 
  Per share – diluted 

Income before taxes 

Net income 
  Basic per share 
  Diluted per share 

Cash distributions declared per share 

Property and equipment additions and corporate acquisitions: 
  Paid or payable 
  Paid or payable in equity 

Weighted outstanding shares 
  Basic („000) 
  Diluted („000) 

Working capital 

Total assets 

Long-term debt excluding current portion 

Shareholders‟ equity 

(1) 

Refer to MD&A; see “NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS” 

Table of contents 

94,520 

178,928 

145,106 

138,254 

86,002 

45% 

16,652 
0.48 

2,001 

5,281 
0.15 
0.15 

0.31 

45% 

50,468 
1.55 

34,594 

30,139 
0.94 
0.93 

0.84 

49% 

46,731 
1.47 

31,990 

24,863 
0.79 
0.78 

0.84 

53% 

52,793 
1.68 

39,679 

35,348 
1.16 
1.12 

0.805 

51% 

31,580 
1.10 

24,817 

21,807 
0.76 
0.76 

0.385 

8,923 
- 
  8,923 

47,618 
- 
  47,618 

19,857 
- 
  19,857 

26,436 
  1,820 
  28,256 

31,244 
  13,712 
  44,956 

34,841 
34,857 

22,451 

32,215 
32,463 

17,435 

31,402 
31,781 

16,947 

30,578 
31,423 

15,051 

28,711 
28,712 

10,571 

173,537 

183,872 

131,032 

125,221 

102,908 

39,526 

97,422 

40,233 

91,859 

17,441 

79,250 

15,552 

76,223 

12,797 

59,615 

2  Report to Shareholders 

3  Management‟s Discussion and Analysis 

17  Management‟s Report 

17  Auditors‟ Report to the Shareholders 

18  Consolidated Financial Statements 

21  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements      

31  Officers and Directors 

Annual Meeting: 

Shareholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting which will be held at 3:00 pm on May 13, 2010 in the Royal Meeting Room of the Metropolitan 
Centre, 333 – 4th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta. 

1   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS 

When I last reported to Shareholders in March 2009, the oil and gas industry was tightening at an alarming rate.  The world economic crisis had 
taken its toll on the demand for both oil and natural gas, which combined with high storage levels, reduced oil and natural gas commodity prices.  
This  reduction  in  prices  had  significantly  reduced  our  customer‟s  cash  flow  and,  consequently,  drilling  activity  across  North  America  declined 
drastically.  Although we believed the long-term fundamentals for the supply and demand for energy to be positive for the oilfield service sector, it was 
certainly a challenging year.  Through this time frame Cathedral moved forward proactively in adjusting our operating cost structure to reflect the 
reduced activity levels; these adjustments included personnel reductions, wage rollbacks and supplier price reductions.  In addition, to maintain a 
healthy balance sheet in May 2009 we raised $15 million through an equity issuance and reduced both capital expenditures and distributions to 
Unitholders.   

However, Cathedral recognized that despite the downturn in the market, research and development was going to be the cornerstone of its future; the 
development of new, innovative products was going to expand Cathedral‟s markets and differentiate us from our competitors.   The focus of our 
efforts has been on the continued improvement in Electro Magnetic (“EM”) transmission technology.  During 2009, we added human resources to 
our research and development group  and we expect to do the same in 2010.  The introduction of our third generation (“G3”)  Electro-Magnetic 
Measurement-While-Drilling (“EM-MWD”) in late 2008, has allowed Cathedral to operate in environments where previously the downhole formations 
limited the success of EM data transmission. The G3 tool is now almost exclusively utilized in all of Cathedral‟s operations. In 2010 Cathedral will 
commence the manufacture of its next generation EM-MWD tool that includes improved packaging of components within the EM-MWD tool, which 
will improve the durability in high shock and vibration environments. As well in 2010 Q1, the Cathedral will add “resistivity” to its Logging-While-Drilling 
(“LWD”) capabilities.  This technology will primarily be used in expanding Cathedral‟s international marketing efforts. Cathedral has numerous other 
development projects in process that are expected to allow us to continue to be a significant player in the directional drilling market. 

Over the past 2 years, Cathedral has been involved with field testing of a third party rotary steerable system.  The benefit of a rotary steerable system 
is that it controls the angle and direction of a well bore utilizing continuous rotation which provides for straighter, longer and smoother well profiles.  
Over the past six months Cathedral has been working on developing an interface that will allow Cathedral‟s MWD system to operate with the third 
party rotary steerable system.   

Since 2009 Q3, Cathedral has experienced quarter-over-quarter increases in operating activities across all of its service areas in both Canada and 
the U.S.  In the Canadian market, during the past two to three years, there has been a shift towards the redevelopment of older, mature basins and 
targeting zones both which were previously not viable until the introduction of new completion technologies that employ the use of horizontal, multi-
stage fracturing technology.  The use of horizontal, multi-stage fracturing technology is beneficial to both the directional drilling and production testing 
divisions of Cathedral.  Based upon customer feedback, we are expecting to see the activity levels remain at the high levels experienced in 2010 Q1 
continue through the rest of the year.  

In the U.S., we continue to expand our capability in the growing northeast U.S. region (Marcellus) where an operations facility has been opened in 
Pennsylvania.  This facility is expected to be fully operational with motor and MWD re-building capabilities by the end of March 2010.  Cathedral 
currently has a 10 job capacity in the U.S. northeast region. In addition, Cathedral is seeing a significant improvement in drilling activity in the U.S. 
Rocky Mountain region, which was hit hard by the reduction in drilling activity in early 2009.  Cathedral continues to focus on growth of the U.S. 
production testing market where we have moved a 5th unit into the Rocky Mountain region.  As well, Cathedral is currently reviewing opportunities to 
expand the production testing division into other U.S. markets. 

Cathedral continues to advance the operations of its joint venture with a subsidiary of the state owned oil and natural gas producer, Petróleos de 
Venezuela S.A. ("PDVSA").  The joint venture expects to be providing directional drilling services in Venezuela in 2010.   

As we look forward, we are excited about the future prospects for growth. 

Sincerely,  

Signed: “Mark L. Bentsen” 
Mark L. Bentsen  
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. 
March 3, 2010 

2   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

This Management‟s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2009 provides an analysis of the consolidated results of 
operations, financial position and cash flows of Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. (the “Company” or “Cathedral”) and should be read in conjunction 
with  the  accompanying  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and  notes  thereto  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2009,  as  well  as  the 
Company‟s 2009 interim MD&A‟s.  This MD&A is intended to assist the reader in the understanding and assessment of significant changes and 
trends, as well as the risks and uncertainties, related to the results of the operations and financial position of the Company.  Dollars are in „000‟s 
except for day rates and per share amounts.  This MD&A is dated March 3, 2010. 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This  MD&A  contains  certain  forward-looking  statements  and  forward-looking  information  (collectively  referred  to  herein  as  "forward-looking 
statements")  within  the  meaning  of  applicable  Canadian  securities  laws.    All  statements  other  than  statements  of  present  or  historical  fact  are 
forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", “achieve”, 
"believe",  "plan",  "intend",  "objective",  "continuous",  "ongoing",  "estimate",  “outlook”,  "expect",  "may",  "will",  "project",  "should"  or  similar  words 
suggesting  future  outcomes.    In  particular,  this  MD&A  contains  forward-looking  statements  relating  to:  access  to  capital;  projected  capital 
expenditures  and  commitments  and  the  financing  thereof;  financial  results;  activity  levels;  technology  advances;  and  dividends.    The  Company 
believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof but no assurance can be given that 
these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. 

Various material factors and assumptions are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-
looking statements.  Those material factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to the Company, including information 
obtained from third party industry analysts and other third party sources.  In some instances, material assumptions and material factors are presented 
elsewhere  in  this  MD&A  in  connection  with  the  forward-looking  statements.    You  are  cautioned  that  the  following  list  of  material  factors  and 
assumptions is not exhaustive.  Specific material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: 

● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 

the performance of the Company's businesses, including current business and economic trends; 
oil and natural gas commodity prices and production levels; 
capital expenditure programs and other expenditures by the Company and its customers; 
the ability of the Company to retain and hire qualified personnel; 
the ability of the Company to obtain parts, consumables, equipment, technology, and supplies in a timely manner to carry out its activities; 
the ability of the Company to maintain good working relationships with key suppliers; 
the ability of the Company to market its services successfully to existing and new customers; 
the ability of the Company to obtain timely financing on acceptable terms; 
currency exchange and interest rates; 
risks associated with foreign operations; 
the ability of the Company to realize the benefit of its conversion from an income trust to a corporation; 
changes under governmental regulatory regimes and tax, environmental and other laws; and 
a stable competitive environment. 

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described 
herein.  Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual 
performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by 
such forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in this MD&A and in the Company's 
Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors".  Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required 
by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. 

All forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Further information about the factors 
affecting forward-looking statements is available in the Company‟s current Annual Information Form and Annual Report which have been filed with 
Canadian provincial securities commissions and are available on www.sedar.com. 

NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS 

This MD&A refers to certain financial measurements that do not have any standardized meaning within Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles (“GAAP”) and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. 

“Gross margin” - calculated as revenues less operating expenses is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular 

“Gross margin %” - calculated as gross margin divided by revenues is considered a primary indicator of operating performance (see tabular 

The specific measures being referred to include the following: 
i) 
calculation under Results of Operations); 
ii) 
calculation under Results of Operations); 
iii) 
“EBITDAS” - defined as earnings before interest on long-term debt, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash compensation expense and 
unrealized foreign exchange gain/loss; this measure is considered an indicator of the Company‟s ability to generate funds flow from operations prior 
to consideration of how activities are financed, how the results are taxed and measured and non-cash expenses.  The definition of EBITDAS was 
changed  in  2009  Q2  to  adjust  for  unrealized  foreign  exchange  gain/loss.    Comparative  amounts  presented  have  been  restated  to  the  new 
calculation. (see tabular calculation under EBITDAS);  
iv) 
cost of lost-in-hole equipment to the extent the replacement equipment is financed from the proceeds on disposal of the equipment lost-in-hole; and 

“Maintenance capital expenditures” – refers to capital expenditures required to maintain existing levels of service but excludes replacement 

3   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
v) 
“Funds  from  operations”  -  calculated  as  cash  flow  from  operating  activities  before  changes  in  non-cash  working  capital  is  considered  an 
indicator of the Company‟s ability to generate funds flow from operations but excluding changes in non-cash working capital which is financed using 
the Company‟s bank indebtedness/line of credit facility. 

OVERVIEW 

Cathedral  Energy  Services  Ltd.  (the  “Company”  or  “Cathedral”)  is  incorporated  under  the  Business  Corporations  Act  (Alberta)  (the  “Act”).    The 
Company was created as a result of the conversion of Cathedral Energy Services Income Trust (the “Trust”) to a corporation pursuant to a Plan of 
Arrangement under the Act, entered into by various entities including the Trust, Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. (“CES”) and SemBioSys Genetics 
Inc. (“SBS”) (the ”Reorganization”).   

Upon closing of the Reorganization on December 18, 2009, the Company became the operator of the business of the Trust and its subsidiaries and 
the existing management and board of directors of CES, plus one director of SBS, became the management and board of directors of the Company.   
The Reorganization resulted in the Unitholders of the Trust becoming shareholders of the Company with no changes to the underlying business 
operations.  The Company did not acquire any additional business carried on by SBS.  The former business of SBS is being carried on by a new 
entity named SemBioSys Genetics Inc. (“New SBS”) which is owned by the former shareholders of SBS. 

Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Trust, its subsidiaries and partnerships, 
all of which were wholly owned.  Subsequent to the Reorganization, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and 
its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned.  The Company is considered a continuation of the Trust and these consolidated financial statements 
follow the continuity of interests method of accounting.  Under the continuity of interests method of accounting the transfer of assets, liabilities and 
equity from the Trust to the Company are recorded at their net book values as at December 18, 2009. 

As  a  result  of  the  application  of  the  continuity  of  interests  method  of  accounting,  certain  terms  such  as  shareholders‟/unitholders‟  and  share-
based/unit-based may be used interchangeably throughout this MD&A. 

The Company is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CET.  The Company together with its wholly owned subsidiary, 
Cathedral Energy Services Inc., is engaged in the business of providing selected oilfield services to oil and natural gas companies in western Canada 
and selected oil and natural gas basins in the United States.  The Company is in the process of establishing operations in Venezuela for providing 
directional drilling services through its wholly owned subsidiaries Directional Plus International Ltd. and Directional Plus de Venezuela, C.A.  The 
Company strives to provide its clients with value added technologies and solutions to meet their drilling, production testing and wireline requirements. 

SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION 

Revenues 

Gross margin % (1) 

EBITDAS (1) 

EBITDAS (1) as % of revenue 

Income before taxes 

Net income 

Net income per share - basic 
Net income per share - diluted 

EBITDAS  per share - diluted 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 

Funds from operations (1) 

Working capital 

Total assets 

Long-term debt 

Shareholders‟ equity 

(1) 

See “NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS” 

2009 

Increase 
(decrease) 

2008 

Increase 
(decrease) 

2007 

$ 

94,520 

$ 

(84,408) 

$  178,928 

$ 

33,822 

$  145,106 

45% 

16,652 

18% 

2,001 

5,281 

0.15 
0.15 

0.48 

34,841 
34,857 

12,268 

22,451 

0% 

(33,816) 

(10)% 

(32,593) 

(24,858) 

(0.79) 
(0.78) 

(1.09) 

28,556 

5,016 

45% 

50,468 

28% 

34,594 

30,139 

0.94 
0.93 

1.55 

32,215 
32,463 

40,824 

17,435 

173,537 

(10,335) 

183,872 

39,526 

97,422 

(707) 

5,563 

40,233 

91,859 

(4)% 

3,737 

(4)% 

2,604 

5,276 

0.15 
0.15 

0.10 

1,131 

488 

52,840 

22,792 

12,609 

49% 

46,731 

32% 

31,990 

24,863 

0.79 
0.78 

1.47 

31,402 
31,781 

39,693 

16,947 

131,032 

17,441 

79,250 

4   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

2009 COMPARED TO 2008 
Overview 

The  Company  completed  2009  with  revenues  of  $94,520  compared  to  2008  at  $178,928.    The  2009  revenues  were  lead  by  the  Company‟s 
directional drilling division which represented 69% (2008 - 76%) of total revenues with the remainder composed of production testing division at 18% 
(2008 - 10%) and wireline division at 13% (2008 - 14%) of total revenues.  The decline in drilling in the oil and gas sector due to low commodity prices 
and the overall decline in the economy have resulted in a significant decline in revenues as compared to 2008. 

