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Central Securities Corp.

cet · AMEX Financial Services
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Ticker cet
Exchange AMEX
Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management
Employees 6
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FY2010 Annual Report · Central Securities Corp.
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FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY 

In '000's of dollars except per share amounts 

Revenues (excluding discontinued operations) 

Revenues (including discontinued operations) 

 Gross margin % (excluding discontinued operations) (1) 

Gross margin % (including discontinued operations) (1) 

EBITDAS from continuing operations (1) 

Per share – diluted 

EBITDAS (1) 

 Per share – diluted 

Income from continuing operations 

Per share – basic 
 Per share – diluted 

Net income 

 Per share – basic  
 Per share – diluted 

Cash dividends declared per share 

Property and equipment additions and corporate acquisitions: 

 Paid or payable 
 Paid or payable in equity 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic ('000) 
 Weighted average shares outstanding – 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 

2010 

141,396 

143,799 

47% 

47% 

38,899 
1.06 

37,964 
1.03 

20,529 
0.56 
0.56 

18,015 
0.49 
0.49 

0.24 

35,233 
- 
35,233 

36,453 
36,791 

18,536 

2009 

82,100 

94,520 

49% 

45% 

19,831 
0.57 

16,652 
0.48 

10,272 
0.29 
0.29 

5,281 
0.15 
0.15 

0.31 

8,923 
- 
8,923 

34,841 
34,857 

22,451 

2008 

2007 

2006 

153,120 

123,424 

112,066 

178,928 

145,106 

138,254 

47% 

45% 

48,907 
1.51 

50,468 
1.55 

32,108 
1.00 
0.99 

30,139 
0.94 
0.93 

0.84 

47,618 
- 
47,618 

32,215 
32,463 

17,435 

53% 

49% 

46,046 
1.45 

46,731 
1.47 

28,634 
0.91 
0.90 

24,863 
0.79 
0.78 

0.84 

19,857 
- 
19,857 

31,402 
31,781 

16,947 

56% 

53% 

45,985 
1.46 

52,793 
1.68 

31,929 
1.04 
1.02 

35,348 
1.16 
1.12 

0.805 

26,436 
1,820 
28,256 

30,578 
31,423 

15,051 

194,060 

173,537 

183,872 

131,032 

125,221 

34,502 

109,115 

39,526 

97,422 

40,233 

91,859 

17,441 

79,250 

15,552 

76,223 

2  Report to Shareholders 

3  Management's Discussion and Analysis  17  Management's Report 

17  Independent Auditors' Report 

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 3:00pm on April 14, 2011 in the Royal Meeting Room of the Metropolitan Centre, 
333 – 4th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta. 

1   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS 

After facing difficult times in 2009, we saw 2010 as a bounce back year.  This recovery was largely based on strong pricing for crude oil and related products.  
Oil and liquids rich natural gas plays have been tremendous drivers for increasing drilling and completion activity.  Despite weather supported demand, natural 
gas pricing continues to be weak and will likely remain weak until the U.S. economy improves, thereby creating incremental demand.    

The first quarter of 2011 has been very robust, with the oilfield service sector running beyond capacity.   There is a shortage of both people and equipment and 
Cathedral has taken a proactive approach to remedy such shortages.  In early 2010, the Company began in-house training programs for the development of 
both directional drillers and Measurement-While-Drilling ("MWD") hands and this has resulted in Cathedral adding a significant amount of field personnel.  It is 
expected that this ongoing training program will enable Cathedral to continue to grow  our job count through 2011.  On  the equipment side Cathedral is in 
reasonably good shape; although we have had some stress points during 2011 Q1, we have been able to support more than our planned activity levels.  To 
assist in the ability to service our equipment, we have been proactive in expanding our repair parts inventories and adding components where needed.  Looking 
forward, we are expanding our fleet of equipment to meet the expected increase in demand for our services.   

Based upon customer input we are expecting to see activity levels remain at high levels throughout the rest of 2011. 

As mentioned  last  year,  the  Company  recognized  that  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.   The focus of our efforts will be a complete 
new MWD platform that we expect to launch in the second quarter of 2011.  The new MWD platform will allow Cathedral to have a single platform, whether 
electro-magnetic or pulse based transmission, and will include many features we have been working on for the last year including resistivity/Logging-While-
Drilling capabilities and a rotary steerable system interface.   

Cathedral continues to focus on growth of the production testing division.  In 2010, we added 21 units which amounted to 60% growth in the overall fleet and to 
complement the fleet we also added the required auxiliary equipment. The majority of the production testing units (16 units) added were high pressure units.  
Our  updated  capital  budget  includes  the  addition  of  6  additional  1440  psi  high  pressure  vessels  plus  additional  auxiliary  equipment.    The  high  quality  of 
equipment, as well as the overall size of the production testing fleet, has made the division a very integral part of our organization.   As well, Cathedral continues 
to review opportunities to expand the production testing division into other U.S. markets. 

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 2, 2011 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2010 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, 2010, as well as the Company's 2010 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.  Currency amounts are in '000's except for day rates and per share amounts.  This MD&A is 
dated March 2, 2011. 

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,  among  other things,  :  access  to  capital;  projected capital  expenditures  and commitments  and  the financing thereof; 
equipment  delivery  and  deployment  dates;  establishment  of  new  operating  bases;  customer  commitments;  financial  results;  activity  levels;  technology 
advances;  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  ("IFRS")  adjustments;  tax  rates;  availability  of  insurance  coverage;  commencement  of  Venezuela 
operations 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 including Venezuela; 
●  the ability of the Company to realize the benefit of its conversion from an income trust to a corporation; 
●  risks associated with the formation of Cathedral's joint venture company in Venezuela which is required prior to commencement of Venezuela operations, 

some of which are out of the control of Cathedral; 

●  risks associated with Venezuela joint venture company being awarded work by the Venezuela state run oil and natural gas corporation; 
●  changes under governmental regulatory regimes and tax, environmental and other laws in Canada, United States ("U.S.") and Venezuela; 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. 

The specific measures being referred to include the following: 

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

i) 
under Results of Operations); 

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

ii) 
under Results of Operations); 

iii) 
"EBITDAS"  -  defined  as  earnings  before  interest  on  long-term  debt,  taxes,  depreciation,  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);  

"EBITDAS from continuing operations" - defined as earnings before interest on long-term debt, taxes, depreciation, non-cash compensation expense and 

iv)  
unrealized foreign exchange gain/loss excluding the portion due from discontinued operations in each component of the calculation; 

"EBITDAS from discontinued operations" - defined as earnings before interest on long-term debt, taxes, depreciation, non-cash compensation expense 

v)  
and unrealized foreign exchange gain/loss from discontinued operations of the Company's former wireline division in each component of the calculation; 

"Maintenance capital expenditures" - refers to capital expenditures required to maintain existing levels of service but excludes replacement cost of lost-in-

vi) 
hole equipment to the extent the replacement equipment is financed from the proceeds on disposal of the equipment lost-in-hole; and 

"Funds from continuing operations" - calculated as cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital and cash flow from 
vii) 
discontinued operations 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. 

3   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
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 ("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',  shares/units, 
dividends/distributions 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 U.S.  The Company is in the process of establishing operations in Venezuela for providing directional drilling services through a joint 
venture with Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. ("PDVSA"), the state owned oil and gas corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  The Company strives 
to provide its clients with value added technologies and solutions to meet their drilling and production testing requirements. 

SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION 

Revenues (excluding discontinued operations – 2010 - $2,403;  

2009 - $12,420; 2008 - $25,808) 

$ 

141,396  $ 

59,296  $ 

82,100  $ 

(71,020)  $ 

153,120 

2010 

Increase 
(decrease) 

2009 

Increase 
(decrease) 

2008 

Gross margin % (1) 

EBITDAS from continuing operations (1)  

Per share - diluted 

EBITDAS  (1)  

Per share - diluted 

EBITDAS from continuing operations (1) as % of  
revenues excluding discontinued operations 

Income from continuing operations 

Per share - basic 
Per share - diluted 

Net income 

Per share - basic 
Per share - diluted 

Cash dividends declared per share 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic ('000) 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted ('000) 

Funds from continuing operations (1) 

Working capital 

Total assets 

Long-term debt excluding current portion 

Shareholders' equity 

(1)  See "NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS" 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

2010 COMPARED TO 2009 
Overview 

47% 

38,899 
1.06 

37,964 
1.03 

28% 

20,529 
0.56 
0.56 

18,015 
0.49 
0.49 

0.24 

36,453 
36,791 

33,381 

18,536 

-% 

19,068 
0.49 

21,312 
0.55 

4% 

10,259 
0.27 
0.27 

12,736 
0.34 
0.34 

(0.07) 

19,823 

(4,313) 

49% 

19,831 
0.57 

16,652 
0.48 

24% 

10,272 
0.29 
0.29 

5,281 
0.15 
0.15 

0.31 

34,841 
34,857 

13,558 

22,451 

(2%) 

(29,076) 
(0.94) 

(33,816) 
(1.07) 

(8%) 

(21,836) 
(0.71) 
(0.70) 

(24,858) 
(0.79) 
(0.78) 

(0.53) 

(27,266) 

5,016 

47% 

48,907 
1.51 

50,468 
1.55 

32% 

32,108 
1.00 
0.99 

30,139 
0.94 
0.93 

0.84 

32,215 
32,463 

40,824 

17,435 

194,060 

20,523 

173,537 

(10,335) 

183,872 

34,502 

109,115 

(5,024) 

11,693 

39,526 

97,422 

(707) 

5,563 

40,233 

91,859 

In 2010 Q1, the Company made the decision to discontinue the operations of its wireline division.  On March 31, 2010, the Company closed its Canadian 
slickline operations and on April 20, 2010 completed the sale of its U.S. wireline operations.  As such, the revenues and expenses for the wireline business are 
included in the statements of operations and retained earnings and statements of cash flows as discontinued operations and the related assets are classified as 
held for sale in the balance sheet.  The comparative figures have been reclassified to be consistent with this presentation.  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

On April 20, 2010, the Company closed the sale of its U.S. based electric wireline business to Pure Energy Services Ltd. ("Pure") in exchange for the operating 
assets of Pure's Motorworks division and $2,112 cash.  The assets of the Motorworks division included 58 drilling motors, 23 drilling jars, spare mud motor 
power sections and shop equipment valued at $4,980.  The assets of the Motorworks operations are being utilized in Cathedral's directional drilling business, 
and the net sale proceeds were used to reduce bank indebtedness. 

The Company completed 2010 with revenues of $141,396 compared to 2009 at $82,100.  The 2010 revenues were lead by the Company's directional drilling 
division which represented 76% (2009 - 79%) of total revenues with the remainder composed of production testing division at 24% (2009 - 21%).  In 2009, there 
was a significant decline in drilling in the oil and gas sector due to low commodity prices and the overall decline in the economy.  Since those low activity levels, 
the Company experienced a significant increase in activities in all areas. 

2010 EBITDAS was $37,964 ($1.03 per share - diluted) which represents a $21,312 or 128% increase from $16,652 ($0.48 per share - diluted) in 2009.  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.  2010 EBITDAS from continuing operations was $38,899 ($1.06 per share – diluted) an increase of $19,068 or 96% from $19,831 
($0.57 per share – diluted) in 2009. 

Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

Revenues 

Canada 
United States 

2010 

2009 

$ Change 

$  141,396 
74,585 

$  82,100 
41,835 

$  59,296 
32,750 

$  66,811 

$  40,265 

$  26,546 

47% 

49% 

(2)% 

% 

72 
78 

66 

Year ended December 31, 2010 

Year ended December 31, 2009 

 Directional   
drilling 

$  65,827 
41,013 

Production 
testing 

$  18,569 
15,987 

Total 

$  84,396 
57,000 

Directional 
drilling 

$  40,597 
24,161 

 Production 
testing 

$ 

8,806 
8,536 

Total 

$ 

49,403 
32,697 

$  106,840 

$  34,556 

$  141,396 

$  64,758 

$  17,342 

$ 

82,100 

2010 revenues were $141,396 which represented an increase of $59,296 or 72% from 2009 revenues of $82,100.  The increase was primarily attributed to the 
focus on horizontal, multi-stage fracturing technology to complete conventional and unconventional resource plays in both Canada and the U.S. which has 
allowed for continued strength in activity levels for the oilfield services sector.   Demand for Cathedral's services has also been driven by both oil and liquids-rich 
natural gas plays. 

The directional drilling division revenues increased 65% from $64,758 in 2009 to $106,840 in 2010.  This change was the net result of: i) a 75% increase in 
activity days from 6,836 in 2009 to 11,969 in 2010; and ii) a decrease in the average day rate from $9,275 in 2009 to $8,761 in 2010, which was caused in large 
part by a decrease in the Canadian dollar equivalent of U.S. day rates due to a strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  While the 
average day rates have declined on a year-over-year basis due to market pressures, in Canada rates for 2010 Q4 have increased compared to rates at 2009 
Q4 and in the U.S., the total average rate have increased from 2009 Q4 to 2010 Q4 in U.S. dollars. The increases in the Canadian rates were primarily to offset 
increased field labour costs.  Canadian activity days increased from 4,595 to 7,568 and U.S. activity days increased from 2,241 to 4,401. 

The  directional  drilling  division  began  the  year  with  62  Measurement-While-Drilling  ("MWD")  systems  in  Canada,  30  in  the  U.S.  and  4  for  international 
operations.  It ended 2010 with 65 MWD systems in Canada, 33 in the U.S. and 4 for international operations.  The Company continuously reviews the demand 
for its services and shifts equipment among its markets accordingly. 

The Company's production testing division contributed $34,556 in revenues during 2010 which was a 99% increase over 2009 revenues of $17,342.  The 
division began the year with 21 units in Canada and 14 units in the U.S. and ended with 34 units in Canada and 22 in the U.S.  The increase in revenues was in 
part attributable to the increase in units plus the overall increase in oilfield service activities on a year-over-year basis.  The increased use of multi-fracturing 
technologies to complete wells has resulted in an increase in the amount of work associated with flowbacks after well stimulation. 

The gross margin for 2010 was 47% down 2% from 49% in 2009.  The decrease is attributed to a number of factors including increases in labour and rental 
expense for auxiliary and specialty equipment.   

General and administrative expenses      

General  and  administrative  expenses  were  $30,471  in  2010,  an  increase  of  $9,854 compared  to  $20,617  in  2009.   The  increase  was  primarily  related to 
increases in payroll related expenses and facility rental costs as well as other general increases due to increased activity levels, net of declines in certain 
professional and other fees in the amount of $677 incurred in 2009 Q4 related to the Plan of Arrangement.  In late 2008 and in 2009 due to the significant 
declines  in  activity  levels  several  measures  were  taken  to  reduce  staffing  costs;  these  included  lay-offs,  a  hiring  freeze,  elimination  of  incentive  based 
compensation and wage roll-backs for all remaining staff.  The first level of wage roll-backs were re-instated in late 2009 and the remainder in 2010; as well the 
hiring freeze was removed and an incentive compensation plan was re-introduced in 2010.  Facility rental costs increased due to expansions into Pennsylvania 
and Texas.  As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses were 22% in 2010 and 25% in 2009.   

Depreciation      

Depreciation for 2010 was $10,626 which compared to $11,602 in 2009.  The decrease was due to in part the declining balance depreciation method used by 
the Company and is expected as its assets get older.  In addition, the Company reviewed its estimate of useful lives of assets as at January 1, 2010 and 
adjusted its declining balance depreciation rates accordingly (refer to note 2(d) to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 
31, 2010).   This change resulted in a decrease in depreciation of $2,733 in 2010.   Despite additional capital expenditures in the year the previous factors 
resulted in a decrease in depreciation.  During 2010, approximately $7,482 (2009 - $10,163) of property and equipment was temporarily removed from service 
and therefore no depreciation was recorded on these assets.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation amounted to 8% for 2010 and 14% for 2009.    

5   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Interest expense      

Interest expense related to long-term debt increased from $1,238 in 2009 to $1,256 in 2010 due to the net effect of a decrease in the average level of debt 
outstanding and an increase in the effective interest rate on the related debt.  Other interest expense increased from $290 in 2009 to $523 in 2010 and relates 
mainly  to  interest  charges  on  use  by  the  Company  of  its  bank  indebtedness/line  of  credit  facility.    The  increase  in  other  interest  expense  was  due  to  a 
combination of increased utilization of the related credit facility and increased bank interest rates. 

Foreign exchange gain  

The Company's foreign exchange gain decreased from $3,340 in 2009 to $1,309 in 2010 due to smaller fluctuations in the Canadian dollar in comparison to the 
U.S. dollar on a year-over-year basis.  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 2010 
foreign currency gain are unrealized gains of $987 (2009 - $3,682) related to intercompany balances. 

Share-based compensation expense       

For 2010, the Company had share-based compensation expense of $2,589 compared to $1,732 for 2009.  The value of the options is being amortized against 
income over the related vesting periods.  Share-based compensation has increased mainly due to 579,066 options issued in 2009 Q4 and 1,887,400 options 
issued in 2010.  As at December 31, 2010 there were 3,024,526 options outstanding as compared to 1,741,736 as at December 31, 2009.  

In October 2009, insiders of the Company forfeited all of their outstanding 1,303,334 options, resulting in share based compensation expense of $794.  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 2010 the Company had a gain on disposal of property and equipment of $2,760 compared to $815 in 2009.  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 and year-to-year.   

Taxes    

For 2010, the Company had a tax expense of $4,886 compared to tax recovery of $1,331 in 2009.  

In 2010, the effective tax rate on continuing operations was 19%.   The 2010 future tax provision was net of $2,429 utilization of deferred credit.  Excluding this 
utilization of deferred credit, the effective tax rate was 29% which is approximately the expected tax rate for the Company.  The Company's current income 
taxes for 2010 primarily related to U.S. operations.   

Included in the 2009 net tax recovery was $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 related to reversal of timing differences on U.S. taxes (see comments above) and the remaining future tax recovery was attributable 
to adjustments related to the future taxation of specified investment flow-through ("SIFT") income in Canada (prior to conversion to a corporation) and a tax 
benefit recognized on the conversion from a trust to a corporation. 

Loss from discontinued operations 

On March 31, 2010, the Company closed its Canadian slickline operations and on April 20, 2010 completed the sale of its U.S. wireline operations.  Cathedral 
management had determined that the wireline operations were not part of the core business going forward.   As such, operating results for the years ended 
December 31, 2009 and 2010 for the wireline business have been included in the statements of operations and retained earnings and statements of cash flows 
as discontinued operations.  For 2010, the loss from discontinued operations was $2,514 compared to $4,991 for 2009.  This amount is net of gain on disposal 
of property and equipment of $256 compared to $160 in 2009. 

Other comprehensive loss 

The Company incurred a loss of $1,463 compared to $5,293 in 2009.  Other comprehensive 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 2010, the U.S. dollar 
weakened against the Canadian dollar to a lesser extent than in 2009. 

2009 COMPARED TO 2008 
Overview 

The Company completed 2009 with revenues of $82,100 compared to 2008 at $153,120.  The 2009 revenues were lead by the Company's directional drilling 
division  which  represented  79%  (2008  -  89%)  of  total  revenues  with  the  remainder composed  of  production  testing  division  at  21%  (2008  -  11%)  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. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

Revenues 

Canada 
United States 

2009 

2008 

$ Change 

$  82,100 
41,835 

$  153,120 
80,924 

$  (71,020) 
(39,089) 

$  40,265 

$  72,196 

$  (31,931) 

49% 

47% 

2% 

% 

(46) 
(48) 

(44) 

Year ended December 31, 2009 

Year ended December 31, 2008 

 Directional   
drilling 

$  40,597 
24,161 

Production 
testing 

$ 

8,806 
8,536 

Total 

$  49,403 
32,697 

Directional 
drilling 

$  71,886 
64,113 

 Production 
testing 

$  13,348 
3,773 

Total 

$ 

85,234 
67,886 

$  64,758 

$  17,342 

$  82,100 

$  135,999 

$  17,121 

$  153,120 

2009 revenues were $82,100 which represented a decrease of $71,020 or 46% from 2008 revenues of $153,120.  The decline was primarily attributed to the 
decline in oil and natural gas activity in 2009 which was 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 decreased from $135,999 in 2008 to $64,758 in 2009; a 52% decrease.  This decrease was the net result of: i) a 54% 
decrease in activity days from 14,766 in 2008 to 6,836 in 2009; and ii) an 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  began  the  year  with  59  Measurement-While-Drilling  ("MWD")  systems  in  Canada,  35  in  the  U.S.  and  4  for  international 
operations.  It ended 2009 with 62 MWD systems in Canada, 30 in the U.S. 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 was 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 gross margin for 2009 was 49% which increased from 47% 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.   