2009 EBITDAS was $16,652 ($0.48 per share - diluted) which represents a $33,816 or 67% decrease from $50,468 ($1.55 per share - diluted) in 
2008.  2009 EBITDAS is net of one-time charges in the amount of $1,130 of which $453 related to its restructuring of electric line (“E-Line”) division 
and $677 related to the conversion to a corporation. 

Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

2009 

2008 

$ Change 

$ 

94,520 
52,128 

$  178,928 
98,614 

$ 

(84,408) 
(46,486) 

$ 

42,392 

$ 

80,314 

$ 

(37,922) 

45% 

45% 

0% 

% 

(47) 
(47) 

(47) 

Revenues 

Year Ended December 31, 2009 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Directional  Production 
testing 

drilling 

Wireline 

Total 

Directional 
drilling 

Production 
testing 

Wireline 

Total 

Canada 
United States 

$ 

40,596  $ 
24,161 

8,806  $ 
8,536 

6,524  $ 
5,897 

55,926 
38,594 

$ 

71,886  $ 
64,113 

13,348  $ 
3,773 

18,356  $  103,590 
75,338 
7,452 

$ 

64,757  $ 

17,342  $ 

12,421  $ 

94,520 

$  135,999  $ 

17,121  $ 

25,808  $  178,928 

2009 revenues were $94,520 which represented a decrease of $84,408 or 47% from 2008 revenues of $178,928.  The decline is primarily attributed 
to the decline in oil and natural gas activity in 2009 which has been caused by low commodity prices and the global recession.  However, during 
2009 commodity prices for both oil and natural gas rose, which resulted in higher activity levels as the year progressed.  

The directional drilling division revenues have decreased from $135,999 in 2008 to $64,757 in 2009; a 52% decrease.  This decrease is the net result 
of: i) the 54% decrease in activity days from 14,766 in 2008 to 6,836 in 2009; and ii) the increase in the average day rate from $9,022 in 2008 to 
$9,275 in 2009, which were caused in large part to the increase in U.S. day rates due to the change in foreign exchange rate for the Canadian dollar 
relative to the U.S. dollar.  Canadian activity days decreased from 7,843 to 4,595 and U.S. activity days decreased from 6,923 to 2,241. 

The directional drilling division started the year with 59 Measurement-While-Drilling (“MWD”) systems in Canada, 35 in the United States and 4 for 
international operations.  It ended 2009 with 62 MWD systems in Canada, 30 in the United States and 4 for international operations.  The Company 
continuously reviews the demand for its services and shifts equipment among its markets accordingly. 

Expansion to the U.S. resulted in increased revenues for the Company‟s production testing division.  The Company‟s production testing division 
contributed $17,342 in revenues during 2009 which is a 1% increase over 2008 revenues of $17,121.  The division began the year with 21 units in 
Canada and 8 units in the U.S. and ended with 21 units in Canada and 14 in the U.S. 

The wireline division generated revenues of $12,421 for 2009 compared to $25,808 for 2008 which represents a 52% decrease.  In mid-June 2009, 
the Company re-organized its wireline operations to focus its Canadian operations on providing slickline services and to concentrate its electric line 
(“E-Line”) services in the U.S.  The division began the year with 23 units in Canada and 5 units in the U.S.  It ended 2009 with 14 units in Canada and 
10 units in the U.S.  

The gross margin for 2009 was 45% unchanged from 45% in 2008.  There were no significant changes in direct costs as a percentage of revenue 
basis from 2008 to 2009.  The Company undertook a detailed review of all operating costs and general and administrative expenditures and reduced 
costs  to  enhance  profitability including  layoff  of  staff  and  wage  rollbacks.    Included  in  operating  expenses  is  $307  of  costs  associated  with  the 
restructuring of the Company‟s wireline operations. 

General and administrative expenses      

General and administrative expenses were $26,083 in 2009; a decrease of $4,980 compared with $31,063 in 2008.  As a percentage of revenues, 
general and administrative expenses were 28% in 2009 and 17% in 2008.  Recognizing the expected lower activity levels, the Company initiated 
several measures to improve operating results and further strengthen its balance sheet.   As a result, the Company reduced costs to enhance 
profitability  including  the  elimination  of  annual  bonuses  for  2009,  laying  off  of  staff  and  wage  rollbacks.    Included  in  the  2009  general  and 
administrative expenses were $146 related to restructuring of the Company‟s wireline operations.  In addition, $677 of fees related to the conversion 
to a corporation were included in general and administrative expenses for 2009. 

5   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
Depreciation and amortization      

Depreciation for 2009 was $15,343 which compared to $13,416 in 2008.  This increase is due to the expansion of the equipment fleet since 2008 Q2.   
During 2009, approximately $2,809 (2008 - Nil) of property and equipment was temporarily removed from service and therefore no depreciation has 
been recorded on these assets.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation amounted to 16% for 2009 and 7% for 2008.    

Interest expense      

Interest expense related to long-term debt increased from $1,158 in 2008 to $1,258 in 2009 due to the combined net effect of: i) an increase in the 
average level of debt outstanding; and ii) a decrease in the effective interest rate on the related debt.  Other interest expense decreased from $422 in 
2008 to $290 in 2009 and relates mainly to interest charges on use by the Company of its bank indebtedness/line of credit facility. 

Foreign exchange gain/loss      

The Company‟s foreign exchange gain/loss has changed from a $94 loss in 2008 to a gain of $3,340 in 2009 due to the fluctuations in the Canadian 
dollar in comparison to the U.S. dollar.  The Company‟s U.S. operations are considered to be self-sustaining and therefore gains and losses due to 
fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on the balance sheet as a component of 
equity.  However, gains and losses in the Canadian entity on U.S. denominated intercompany balances continue to be recognized in the statement of 
operations.  Included in the 2009 foreign currency gain are unrealized gains of $3,682 (2008 - $405) related to intercompany balances. 

Share-based compensation expense       

For  2009,  the  Company  had  share-based  compensation  expense  of  $1,732  compared  to  $1,705  for  2008.    The  value  of  the  options  is  being 
amortized against income over the three-year vesting periods.  In October 2009, insiders of the Company forfeited all of the outstanding 1,303,334 
options, resulting in share based compensation expense of $794 (2008 - nil).  On October 13, 2009, non-insider optionees with vested or unvested 
out-of-the-money options were invited to reduce the exercise price of their share options to $3.81, which equaled the Trust Unit price on the last 
trading  day  immediately  before  the  date  of  the  modification.    In  exchange  for  this  reduction  in  the  exercise  price,  longer  vesting  terms  were 
established with due consideration of the original expiry date which did not change.  A total of 1,034,003 options were re-priced.  The unrecognized 
compensation  costs  from  the  original  grant  are  recognized  over  the  remainder  of  the  original  requisite  service  period  and  the  incremental 
compensation costs for the modified share options are recognized over the new requisite service period. 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

During 2009 the Company had a gain on disposal of property and equipment of $975 compared to $2,138 in 2008. For 2008, the Company‟s gains 
were mainly due to recoveries of lost-in-hole equipment costs including previously expensed depreciation on the related assets.  The timing of lost-in-
hole recoveries is not in the control of the Company and therefore can fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter.  For 2009, the gains are mainly 
due to the disposal of E-Line wireline equipment that was not transferred to the United States as part of the re-organization of its wireline operations. 

Taxes    

For 2009, the Company had a tax recovery of $3,280 compared to tax expense of $4,455 in 2008. A significant portion of the current income taxes 
for 2008 relates to U.S. operations.  As profitability of these operations has fallen dramatically, so has the current income tax expense.  Included in 
the 2009 net tax recovery is $958 net tax expense related to tax on an internal reorganization related to ownership of assets.  At the beginning of 
2009 Q1 the Company‟s U.S. subsidiary sold the majority of its operating assets to the Company‟s Canadian operating entity, as part of an internal 
reorganization related to ownership of operating assets within the Company.  This transaction created a one-time current tax expense in the amount 
of $4,168 (current taxable income was created mainly due to U.S. recaptured tax depreciation) and a recovery of future taxes in the amount of 
$3,210; for a net tax cost of $958.  Subsequent to this transaction, the Company‟s U.S. subsidiary leases the majority of its operating equipment from 
its Canadian parent company.  The future tax recovery for 2009 relates to reversal of timing differences on U.S. taxes (see comments above) and the 
remaining  future  tax  recovery  is  attributable  to  adjustments  related  to  the  future  taxation  of  SIFT  income  in  Canada  (prior  to  conversion  to  a 
corporation) and a tax benefit recognized on the conversion from a trust to a corporation. 

Other comprehensive income/loss 

The Company incurred a loss of $5,293 compared to a gain of $3,326 in 2008.  Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised entirely of the 
foreign currency translation of the Company‟s U.S. self-sustaining subsidiary and reflects the changing value of the Canadian dollar compared to the 
U.S. dollar.  During 2009, the U.S. dollar weakened against the Canadian dollar. 

2008 COMPARED TO 2007 
Overview 

Revenues increased $33,822 or 23% to $178,928 from $145,106 in 2007.  Much of the increase was due to the directional drilling business in the 
U.S.  EBITDAS for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $50,468 while the comparative figure for 2007 was $46,731, a combined increase of 
$3,737 or 8%.  The disproportionate increase in EBITDAS (8%) versus the increase in revenues (23%) was due mainly to the increase in operating 
expenses which has also caused the decline in gross margin percentage.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, net income was $30,139 ($0.93 
per diluted share) compared to $24,863 ($0.78 per diluted share) for 2007. 

6   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

2008 

2007 

$ Change 

$  178,928 
98,614 

$  145,106 
73,482 

$ 

80,314 

$ 

71,624 

45% 

49% 

$ 

$ 

33,822 
25,132 

8,690 

(4%) 

% 

23 
34 

12 

Revenues 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Directional  Production 
testing 

drilling 

Wireline 

Total 

Directional 
drilling 

Production 
testing 

Wireline 

Total 

Canada 
United States 

$ 

71,886  $ 
64,113 

13,348  $ 
3,773 

18,356  $  103,590 
75,338 
7,452 

$ 

69,854  $ 
41,519 

12,051  $ 
- 

20,892  $  102,797 
42,309 

790 

$  135,999  $ 

17,121  $ 

25,808  $  178,928 

$  111,373  $ 

12,051  $ 

21,682  $  145,106 

2008 revenues were $178,928 and represented an increase of 23% over 2007 revenues.  The increase was mainly a result of: i) a 2% increase in 
the average day rate for directional drilling services to $9,022 per day (2007 - $8,857) and ii) a 20% increase in directional drilling activity days to 
14,766 activity days (2007 – 12,274 days). 

Canadian directional drilling revenues increased 3% to $71,886 in 2008 from $69,854 in 2007.  The Company‟s 2008 drilling activity days increased 
to 7,843 days from 7,270 days in 2007, an increase of 8%.  At the end of 2008 Q3, the drilling days for the Canadian division had increased by 15% 
but due to a slowdown in oil and gas activities in 2008 Q4 the annual increase for 2008 was reduced to 8%.  The average Canadian day rate 
decreased by 4%.  The Canadian directional drilling division started the year with 55 Measurement-While-Drilling (“MWD”) systems and ended the 
year with 59 MWD systems. 

In the U.S., directional drilling revenues increased by 54% to $64,113 from $41,519.  The Company‟s activity days in the U.S. increased from 5,004 
days in 2007 to 6,923 days in 2008, an increase of 38%.  The average U.S. day rate increased 12% in part due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar 
in comparison to Canadian dollar.  The number of MWD systems was increased from 23 at the end of 2007 to 35 at the end of 2008.  

The wireline division generated revenues of $25,808 for 2008 compared to $21,682 for 2007, a 19% increase.  The Canadian division began the 
year with 25 wireline units, had 1 unit return to service after major repairs and transferred an additional 3 units to the U.S. to end the year at 23 
wireline units.  In Canada, revenues declined by 12% to $18,356 in 2008 from $20,892 in 2007 due to the transfer of units to the U.S. combined with 
a decline in activity levels. 

Late in 2007 Q2, one wireline unit was transferred from the Canadian operations to form the U.S. wireline division.  However, revenue generating 
operations did not commence until 2007 Q3.  The U.S. division ended 2007 with 2 wireline units and ended 2008 with 5 wireline units.  As a result of 
the 2008 expansion and operations for an entire year, the U.S. wireline division generated $7,452 in revenues for 2008; an increase of $6,662 from 
2007 of $790. 

The  Company‟s  production  testing  division  contributed  $17,121  in  revenues  during  2008  representing  a  42%  increase  from  2007  revenues  of 
$12,051.  The division added 2 units in Canada to end the year at 21 units, which contributed to the 11% increase in Canadian revenues to $13,348 
in 2008 from 2007 of $12,051.  The production testing division in Canada was adversely affected by the decline in natural gas drilling in 2008.  The 
Company began production testing operations in the U.S. during 2008 Q3 with 1 production testing unit expanding to 8 units at December 31, 2008. 
The U.S. division had revenues of $3,773 in 2008. 