General and administrative expenses      

General and administrative expenses were $20,617 in 2009; a decrease of $3,931 compared with $24,548 in 2008.  As a percentage of revenues, general and 
administrative expenses were 25% in 2009 and 16% in 2008.  Recognizing the expected lower activity levels, the Company initiated several measures to 
improve operating results and further strengthen its balance sheet; these included lay-offs, a hiring freeze, elimination of incentive based compensation and 
wage roll-backs for all remaining staff.  In addition, $677 of fees related to the conversion to a corporation were included in general and administrative expenses 
for 2009. 

Depreciation      

Depreciation for 2009 was $11,602 which compared to $9,122 in 2008.  This increase was due to the expansion of the equipment fleet since 2008 Q2.  During 
2009, approximately $10,163 (2008 - $nil) of property and equipment was temporarily removed from service and therefore no depreciation was recorded on 
these assets.  As a percentage of revenues, depreciation amounted to 14% for 2009 and 6% for 2008.    

Interest expense      

Interest expense related to long-term debt increased from $1,120 in 2008 to $1,238 in 2009 due to the combined net effect of an increase in the average level 
of debt outstanding and a decrease in the effective interest rate on the related debt.  Other interest expense decreased from $414 in 2008 to $290 in 2009 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/loss has changed from a $60 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 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 related 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. 

7   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

During 2009 the Company had a gain on disposal of property and equipment of $815 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.   

Taxes    

For 2009, the Company had a tax recovery of $1,331 compared to tax expense of $5,257 in 2008. A significant portion of the current income taxes for 2008 
related 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 was a $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 
related to reversal of timing differences on U.S. taxes (see comments above) and the remaining future tax recovery was 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. 

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, 2010, the Company had a demand operating line of credit with a major Canadian bank in the 
amount of $20,000 (December 31, 2009 – $20,000) of which $8,765 (December 31, 2009 – $2,181) was drawn.  The Company has a non-reducing revolving 
term loan facility in the amount of $45,000 (December 31, 2009 – $45,000) of which $34,500 (December 31, 2009 – $39,500) was drawn as at December 31, 
2010.  In addition, at December 31, 2010, the Company had other long-term debt of $29 (December 31, 2009 – $234).  Effective June 30, 2010 the Company 
renewed its credit facility with a major Canadian bank and the new maturity date is June 29, 2011. 

Operating activities       

Cash provided by operating activities for 2010 was $26,465 compared to $18,564 in 2009.  Funds from continuing operations (see Non-GAAP Measurements) 
for  2010  were  $33,381 compared  to  $13,558 in  2009.   This  increase was mainly caused  by  an  increase in  earnings  due to  increased  activity  levels.  The 
Company has a working capital position at December 31, 2010 at $18,536 compared to $22,451 at December 31, 2009. 

Investing activities     

Cash used in investing activities for 2010 amounted to $21,336 compared to $12,020 in 2009.  During 2010 the Company invested $35,062 (2009 - $8,470) in 
property and equipment for continuing operations.  The main additions were 6 MWD systems, resitivity logging while drilling ("LWD") equipment,  21 production 
testing units (including 9 production testing units acquired from a private company), production testing auxiliary equipment and $6,676  of maintenance capital, 
which was mainly related to the retrofit and upgrades to downhole tools.  These additions do not include the $4,980 of directional drilling assets acquired in the 
asset swap with Pure during 2010 Q2.  The actual property and equipment additions were lower than the 2010 budget amount as the budget anticipated the 
addition of 13 MWD systems as opposed to the 6 actually added.  The additional 7 MWD systems have been included in the 2011 budget discussed below. 

In  2009,  the  Company  made  cash  expenditures  related  to  the  Plan  of  Arrangement  in  the  amount  of  $3,597.    For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010, 
Cathedral had a source of funds by way of non-cash investing working capital in the amount of $3,438; the comparative figure for fiscal 2009 is a use of funds in 
the amount of $3,719.  Fluctuations in non-cash working capital related to investing activities are a function of when proceeds on disposal of property and 
equipment are received and when payments for property and equipment purchases are made. 

The following is a summary of major equipment owned by the Company: 

Directional drilling equipment -  

MWD systems 
Drilling mud motors 
Production testing units 

2010 

102 
538 
56 

2009 

96 
468 
35 

Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment amounted to $10,459 (2009 - $4,219), excluding $4,980 of wireline equipment disposed of in the asset swap 
with Pure during 2010 Q2.  The 2010 year-over-year increase was the combined effect of a $2,652 increase in lost in hole equipment proceeds and a $3,588 in 
wireline equipment proceeds.     

For 2011, the Board of Directors has approved an updated capital budget of $35,500; this is an increase of $10,647 from the previously announced 2011 capital 
budget.  The increase is mainly attributed to the addition of 6 high pressure production testing units and LWD (resistivity) equipment.  In summary, the major 
items within the updated 2011 capital budget are:  i) 27 MWD systems (including 7 carried forward from the 2010 capital budget) and related mud motors and 
collars to complement the increased job capability;  ii) LWD (resistivity) equipment;  iii) 6 high pressure production testing units and auxiliary production testing 
equipment to complement the overall fleet;  iv) $4,654 allocated to the new head office and operations facility in Calgary; and  v) $4,165 of maintenance capital.  
The maintenance capital includes the retro-fit, upgrades and replacement of downhole tools. These capital expenditures are expected to be financed by way of 
cash flow from operations and the Company's credit facility. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Financing activities       

Cash used in financing activities for 2010 amounted to $3,865 compared to $13,194 in 2009.  In 2010 the Company repaid other long-term debt in the amount 
of $5,205 (2009 - $5,206).  Advances on (repayments of) bank indebtedness during 2010 were $6,584 compared to ($13,225) in 2009; fluctuations in bank 
indebtedness relates to the timing of cash receipts and cash disbursements.  During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Company paid dividends of 
$6,556 compared to $13,117 in 2009.  The trust distribution was $0.07 per trust unit in January 2009 and was reduced to $0.04 per trust unit per month from 
February to July 2009; the distribution was suspended upon the announcement of the intention to convert from a trust to a corporation in August 2009.  A 
quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share was paid in 2010.  During 2010 the Company received proceeds for the exercise of stock options of $1,312 versus $34 in 
2009.  In 2009 Q2 the Company issued 3,615,600 trust units at $4.15 for proceeds net of issuance costs of $13,820.  As at December 31, 2010, the Company 
was in compliance with all covenants under its credit facility.   

Contractual obligations 

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

Property and equipment additions 
Operating lease obligations 
Long-term debt repayments (1) 

$ 

Total 

8,983 
7,929 
34,529 

$ 

2011 

8,983 
1,710 
27 

$ 

2012 

- 
1,452 
5,752 

$ 

2013 

- 
1,334 
11,500 

$ 

2014 

- 
1,243 
11,500 

2015 

Thereafter 

$ 

- 
1,091 
5,750 

$ 

- 
1,099 
- 

$  51,441 

$  10,720 

$ 

7,204 

$  12,834 

$  12,743 

$ 

6,841 

$ 

1,099 

(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 2011 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: 

Income from continuing operations 
Add (deduct):  
Depreciation 
Interest - long-term debt 
Share-based compensation 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain 
Taxes 

EBITDAS from continuing operations 

EBITDAS from discontinued operations 

EBITDAS 

FUNDS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Funds from operations (refer to Non-GAAP Measurements) is calculated as follows: 

Cash provided by operating activities 
Add (deduct):  

Cash flow from discontinued operations 
Changes in non-cash operating working capital 

Funds from continuing operations 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

2010 

2009 

$ 

20,529 

$ 

10,272 

10,626 
1,256 
2,589 
(987) 
4,886 

38,899 

(935) 

11,602 
1,238 
1,732 
(3,682) 
(1,331) 

19,831 

(3,179) 

$ 

37,964 

$ 

16,652 

2010 

2009 

$ 

26,465 

$ 

18,564 

1,807 
5,109 

1,290 
(6,296) 

$ 

33,381 

$ 

13,558 

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 2010 was $185 (2009 - $635).   

In 2009, 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. 

DIVIDENDS 

It is the intent of the Company to pay quarterly dividends to shareholders.  The Board of 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 2011 Q1 dividend in the amount of $0.06 per share which will have a date of record of 
March 31, 2011 and a payment date of April 15, 2011. 

9   

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS 

Revenues and operating expenses 

Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Gross margin - $ 

Gross margin - % 

Revenues 

Canada 
United States 

2010 Q4 

2009 Q4 

$ Change 

$  42,877 
21,765 

$  24,741 
12,792 

$  18,136 
8,973 

$  21,112 

$  11,949 

$ 

9,163 

49% 

48% 

1% 

% 

73 
70 

77 

Three months ended December 31, 2010 

Three months ended December 31, 2009 

 Directional   
drilling 

$  20,411 
11,156 

Production 
testing 

$ 

6,757 
4,553 

Total 

$  27,168 
15,709 

Directional 
drilling 

$  14,596 
4,448 

 Production 
testing 

$ 

3,276 
2,421 

Total 

$ 

17,872 
6,869 

$  31,567 

$  11,310 

$  42,877 

$  19,044 

$ 

5,697 

$ 

24,741 

Revenues in Q4 have increased to $42,877 in 2010 from $24,741 in 2009, an increase of $18,136 or 73%.  The increase was primarily attributed to the focus 
on horizontal, multi-stage fracturing technology to complete conventional and unconventional resource plays in both Canada and the U.S. which has allowed for 
continued strength in activity levels for the oilfield services sector.  Demand for Cathedral's services has also been driven by both oil and liquids-rich natural gas 
plays. 

The directional drilling division revenues have increased from $19,044 in 2009 Q4 to $31,567 in 2010 Q4; a 66% increase.  This increase was the result of: i) a 
55% increase in activity days from 2,200 in 2009 Q4 to 3,414 in 2010 Q4; and ii) an increase in the average day rate from $8,517 in 2009 Q4 to $9,079 in 2010 
Q4, which was primarily to offset increased field labour costs.  Canadian activity days increased from 1,740 to 2,209 and U.S. activity days increased from 460 
to 1,205. 

The Company's production testing division contributed $11,310 in revenues during 2010 Q4 which was a 99% increase over 2009 revenues of $5,697.  The 
division ended 2009 Q4 with 21 units in Canada and 14 units in the U.S. and ended 2010 Q4 with 34 units in Canada and 22 in the U.S.  The increase in 
revenues was in part attributable to this increase in units plus the overall increase in oilfield service activities on a year-over-year basis. 

The gross margin for 2010 was 49% which increased 1% from 48% in 2009.  The increase was attributed to a number of factors including increases in labour 
offset by decreases in expenses for certain consumables and a reduction in repair costs.   

General and administrative expenses were $8,409 in 2010 Q4; an increase of $2,909 compared with $5,500 in 2009.  The increase was primarily related to 
increases in payroll related expenses and facility rental costs as well as other general increases due to increased activity  levels, net of declines in certain 
professional and other fees incurred in 2009 Q4 in the amount of $677 related to the Plan of Arrangement.  In late 2008 and in 2009 due to the significant 
declines  in  activity  levels  several  measures  were  taken  to  reduce  staffing  costs.    These  included  lay-offs,  a  hiring  freeze,  elimination  of  incentive  based 
compensation and wage roll-backs for all remaining staff.  The first level of wage roll-backs were re-instated in late 2009 and the remainder in 2010.  In addition, 
the  hiring  freeze  was  removed  and  an  incentive  compensation  plan  was  re-introduced  in  2010.    Facility  rental  costs  increased  due  to  expansions  into 
Pennsylvania and Texas.   As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses were 20% in 2010 and 22% in 2009. 

For 2010 Q4, the Company recorded a tax expense of $2,096 compared to the 2009 Q4 recovery of $829.  In 2010 Q4, the effective tax rate on continuing 
operations was 22%.  The 2010 Q4 future tax provision is net of $812 utilization of deferred credit.  Excluding this utilization of deferred credit, the effective tax 
rate was 30% which is approximately the expected tax rate for the Company.  The Company's current income taxes for 2010 Q4 primarily related to U.S. 
operations.   

Net income for 2010 Q4 was $7,662 ($0.21 per share - diluted) compared to $2,236 ($0.06 per share - diluted) in 2009 Q4. 

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS 

Three month period ended 

Revenues (1) 
EBITDAS 

Income (loss) from continuing operations 

Per share – basic and diluted 

Net income (loss) 

Per share – basic 
Per share –diluted 

Cash dividends declared per share 

(1) Revenues have been rested to exclude discontinued operations. 

Dec 
2010 

Sep 
2010 

Jun 
2010 

Mar 
2010 

Dec 
2009 

Sep 
2009 

Jun 
2009 

Mar 
2009 

$ 42,877 

$ 38,864 

$ 23,979 

$35,676 

$24,741 

$20,176 

$ 10,654 

$ 26,529 

13,103 

11,967 

2,415 

10,479 

7,508 
0.20 

7,662 
0.21 
0.21 

0.06 

7,140 
0.20 

7,056 
0.19 
0.19 

0.06 

(2,881) 
(0.08) 

(3,440) 
(0.09) 
(0.09) 

0.06 

8,762 
0.24 

6,737 
0.19 
0.18 

0.06 

5,864 

3,409 
0.10 

2,236 
0.06 
0.06 

- 

5,724 

3,717 
0.10 

3,125 
0.09 
0.09 

0.04 

(1,721) 

699 
0.02 

(1,484) 
(0.04) 
(0.04) 

0.12 

6,785 

2,447 
0.07 

1,404 
0.04 
0.04 

0.15 

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  audited  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. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

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 the 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. 

Development costs     Costs associated with the development of downhole equipment are capitalized during the development process.  These costs are 
identified  as  development  costs  and  are  recorded  within  property  and  equipment.    Once  the  equipment  becomes  commercial  in  nature,  the  related 
development costs are amortized over 5 years.  The Company undertakes periodic reviews of each project on which 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 Canadian GAAP 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. 

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. 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

In  February,  2008, the  Canadian  Institute  of  Chartered Accountants  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 report under 
IFRS beginning January 1, 2011. 

The Company has completed its initial assessment of the impact upon the opening balance sheet at January 1, 2010 and is in the process of having these 
amounts  reviewed  by  the  Company's  external  auditors.    After  this  review  has  been  completed,  the  amounts  will  be  presented  to  the  audit  committee  for 
approval.  The impact of adoption of IFRS compared to the existing Canadian GAAP ("CGAAP") at January 1, 2010 is as follows: 

Upon adoption of IFRS, the deferred credit which arose for CGAAP  purposes on the  2009 reorganization, will be derecognized and  will increase retained 
earnings by $20,514.  As a result of this change, the effective tax rate will be closer to the expected statutory rate as there will be no reduction to current tax 
expense on the draw-down of the deferred credit. 

For IFRS, goodwill and intangibles have to be allocated to and evaluated for impairment on a "cash-generating unit" basis.  For CGAAP, they were assessed 
on an enterprise basis.  Upon adoption of IFRS and as a result of the test for impairment, all goodwill and intangible assets related to the discontinued wireline 
operation are considered impaired and will be written off.  These adjustments will reduce retained earnings.  Goodwill will be reduced by approximately $13,900 
and intangibles will be reduced by $293. 

The Company has leases for vehicles.  For CGAAP, these are classified as operating leases.  Under IFRS, these will be classified as finance leases.  As a 
result of this reclassification property and equipment and long-term debt will increase by approximately $1,900.  As at January 1, 2010 it is anticipated that this 
change will not have a material impact on retained earnings.   In 2010, expenses will be reduced by the amount of lease payments, offset by increases in 
depreciation, interest expense and future tax expense. 

In  2009,  certain  assets  were  temporarily  removed  from  service  and  therefore  no  depreciation  has  been  recorded  for  these  assets  under  CGAAP.    Upon 
adoption of IFRS these assets will be depreciated in 2009 and as a result property and equipment and retained earnings will decrease by approximately $650.   

Under CGAAP, development costs were classified as a component of property and equipment.  Under IFRS, these amounts will be classified as intangible 
assets.  As a result of this reclassification property and equipment will be reduced by $884 and intangible assets will be increased by $884.  

11  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

The Company has elected to apply the IFRS 1 exemption to deem the fair value for certain wireline property and equipment to be the carrying value for IFRS.  
As a result of this change property and equipment and retained earnings will increase by approximately $1,200. 

Upon adoption of IFRS, the Company has elected to utilize the transitional exemption to reset the cumulative translation differences of its foreign subsidiaries to 
$nil.  As a result, retained earnings will decrease by $1,967 as at January 1, 2010.  In addition, the method of accounting for foreign currency conversion for 
Directional Plus International Ltd. and Directional Plus de Venezuela, C.A. will change and as a result of this change, the capital assets and retained earnings of 
these companies will be reduced by approximately $725. 

Under  IFRS  the  Company's  stock-based  compensation  expense  is  calculated  separately  for  each  tranche  of  options  granted  (i.e.  graded  vesting)  and 
incorporates estimated forfeitures.  As a result contributed surplus will increase by and retained earnings will decrease by approximately $100. 

The impact of the above adjustments is expected to decrease the deferred tax asset and retained earnings by approximately $300. 

In addition, under the provisions of IFRS 1 for first time adopters the Company will utilize the following exemptions which are expected to result in no differences 
in the Company's opening balance sheet under IFRS from CGAAP: 

  the Company has elected to not apply IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" retrospectively; 
  the Company has elected to apply IAS 23 "Borrowing Costs" to its borrowing costs related to capital acquisition prospectively; and 
  the Company has elected to apply IFRS 2 "Share-based payments" on share-based payments prospectively. 

The Company is in the process of finalizing the impact of these changes for 2010 and ensuring there are no further changes to opening 2009 figures.  The 
Company has chosen to present its income statement on a function basis of presentation and this approach has been approved by the audit committee.  Under 
this  presentation  certain  amounts  which  have  been  presented  as  separate  line  items  on  the  income  statement,  such  as  depreciation  and  stock-based 
compensation, will be reclassified as either cost of sales or selling and general and administrative expenses.  In addition,  some expenses which are netted 
against revenue will be reclassified to cost of sales and some amounts currently presented as general and administrative expenses will be reclassified as cost 
of sales. 

The analysis will be completed prior to the issuance of 2011 Q1 results and will be disclosed in full in 2011 Q1 financial statements. 

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     The Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information 
required to be disclosed by the Company is reported within the time periods specified under securities laws, and include controls and procedures that are 
designed  to  ensure  that  information  is  communicated  to  management  of  the  Company,  including  the  CEO  and  CFO,  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding 
required disclosure.  An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-109, 
Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual Financial and Interim Filings) was conducted as at December 31, 2010.  Based on this evaluation, the CEO and 
CFO of Cathedral have concluded that the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2010. 

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 the 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 (as defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-
109,  Certification  of  Disclosure  in  Issuers'  Annual  Financial  and  Interim  Filings)  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 directed the assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting as 
at December 31, 2010 and based upon that assessment determined that the Company's internal controls over financial reporting were, in all material respects, 
appropriately designed and operating effectively. 