The gross margin for 2008 was 45%, compared to 49% in 2007.  The decrease was attributed to a number of factors, but mainly was the result of an 
increase in labour costs in all divisions.  There was a significant increase in labour costs that began in Q3 of 2007 and continued into 2008 due to the 
high demand for labour in both Canada and the U.S. for oil and gas field workers.  This has caused a 3% decline in the gross margin.  Another factor 
contributing to the decline is an increase in the cost of motor and other equipment repairs in the drilling division. 

General and administrative expenses      

General and administrative expenses increased from $25,774 in 2007 to $31,063 in 2008, an increase of $5,289.  The increase was mainly related to 
the  expansion  of  operations.    As  a  percentage  of  revenues,  general  and  administrative  expenses  were  17%  in  2008  and  18%  in  2007.  
Approximately 45% of the overall increase in general and administrative expenses related to the start-up of the U.S. production testing division, 
operating the U.S. Wireline division for a full year, and the establishment of operations in Venezuela.  The remaining increases were due to the 
expansion of operations in the year as evidenced by the increase in revenues. 

7   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
Depreciation and amortization      

Depreciation  for  2008  was  $13,416  compared  to  $12,054  in  2007.    This  increase  was  related  to  the  Company‟s  investment  in  property  and 
equipment including 20 MWD systems, mud motors and drill collars to complement the increase in MWD systems and the purchase of 7 production 
testing units.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation and amortization amounted to 7% for 2008 and 8% for 2007.  Despite the increase in the 
Company‟s depreciable asset throughout 2008, depreciation on a year-to-year basis did not increase as much as otherwise anticipated due to the 
change in the accounting method for foreign currency translation of the Company‟s U.S. operations. 

Interest expense      

Interest expense related to long-term debt increased from $1,084 in 2008 to $1,158 in 2008.  The main contributing factor to the increase in interest 
related to long-term debt and capital lease obligations was an increase in the average level of debt outstanding in 2008, net of declines in the prime 
interest rate during the year.  Other interest expense increased from $404 in 2007 to $422 in 2008 and related mainly to interest charges on use by 
the Company of its bank indebtedness/line of credit facility.  

Foreign exchange gain/loss      

The  Company‟s  foreign  exchange  gain  decreased  from  $492  in  2007  to  $94  in  2008.   Effective  January  1,  2008,  the  Company  changed  the 
classification of its U.S. operations to self-sustaining (as opposed to integrated) resulting in the financial statements being translated using the current 
rate method as opposed to the temporal method. 

Share-based compensation expense       

For 2008, the Company had share-based compensation expense of $1,705 compared to $1,603 for 2007.  The Trust Unit options granted are valued 
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and such value was amortized against income over their three-year vesting periods.   

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

During 2008 the Company had a gain on disposal of property and equipment of $2,138 compared to $1,777 in 2007.  The gain on disposal of 
property  and  equipment  can  vary  significantly  from  year-to-year  as  almost  all  of  the  disposals  relate  to  downhole  equipment  lost-in-hole.    The 
Company recovers lost-in-hole equipment costs including previously expensed depreciation on the related assets. 

Taxes    

For 2008, the Company had a tax expense of $4,455 (effective tax rate of 12.9%) compared to $7,127 (effective tax rate of 22.3%) in 2007.  The 
2007  tax  provision  included  a  cumulative  non-cash  adjustment  of  $2,754  (expense)  related  to  the  substantive  enactment  of  the  previously 
announced changes to the taxation of income and royalty trusts, other than real estate investment trusts.  Removing the 2007 adjustment noted 
above the effective tax rate for 2007 was 13.7%.  In comparing the adjusted 2007 effective tax rate (13.7%) to the 2008 effective tax rate (12.9%), the 
decrease was mainly attributable to the net result of the continuing growth in the U.S. operations which were taxed at a higher rate and a reduction to 
future income tax liability for changes in effected tax rates. 

Other comprehensive income 

The Company incurred a gain of $3,326 in 2008.  Other comprehensive income (“OCI”) was comprised entirely of the foreign currency translation of 
the Company‟s U.S. self-sustaining subsidiary and reflects the changing value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.  There was no OCI 
in 2007. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  

The Company‟s primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations.  The Company also has the ability to fund liquidity requirements 
through its credit facility and the issuance of debt and/or equity.   At December 31, 2009, the Company had a demand operating line of credit with a 
major Canadian bank in the amount of $20,000 (December 31, 2008 - $20,000) of which $2,181 (December 31, 2008 – $15,406) was drawn.  In 
addition, the Company has a non-reducing revolving term loan facility in the amount of $45,000 (December 31, 2008 - $45,000) of which $39,500 
(December 31, 2008 - $40,000) was drawn as at December 31, 2009.  In addition, at December 31, 2009, the Company had other long-term debt of 
$234 (December 31, 2008 - $440).  Effective June 30, 2009 the Company renewed its credit facility with a major Canadian bank and the new 
maturity date is June 30, 2010. 

Operating activities       

Cash provided by operating activities for 2009 was $18,564 compared to $36,143 in 2008.  Funds from operations (see Non-GAAP Measurements) 
for 2009 were $12,268 compared to $40,824 in 2008.  This decrease was caused mainly by a reduction in earnings due to reduced activity levels. 
The Company has a working capital position at December 31, 2009 at $22,451 compared to $17,435 at December 31, 2008. 

Investing activities     

Cash used in investing activities for 2009 amounted to $12,020 compared to $40,134 in 2008.  During 2009 the Company invested $8,923 (2008 - 
$47,618)  in  property  and  equipment  with  the  main  additions  being  for  8  production  testing  units.    As  well  in  2009,  the  Company  made  cash 
expenditures related to the Plan of Arrangement in the amount of $3,597. 

8   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
The following is a summary of major equipment owned by the Company: 

Directional drilling equipment -  

MWD systems 
Drilling mud motors 

Production testing units 

Wireline units 

2009 

96 
468 

35 

24 

2008 

98 
496 

29 

28 

Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment amounted to $4,219 (2008 - $3,761).  For 2008 this amount was mainly related to recovery of 
downhole equipment costs that were lost-in-hole.  For 2009, this amount includes recovery of downhole equipment costs that were lost-in-hole, but is 
mainly due to the sale of E-Line wireline equipment. 

For  2010,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  has  approved  an  updated  capital  budget  of  $20,650  including  approximately  $7,200  for 
maintenance capital and $3,800 allocated to the new head office and operations centre located in Calgary, which was purchased in 2008.  The 
maintenance capital includes the retro-fit and upgrades to downhole tools.  The balance of the 2010 capital program relates mainly to the purchase 
and integration of resistivity (logging while drilling “LWD”) equipment and additional production testing equipment.  These capital expenditures are 
expected to be financed by way of cash flow from operations and the Company‟s credit facility. 

Financing activities       

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities for 2009 amounted to ($13,194) compared to $9,618 in 2008.  For 2009 the Company repaid other 
long-term debt in the amount of $5,206 (2008 - $341).  During 2009 Q2 the Company issued 3,615,600 Trust Units at $4.15 for proceeds net of 
issuance costs of $13,820.  These proceeds were added to working capital and used to repay $5,000 of the revolving term loan.  The Company 
received $34 (2008 - $4,904) on the exercise of share options.  Advances under long-term debt for 2009 were $4,500 (2008 - $23,047) and with 
respect to bank indebtedness/line of credit there were repayments of $13,225 (2008 – ($9,376)).  As at December 31, 2009, the Company was in 
compliance with all covenants under its credit facility.   

Distributions paid in 2009 totaled $13,117 (2008 – $27,368). Cash distributions paid have been financed from cash flow from operations.  For 2008, 
the Company paid monthly cash distributions of $0.07 per Trust Unit.  In 2009, this was reduced to $0.04 per Trust Unit in February and as part of the 
announcement to convert to a growth oriented corporation, the Company ceased paying distributions effective August 2009.   

Contractual obligations 

In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations.  The following is a summary of the Company‟s contractual obligations: 

Total 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter 

Property and equipment additions 

$ 

5,910  $ 

5,910  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

- 

Operating lease obligations 

Long-term debt repayments (1) 

12,481 

39,734 

2,876 

208 

2,107 

6,607 

1,858 

1,719 

13,169 

13,167 

1,579 

6,583 

2,342 

- 

$ 

58,125  $ 

8,994  $ 

8,714  $ 

15,027  $ 

14,886  $ 

8,162  $ 

2,342 

(1) 

Minimum principal amounts to be paid under long-term debt assumes the Company elects prior to the maturity date of the revolving term loan to repay the loan over 36 months with interest only payable for the first 12 months. 

The 2010 contractual obligations are expected to be financed by way of cash flow from operations and the Company‟s credit facility. 

EBITDAS 

EBITDAS (refer to Non-GAAP Measurements) is calculated as follows: 

Net income 
Add (deduct):  

Depreciation and amortization 
Interest - long-term debt 
Share-based compensation 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain 
Taxes 

EBITDAS 

2009 

2008 

$ 

5,281 

$ 

30,139 

15,343 
1,258 
1,732 
(3,682) 
(3,280) 

13,416 
1,158 
1,705 
(405) 
4,455 

$ 

16,652 

$ 

50,468 

9   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
  
 
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

A director of the Company is a partner in a law firm and, through that law firm, is involved in providing and managing the legal services provided to 
the Company at market rates.  The total amount paid for these legal services in 2009 was $635 (2008 - $136).   

StoneBridge Merchant Capital Corp. (“StoneBridge”) acted as a special advisor to the Company in respect to the Plan of Arrangement and was paid 
a fee of $572.  A director of the Company is an officer of StoneBridge. 

DISTRIBUTIONS 

Distributions declared for 2009 were $10,836 as compared with $27,432 in 2008.  The monthly distribution per Trust Unit was $0.07 for all of 2008.  
In February 2009, this was reduced to $0.04 per Trust Unit and once the Trust announced its intention to convert to a corporation the distribution was 
suspended in August 2009.  All distributions were paid from income from operations and are not considered a return of capital. 

DIVIDENDS 

It is the intent of the Company to pay quarterly dividends to shareholders.  Directors will review the amount of dividends on a quarterly basis with due 
consideration  to  current  performance,  historical  and  future  trends  in  the  business,  the  expected  sustainability  of  those  trends  and  enacted  tax 
legislation which will affect future taxes payable as well as required long-term debt repayments, maintenance capital expenditures required to sustain 
performance and future growth capital expenditures.  The Directors have approved a 2010 Q1 dividend in the amount of $0.06 per share which will 
have a date of record of March 31, 2010 and a payment date of April 15, 2010. 

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS 

Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

2009 Q4 

2008 Q4 

$ Change 

$ 

26,695 
14,391 

$ 

50,506 
29,350 

$ 

(23,811) 
(14,959) 

$ 

12,304 

$ 

21,156 

$ 

(8,852) 

46% 

42% 

4% 

% 

(47) 
(51) 

(42) 

Revenues 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2009 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2008 

Directional  Production 
testing 

drilling 

Wireline 

Total 

Directional 
drilling 

Production 
testing 

Wireline 

Total 

Canada 
United States 

$ 

14,595  $ 
4,448 

3,276  $ 
2,421 

619  $ 

1,336 

18,490 
8,205 

$ 

16,551  $ 
19,668 

4,347  $ 
2,948 

4,267  $ 
2,725 

25,165 
25,341 

$ 

19,043  $ 

5,697  $ 

1,955  $ 

26,695 

$ 

36,219  $ 

7,295  $ 

6,992  $ 

50,506 

Revenues in Q4 have decreased to $26,695 in 2009 from $50,506 in 2008, a decrease of $23,811 or 47%.  The declines for all divisions were 
primarily due to the decline in oil and natural gas activity in 2009 which has been caused by low commodity prices and the global recession. 

Directional drilling related revenues decreased $17,176 from $36,219 in 2008 Q4 to $19,043 in 2009 Q4 due to a 39% decrease in activity days 
(2009 Q4 - 2,200 vs. 2008 Q4 - 3,575) and a 14% decrease in the average day rate (2009 Q4 - $8,517 vs. 2008 Q4 - $9,939).  Canadian revenues 
were down 12% from $16,551 in 2008 Q4 to $14,595 in 2009 Q4.  This was the result of a 3% decline in drilling days falling to 1,741 in 2009 Q4 from 
1,801 in 2008 Q4 and a 8% decline in the Canadian average day rate.  In the U.S., revenues have decreased 77% to $4,448 in 2009 Q4 from 
$19,668 in 2008 Q4.  U.S. drilling days decreased to 460 in 2009 Q4 from 1,774 in 2008 Q4, a decrease of 74%.  The average day rate for the U.S. 
decreased 13%.   

Production testing revenues for 2009 Q4 decreased to $5,697 from $7,295 in 2008 Q4; a decrease of 22%.  The Canadian division‟s revenues have 
decreased 25% to $3,276 in 2009 Q4 from $4,347 in 2008 Q4.  The U.S. revenues decreased 18% to $2,421 in 2009 Q4 from $2,948 in 2008 Q4. 

Wireline revenues decreased from $6,992 in 2008 Q4 to $1,955 in 2009 Q4.  The Canadian wireline division‟s revenues fell 85% to $619 in 2009 Q4 
from $4,267 in 2008 Q4. The U.S. wireline revenues decreased 51% to $1,336 in 2009 Q4 from $2,725 in 2008 Q4. 

The  consolidated  gross  margin  increased  4%  to  46%  for  2009  Q4  from  42%  in  2008  Q4.    The  increase in  gross margin  was  primarily  due  to 
decreases in labour charges in all divisions due to efforts to control costs and a reduction in the repair costs for the drilling division. 

General and administrative charges decreased 20% from $8,098 in 2008 Q4 to $6,474 in 2009 Q4.  The decrease was primarily due to decreases in 
wages and salaries due to staff reductions and salary roll-back plan as well as reductions in numerous expenses as a result of the Company‟s 
various  cost  reduction  initiatives.    The  Company  instituted  wage  rollbacks  in  May  2009  and  the  first  level  of  rollbacks  was  re-instated  effective 
November 1, 2009.  As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses were 24% in 2009 Q4 compared to 16% in 2008 Q4.   

For 2009 Q4, the Company recorded a tax recovery of $1,140 compared to the 2008 Q4 recovery of $651. 

Net income for 2009 Q4 was $2,236 ($0.06 per share - diluted) compared to $9,737 ($0.30 per share - diluted) 2008 Q4. 
10  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS 

Three month period ended 

Dec 
2009 

Sep 
2009 

Jun 
2009 

Mar 
2009 

Dec 
2008 

Sep 
2008 

Jun 
2008 

Mar 
2008 

Revenues 
EBITDAS 
Net income (loss) 
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted 
Cash distributions declared per share 

$26,695  $23,544  $12,913  $31,368  $50,506  $52,686  $29,483  $46,253 
15,395 
9,917 
0.31 
0.21 

(1,721) 
(1,484) 
(0.04) 
0.12 

16,887 
10,296 
0.32 
0.21 

13,554 
9,737 
0.30 
0.21 

4,632 
189 
0.01 
0.21 

6,785 
1,404 
0.04 
0.15 

5,724 
3,125 
0.09 
0.04 

5,864 
2,236 
0.06 
- 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 

The  Company‟s  consolidated  financial statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Canadian  Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles 
(“GAAP”)  and  significant  accounting  policies  utilized  by  the  Company  are  described  in  notes  1  and  2  to  the  Company‟s  consolidated  financial 
statements.   Management believes the accounting principles selected are appropriate under the circumstances and the Audit Committee of the 
Company has approved the policies selected. 

Under  Canadian  GAAP,  the  Company  is  required  to  make  certain  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and 
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues 
and expenses during the reporting period.  The estimates and assumptions utilized are based on past experience and other information available to 
management at the time the estimate or assumption is made.  The estimates and assumptions used by management are constantly evaluated for 
relevance under the circumstances and if circumstances on which the estimates or assumptions were based change, the impact is included in the 
results of operations for the period in which the change occurs.  Management believes the estimates, judgments and assumptions involved in its 
financial reporting are reasonable. 

The following accounting policies require management‟s more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the Company‟s consolidated 
financial statements, and as such, are considered to be critical. 

Property and equipment     Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is computed based upon the 
Company‟s depreciation policies (see note 2 to consolidated financial statements).  The depreciation policies selected are intended to depreciate the 
related property and equipment over their useful life.  The use of different assumptions with regard to the useful life could result in different carrying 
amount for these assets as well as for depreciation expense. 

Impairment of long-lived assets     Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.  In the assessment process management is required to make certain judgments, assumptions 
and estimates in identifying such events and changes in circumstances, and in assessing their impact on the valuations and economic lives of the 
affected assets.   Impairments are recognized when the book values exceed management‟s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, or net 
recoverable amounts, associated with the affected assets. 

Goodwill  and  intangibles          The  carrying  value  of  goodwill  and  intangibles  on  acquisitions  is  compared  to  its  fair  value  at  least  annually  to 
determine if a permanent impairment exists, at which time the impairment would be recorded as a charge to earnings.  Valuations are inherently 
subjective and necessarily involve judgments and estimates regarding future cash flows and other operational variables. 

Deferred development costs     Costs associated with the development of downhole equipment are capitalized during the development process.  
These  costs  are  identified  as  deferred  development  costs  and  are  recorded  within  property  and  equipment.    Once  the  equipment  becomes 
commercial in nature, the related deferred development costs are amortized  over 5 years.  The Company undertakes periodic reviews of each 
project  on  which  deferred  development  costs  have  been  recorded  to  determine  if  the  carrying  value  of  the  project  can  be  recovered  for  the 
undiscounted expected net future cash flow generated from the related equipment.  If there is no reasonable expectation that the costs can be 
recovered, the carrying value of the project is reduced and the excess is charged to earnings.  This process of estimation is subject to significant 
judgment with respect to revenues and direct costs associated with the equipment as well as market acceptance. 

Income taxes     The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for future income taxes whereby future income tax assets and 
liabilities  are  determined  based  on  temporary  differences  between  the  accounting  basis  and  the  tax  basis  of  the  assets  and  liabilities,  and  are 
measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply when these differences reverse.  As a result, a projection of taxable 
income is required for those years, as well as an assumption of the ultimate recovery/settlement period for the temporary differences.  The projection 
of future taxable income is based on management‟s best estimate and may vary from actual taxable income. On an annual basis, the Company 
assesses its need to establish a valuation allowance for its future income tax assets and if it is deemed more likely than not that its future income tax 
assets will not be realized on its taxable income projections a valuation allowance is recorded. 

The business and operations of the Company are complex and the Company has executed a number of significant financings, reorganizations, 
acquisitions and other material transactions over the course of its history. The computation of income taxes payable as a result of these transactions 
involves many complex factors as well as the Company‟s interpretation of relevant tax legislation and regulations. The Company‟s management 
believes that the provision for income tax is adequate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legislation and 
regulations. However, tax filing positions are subject to review by taxation authorities who may successfully challenge the Company‟s interpretation of 
the applicable tax legislation and regulations. 

11  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
Share-based compensation     Share-based compensation is calculated using the fair value method based upon the Black-Scholes model.  In 
order  to  establish  fair  value,  estimates  and  assumptions  are  used  to  determine  risk-free  interest  rate,  expected  term,  anticipated  volatility  and 
anticipated dividend yield.  The use of different assumptions could result in different book values for share-based compensation. 

NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The following summarizes accounting changes that were applied to the Company‟s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 
31, 2009: 
The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (the “CICA”) issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062, 
i) 
Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets,  and  Section  3450,  Research  and  Development  Costs.  New  Section  3064  addresses  when  an  internally 
developed intangible asset meets the criteria for recognition as an asset. The CICA also issued amendments to Section 1000, Financial Statement 
Concepts. 
ii) 
The CICA issued Section 1582, Business Combinations, which replaces former guidance on business combinations. Section 1582 establishes 
principles and requirements for the acquisition method for business combinations and related disclosures. This statement applies prospectively to 
business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 
2011 with earlier application permitted. The Company has chosen not to early adopt the new section. 
iii) 
The  CICA  issued  Sections  1601,  Consolidated Financial  Statements,  and  Section  1602,  Non-controlling  Interests, which  replaces  existing 
guidance.  Section  1601  establishes  standards  for  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements.  Section  1602  provides  guidance  on 
accounting for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements subsequent to a business combination. These standards 
are effective on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 2011 with earlier application permitted. The 
Company has chosen not to early adopt the new sections. 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

In February, 2008, the CICA confirmed that the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) will be required in Canada for publicly 
accountable profit oriented enterprises for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.  The Company will be required to report using IFRS 
beginning January 1, 2011. 

The Company‟s IFRS project plan has four phases: education, analysis, design and implementation and testing.  The Company is continuing the 
process of education for all levels of the organization and has completed the analysis phase during which it identified specific significant differences 
between Canadian GAAP and IFRS.  The Company is in the design phase in which it is determining its policies and procedures for IFRS.  This 
phase will be completed and the Company will move into the implementation and testing phase in 2010 Q1 to Q3. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

In order to ensure that information with regard to reports filed or submitted under securities legislation present fairly in all material respect the financial 
information of the Company, management including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)  and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) are  responsible for 
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures, as well as internal controls over financial reporting. 

Disclosure controls and procedures     Disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that relevant and accurate information 
needed  to  comply  with  the  Company‟s  continuous  disclosure  obligations  is  accumulated  and  summarized  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding 
disclosure and to ensure that the risk of a material error or fraud is minimal.  The CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company‟s disclosure 
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by the annual filings are effective in ensuring that material information is accumulated 
and disclosed accurately.  Management of the Company believe that “cost effective” disclosure controls, disclosure procedures and internal control 
systems can only provide reasonable assurance, and not absolute assurance, that the objective of controls and procedures are met. 

Internal controls over financial reporting     Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial 
reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in  accordance  with  Canadian  GAAP.    The  CEO  and  CFO  have  designed  or  have  caused  such  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  to  be 
designed under their supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of the Company‟s 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP.  In addition, the CEO and CFO have evaluated the effectiveness of 
internal controls over financial reporting and, based upon that evaluation, have concluded that the design and effectiveness of the internal controls 
over financial reporting were operating effectively as at December 31, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP.  There has been no change in the 
Company‟s internal controls over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to 
materially affect, the Company‟s internal controls over financial reporting.  

RISK FACTORS 

Cash dividends to shareholders are dependent on the performance of the Company 
     The Company‟s ability to make dividend payments 
to shareholders is dependent upon the operations and business of the Company.  There is no assurance regarding the amounts of cash that may be 
available from the Company‟s operations and business that could be available to fund future dividends or if dividends will be declared at all.  The 
actual amount of any dividends will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the current performance, historical and future trends in 
the business, the expected sustainability of those trends and enacted tax legislation which will affect future taxes payable as well as required long-
term debt repayments, maintenance capital expenditures required to sustain performance, future growth capital expenditures, effect of acquisitions or 
dispositions on the Company‟s business, and other factors that may be beyond the control of the Company or not anticipated by management of the 
Company.  In the event significant cash requirements are necessary for non-dividend purposes or the profitability of the Company declines, there 
would be a decrease in the amount of cash available for dividends to shareholders and such decrease could be material. 

12  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
The Company‟s dividend policy is subject to change at the discretion of its board of directors.  In addition, the Company's bank facility covenants 
include restrictions on the payment of cash dividends if the Company is not in compliance with debt covenants.   

Access to capital     The credit facilities of the Company contain covenants that require it to meet certain financial tests and that restrict, among other 
things, the ability of the Company to incur additional debt, dispose of assets or pay dividends in certain circumstances. To the extent the cash flow 
from operations is not adequate to fund the Company‟s cash requirements and therefore external financing may be required.  Lack of timely access 
to such additional financing, or which may not be on favorable terms, could limit the future growth of the business of the Company and, potentially 
have a material adverse effect on the amount of cash available for dividends.  To the extent that external sources of capital, including public and 
private markets, become limited or unavailable, the Company‟s ability to make the necessary capital investments to maintain or expand its current 
business and to make necessary principal payments under it credit facility may be impaired. 

Forward-looking  information  may  prove  inaccurate          Numerous  statements  containing  forward-looking  information  are  found  in  this 
MD&A/Annual Information Form, documents incorporated by reference herein and other documents forming part of the Company‟s public disclosure 
record. Such statements and information are subject to risks and uncertainties and involve certain assumptions, some, but not all, of which are 
discussed elsewhere in this document. The occurrence or non-occurrence, as the case may be, of any of the events described in such risks could 
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. 

Third party credit risk relating to completion of the conversion     The Company is or may be exposed to third party credit risk relating to any 
obligations of SBS that are not transferred, or if transferred, from which obligations the Company has not been released. The Company has, through 
the contractual provisions in the Arrangement Agreement and the indemnity agreement (the  “Indemnity Agreement”) and divestiture agreement 
(“Divestiture Agreement”) contemplated thereby, attempted to ensure that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of SBS are transferred 
to and assumed by New SBS, that the Company is released from any such obligations and, even where such transfer or release is not effective or is 
not obtained, the Company is indemnified by New SBS for all such obligations. However, in the event New SBS fails or is unable to meet such 
contractual obligations to the Company and to the extent any applicable insurance coverage is not available, the Company may be liable for such 
obligations which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

Due diligence     Although the Company has conducted investigations of, and engaged legal counsel to  review, the corporate, legal, financial and 
business records of SBS and attempted to ensure, through the contractual provisions in the Arrangement Agreement, Indemnity Agreement and 
Divestiture Agreement, that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of SBS are transferred to and assumed by New SBS, there may be 
liabilities  or  risks  that  the  Company,  after  reasonable  inquiry,  may  not  have  uncovered  in  its  due  diligence  investigations,  or  that  may  have  an 
unanticipated material adverse effect on the Company.  These liabilities and risks could have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse 
effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

SBS Operational Risks     The Company has, through the contractual provisions in the Arrangement Agreement, the Indemnity Agreement and 
Divestiture Agreement contemplated thereby, attempted to ensure that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of SBS are transferred to 
and assumed by New SBS, that the Company is released from any such obligations and, even where such transfer or release is not effective or is 
not obtained, the Company is indemnified by New SBS for all such obligations. However, in the event New SBS fails or is unable to meet such 
contractual obligations to the Company, the Company could be exposed to liabilities and risks associated with the operations of SBS, which include, 
without limitations, risks relating to claims with respect to intellectual property matters, product liability or environmental damages. 

Tax related risks associated with the conversion     The steps under the Plan of Arrangement pursuant to which the corporate conversion was 
completed, were structured to be tax-deferred to the entities within the Trust‟s structure and the Trust‟s Unitholders based on certain rules under the 
Income Tax Act (Canada). There is a risk that the tax consequences contemplated by the Trust‟s entities or the tax consequences of the Plan of 
Arrangement to the Trust‟s entities and the Trust‟s Unitholders may be materially different from the tax consequences anticipated by the Trust in the 
undertaking  the  conversion.    While  the  Company  is  confident  in  its  current  position,  there  is  a  risk  that  the  Canada  Revenue  Agency  could 
successfully challenge the tax consequences of the Plan of Arrangement or prior transactions of SBS.  Such a challenge could potentially affect the 
availability or amount of the tax basis or other tax accounts of the Company and/or create taxes payable. 