Management of the Company believe that "cost effective" disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well 
conceived  or  implemented,  can  only  provide  reasonable  assurance,  and  not  absolute  assurance,  that  the  objective  of  controls  and  procedures  are  met.  
Because of inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent errors or fraud.     

There has been no change in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2010 that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.  

RISK FACTORS 

Crude oil and natural gas prices     Demand for the services provided by Cathedral is directly impacted by the prices that Cathedral'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.  The markets for oil and natural gas are separate and distinct.  Oil is a global commodity with a vast distribution network.  As natural gas is most 
economically transported in its gaseous state via pipeline, its market is dependent on pipeline infrastructure and is subject to regional supply and demand 
factors.    However,  recent  developments  in  the  transportation  of  liquefied  natural  gas  ("LNG")  in  ocean  going  tanker  ships  have  introduced  an  element  of 
globalization to the natural gas market.  Crude oil and natural gas prices are quite volatile, which accounts for much of the cyclical nature of the oilfield services 
business.  World crude oil prices and North American natural gas prices, including LNG, are not subject to control by Cathedral.  With that in mind, Cathedral 
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 Cathedral's fieldwork is performed by sub-contractors and staff paid on a day rate basis which allows the Company to operate with lower 
fixed overhead costs in seasonally low activity periods as well as extended downturns in the oilfield services sector.   

Cash dividends to shareholders are dependent on the performance of the Company     Cathedral's ability to make dividend payments to shareholders is 
dependent upon the operations and business of Cathedral.  There is no assurance regarding the amounts of cash that may be available from Cathedral'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 Cathedral's business, and other factors that may be 
beyond the control of Cathedral or not anticipated by management of Cathedral.  In the event significant cash requirements are necessary for non-dividend 
purposes or the profitability of Cathedral declines, there would be a decrease in the amount of cash available for dividends to Shareholders and such decrease 
could be material.  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.  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Access to capital    The credit facilities of Cathedral contain covenants that require it to meet certain financial tests and that restrict, among other things, the 
ability of Cathedral 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 Cathedral'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 Cathedral 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, Cathedral'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, documents 
incorporated by reference herein and other documents forming part of Cathedral'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     Cathedral 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 Cathedral has not been released.  Cathedral has, through the contractual provisions in the 
arrangement agreement ("Arrangement Agreement"), the indemnity agreement ("Indemnity Agreement") and divestiture agreement ("Divestiture Agreement") 
contemplated thereby, attempted to ensure that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of SBS were transferred to and assumed by New SBS, 
that Cathedral is released from any such obligations and, even where such transfer or release is not effective or is not obtained, Cathedral 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 Cathedral and to the extent any 
applicable  insurance  coverage  is  not  available,  Cathedral  may  be  liable  for  such  obligations  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  business, 
financial condition and results of operations of Cathedral.  In news releases, New SBS has announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives and, in addition, 
announced they have engaged the services of a financial advisor to assist in this process.  In light of these announcements, the ability of New SBS to provide 
Cathedral with the indemnity protection as noted above may be impaired.     

Due diligence     Although Cathedral 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 were transferred to and assumed by New SBS, there may be liabilities or risks that Cathedral, 
after reasonable inquiry, may not have uncovered in its due diligence investigations, or that may have an unanticipated material adverse effect on Cathedral.  
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 
Cathedral. 

SBS  operational  risks        Cathedral  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 were transferred to and assumed by 
New  SBS, that  Cathedral  is  released  from  any  such  obligations  and,  even  where  such  transfer  or  release  is  not  effective  or  is  not  obtained, Cathedral  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 Cathedral, Cathedral 
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 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  Cathedral  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 Cathedral and/or create 
taxes payable. 

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

Debt service     Cathedral has a secured credit facility with a major Canadian bank in the amount of $65,000 ($20,000 demand operating loan and a $45,000 
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  Cathedral.    As  well,  if  Cathedral  requires  additional  financing  such  financing  may  not  be  available  or,  if  available,  may  not  be  available  on 
favorable terms.  Cathedral's lender has been provided with security over substantially all of the assets of Cathedral.  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 Cathedral's Board of Directors 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 Cathedral are complex and Cathedral 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 Cathedral's interpretation of relevant tax legislation and regulations.   Cathedral's management 
believes that the provision for income tax is adequate and in accordance with Canadian GAAP and applicable legislation and regulations.  However, tax filing 
positions are subject to review by taxation authorities who may successfully challenge Cathedral's interpretation of the applicable tax legislation and regulations. 

Key personnel and employee/sub-contractor relationships     Shareholders must rely upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion, integrity and good 
faith of the management of Cathedral. The success of Cathedral is dependent upon its personnel and key sub-contractors. The unexpected loss or departure of 
any of Cathedral's key officers, employees or sub-contractors could be detrimental to the future operations of Cathedral.  Cathedral does not maintain key man 
insurance on any of its officers. The success of Cathedral's business will depend, in part, upon Cathedral's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel as 
they are needed. Additionally, the ability of Cathedral to expand its services is dependent upon its ability to attract additional qualified employees. Historically, 
Cathedral 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.  Cathedral 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 Cathedral will be able to engage the services of such personnel or retain its current personnel.  

13  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Competition          The  oil  and  natural  gas  service  industry  in  which  Cathedral  and  its  operating  entities  conduct  business  is  highly  competitive.    Cathedral 
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 Cathedral.  

Access to parts, consumables and technology and relationships with key suppliers     The ability of Cathedral to compete and expand will be dependent 
on  Cathedral  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.  Failure by the Company to do so could have a material adverse affect on 
the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow and therefore on the Company's ability to pay dividends.  The Company's 
equipment  may  become  obsolete  or  experience  a  decrease  in  demand  due  to  competing  products  that  are  lower  in  cost,  have  enhanced  performance 
capabilities or are determined by the market to be more preferable for environmental or other reasons.  Although Cathedral 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, Cathedral'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, Cathedral competes with other more established companies which have 
greater financial resources to develop new technologies.  

Operating risks and insurance     Cathedral has an insurance and risk management plan in place to protect its assets, operations and employees.  Cathedral 
also has programs in place to address compliance with current safety and regulatory standards.  Cathedral has a safety coordinator responsible for maintaining 
and developing policies and monitoring operations vis-a-vis those policies.  However, Cathedral'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 Cathedral to substantial liability for personal injury, 
loss  of  life,  business  interruption,  property  damage  or  destruction,  pollution  and  other  environmental  damages.   In  addition,  Cathedral'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. Cathedral 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. 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 Cathedral's current arrangements.  The occurrence of a 
significant event outside of the coverage of Cathedral's insurance policies could have a material adverse affect on the results of the organization.  

Risks of foreign operations     Cathedral is in the process of initiating operations in Venezuela for providing directional drilling services through a joint venture 
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of PDVSA, the state owned oil and natural gas corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The joint venture company, 
Vencana Servicios Petroleros, S.A. ("Vencana"), will be owned 60% by the PDVSA wholly-owned subsidiary and 40% by Cathedral's wholly-owned subsidiary, 
Directional  Plus  International  Ltd.  Working  outside  of  Canada  gives  rise  to  the  risk  of  dealing  with  business  and  political  systems  that  are  different  than 
Cathedral  is  accustomed  to  in  Canada.    To  date,  there  have  been  delays  in  the  formation  of  the  joint  venture  company  which  have  prevented  the 
commencement of operations in Venezuela.  These delays have been out of the control of Cathedral.  The joint venture company expects to hire employees 
and consultants (which includes Cathedral's designates for certain key positions) who have experience working in the international arena and it is committed to 
recruiting qualified resident nationals on the staff of its operations. The allocation of oilfield service work in Venezuela is effectively controlled by PDVSA and 
there are risks associated with joint venture company being awarded work by PDVSA.  In recent history, PDVSA has been late in paying its bills as they come 
due but with the formation of a joint venture company with PDVSA, Cathedral is expecting to mitigate the risk associated with PDVSA paying the joint venture 
on a timely basis.  There are risks inherent in the basic "joint venture" structure in that business decisions require both parties to the joint venture, Cathedral and 
PDVSA, to agree on key business decisions.  There may be times when Cathedral and PDVSA do not agree on key business decisions and this may result in 
consequences  that  are  detrimental  to  Cathedral.    To  assist  in  mitigating  risks  associated  with  foreign  expansion,  Cathedral  is  committed  to  continuing 
expansion  of  its  North  American  market.  Potential  risks  associated  with  foreign  operations,  in  addition  to  those  noted  above,  include:  expropriation  or 
nationalization; terrorist threats; 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, 2010, Cathedral's investment in its 
Venezuela  subsidiary  is  approximately  $7,243.    During  2011,  Cathedral  expects  an  additional  $4,000  of  down  hole  and  resistivity  tools  attributed  to  the 
international business segment to be transferred into Venezuela as well as providing a loan guarantee to Vencana in the amount of 5,000 Venezuela Bolivars 
(approximately $1,200).  

Weather and  seasonality      A significant portion of Cathedral'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 U.S. are not subject to the seasonality to the same extent that it occurs in the western Canada region.  

Foreign currency exchange rates     Cathedral derives revenues from the U.S. which are denominated in the local currency. This causes a degree of foreign 
currency exchange rate risk which Cathedral attempts to mitigate by matching local purchases in the same currency.   Furthermore, Cathedral'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 the U.S. dollar, Cathedral is now exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in 
relation to the Venezuelan Bolivar.  Cathedral's foreign currency policy is to monitor 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.  Cathedral 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. 

In  addition, the  Company  is  exposed  to currency  exchange  risk  on  assets  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  and  Venezuelan  Bolivars.   Since the consolidated 
financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, any change in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, and to a lesser extent, the 
Venezuelan  Bolivar,  during  a  given  financial  reporting  period  would  result  in  a  foreign  currency  loss  or  gain  on  the  translation  of  the  Company's  assets 
measured in other currencies into Canadian dollars. Consequently, the Company's reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange 
translation gains or losses. 