Interest rates     The Company's operating loan and its revolving term credit facility bear interest at a floating interest rate and, therefore, to the extent 
the Company borrows under this facility, is at risk of rising interest rates. Management continually monitors interest rates and would consider locking 
in the rate of its term debt.  

Debt service     The Company has a secured credit facility with a major Canadian bank in the amount of $65 million ($20 million demand operating 
loan and a $45 million revolving term loan). Although it is believed that the credit facility is sufficient, there can be no assurance that the amount will 
be adequate for the financial obligations of the Company. As well, if the Company requires additional financing such financing may not be available 
or, if available, may not be available on favorable terms. The Company's lender has been provided with security over substantially all of the assets of 
the Company. The credit facility is subject to an annual renewal and there is no assurance the current lender will renew the existing credit facility. 
Even if the credit facility is renewed it may only be renewable upon unfavorable terms including, but not limited to, an increase interest rate margin, 
more stringent debt covenants, reduction in the credit amount available and additional loan fees.  

Additional shares     If the board of directors of the Company decides to issue additional common shares, preferred shares or securities convertible 
into common shares, existing shareholders may suffer significant dilution. 

Income tax matters     The business and operations of the Company are complex and the Company and its predecessors have executed a number 
of significant financings, reorganizations, acquisitions and other material transactions over the course of its history. The computation of income taxes 
payable as a result of these transactions involves many complex factors as well as the Company‟s interpretation of relevant tax legislation and 
regulations.  The  Company‟s  management  believes  that  the  provision  for  income  tax  is  adequate  and  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted 
accounting principles and applicable legislation and regulations. However, tax filing positions are subject to review by taxation authorities who may 
successfully challenge the Company‟s interpretation of the applicable tax legislation and regulations. 

13  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
Crude oil and natural gas prices     Demand for the services provided by the Company is directly impacted by the prices that the Company‟s 
customers receive for the crude oil and natural gas they produce and the prices received has a direct correlation to the cash flow available to invest in 
drilling activity and other oilfield services. World crude oil prices and North American natural gas prices are not subject to control by the Company. 
With that in mind, the Company attempts to partially manage this risk by way of maintaining a low cost structure and a variable cost structure that can 
be adjusted to reflect activity levels. A significant portion of the Company‟s fieldwork is performed by sub-contractors which allows us to operate with 
lower fixed overhead costs in seasonally low activity periods.   

Key personnel and employee/sub-contractor relationships     Shareholders must rely upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion, integrity 
and good faith of the management of the Company. The success of the Company is dependent upon its personnel and key sub-contractors. The 
unexpected loss or departure of any of the Company's key officers, employees or sub-contractors could be detrimental to the future operations of the 
Company.  The Company does not maintain key man insurance on any of its officers. The success of the Company's business will depend, in part, 
upon the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel as they are needed. Historically, the Company has not had any significant issues 
with respect to attracting and the retention of quality office, shop and field staff. During high levels of activity, attracting quality staff can be challenging 
due  to  competition  for  such  services.    The  Company  provides  its  staff  with  a  quality  working  environment,  effective  training,  tools  with  current 
technology and competitive remuneration packages that allows it to attract and retain the quality of its workforce, whether in the field, shop or office. 
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to engage the services of such personnel or retain its current personnel.  

Competition     The oil and natural gas service industry in which the Company and its operating entities conduct business is highly competitive. the 
Company competes with other more established companies which have greater financial, marketing and other resources and certain of which are 
large international oil and natural gas service companies which offer a wider array of oil and natural gas services to their clients than does the 
Company.  

Access to parts, consumables and technology and relationships with key suppliers     The ability of the Company to compete and expand will 
be  dependent  on  the  Company  having  access,  at  a  reasonable  cost,  to  equipment,  parts  and  components,  which  are  at  least  technologically 
equivalent to those utilized by competitors and to the development and acquisition of new competitive technologies. Although the Company has very 
good relationships with its key suppliers, there can be no assurances that those sources of equipment, parts, components or relationships with key 
suppliers will be maintained. If these are not maintained, the Company's ability to compete may be impaired. If the relationships with key suppliers 
come to an end, the availability and cost of securing certain parts, components and equipment may be adversely affected. In addition, the Company 
competes with other more established companies which have greater financial resources to develop new technologies.  

Operating risks and insurance      The Company has an insurance  and  risk management plan in  place to protect its assets, operations and 
employees. The Company also has programs in place to address compliance with current safety and regulatory standards. The Company has a 
safety coordinator responsible for maintaining and developing policies and monitoring operations vis-a-vis those policies. However, the Company's 
oilfield services are subject to risks inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as equipment defects, malfunctions, failure and natural disasters. These 
risks could expose the Company to substantial liability for personal injury, loss of life, business interruption, property damage or destruction, pollution 
and other environmental damages. In addition, the Company's operating activities includes a significant amount of transportation and therefore is 
subject to the inherent risks including potential liability which could result from, among other things, personal injury, loss of life or property damage 
derived from motor vehicle accidents. The Company carries insurance to provide protection in the event of destruction or damage to its property and 
equipment, subject to appropriate deductibles and the availability of coverage. Liability insurance is also maintained at prudent levels to limit exposure 
to unforeseen incidents. An annual review of insurance coverage is completed to assess the risk of loss and risk mitigation alternatives. Extreme 
weather conditions, natural occurrences and terrorist activity have strained insurance markets leading to substantial increases in insurance costs and 
limitations on coverage. It is anticipated that insurance coverage will be maintained in the future, but there can be no assurance that such insurance 
coverage  will  be  available  in  the  future  on  commercially  reasonable  terms  or  be  available  on  terms  as  favorable  as  the  Company's  current 
arrangements. The occurrence of a significant event outside of the coverage of the Company's insurance policies could have a material adverse 
affect on the results of the organization.  

Risks of foreign operations     The Company is in the process of setting up operations in Venezuela for providing directional drilling services. 
Working outside of Canada gives rise to the risk of dealing with business and political systems that are different than the Company is accustomed to 
in Canada. The Company expects to hire employees and consultants who have experience working in the international arena and it is committed to 
recruiting qualified resident nationals on the staff of its international operations. In addition, the Company is committed to continuing expansion of its 
North American market to mitigate this risk. These potential risks include: expropriation or nationalization; civil insurrection; labour unrest; strikes and 
other political risks; fluctuation in foreign currency and exchange control; increases in duties and taxes; and changes in laws and policies governing 
operations of foreign based companies. At December 31, 2009, the Company‟s investment in its Venezuela subsidiary is approximately $7,695.  
During 2010, the Company expects an additional $5,000 of down hole and resistivity tools attributed to the international business segment to be 
transferred into Venezuela.  

Weather and seasonality     A significant portion of the Company's operations are carried on in western Canada where activity levels in the oilfield 
services industry are subject to a degree of seasonality. Operating activities in western Canada are generally lower during "spring breakup" which 
normally commences in late March and continues through to May. Operating activities generally increase in the fall and peak in the winter months 
from  December  until  late  March.  Additionally,  volatility  in  the  weather  and  temperatures  not  only  during  this  period,  but  year  round,  can  create 
additional unpredictability in operational results.  Activity levels in the oil and natural gas basins in the United States are not subject to the seasonality 
to the same extent that it occurs in the western Canada region.  

Foreign currency exchange rates     The Company derives revenues from the United States, which are denominated in the local currency. This 
causes a degree of foreign currency exchange rate risk which the Company attempts to mitigate by matching local purchases in the same currency. 
Furthermore, the Company‟s Canadian operations are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in that some purchases for parts, supplies and 
components in the manufacture of equipment are denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition to foreign currency risk associated with U.S. dollar, the 
Company is now exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in relation to Venezuelan Bolivar. The Company's foreign currency policy is to monitor 

14  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
foreign current risk exposure in its areas of operations and mitigate that risk where possible by matching foreign currency denominated expense with 
revenues denominated in foreign currencies. The Company strives to maintain limited amounts of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign 
currency on hand and attempts to further limit its exposure to foreign currency through collecting and paying foreign currency denominated balance in 
a timely fashion. 

Acquisitions     The Company may undertake acquisitions of businesses and assets in the ordinarily course of business. Achieving the benefits of 
acquisitions depends in part on successfully consolidating functions and integrating operations and procedures in a timely and efficient manner. Such 
integration may require substantial management effort, time and resources and may divert management's focus from other strategic opportunities 
and operational matters. Management continually assesses the value and contribution of services provided and assets required to provide such 
services.  

Implementing  strategy          In  implementing  its  strategy  the  Company  may  pursue  new  business  opportunities  or  growth  opportunities  in  new 
geographic  markets  and  may  not  be  successful  in  implementing  those  opportunities.  The  Company  may  have  difficulty  executing  the  strategy 
because  of,  among  other  things,  increased  global  competition,  difficulty  entering  new  markets,  barriers  to  entry  into  geographic  markets,  and 
changes in regulatory requirements.  

Credit risk     All of  the Company's accounts receivables are with customers involved in the oil and gas industry, whose revenue may be impacted 
by fluctuations in commodity prices. Although collection of these receivables could be influenced by economic factors affecting this industry and 
thereby have a materially adverse effect on operations, management considers risk of significant loss to be minimal at this time.  

Reliance  on  major  customers          Management  of  the  Company  believes  it  currently  has  a  good  mix  of  customers  with  only  one  customer 
accounting for revenues in excess of 10% (at 28%) of the Company's consolidated revenues for 2009 (2008 – one customer 27%).  Mergers and 
acquisitions activity in the oil and natural gas exploration and production sector can impact demand for our services as customers focus on internal 
reorganization prior to committing funds to significant oilfield services. In addition, demand for the Company‟s services could be negatively affected in 
that post the merger and acquisitions customers may re-direct their work to the Company‟s competitors. 

Environmental risks     There is growing concern about the apparent connection between the burning of fossil fuels and climate change.  The issue 
of energy and the environment has created intense public debate in Canada, the U.S. and around the world in recent years that is likely to continue 
for the foreseeable future and could potentially have a significant impact on all aspects of the economy including the demand for hydrocarbons and 
resulting in lower demand for the Company‟s services.  There can be no assurance that the provincial, state and local governments or the Federal 
Governments of  Canada and  United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company enters into to  provide its  services will not adopt  new 
environmental regulations, rules or legislation or make modifications to existing regulations, rules or legislation which could increase costs paid by the 
Company's customers. An increase in environmental related costs could reduce the Company's customers' earnings and/or it could make capital 
expenditures by the Company's customers uneconomic. The Canadian Federal Government has announced its intention to regulate greenhouse 
gases ("GHG") and other air pollutants. The Government is currently developing a framework that outlines its clean air and climate change action 
plan. As this federal program is under development, the Company is unable to predict the total impact of the potential regulations upon its business. It 
is possible that the Company's customers could face increases in operating costs in order to comply with GHG emissions legislation which could 
have the effect of curtailing exploration and development by oil and natural gas producers and that in turn, could adversely affect the Company's 
operations by reducing demand for its services.  

Changes to royalty regimes     There can be no assurance that the provincial, state and local governments or the Federal Governments of Canada 
and United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company enters into to provide its services will not adopt a new royalty regime or modify the 
methodology of royalty calculation which could increase the royalties paid by the Company's customers. An increase in royalties could reduce the 
Company's customers' earnings and/or it could make capital expenditures by the Company's customers uneconomic. The Alberta Government's 
new policy with respect to the royalties on oil and gas production in the Province of Alberta became effective January 1, 2009. The new policy 
increased the royalties charged on oil and gas production using a sliding scale based on the price of the related commodity. Although the Company 
is not a direct investor in the oil and gas market it does affect the Company‟s customers' cash flow available to invest in drilling activity and other 
oilfield services. The new Alberta royalty program has caused producers to re-direct some of their investments to other jurisdictions such as British 
Columbia and Saskatchewan.  

Conflict of interest     Certain directors and officers of the Company are also directors and/or officers of other oil and natural gas exploration and/or 
production entities and oil and natural gas services companies, and conflicts of interest may arise between their duties as officers and directors of the 
Company and as officers and directors of such other companies.  Such conflicts must be disclosed in accordance with, and are subject to such other 
procedures and remedies as apply under the Alberta Business Corporations Act. 

Legal proceedings     The Company is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Although the Company is not 
currently a party to any material legal proceedings, legal proceedings could be filed against the Company in the future.  No assurance can be given 
as to the final outcome of any legal proceedings or that the ultimate resolution of any legal proceedings will not have a materially adverse effect on 
the Company. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

As at December 31, 2009, the Company has entered into $12,481 of commitments under operating leases for premises and vehicles (refer to note 
16 to the consolidated financial statements).  The Company has indemnified obligations to its directors and officers. Pursuant to such obligation, the 
Company indemnifies these individuals, to the extent permitted by law, against any and all claims or losses (including amounts paid in settlement of 
claims)  incurred  as  a  result  of  their  service  to  the  Company.  The  maximum  amount  payable  under  these  indemnities  cannot  be  reasonably 
estimated. The Company expects that it would be covered by insurance for most tort liabilities. 

15  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
GOVERNANCE 

The  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  has  reviewed  this  MD&A  and  the  related  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
recommended they be approved by the Board of Directors. Following a review by the full Board, the MD&A and audited consolidated financial 
statements were approved. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 

At  March  3,  2010,  the  Company  had  36,400,061  shares  and  3,254,269  options  outstanding.    In January  2010,  the  Company  granted  102,000 
options to non-insiders at an exercise price of $5.00.  In addition, 1,441,200 options were granted to insiders at an exercise price $6.01.  Additional 
information regarding the Company, including the Annual Information Form (“AIF”), is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

OUTLOOK  

Going into 2010, the market outlook for Cathedral‟s services is much stronger than experienced in 2009.  The rig count in both Canada and the U.S. 
has  experienced  significant  increases,  which  in  turn  has  increased  the  demand  for  the  Company‟s  services.    All  of  the  new  conventional  and 
unconventional  resource  plays  are  utilizing  horizontal  drilling  and  multi-frac  completion  techniques.    This  change  in  completion  technology  has 
increased the percentage of wells being drilled horizontally into the 60% range.  

Since the third quarter 2009, the Company has experienced, on a quarter-over-quarter basis, a sequential improvement in operating activities across 
all of its service areas in both Canada and the U.S.  In Canada, the market  has improved as we are seeing old areas being redeveloped (i.e. 
Cardium)  and  new  zones  being  discovered  (i.e.  Duvernay)    which  are  predominately  employing  the  use  of  horizontal,  multi-stage  fracturing 
technology and this work is beneficial to both the directional drilling and production testing divisions of the Company.  Based upon customer feedback 
we are expecting to see increased activity levels in Canada to continue through 2010 Q2 to Q4.  

In the U.S., the Company continues its push into the northeast U.S. region (Marcellus) where an operations facility has been opened in Washington, 
Pennsylvania.  This facility is expected to be fully operational with motor re-building capabilities by the end of 2010 Q1.  The Company currently has a 
10  job  capacity in  the  U.S.  northeast  region.  In  addition,  the  Company  is  seeing  a  significant  improvement  in  drilling  activity  in  the  U.S.  Rocky 
Mountain region, which was hit hard by the reduction in drilling activity in early 2009.  Cathedral continues to focus on growth of the U.S. production 
testing market where the Company is moving its 15th unit into the Rocky Mountain region before the end of March 2010.  As well, Cathedral is 
currently reviewing opportunities to expand the production testing division into other U.S. markets. 

In 2009, the Company recognized that despite the downturn in the market, research and development was going to be the cornerstone of its future; 
the development of new innovative products was going to expand the Company‟s markets and differentiate Cathedral from its competitors. In 2010 
Q1,  the  Company  will  add  “resistivity”  to  its  Logging-While-Drilling  (“LWD”)  capabilities.    This  technology  will  primarily  be  used  in  expanding 
Cathedral‟s international marketing efforts.    The Company will commence the manufacture of its next generation EM/MWD tool which provides for 
improved  packaging  of  components  within  the  EM/MWD  tool,  which  will  improve  the  durability  in  high  shock  and  vibration  environments.    The 
Company has numerous other development projects in process that are expected to allow the Company to continue to be a significant player in the 
directional drilling market. 

16  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  by  the  management  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles and, where appropriate, reflect estimates based upon management‟s judgment.  Financial information contained elsewhere in the annual 
report has been prepared on a consistent basis with that in the consolidated financial statements. 

Management is also responsible for a system of internal controls which is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the Company‟s assets are 
safeguarded and accounting systems provide timely, accurate financial reports. 

The Audit Committee of the Board of  Directors has reviewed in detail the consolidated financial statements with management and the external 
auditor. The Board of Directors has approved the consolidated financial statements on the recommendation of the Audit Committee. 

KPMG LLP, an independent firm of chartered accountants, have examined the Company‟s consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and provided an independent professional opinion.  The auditors have full and unrestricted access 
to the Audit Committee to discuss their audit and their related findings as to the integrity of the financial reporting process. 

Signed: “Mark L. Bentsen” 
Mark L. Bentsen 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Signed: “P. Scott MacFarlane” 
P. Scott MacFarlane 
Chief Financial Officer 

AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated 
statements of operations and retained earnings, comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows 
for the years then ended.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company‟s management.  Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform an 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 
31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
accounting principles. 

Signed: “KPMG LLP” 
Chartered Accountants 
Calgary, Canada 
March 3, 2010 

17  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Dollars in „000s 

Assets 

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Income taxes recoverable 
Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 

Property and equipment (note 3) 

Future income taxes (note 6) 

Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $637 (2008 - $489) 

Goodwill 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

Current liabilities: 

Bank indebtedness (note 4) 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Distributions payable to Unitholders 
Current portion of long-term debt (note 5) 

Long-term debt (note 5) 

Future income taxes (note 6) 

Deferred credit (note 6) 

Shareholders‟ equity: 

Share capital (note 7) 
Unitholders‟ capital (note 7) 
Contributed surplus (note 8) 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

Commitments and contingencies (note 16) 
Subsequent event (note 17) 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Approved by the Directors: 

2009 

2008 

$ 

491 
27,727 
2,550 
6,129 
1,629 

38,526 

91,452 

23,491 

293 

19,775 

$ 

7,551 
43,629 
688 
8,963 
1,538 

62,369 

101,287 

- 

441 

19,775 

$ 

173,537 

$ 

183,872 

$ 

2,181 
13,686 
- 
208 

16,075 

39,526 

- 

20,514 

76,115 

68,995 
- 
4,390 
26,004 
(1,967) 

97,422 

$ 

15,406 
27,040 
2,281 
207 

44,934 

40,233 

6,846 

- 

92,013 

- 
54,311 
2,663 
31,559 
3,326 

91,859 

$ 

173,537 

$ 

183,872 

Signed: “Mark L. Bentsen” 
Mark L. Bentsen 
Director 

Signed: “Rod Maxwell” 
Rod Maxwell 
Director

18  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS 
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Dollars in „000s except per share amounts 

Revenues 

Expenses: 

Operating 
General and administrative 
Depreciation and amortization 
Share-based compensation 
Interest - long-term debt 
Interest - other 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

Income before taxes 

Taxes (note 6): 
Current 
Future (recovery) 

Net income 

Retained earnings, beginning of year 

Less: distributions to Unitholders 

Retained earnings, end of year 

Net income per share (note 9): 

Basic 
  Diluted 

2009 

2008 

$ 

94,520 

$ 

178,928 

52,128 
26,083 
15,343 
1,732 
1,258 
290 
(3,340) 

93,494 

1,026 

975 

2,001 

2,151 
(5,431) 

(3,280) 

5,281 

31,559 

(10,836) 

26,004 

0.15 
0.15 

$ 

$ 
$ 

98,614 
31,063 
13,416 
1,705 
1,158 
422 
94 

146,472 

32,456 

2,138 

34,594 

6,348 
(1,893) 

4,455 

30,139 

28,852 

(27,432) 

31,559 

0.94 
0.93 

$ 

$ 
$ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS  OF  COMPREHENSIVE 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

INCOME 

(LOSS)  AND 

Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Dollars in „000s except per share amounts 

Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss): 

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of self-sustaining  

foreign operations 

Comprehensive income (loss) 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning of year 

Adjustment for change in foreign currency translation method (note 2) 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

2009 

2008 

$ 

5,281 

$ 

30,139 

(5,293) 

(12) 

3,326 
- 
(5,293) 

(1,967) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,326 

33,465 

- 
(1,894) 
5,220 

3,326 

$ 

$ 

$ 

19  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Dollars in „000s except per share amounts 

Cash provided by (used in): 

Operating activities: 
Net income 
Items not involving cash: 

Depreciation and amortization 
Future income tax recovery 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain 
Share-based compensation 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

Changes in non-cash operating working capital (note 13) 

Investing activities: 

Property and equipment additions 
Transaction with SemBioSys Genetics Inc. (note 6) 
Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment 
Changes in non-cash investing working capital (note 13) 

Financing activities: 

Advances under long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Distributions paid to Unitholders 
Trust Units issued for cash, net of issuance costs (note 7) 
Proceeds on exercise of Trust Unit options (note 7) 
Changes in bank indebtedness 

Effect of exchange rate on changes in cash and cash equivalents 

Change in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

2009 

2008 

$ 

5,281 

$ 

30,139 

15,343 
(5,431) 
(3,682) 
1,732 
(975) 

12,268 
6,296 

18,564 

(8,923) 
(3,597) 
4,219 
(3,719) 

(12,020) 

4,500 
(5,206) 
(13,117) 
13,820 
34 
(13,225) 

(13,194) 

(410) 

(7,060) 

7,551 

$ 

491 

$ 

13,416 
(1,893) 
(405) 
1,705 
(2,138) 

40,824 
(4,681) 

36,143 

(47,618) 
- 
3,761 
3,723 

(40,134) 

23,047 
(341) 
(27,368) 
- 
4,904 
9,376 

9,618 

618 

6,245 

1,306 

7,551 

20  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Dollars in „000s except per share amounts 

1.  Basis of Presentation 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. (the “Company” ) is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the “Act”).  The Company was 
created  as  a  result  of  the  conversion  of  Cathedral  Energy  Services  Income  Trust  (the  “Trust”)  to  a  corporation  pursuant  to  a  Plan  of 
Arrangement  under  the  Act,  entered  into  by  various  entities  including  the  Trust,  Cathedral  Energy  Services  Ltd.  (“CES”)  and  SemBioSys 
Genetics Inc. (“SBS”) (the ”Reorganization”). 

Upon closing of the Reorganization on December 18, 2009, the Company became the operator of the business of the Trust and its subsidiaries 
and the existing management and board of directors of CES, plus one director of SBS, became the management and board of directors of the 
Company.      The  Reorganization  resulted  in  the  Unitholders  of  the Trust  becoming  shareholders  of  the  Company  with  no  changes  to  the 
underlying business operations.  The Company did not acquire any additional business carried on by SBS.  The former business of SBS is 
being carried on by a new entity named SemBioSys Genetics Inc. which is owned by the former shareholders of SBS. 

Prior  to  the  closing  of  the  Reorganization,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  included  the  accounts  of  the  Trust,  its  subsidiaries  and 
partnerships, all of which were wholly owned.  Subsequent to the Reorganization, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  all  of  which  are  wholly  owned.    The  Company  is  considered  a  continuation  of  the  Trust  and  these 
consolidated  financial  statements  follow  the  continuity  of  interest‟s  method  of  accounting.    Under  the  continuity  of  interest‟s  method  of 
accounting the transfer of assets, liabilities and equity from the Trust to the Company are recorded at their net book values as at December 18, 
2009. 

As a result of the application of the continuity of interest‟s method of accounting, certain terms such as shareholders‟/unitholders‟ and share-
based/unit-based may be used interchangeably throughout these consolidated financial statements. 

The  Company  is  publicly  traded  on  the  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  under  the  symbol  CET.    The  Company  together  with  its  wholly  owned 
subsidiary, Cathedral Energy Services Inc., is engaged in the business of providing selected oilfield services to oil and natural gas companies 
in western Canada and selected oil and natural gas basins in the United States.  The Company is in the process of establishing operations in 
Venezuela for providing directional drilling services through its wholly owned subsidiaries Directional Plus International Ltd. and Directional plus 
de Venezuela, C.A. 

2. 

Significant accounting policies 

These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and 
include the following significant accounting policies: 
(a)  Principles of consolidation 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned entities, Cathedral Energy Services 
Inc., Directional Plus International Ltd. and Directional plus de Venezuela, C.A. 

(b)  Foreign currency translation 

Prior to January 1, 2008, the Company‟s U.S. operations were classified as integrated operations and were translated using the temporal 
method with all translation gains (losses) included in the determination of net income for the current period. Effective January 1, 2008, the 
Company  changed  the  classification  of  its  U.S.  operations  to  self-sustaining  resulting  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  being 
translated using the current rate method as opposed to the temporal method. Under the current rate method of translation, revenues and 
expenses of the subsidiary are translated at the rate in effect at the time of the transactions while assets and liabilities are translated at 
the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Upon consolidation the U.S. operations translation gains and losses due to 
fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates are deferred on the balance sheet as a separate component of Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”).  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) forms part of Unitholders‟ equity. This change in 
translation method has been applied prospectively and resulted in a foreign exchange loss of $1,894 being deferred and recorded as 
AOCI as at January 1, 2008. 
The Company‟s international operations other than in the U.S. are considered integrated and the Company uses the temporal method of 
foreign currency translation for these operations. 
Inventory 
Inventory is comprised of parts to be used in repairing equipment and operating supplies.  Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net 
realizable value. 
(d)  Property and equipment 

(c) 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is provided using the declining balance method 
at the following annual rates: 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Wireline equipment 
Automotive equipment 
Buildings 
Office and computer equipment 

10 to 25% 
20 to 25% 
20% 
20 to 25% 
4% 
20% 

21  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
2. 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 
(d)  Property and equipment (continued) 

Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 
Deferred development costs are expenses incurred with respect to the pre-commercialization of downhole equipment.  These costs are 
amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years upon commercialization of the equipment. 

(e)  Future income taxes 

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for future income taxes whereby future income tax assets and liabilities 
are determined based on temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities, and are 
measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply when these differences reverse. Tax expense is the sum of 
the Company‟s provision for current taxes and the difference between the opening and ending balances of the future income tax assets 
and liabilities. 
(f)  Revenue recognition 

Revenue is recognized as services are rendered based upon daily, hourly or job rates.  Revenue related to the rental of downhole tools is 
recognized in the period during which the rental hours/days occur. 

(g)  Per share amounts 

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year.  
Diluted per share amounts reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares were exercised or 
converted to shares.  The treasury stock method is used to determine the dilutive effect of options and other dilutive instruments. 