Acquisitions     Cathedral may undertake acquisitions of businesses and assets in the ordinary course of business.  Achieving the benefits of acquisitions 
depends in part on successfully consolidating functions, retaining key employees and customer relationships 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.  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

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

Credit risk     All of Cathedral'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.  To mitigate this risk, the Company's customers are 
subject to an internal credit review along with ongoing monitoring of the amount and age of receivables balances outstanding. 

Reliance on major customers     Management of Cathedral believes it currently has a good mix of customers with only one customer accounting for revenues 
in excess of 10% (at 22%) of Cathedral's consolidated revenues (2009 – one customer at 28%).  While the Company believes that its relationship with existing 
customers  is  good,  the  loss  of  any  one  or  more  of  these  customers,  or  a  significant  reduction  in  business  done  with  Cathedral  by  one  or  more  of  these 
customers, if not offset by sales to new or existing customers, could have a material adverse affect on Cathedral's business, results of operations and prospects 
and therefore on the ability to pay dividends to shareholders.  Mergers and acquisitions activity in the oil and natural gas exploration and production sector can 
impact demand for Cathedral's services as customers focus on internal reorganization prior to committing funds  to significant oilfield services.   In addition, 
demand  for  Cathedral's  services  could  be  negatively  affected  in  that  upon  completion,  the  merger  and  acquisitions  customers  may  re-direct  their  work  to 
Cathedral's competitors. 

Environmental risks     Cathedral is subject to various environmental laws and regulations enacted in the jurisdictions in which it operates which govern the 
manufacture, processing, importation, transportation, handling and disposal of certain materials used in the Company's operations.  Cathedral has established 
procedures  to  address  compliance  with  current  environmental  laws  and  regulations  and  monitors  its  practices  concerning  the  handling  of  environmentally 
hazardous  materials.    However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  Company's  procedures  will  prevent  environmental  damage  occurring  from  spills  of 
materials handled by the Company or that such damage has not already occurred.  On occasion, substantial liabilities to third parties may be incurred.  The 
Company may have the benefit of insurance maintained by it or the operator; however the Company may become liable for damages against which it cannot 
adequately insure or against which it may elect not to insure because of high costs or other reasons.  

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 resulting in lower demand for Cathedral's services.  There can 
be no assurance that the provincial, state and local governments or the Federal Governments of Canada and U.S. and other jurisdictions in which Cathedral 
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 Cathedral's customers.  An increase in environmental related costs could reduce Cathedral's customers' earnings 
and/or it could make capital expenditures by Cathedral'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, Cathedral is unable to predict the total impact of the potential regulations upon its business.  It is possible 
that Cathedral'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  Cathedral's  operations  by  reducing  demand  for  its 
services.  

Government  regulation          The  oil  and  natural  gas  industry  in  Canada  and  the  U.S.  is subject  to  federal,  provincial,  state  and municipal  legislation  and 
regulation governing such matters as land tenure, commodity prices, production royalties, production rates, environmental protection controls, the exportation of 
crude oil, natural gas and other products, as well as other matters.  The industry is also subject to regulation by governments in such matters, including laws 
and regulations relating to health and safety, the conduct of operations, the protection of the environment and the manufacture, management, transportation, 
storage and disposal of certain materials used in the Company's operations.  

Government regulations may change from time to time in response to economic or political conditions. The exercise of discretion by governmental authorities 
under existing regulations, the implementation of new regulations or the modification of existing regulations affecting the crude oil and natural gas industry could 
reduce demand for the Company's services or increase its costs, either of which could have a material adverse impact on the Company.  

There can be no assurance that the provincial, state and local governments or the Federal Governments of Canada and U.S. and other jurisdictions in which 
Cathedral 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 Cathedral's customers.  An increase in royalties could reduce Cathedral's customers' earnings and/or it could make capital expenditures by 
Cathedral's  customers  uneconomic.    Although  Cathedral  is  not  a  direct  investor  in  the  oil  and  gas  market  it  does  affect  Cathedral's  customers'  cash  flow 
available to invest in drilling activity and other oilfield services.  

Conflict of interest     Certain directors and officers of Cathedral are also directors and/or officers of other oil and natural gas exploration and/or production 
entities and conflicts of interest may arise between their duties as officers and directors of Cathedral 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 Act. 

Legal proceedings    Cathedral is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Although Cathedral is not currently a party to any 
material legal proceedings, legal proceedings could be filed against Cathedral 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 Cathedral. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

As at December 31, 2010, the Company has entered into $7,929 of commitments under operating leases for premises and vehicles (refer to note 17 to the 
consolidated  financial  statements).    The  Company  has  indemnified  obligations  to  its  directors  and  officers.    Pursuant  to  such  obligations,  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. 

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. 

15  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 

At March 2, 2011, the Company had 36,769,069 shares and 2,994,527 options outstanding.  Additional information regarding the Company, including the 
Annual Information Form ("AIF"), is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

OUTLOOK 

Demand for Cathedral's services is currently being driven by both oil and liquids-rich natural gas plays.  Natural gas prices are expected to remain weak in the 
near term despite natural gas storage levels being below its five year average.  In due course, natural gas prices are expected to improve and thereby become 
a meaningful driver in demand for oilfield services.  The focus on horizontal, multi-stage fracturing to complete conventional and unconventional resource plays 
across North America has been a tremendous boost for the services provided by Cathedral.   Directional drilling and production testing flow back operations are 
considered key services in applying this new completion technology.  Cathedral has seen strong demand for all of its services in 2011 Q1, which is typically the 
busiest time for oilfield services in Canada.  The outlook post breakup is expected to remain robust as evidenced by customer's commitments to projects that 
are longer term in nature. 

To  accommodate  the  expected  increase  in  activity  levels,  Cathedral  continues  its  program  to  add  new  equipment  and  to  train  field  personnel.    In  2011 
Cathedral expects to add 27 MWD systems (including a carryover of 7 from the 2010 capital budget) and related mud motors and drill collars to complement 
the increased job capability.  The Production Testing division is expected to add 6 high pressure units and auxiliary equipment to complement its overall fleet.  

Cathedral will continue to invest in resources – personnel and technology – to expand its offering of technologies to penetrate new markets as well as expand 
markets in which it operates.  The Company has focused its research and development spending on its MWD platform system to allow the MWD systems to 
drill deeper with the most efficient technologies and expects to introduce additional enhancements in the near term.  In-house design and manufacturing has 
allowed Cathedral to react to drilling issues on a timely basis. The Company has made significant inroads towards the vertical integration of the design and 
manufacture of MWD systems and will look towards expanding this vertical integration to further elements of its operations thereby gaining increased control of 
the Company's needs. 

To assist in the ability to service the U.S. market, Cathedral opened a directional drilling operations/repair facility in Houston, Texas in November 2010.  This 
operations base, which will be used to service activity in the prolific Haynesville and Eagleford plays, is fully operational and commenced repairing equipment in 
January 2011.  Cathedral now services its U.S. directional drilling market from facilities in Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Texas.   

Cathedral continues to work towards providing directional drilling services in Venezuela with its joint venture partner, PDVSA, the state-owned oil and natural 
gas corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.   PDVSA and Cathedral are currently in the process of incorporating and registering the joint venture 
company and this process has taken longer than expected.  Management's expectation was to commence operations in Venezuela in 2011 Q1 and this has 
been delayed.  Upon completion of the incorporation/registration process, Cathedral and PDVSA will work towards a start-up date for Vencana's operations. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 

To the Shareholders 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Cathedral Energy Services Ltd., which comprise the consolidated balance 
sheets  as  at  December  31,  2010  and  2009,  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  and  retained  earnings,  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss and consolidated cash flows for the years then ended, and notes, comprising a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Canadian 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management  determines  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditors' Responsibility 

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 comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. 

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

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

Opinion 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cathedral Energy 
Services Ltd. as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its consolidated operations and its consolidated cash flows for the years then 
ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. 

Signed: "KPMG LLP" 
Chartered Accountants 
Calgary, Canada 
March 2, 2011 

17  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

December 31, 2010 and 2009 
Dollars in '000s 

Assets 

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Income taxes recoverable 
Inventory 
Assets held for sale (note 4) 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 

Property and equipment (note 3) 

Assets held for sale (note 4) 

Future income taxes (note 7) 

Intangibles 

Goodwill 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 

Current liabilities: 

Bank indebtedness (note 5) 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Dividends payable 
Income taxes payable 
Current portion of long-term debt (note 6) 

Long-term debt (note 6) 

Deferred credit (note 7) 

Shareholders' equity: 

Share capital (note 8) 
Contributed surplus (note 9) 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

Commitments and contingencies (note 17) 
Subsequent event (note 18) 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Approved by the Directors: 

Signed: "Mark L. Bentsen" 
Mark L. Bentsen 
Director 

Signed: "Rod Maxwell" 
Rod Maxwell 
Director

2010 

2009 

$ 

1,740 
37,794 
- 
7,648 
1,754 
1,958 

50,894 

104,217 

1,457 

19,044 

- 

18,448 

$ 

491 
27,727 
2,550 
5,389 
740 
1,629 

38,526 

77,425 

14,027 

23,491 

293 

19,775 

$  194,060 

$  173,537 

$ 

8,765 
21,309 
2,204 
53 
27 

32,358 

34,502 

18,085 

84,945 

70,753 
6,533 
35,259 
(3,430) 

109,115 

$ 

2,181 
13,686 
- 
- 
208 

16,075 

39,526 

20,514 

76,115 

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

97,422 

$  194,060 

$  173,537 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND 

RETAINED EARNINGS 

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 
Dollars in '000s except per share amounts 

Revenues 

Expenses: 

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

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

Income before taxes and discontinued operations 

Taxes (note 7): 
Current 
Future (recovery) 

Income from continuing operations 

Loss from discontinued operations (note 4) 

Net income 

Retained earnings, beginning of year 

Dividends declared 

Retained earnings, end of year 

Income from continuing operations per share (note 10): 
  Basic and diluted 

Loss from discontinued operations per share (note 10): 
  Basic and diluted 

Net income per share (note 10): 
  Basic and diluted 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