(h)  Share-based compensation plan 

i)  Option plan 
The Company has an option plan as described in note 7.  The related share-based compensation expense is recorded for options issued 
to employees and non-employees using the fair value method.  The fair value of employee options is valued on the date of grant and the 
resulting fair value is recorded as an expense over the vesting period of the option.  The fair value of non-employee options are revalued 
each reporting date with the change in fair value on the vested options recorded in the income statement, and the change in fair value on 
unvested options expensed over the remaining vesting period.  In determining the fair value of the options granted, the Black-Scholes 
model is used and assumptions regarding interest rates, underlying volatility of the shares, distribution yield and expected life of the 
options are made. 
ii)  Phantom Option plan 
The Company had a Phantom Option plan that provided for the granting of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to key employees.  The 
plan was terminated on October 18, 2009 when the holders forfeited their options (see note 7 f).  The SARs provided the holder with the 
opportunity to earn a cash award equal to the fair market value of the share less the price at which the SAR was issued.  Compensation 
expense was measured based on the market price of the Company‟s shares at the end of the reporting period. 

(i)  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments which have maturities of less than three months at the date of 
acquisition.  

(j)  Goodwill 

(k) 

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  value  attributed  to  the  net  tangible  and  intangible  assets  acquired.  
Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is subject to an annual review for impairment (or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that goodwill is impaired) which consists of a comparison of the Company‟s fair value of the net assets to their 
carrying value.  The net carrying value of goodwill would be written down if the value is determined to be impaired. 
Intangible assets 
Intangible assets are comprised of values attributed to customer relationships and non-compete agreements and are amortized on a 
straight-line basis over 8 and 4 years, respectively.  Management assesses the carrying value of intangible assets on a periodic basis for 
indications of impairment.  When an indication of impairment is present, a test for impairment is carried out by comparing the carrying 
value of the asset to its expected future cash flows.  If the carrying amount is greater than the expected future cash flow, the asset would 
be considered impaired and an impairment loss would be realized to reduce the asset‟s carrying value to its estimated fair value. 

(l)  Use of estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to 
make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and 
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
The  most  significant  estimates  relate  to  the  depreciation  of  property  and  equipment,  the  cost  recovery  of  property  and  equipment, 
goodwill and intangible assets and the determination of share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

22  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
2. 

Significant accounting policies (continued) 
(m)  Accounting policy developments in 2009 

The following summarizes accounting changes that were applied to the Company‟s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 
December 31, 2009: 
i) 
The  Canadian  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  (the  “CICA”)  issued  Section  3064,  Goodwill  and  Intangible  Assets,  replacing 
Section  3062,  Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets,  and  Section  3450,  Research  and  Development  Costs.  New  Section  3064 
addresses  when  an  internally  developed  intangible  asset  meets  the  criteria  for  recognition  as  an  asset.  The  CICA  also  issued 
amendments to Section 1000, Financial Statement Concepts. 
ii) 
The CICA issued Section 1582, Business Combinations, which replaces former guidance on business combinations. Section 1582 
establishes principles and requirements for the acquisition method for business combinations and related disclosures. This statement 
applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting 
period  beginning  on  or  after  January  2011  with  earlier  application  permitted.  The  Company  has  chosen  not  to  early  adopt  the  new 
section. 
iii) 
The CICA issued Sections 1601, Consolidated Financial Statements, and Section 1602, Non-controlling Interests, which replaces 
existing guidance. Section 1601 establishes standards for the preparation of consolidated financial statements. Section 1602 provides 
guidance  on  accounting  for  a  non-controlling  interest  in  a  subsidiary  in  consolidated  financial  statements  subsequent  to  a  business 
combination. These standards are effective on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 
2011 with earlier application permitted. The Company has chosen not to early adopt the new section. 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
In February, 2008, the CICA confirmed that the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) will be required in Canada for 
publicly accountable profit oriented enterprises for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.  The Company will be required to 
report using IFRS beginning January 1, 2011. 
The  Company‟s  IFRS  project  plan  has  four  phases:  education,  analysis,  design  and  implementation  and  testing.    The  Company  is 
continuing the process of education for all levels of the organization and has completed the analysis phase during which it identified 
specific significant differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS.  The Company is in the design phase in which it is determining its 
policies and procedures for IFRS.  This phase will be completed and the Company will move into the implementation and testing phase 
in 2010 Q1 to Q3. 

(n) 

3. 

Property and equipment 

2009 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Wireline equipment 
Automotive equipment 
Office and computer equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Deferred development costs 
Buildings 
Land 

$ 

Cost 

84,576 
21,928 
23,691 
618 
3,560 
938 
2,677 
10,953 
4,322 

  Accumulated 
  depreciation 

Net book 
value 

$ 

$ 

36,142 
8,907 
11,614 
287 
1,929 
507 
1,792 
633 
- 

48,434 
13,021 
12,077 
331 
1,631 
431 
885 
10,320 
4,322 

$  153,263 

$ 

61,811 

$ 

91,452 

Included in the 2009 property and equipment are assets under capital lease with a cost of $425 and a net book value of $165. During 2009, 
$2,809 (2008 - Nil) of property and equipment was not depreciated as it was temporarily removed from service. 

2008 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Wireline equipment 
Automotive equipment 
Office and computer equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Deferred development costs 
Buildings 
Land 

$ 

Cost 

80,410 
19,108 
29,369 
686 
3,532 
758 
2,338 
11,028 
4,322 

  Accumulated 
  depreciation 

Net book 
value 

$ 

$ 

29,611 
5,403 
11,356 
206 
1,592 
344 
1,456 
296 
- 

50,799 
13,705 
18,013 
480 
1,940 
414 
882 
10,732 
4,322 

$  151,551 

$ 

50,264 

$ 

101,287 

Included in the 2008 property and equipment are assets under capital lease with a cost of $425 and a net book value of $207.  

23  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
4.  Bank indebtedness 

The Company has a $20,000 demand operating line of credit with a major Canadian bank that bears interest, at the Company‟s option, at the 
bank‟s prime rate plus 0.50 % to 2.00% or bankers‟ acceptance rate plus 2.00% to 3.50% with interest payable monthly and is secured as 
described in note 5.  Interest rates spreads for the credit facility will depend on the level of funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest on 
long-term debt, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash compensation expense – as defined in the credit agreement). 

5. 

Long-term debt 

2009 

2008 

Bank revolving term loan with a major Canadian bank at an authorized amount of $45,000, 
bearing interest at the bank‟s prime rate plus 1.00 % to 2.50% or bankers‟ acceptance 
rate plus 2.25% to 3.75%, without repayment terms, maturing June 30, 2010 subject 
to  an  annual  extension  upon  agreement  between  the  borrower  and  the  bank  for  a 
further one-year period. Interest rates spreads for the credit facility will depend on the 
level  of  funded  debt  to  EBITDA  (earnings  before  interest  on  long-term  debt,  taxes, 
depreciation, amortization and non-cash compensation expense – as defined in the 
credit agreement). Prior to maturity the borrower may convert its revolving term loan to 
a non-revolving term loan repayable monthly over 36 months with interest only for the 
first 12 months 

Non-interest  bearing  loans  secured  by  the  related  automotive  equipment  with  various 

maturity dates up to 2010 

Capital lease obligations 

Less: current portion of long-term debt 

$  

39,500 

$ 

40,000 

122 
112 

39,734 
(208) 

218 
222 

40,440 
(207) 

$ 

39,526 

$ 

40,233 

The credit facility with a major Canadian bank is secured by a general security agreement over all present and future personal property with a 
first charge over certain real estate assets and is subject to certain covenants regarding the payment of dividends, cash distributions and the 
maintenance of certain financial ratios. 

Minimum principal amounts to be paid under long-term debt (assuming the Company elects prior to the maturity date of the revolving term loan 
to repay the loan over 36 months with interest only for the first 12 months) during the next five years are approximately as follows: 

2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 

6. 

Income taxes 

$ 

208 
6,607 
13,169 
13,167 
6,583 

On December 18, 2009, the Company converted from a trust to a corporation by way of a Plan of Arrangement with various entities including 
the Trust, CES and SBS as described in note 1.  SBS had: a) non-capital losses which are available to reduce the future taxable income of the 
Company in the amount of approximately $33,213; b) research and development expenditures which are available to reduce the future taxable 
income of the Company in the amount of approximately $41,045 and have an unlimited carry-forward period; and c) investment tax credits 
which are available to reduce future federal taxes payable of the Company in the amount of $6,747.    

A future income tax asset of $24,936 has been recognized with respect to the Plan of Arrangement.  As part of the Plan of Arrangement, SBS 
was paid $3,671 including $2,846 paid in cash and $825 through the issuance of 189,200 common shares of the Company. In addition, advisor 
and professional fees associated with the transaction in the amount of $751 were capitalized for a total cost of $4,422.  The difference between 
the future income tax asset recognized and the cost of the tax pools has been recorded as a deferred tax credit in the amount of $20,514.  SBS 
also had capital losses of $9,058 which due to their limited use the benefits of these capital losses have not been recognized in these financial 
statements. 

The following table summarizes the temporary differences that give rise to the future income tax asset (liability) as at December 31, 2009 and 
2008: 

Property and equipment  
Non capital losses and scientific research and development expenditures 
 carried forward 
Investment tax credits 
Partnership interests 
Deferred partnership income 
Other 

$  

2009 
 (3,327) 

21,488 
5,043 
- 
- 
287 

$  

 2008 
(3,046) 

- 
- 
(544) 
(3,256) 
- 

$ 

23,491 

$ 

(6,846) 

24  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
6. 

Income taxes (continued) 

The business and operations of the Company are complex and the Company has executed a number of significant financings, reorganizations, 
acquisitions  and  other  material  transactions  over  the  course  of  its  history.  The  computation  of  income  taxes  payable  as  a  result  of  these 
transactions involves many complex factors as well as the Company‟s interpretation of relevant tax legislation and regulations. The Company‟s 
management believes that the provision for income tax is adequate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and 
applicable legislation and regulations. However, tax filing positions are subject to review by taxation authorities who may successfully challenge 
the Company‟s interpretation of the applicable tax legislation and regulations. 

As at December 31, 2009, the Company has non-capital losses, if not utilized, will expire as follows: 

2013 
2014 
2025 
2026 
2027 
2028 
2029 

As at December 31, 2009, the Company has investment tax credits, if not utilized, will expire as follows: 

2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
2028 
2029 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

942 
1,279 
4,347 
1,523 
2,445 
11,384 
19,549 

41,469 

10 
48 
115 
332 
260 
202 
288 
1,037 
1,036 
128 
1,575 
1,122 
594 

6,747 

Income tax expense for 2009 and 2008 differs from the amount that would be expected by applying the expected statutory income tax rates for 
the following reasons: 

Effective tax rate 

Income before income taxes 
Income allocated to Trust Unitholders 

Income (loss) before taxes subject to corporate tax 

Effective tax rate applied to income subject to corporate tax 
Adjustment to future taxes for change in effective tax rates 
Income taxed in jurisdictions with different tax rates 
Non-deductible expenses 
Non-taxable portion of gain on disposal of property and equipment 
Benefit realized on conversion to corporation 
Capital taxes 
Other 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

29.3% 

2,001 
(6,460) 

(4,459) 

(1,306) 
(1,403) 
160 
528 
(326) 
(1,010) 
- 
77 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2008 

29.8% 

34,594 
(15,905) 

18,689 

5,569 
(2,592) 
1,228 
430 
(165) 
- 
12 
(27) 

$ 

(3,280) 

$ 

4,455 

7. 

Share Capital 

Pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement discussed in note 1, the Company acquired and cancelled all of the issued and outstanding Trust Units on 
December  18,  2009.    Each  former  Trust  Unit  holder  received  one  common  share  of  the  Company  in  exchange  for  one  Trust  Unit.  
Shareholders of SBS received 189,200 shares of the Company. 

25  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
7. 

Share Capital (continued) 

(a)  Authorized: An unlimited number of common shares 

(b)  Trust Units issued 

Balance, December 31, 2007 

Issued on exercise of options 
Contributed surplus on options exercised (note 8) 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Issued for cash on May 19, 2009 
Less share issuance cost 
Issued on exercise of options 
Contributed surplus on options exercised (note 8) 
Converted into common shares 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

(c)  Common shares issued 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Converted from Trust Units 
Plan of Arrangement (notes 1 and 6) 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

(d)   Options 

Number of Trust Units 

31,662,917 
919,105 
- 

32,582,022 
3,615,600 
- 
13,239 
- 
(36,210,861) 

- 

Number of shares 

- 
36,210,861 
189,200 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Amount 

48,193 
4,904 
1,214 

54,311 
15,005 
(1,185) 
34 
5 
(68,170) 

- 

Amount 

- 
68,170 
825 

36,400,061 

$ 

68,995 

The  Company‟s  share  based  compensation  plan  is  a  “rolling  number”  type  option  plan  which  provides  that  the  number  of 
authorized but unissued common shares that may be subject to options granted under the share option plan at anytime can be 
up to 10% of the number of common shares outstanding from time to time. 

Under  the  plan,  the  exercise  price  of  each  option  at  the  date  of  issuance  equals  the  fair  market  value  of  the  Company‟s 
common shares on the day immediately prior to the grant, and has a maximum term till expiry of ten years (also refer to share-
based payment modifications in note 7(e)). Options vest over a period  of three years from  the date of  grant as employees, 
trustees or consultants render continuous service to the Company.  

A summary of the status of the Company‟s equity based compensation plan as at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and changes 
during the years then ended is presented below: 

Outstanding, beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding, end of year 

Exercisable, end of year 

Weighted average 
number of options 

3,053,430 
693,066 
(13,239) 
(1,991,521) 

2009 
Exercise 
price 

$  10.27 
3.77 
2.59 
9.95 

Weighted average 
number of options 

2,812,937 
1,441,000 
(919,105) 
(281,402) 

2008 
Exercise 
price 

$  8.25 
11.64 
5.34 
9.54 

1,741,736 

$  3.67 

3,053,430 

$  10.27 

15,667 

$  8.49 

1,086,868 

$  9.64 

26  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
7. 

Share Capital (continued) 

(d)   Options (continued) 

The range of exercise prices for the options outstanding at December 31, 2009 is as follows: 

Range 

$3.35 to $3.68 
$3.81 
$4.96 to $11.30 

$2.59 to $14.74 

Total options outstanding 

Weighted average 
 exercise price  

Weighted average 
remaining life (years) 

$ 5.59 
3.55 
2.60 

$3.67 

3.51 
3.81 
8.45 

3.84 

Number 

114,000 
1,610,069 
17,667 

1,741,736 

Exercisable 

Weighted average 
exercise price 

$ 

- 
- 
8.49 

$  8.49 

Number 

- 
- 
15,667 

15,667 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company has recorded share based compensation expense of $1,732 (2008 - 
$1,672) related to the share option plan. 

The following table sets out the assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes model for options issued in 2009 and 2008 as 
well as the resulting fair value: 

Date of issue   

Number of options issued 
Exercise price 
Fair value per option 
Expected dividend / distribution yield 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected volatility 
Expected life (in years) 

 Date of issue  

Number of options issued 
Exercise price 
Fair value per option 
Expected dividend / distribution yield 
Risk-free interest rate    
Expected volatility 
Expected life (in years) 

     October 13 
2009 

August 18 
2009 

579,066 
$  3.81 
$  1.02 
6.30% 
2.32% 
52% 
3.50 

September 24 
2008 

844,000 
$  9.65 
$  1.41 
8.71% 
3.34% 
35% 
3.50 

54,000 
$  3.68 
$  0.98 
6.52% 
2.49% 
52% 
3.50 

June 3 
2008 

136,000 
$  14.74 
$  2.75 
5.70% 
3.24% 
35% 
3.50 

July 16 
2009 

60,000 
$  3.35 
$  0.54 
14.33% 
2.44% 
52% 
3.50 

May 7 
2008 

461,000 
$  14.38 
$  2.63 
5.84% 
2.99% 
35% 
3.50 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model used by the Company to determine fair value was developed for use in estimating the fair 
value of freely traded options, which are fully transferable and have no vesting restrictions.  The Company‟s options are not transferable, 
cannot be traded and are subject to vesting restrictions and exercise restrictions under the Company‟s blackout policy which would tend 
to reduce the fair value of the Company‟s options.  In addition, this model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including 
future stock price volatility and expected time until exercise that can cause a significant variation in the estimate of the fair value of the 
options. 

(e)  Share-based payment modification 

On October 13, 2009, non-insider optionees with vested or unvested out-of-the-money options were invited to reduce the exercise price 
of their share options to $3.81, which equaled the Trust Unit price on the last trading day immediately before the date of the modification.  
In exchange for this reduction in the exercise price, longer vesting terms were established with due consideration of the original expiry 
date which did not change.  A total of 1,034,003 options were re-priced.  The unrecognized compensation costs from the original grant 
are recognized over the remainder of the original requisite service period and the incremental compensation costs for the modified share 
options are recognized over the new requisite service period. 

In October 2009, insiders of the Company forfeited all of the outstanding 1,303,334 options, resulting in share based compensation 
expense of $794 (2008 - nil).   

27  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
7. 

Share Capital (continued) 

(e)  Share-based payment modification (continued) 

The following sets out the assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes model for the modified options issued on or about 
October 13, 2009: 

Number of options re-priced 
Exercise price 
Weighted average increment fair value per option 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected volatility 
Expected life (in years) 

(f)  Phantom option plan 

1,034,003 
$  3.81 
$  0.62 
6.30% 
1.3% to 2.3% 
48.5% to 71.9% 
1.4 to 5.0 

The Company had a Phantom Option plan that provided for the granting of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to key employees.  During 
2008 120,000 SARs were issued and on October 13, 2009, the holders forfeited all 120,000 SARs outstanding.  During the year ended 
December 31, 2009, nil (2008 - nil) compensation expense related to the SARs was recorded. 

8.  Contributed surplus 

Balance, December 31, 2007 

Non-cash compensation expense related to option plan (note 7) 
Less: Contributed surplus on options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Non-cash compensation expense related to option plan (note 7) 
Less: Contributed surplus on options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

9. 

Per share amounts 

$ 

2,205 
1,672 
(1,214) 

2,663 
1,732 
(5) 

$ 

4,390 

In calculating the per share amounts, the Company utilizes the treasury method to determine the dilutive effect of options. Under the treasury 
stock method, only “in the money” dilutive instruments impact the diluted calculations. 

At  December  31,  2009,  the  basic  weighted  average  number  of  shares  outstanding  was  34,840,714  (2008  -  32,214,502  Trust  Units).    At 
December 31, 2009, the diluted number of shares outstanding was 34,856,564 (2008 - 32,462,510 Trust Units), which includes the addition of 
15,850 shares (2008 - 222,416 Trust Units) to the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year for the dilutive effect 
of options. 

10.  Management of capital 

The Company views its capital as the combination of long-term debt/capital lease obligations and shareholders‟ equity excluding accumulated 
other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).   The Company‟s objectives when managing capital are to maintain a balance between the level of 
long-term debt/capital lease obligations and shareholders‟ equity that will allow access to capital markets and long-term debt to fund growth and 
working  capital  with  due  consideration  to    the  cyclical    nature  of  the   oilfield services sector.    Historically  the  Company  has  maintained a 
conservative ratio of long-term debt/capital lease obligations to long-term debt/capital lease obligations plus shareholders‟ equity excluding 
AOCI.   As at December 31, 2009 and 2008 this ratio was as follows: 

Long-term debt, net of current portion 
Shareholders‟ equity excluding AOCI 

Total capitalization 

Long-term debt, net of current portion to total capitalization 

$ 

$ 

2009 

39,526 
99,389 

138,915 

0.28 

$ 

$ 

2008 

40,233 
88,533 

128,766 

0.31 

The  Company  is  subject  to  a  leverage  test  covenant  on  its  credit  facility.    The  management  of  the  Company  monitors  its  credit  facility 
covenants on an on-going basis and is in compliance with the debt covenants as at and for the period ended December 31, 2009.  

To assist in the management of its capital the Company prepares annual operating and capital expenditure budgets, which are updated as 
necessary depending on varying factors including general industry conditions. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure the Company 
may, with the approval of its Board of Directors, alter the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares, issue new debt, and/or 
issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics. 

The Company‟s overall strategy with respect to capital management remains unchanged from the year ended December 31, 2008. 

28  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
11.  Financial instruments 

The Company has designated its financial instruments into the following categories applying the indicated measurement methods: 

Financial Instrument 

Category  

Measurement Method 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Bank indebtedness/Accounts payable and accrued liabilities/ 

Distributions payable/ /Long-term debt   

Held for trading 
Loans and receivables 

Other liabilities 

Fair value 
Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

The Company will assess at each reporting period whether a financial asset, other than those classified as held for trading, is impaired. An 
impairment loss, if any, is included in net earnings.  The Company does not use derivative instruments or hedges.  The carrying values of the 
Company‟s current assets and current liabilities approximated their fair values as at December 31, 2009 due to the relatively short period to 
maturity of the instruments.  The fair value of long-term debt at December 31, 2009 approximated its carrying value as it bears interest at 
floating rates.   

The Company is exposed to risks of varying degrees of significance which could affect its ability to achieve its strategic objectives for growth 
and shareholder returns.  The principal financial risks to which the Company is exposed are described below. 

(a)  Credit risk: 
Substantially all of the Company‟s accounts receivable are due from customers in the oil and gas industry and are subject to normal industry 
credit risks.  The carrying value of accounts receivable reflects management‟s assessment of the associated credit risks. At December 31, 
2009 the Company‟s provision for doubtful accounts is $526 (2008 - $486) and for the year ended had a bad debt expense of $52 (2008 - $16).  
Included in accounts receivable are amounts of $2,867 (2008 - $4,619) which have been outstanding for greater than 90 days, but which are 
considered collectable and for which no provision for doubtful accounts has been made. 

(b)  Liquidity risk: 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with its financial liabilities.  The Company 
manages liquidity risk through regular  monitoring of forecast and actual cash flows, and also the  management of its capital structure and 
financial leverage as outlined in note 10.  The Company‟s credit facility are outlined in notes 4 and 5. 

(c)  Foreign currency exchange risk: 
The Company has an exposure to fluctuations in the Canada/United States foreign currency exchange rate primarily due its operations in the 
United States.  Management attempts to mitigate this exposure by matching local purchases in the same currency.  In addition, the Company 
became exposed to fluctuations in Canadian Dollar versus Venezuelan Bolivars foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations related to funds on 
deposit in Venezuela. Currently, the Company‟s net foreign currency exposure risk is not significant enough to warrant an active management 
program to mitigate the foreign currency exchange exposure. 

Interest rate risk: 

(d) 
At December 31, 2009, the Company was exposed to changes in interest rates on its bank indebtedness and most of its long-term debt.  A 1% 
increase in the Company‟s bank‟s lending rate would cause interest expense to increase by approximately $417 (2008 - $554) per annum 
based upon the balance of bank indebtedness and long-term debt with a floating interest rate outstanding as at December 31, 2009. 

12.  Reorganization costs 

To effect the conversion to a corporation, the Company incurred $1,428 of reorganization costs.  These costs include fees paid to financial, tax 
and legal advisors plus regulatory fees and other costs.  $677 of these costs have been recognized as general and administrative expenses of 
the year and the remaining $751 have been recognized as additions to the future tax asset recorded upon the Reorganization. 

13.  Supplemental cash flow disclosures 

Components of non-cash working capital are as follows: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Taxes payable (recoverable) 

Changes in working capital related to investing activities 

Changes in working capital related to operating activities 

Interest paid 
Income taxes paid 

2009 

15,020 
2,343 
(151) 
(12,954) 
(1,681) 

2,577 
3,719 

6,296 

1,701 
3,445 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2008 

(3,597) 
(5,379) 
(789) 
9,836 
(1,029) 

(958) 
(3,723) 

(4,681) 

1,562 
7,234 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

29  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
14.  Segmented information 

The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are engaged in the business of providing selected oilfield services to oil and natural gas 
companies in western Canada, selected basins in the United States and Venezuela, and is viewed as a single operating segment by the chief 
operating decision maker of the Company for the purpose of resource allocation and assessing performance. 

Oilfield services are currently being provided in both Canada and the United States and are expected to occur in Venezuela in 2010.  The 
amounts related to each segment are as follows: 

Revenues 

Canada 
United States 

Revenues by operating division 

Directional drilling 
Production testing 
Wireline 

Property and equipment, goodwill and intangibles 

Canada 
United States 
International 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

55,926 
38,594 

94,520 

2009 

64,757 
17,342 
12,421 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2008 

103,590 
75,338 

178,928 

2008 

135,999 
17,121 
25,808 

$ 

94,520 

$ 

178,929 

$ 

2009 

80,188 
23,978 
7,354 

$ 

2008 

98,691 
14,974 
7,838 

$ 

111,520 

$ 

121,503 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, one customer accounted for 28% (2008 – 27%) of consolidated revenues. 

15.  Related party transactions 

A director of the Company is a partner in a law firm and, through that law firm, is involved in providing and managing the legal services provided 
to the Company at market rates.  The total amount paid for these legal services in 2009 was $635 (2008 - $136).   

StoneBridge Merchant Capital Corp. (“StoneBridge”) acted as a special advisor to the Company in respect to the Plan of Arrangement and was 
paid a fee of $572.  A director of the Company is an officer of StoneBridge.  This transaction has been recorded at the exchange amount. 

16.  Commitments and contingencies 

(a)  Leases 

The Company has commitments under operating leases for office and shop space and automotive equipment.  Amounts to be paid 
under these leases during the next five years are approximately as follows: 

2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 

$ 

2,876 
2,107 
1,858 
1,719 
1,579 
2,342 

(b)  Property and equipment additions 

At December 31, 2009, the Company has committed to purchase $5,910 (2008 – $4,793) of property, equipment and operating supplies. 

(c)  Legal and other claims 

The Company, in the normal course of operations, will become subject to a variety of legal and other claims against the Company.  
Management and the Company‟s legal counsel evaluate all claims on their apparent merits, and accrue management‟s best estimate of 
the estimated costs to satisfy such claims.  Management believes that the outcome of legal and other claims filed against the Company 
will not be material. 

17.  Subsequent event 

In January 2010, the Company granted 102,000 options to non-insiders at an exercise price of $5.00.  In addition, 1,441,200 options were 
granted to insiders at an exercise price $6.01. 

30  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2009 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
OFFICERS 

Mark L. Bentsen, President and Chief Executive Officer 

Randy H. Pustanyk, Vice President, Operations 

P. Scott MacFarlane, Chief Financial Officer 

John Ruzicki, Vice President 

David Diachok, Vice President, Sales 

DIRECTORS 

Rod Maxwell 

Jay Zammit 

Scott Sarjeant 

Robert L.Chaisson 

P. Daniel O‟Neil 

Ian S. Brown 

Mark L. Bentsen 

Randy H. Pustanyk 

AUDITORS 
KPMG LLP 
Calgary, Alberta 

LEGAL COUNSEL 
Burstall Winger LLP 
Calgary, Alberta 

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT 
Computershare Trust Company of Canada 
Calgary, Alberta 

BANKER 
The Bank of Nova Scotia 

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING 
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CET) 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. 

1700,715 – 5th Avenue S.W. 
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 2X6 
Tel: 403.265.2560          Fax: 403.262.4682 
www.cathedralenergyservices.com