2010 

2009 

$  141,396 

$ 

82,100 

74,585 
30,471 
10,626 
2,589 
1,256 
523 
(1,309) 

118,741 

22,655 

2,760 

25,415 

1,502 
3,384 

4,886 

20,529 

(2,514) 

18,015 

26,004 

(8,760) 

41,835 
20,617 
11,602 
1,732 
1,238 
290 
(3,340) 

73,974 

8,126 

815 

8,941 

4,220 
(5,551) 

(1,331) 

10,272 

(4,991) 

5,281 

31,559 

(10,836) 

$  35,259 

$ 

26,004 

$ 

0.56 

$ 

0.29 

$ 

(0.07) 

$ 

(0.14) 

$ 

0.49 

$ 

0.15 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
(LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 
Dollars in '000s except per share amounts 

Net income 
Other comprehensive loss: 

Unrealized foreign exchange loss on translation of self-sustaining foreign operations 

Comprehensive income (loss) 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of year 

Other comprehensive loss 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

19  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

2010 

2009 

$  18,015 

$ 

5,281 

(1,463) 

$  16,552 

$ 

(1,967) 
(1,463) 

$ 

(3,430) 

(5,293) 

(12) 

3,326 
(5,293) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1,967) 

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 
Dollars in '000s except per share amounts 

Cash provided by (used in): 

Operating activities: 

Income from continuing operations 
Items not involving cash: 

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

  Cash flow from continuing operations 

Cash flow from discontinued operations (note 4) 
Changes in non-cash operating working capital (note 14) 

Investing activities: 

Property and equipment additions from continuing operations 
Property and equipment additions from discontinued operations 
Transaction with SemBioSys Genetics Inc. (note 7) 
Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment from continuing operations 
Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment from discontinued operations 
Changes in non-cash investing working capital (note 14) 

Financing activities: 

Advances under long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Dividends paid 
Shares issued for cash, net of issuance costs (note 8) 
Proceeds on exercise of options (note 8) 
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. 

2010 

2009 

$  20,529 

$ 

10,272 

10,626 
3,384 
(987) 
2,589 
(2,760) 

33,381 
(1,807) 
(5,109) 

26,465 

(35,062) 
(171) 
- 
4,151 
6,308 
3,438 

(21,336) 

- 
(5,205) 
(6,556) 
- 
1,312 
6,584 

(3,865) 

(15) 

1,249 

491 

11,602 
(5,551) 
(3,682) 
1,732 
(815) 

13,558 
(1,291) 
6,297 

18,564 

(8,470) 
(453) 
(3,597) 
1,499 
2,720 
(3,719) 

(12,020) 

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

(13,194) 

(410) 

(7,060) 

7,551 

$ 

1,740 

$ 

491 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 
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 ("U.S.").   

The Company is in the process of initiating operations in Venezuela for providing directional drilling services through a joint venture.   Cathedral's wholly-
owned  subsidiary,  Directional  Plus  International  Ltd.  ("DPI"),  has  entered  into  a  Joint  Venture  and  Strategic  Alliance  Agreement  (the  "JVSAA")  with 
PDVSA Servicios Petroleros, S.A. ("PDVSA Servicios Petroleros"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of  Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. ("PDVSA"), the state-
owned oil and natural gas corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  The JVSAA provides for the formation of a joint stock company, Vencana 
Services Petroleros, S.A, ("Vencana")  in which PDVSA Servicios Petroleros would own 60% of the capital stock and DPI would own the remaining 40%.  
Vencana's mandate is the supply of oilfield services in Venezuela to the oil and natural gas industry and commenced with the provision of directional 
drilling services; it is the intent for the services provided by Vencana to expand as mutually agreed between PDVSA Servicios Petroleros and DPI. 

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 

The  Company's  U.S.  operations  are  classified  as self-sustaining.    As such  the  consolidated  financial statements  are  being  translated  using  the 
current rate 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 
shareholders' equity.  

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. 

(c) 

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 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. 

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company conducted a review of its estimate of useful life of all property and equipment and adjusted its declining 
balance depreciation rates accordingly.  These changes in declining balance rates are considered a change in estimate and as such have been 
accounted for prospectively, without retroactive restatement of prior periods.  The rates on the following items changed: 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Wireline equipment 
Office equipment 

10 to 15% (previously 10 to 25%) 
15 to 20% (previously 20 to 25%) 
15 to 20% (previously 20%) 
20 to 30% (previously 20%) 

As a result of these changes, depreciation recorded in these consolidated financial statements was reduced by $2,732 for the year ended December 
31, 2010.  

The remaining rates remained unchanged and are as follows: 

Automotive equipment 
Buildings 
Computer equipment 

20 to 25% 
4% 
20% 

Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

21  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

2.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

(d)  Property and equipment (continued) 

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  8.    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, dividend 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 8 (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 

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. 

(k) 

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. 

(m)  Financial instruments 

Financial  instruments  are measured  at  fair  value  and  are classified  as either  "held-for-trading",  "available-for-sale",  "held-to-maturity",  "loans  and 
receivables" or "other financial liabilities".  Financial assets and liabilities classified as "held-for-trading" are measured at fair value with gains and 
losses being recognized in net income during the period in which they occur.  Financial assets classified as "available-for-sale" are measured at fair 
value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recognized in comprehensive income until the asset is sold.  If an unrealized loss is considered 
other than temporary, such a loss is recognized in net income in the period in which it occurs.  Financial assets classified as "held-to-maturity" or as 
"loans and receivables" and financial liabilities classified as "other financial liabilities" are measured at amortized costs using the effective interest rate 
method.    Transaction  costs  directly  attributed  to  the  acquisition  or  issue  of  a  financial  asset  or  liability  are  added  to  the  carrying  value  of  the 
respective financial asset or liability.   

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.   

(n) 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

In February, 2008, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants 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 has substantially completed the quantification of the impact of IFRS on its opening IFRS balance sheet as at January 1, 2010 and is 
in  the  process  of  quantifying  the  impact  on  balances  to  December  31,  2010.    It  is  in  the  process  of  having  its  auditors  review  managements' 
calculations and subsequent to this will have the Company's Audit Committee approve the transition adjustments. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

3.  Property and equipment 

2010 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Automotive equipment 
Office and computer equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Development costs 
Buildings 
Land 

$ 

Cost 

104,319 
36,314 
895 
3,676 
1,037 
2,557 
10,373 
3,937 

Accumulated 
depreciation 

Net book 
value 

$ 

$ 

41,028 
11,783 
450 
2,217 
621 
2,170 
622 
- 

63,291 
24,531 
445 
1,459 
416 
387 
9,751 
3,937 

$ 

163,108 

$ 

58,891 

$ 

104,217 

During 2010, $7,482 of property and equipment was not depreciated as it was temporarily removed from service. 

2009 

Directional drilling equipment 
Production testing equipment 
Automotive equipment 
Office and computer equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Development costs 
Buildings 
Land 

$ 

Cost 

85,653 
21,928 
619 
3,267 
790 
2,677 
9,098 
3,937 

Accumulated 
depreciation 

Net book 
value 

$ 

$ 

36,820 
8,907 
287 
1,788 
479 
1,792 
471 
- 

48,833 
13,021 
332 
1,479 
311 
885 
8,627 
3,937 

$ 

127,969 

$ 

50,544 

$ 

77,425 

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, $10,163 of 
property and equipment was not depreciated as it was temporarily removed from service. 

 4.  Assets held for sale and discontinued operations 

Effective March 31, 2010, the Company ceased operating its Canadian slickline business.  On April 20, 2010, the Company also completed the 
sale of the assets of its U.S. based electric wireline business including inventory and property and equipment.  As such, all remaining Canadian 
wireline  property  and  equipment  has  been  reclassified  as  assets  held  for  sale  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet.    The  remaining  wireline 
assets are expected to be sold in 2011.  The assets and liabilities of the wireline business held for sale comprise of the following:    

Current assets held for sale:  

Inventory 

  Property and equipment 

Long-term assets held for sale:  
  Property and equipment 

2010 

- 
1,754 
1,754 

1,457 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

740 
- 
740 

14,027 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Operating results related to this division have been included in loss from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations 
and  retained  earnings.    Comparative  periods  have  been  reclassified  to  include  this  division  as  discontinued  operations.   The  following  table 
provides information with respect to amounts included in the statements of operations related to discontinued operations.  

Revenues 
Expenses: 

Operating 
General and administrative  
Depreciation 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of intangibles 
Interest – long-term debt 
Interest – other 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment 
Loss before taxes 
Taxes: 

Current (recovery) 
Future (recovery) 

2010 

2009 

$ 

2,403 

$ 

12,420 

2,285 
1,933 
557 
699 
257 
17 
3 
5,751 
(3,348) 
256 
(3,092) 

(28) 
(550) 
(578) 

10,294 
5,466 
3,739 
- 
- 
- 
20 
19,519 
(7,099) 
160 
(6,939) 

(2,069) 
121 
(1,948) 

(4,991) 

Loss from discontinued operations 

$ 

(2,514) 

$ 

23  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

4.   Assets held for sale and discontinued operations (continued) 

The  gain  on  disposal  of  property  and  equipment  for  2010  is comprised  of  gain  on  disposal  of  property  and  equipment  of  $883,  net  of  an  additional 
impairment of goodwill of $627. 

The following table provides information with respect to amounts included in the statements of cash flows related to discontinued operations. 

Operating activities: 

Loss from discontinued operations 
Items not involving cash: 
Depreciation 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of intangibles 
Future taxes (recovery) 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment 

Cash flow from discontinued operations 

5.  Bank indebtedness 

2010 

2009 

$ 

(2,514) 

$ 

(4,991) 

557 
699 
257 
(550) 
(256) 

3,739 
- 
- 
121 
(160) 

$ 

(1,807) 

$ 

(1,291) 

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 6.  
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). 

6.  Long-term debt 

2010 

2009 

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 0.75 % to 2.25% or bankers' acceptance rate plus 2.00% to 3.50%, without 
repayment terms, maturing June 29, 2011 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 

2012 

Capital lease obligations 

Less: current portion of long-term debt 

$  

34,500 

$ 

39,500 

29 
- 

34,529 
(27) 

122 
112 

39,734 
(208) 

$ 

34,502 

$ 

39,526 

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 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: 

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 

7. 

Income taxes 

$ 

27 
5,752 
11,500 
11,500 
5,750 

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 was 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 was recorded as a deferred tax credit in the amount of $20,514.  SBS also had capital losses of $9,058, however, 
due to their limited use the benefits of these capital losses was not recognized in the initial recording of the transaction. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

7. 

Income taxes (continued) 

The following table summarizes the temporary differences that give rise to the future income tax asset as at December 31, 2010 and 2009: 

Property and equipment  
Non capital losses and scientific research and development expenditures 
 carried forward 
Investment tax credits 
Other 

2010 
 (5,313) 

$  

$  

19,220 
4,825 
312 

 2009 
(3,327) 

21,488 
5,043 
287 

$ 

19,044 

$ 

23,491 

The business and operations of the Company is 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 Canadian 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, 2010, the Company has non-capital losses that if not utilized, will expire as follows: 

2027 
2028 
2029 
2029 

As at December 31, 2010, the Company has investment tax credits that if not utilized, will expire as follows: 

2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
2028 
2029 

$ 

10,558 
22,684 
36 
3,953 

$ 

37,231 

$ 

$ 

205 
260 
202 
288 
1,037 
1,036 
128 
1,575 
1,120 
574 

6,425 

Income tax  expense  for  2010  and 2009  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 before taxes subject to corporate tax 

Effective tax rate applied to income subject to corporate tax 
Utilization of deferred credit 
Adjustment to future taxes for change in effective tax rates 
Income taxed in jurisdictions with different tax rates 
Non-deductible expenses 
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses 
Non-taxable portion of gain on disposal of property and equipment 
Change in unrecognized temporary differences 
Benefit realized on conversion to corporation 
Other 

2010 

28.1% 

$  25,415 
- 

$  25,415 

$ 

7,142 
(2,428) 
(131) 
668 
646 
(422) 
(328) 
(146) 
- 
(115) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

29.3% 

8,941 
(6,460) 

2,481 

727 
- 
(1,403) 
160 
443 
- 
(326) 
- 
(1,010) 
78 

$ 

4,886 

$ 

(1,331) 

25  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

8.  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 common shares of the Company. 

(a)  Authorized: An unlimited number of common shares 

(b)  Trust units issued 

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 9) 
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 7) 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

Issued on exercise of options 
Contributed surplus on options exercised (note 9) 

Balance, December 31, 2010 

(d)   Options 

Number of trust units 

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

$ 

Amount 

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

- 

$ 

- 

Number of shares 

- 
36,210,861 
189,200 

36,400,061 
339,009 
- 

36,739,070 

$ 

Amount 

- 
68,170 
825 

68,995 
1,312 
446 

$ 

70,753 

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 8(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, 2010 and 2009, 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 

2010 
  Weighted average 
exercise price 

Number 

2009 
 Weighted average 
exercise price 

Number 

1,741,736 
1,887,400 
(339,009) 
(265,601) 

$  3.67 
5.80 
3.87 
4.21 

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

3,024,526 

$  5.03 

1,741,736 

256,146 

$  3.76 

15,667 

$  10.27 
3.77 
2.59 
9.95 

$ 

$ 

3.67 

8.49 

The range of exercise prices for the options outstanding at December 31, 2010 is as follows: 

Total options outstanding 

Exercisable 

Range 

$3.35 to $3.68 
$3.81 
$4.96 to $5.05 
$6.01 to $6.74 

$2.59 to $6.74 

Number 

40,000 
1,154,126 
362,200 
1,468,200 

3,024,526 

$  3.58 
3.81 
5.04 
6.02 

$  5.03 

Weighted average 
 exercise price  

Weighted average 
remaining life (years) 

Number 

- 
256,146 
- 
- 

Weighted average 
exercise price 

$ 

- 
3.76 
- 
- 

4.61 
2.52 
3.28 
3.07 

2.91 

256,146 

$ 

3.76 

During the year ended December 31,  2010, the Company has recorded share-based compensation expense of $2,589 (2009 - $1,732) 
related to the share option plan. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

8.  Share Capital (continued) 

(d)   Options (continued) 

The following table sets out the assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes model for options issued in 2010 and 2009 as well as the 
resulting fair value: 

Date of issue 

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

September 24 September 7 
2010 

2010 

May 7  January 20 
2010 
2010 

January 4  October 13  August 18 
2009 

2009 

2010 

12,000 
$  6.74 
$  1.91 
3.56% 
1.40% 
53.9% 
3.50 

15,000 
$  6.01 
$  1.73 
3.99% 
1.40% 
56.4% 
3.50 

317,200 
$  5.05 
$  1.52 
4.75% 
2.19% 
60.5% 
3.50 

1,441,200 
$  6.01 
$  1.77 
3.99% 
1.77% 
62.4% 
3.50 

102,000 
$  5.00 
$  1.62 
4.80% 
1.77% 
61.8% 
3.50 

579,066 
$  3.81 
$  1.02 
6.30% 
2.32% 
52.0% 
3.50 

54,000 
$  3.68 
$  0.98 
6.52% 
2.49% 
52.0% 
3.50 

July 16 
2009 

$ 
$ 

60,000 
3.35 
0.54 
14.33% 
2.44% 
52.0% 
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.   

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  2009 
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 compensation expense related to the SARs was recorded. 

9.  Contributed surplus 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Share-based compensation expense related to option plan (note 8) 
Less: Contributed surplus on options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

Share-based compensation expense related to option plan (note 8) 
Less: Contributed surplus on options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2010 

10.  Per share amounts 

$ 

2,663 
1,732 
(5) 

4,390 
2,589 
(446) 

$ 

6,533 

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, 2010, the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding was 36,453,458 (2009 – 34,840,714).  At December 31, 2010, the 
diluted number of shares outstanding was 36,790,732 (2009 – 34,856,564), which includes the addition of 337,274 shares (2009 – 15,850) to the basic 
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year for the dilutive effect of options. 

27  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

11.  Management of capital 

The Company views its capital as the combination of long-term debt/capital lease obligations and shareholders' equity excluding 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, 2010 and 2009 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 

2010 

$  34,502 
112,545 

$  147,047 

0.23 

2009 

$ 

39,526 
99,389 

$  138,915 

0.28 

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, 2010.  

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, 2009. 

12.  Financial instruments 

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

Financial Instrument 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Bank indebtedness/Accounts payable and accrued  
liabilities/Dividends payable/ /Long-term debt   

Category  
Held for trading 
Loans and receivables 

Measurement Method 
Fair value 
Amortized cost 

Other liabilities 

Amortized cost 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes recoverable/payable, bank indebtedness, dividends payable and accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short term maturities.  The fair value of long-term debt at December 31, 2010 
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,  2010  the 
Company's provision for doubtful accounts is $106 (2009 - $526) and for the year ended had a bad debt expense of $189 (2009 - $nil).  Included in 
accounts  receivable  are  amounts  of  $2,304  (2009  -  $2,867)  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 11.  The Company's credit facility are outlined in notes 5 and 6. 

(c)  Foreign currency exchange risk: 

The  Company  has  an  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  the  Canada/U.S.  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  primarily  due  its  operations  in  the  U.S..  
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. 

(d) 

Interest rate risk: 
At December 31, 2010, 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 $433 (2009 - $417) per annum based 
upon the balance of bank indebtedness and long-term debt with a floating interest rate outstanding as at December 31, 2010. 

13.  Reorganization costs 

To effect the December 18, 2009 conversion to a corporation, the Company incurred $1,428 of reorganization costs in 2009.  These 2009 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. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

14.  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 
Income taxes payable (recoverable) 

Changes in working capital related to investing activities 

Changes in working capital related to operating activities 

Interest paid 

Income taxes paid (refunded) 

15.  Segmented information 

2010 

(10,478) 
(454) 
(356) 
7,816 
1,801 

(1,671) 
(3,438) 

(5,109) 

2,020 

(1,798) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

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

2,577 
3,720 

6,297 

1,701 

3,445 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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 U.S. 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 U.S. and are expected to occur in Venezuela in 2011.  The amounts related to each 
segment are as follows: 

Revenues 

Canada 
United States 

Revenues by operating division 

Directional drilling 
Production testing 

Property and equipment, goodwill and intangibles 

Canada 
United States 
International 

2010 

84,396 
57,000 

$ 

$ 

141,396 

2010 

$ 

106,840 
34,556 

$ 

141,396 

$ 

2010 

89,059 
25,516 
8,090 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2009 

49,403 
32,697 

82,100 

2009 

64,758 
17,342 

82,100 

2009 

72,661 
17,478 
7,354 

$ 

122,665 

$ 

97,493 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, one customer accounted for 22% (2009 – 28%) of consolidated revenues. 

16.  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 2010 was $185 (2009 - $635).   

In 2009, 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 was recorded at the exchange amount. 

17.  Commitments and contingencies 

(a)  Leases 

The Company has commitments under operating leases for premises and vehicles.  Amounts to be paid under these leases during the next five 
years and thereafter are approximately as follows: 

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
Thereafter 

$ 

1,710 
1,452 
1,334 
1,243 
1,091 
1,099 

(b)  Property and equipment additions 

At December 31, 2010, the Company has committed to purchase $8,983 (2009 – $5,910) of property, equipment and operating supplies.  The 
Company anticipates expending these funds in 2011 Q1. 

29  

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

17.  Commitments and contingencies (continued) 

(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. 

(d)  Loan guarantee 

In respect of the Company's expansion into Venezuela, pursuant to the JVSAA, the Company has agreed to provide Vencana with a loan guarantee 
for up to 5,000 Venezuelan Bolivars (approximate equivalent of $1,200), 

18.  Subsequent event 

In February 2011, the Company sold land and building classified as part of assets held for sale.  The net proceeds on sale were approximately $2,069 and 
will result in a gain on sale of approximately $316. 

Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. - 2010 Annual Report 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

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